CHICAGO-Feb. 3, 2000 (PRIMEZONE) -- Ibbotson Associates, the leading provider of asset allocation and investment knowledge and tools, today introduced a fast-track version of its computer-based training (CBT) programs called Ibbotson FastTrack(TM) CBT.
Busy investment and financial professionals can complete the latest program, entitled "Understanding Asset Allocation," in just 30 minutes on their desktop or laptop computers. The program establishes the value of asset allocation across time periods and market trends and then demonstrates how to create an efficient portfolio.
The FastTrack CBT course is designed for mutual fund and insurance companies to provide to their wholesalers as a premium for financial product distributors. Companies can enhance their visibility and credibility by customizing the content and branding the CD-ROM with their company name or logo.
"Wholesalers can become an invaluable resource to their distributors," said Clay Singleton, vice president of consulting and training at Ibbotson Associates. "Understanding Asset Allocation is an easy-to-use, affordable way to set a company's sales force apart with practical information and value-added tools. It helps position wholesalers as knowledgeable individuals focused on the needs of today's sophisticated financial professionals."
With audio and animated illustrations designed to engage users, Understanding Asset Allocation employs historical data to demonstrate the performance of different asset classes throughout history, establishes the benefits of diversification and discusses the key considerations for creating portfolios that minimize risk for a given level of return.
Understanding Asset Allocation is the third in a series of CBT courses including Asset Allocation Concepts and Conveying Asset Allocation Concepts. Asset Allocation Concepts is an expanded version of Understanding Asset Allocation that helps financial planners and investment advisors explore the foundations of asset allocation and the development of an asset allocation policy. Conveying Asset Allocation Concepts helps financial advisors develop effective strategies for accurately conveying technical concepts, motivating a client's understanding of a solid investing strategy, and maintaining a client's commitment to the strategy over time. Continuing education credit is available for both Asset Allocation Concepts and Conveying Asset Allocation Concepts.
Ibbotson Associates
Ibbotson Associates, founded by Professor Roger Ibbotson in 1976, is the world's leading authority on asset allocation, providing products and services to help investment professionals make the best asset allocation decisions for their clients.
The company's business lines include consulting and research; investment forecasting, planning and analysis software; educational services ranging from on-site workshops to computer based training; and a widely used line of presentation materials designed to educate clients on asset allocation concepts and investment principles. With offices in Chicago and New York, Ibbotson Associates fills a growing need in the finance and investment industry for an independent, single source provider of investment knowledge, practical application expertise, leading edge technology, educational services and sales presentation tools. Ibbotson markets its integrated product line of investment analytical tools and services to institutional money managers, plan sponsors, and consultants for quantitative analysis, high level decision making and presentations. The company's clients also include financial planners, brokers, mutual fund firms, private bankers and small money managers.