Top-down portfolio analysis involves looking at the "big picture," the macro environment for stocks, bonds, international securities, and cash equivalents. A "good" economy may bode well for energy companies; China growing at 10% a year is great for investments in some Asian countries; commodities may do well as the global economy expands. What is today's world economy telling us?

Where is the best place to invest?

What types of companies will profit over the next investment cycle? Share with the class what your research suggests. Use this as an opportunity to expose others to the direction you will pursue for the portfolio project. The objective is for the discussion to be a meaningful interaction so that each of you strengthens your economic argument. Be sure to respond to at least two of your classmates.