This class delivers a concise overview of Modern Portfolio Theory (MPT) and the metrics used to gauge risk and performance: beta, alpha, R², mean return, standard deviation, plus the Sharpe and Sortino ratios and Value‑at‑Risk (VaR). We’ll show how to interpret these numbers, compare funds, and weigh trade‑offs using practical examples and common tools (e.g., Morningstar), with notes on limitations, disclaimers, and why past performance isn’t predictive.