CFA Level 3 2026 Core

This is the only guide you'll ever need to navigate the entire portfolio management process, from theory to execution.

This book is your comprehensive guide to the 2026 CFA Level III core, specifically tailored for the Portfolio Management, Private Markets, and Private Wealth pathways. It provides a complete roadmap for investment professionals. It starts with the very foundation. You will learn to form capital market expectations. We cover macroeconomics and forecasting. Then, you'll master asset allocation. We explore different strategies for different goals. The book details portfolio construction. You will dive into equity and fixed-income management. We also cover alternative investments. It explains the unique needs of private and institutional clients. You will learn the mechanics of trading and execution. The guide moves to performance evaluation. We discuss attribution, appraisal, and manager selection. You will understand the GIPS standards. The book then covers advanced tools. You will learn about derivatives and risk management. We explain options, swaps, and futures strategies. Currency management is also detailed. Finally, it all comes together under a professional framework. The book instills a deep understanding of the Code of Ethics and Professional Standards.

Most finance books offer a fragmented view, focusing on one topic at a time. This guide is different. It provides a holistic, integrated framework that mirrors the real-world workflow of a portfolio manager. It connects every dot, showing you how a macroeconomic forecast directly influences strategic asset allocation, how that allocation is implemented through meticulous portfolio construction, and how performance is rigorously measured and reported—all while upholding the highest ethical standards. Instead of just giving you the pieces, this book gives you the blueprint to build the entire investment management engine, providing a decisive competitive advantage in both understanding and application.

Disclaimer: This author has no affiliation with the CFA Institute. This publication is independently produced and is not endorsed by, sponsored by, or otherwise associated with the CFA Institute. CFA® is a registered trademark owned by the CFA Institute. This book is intended for educational purposes under the nominative fair use doctrine.