--%>
Assignment Help - homework help

Analysis On Financial Indices

On a weekly basis, starting from week ending on 18/1, you need to produce a weekly performance report of the major indices around the world following this structure: 

Currencies
a. USD vs Yen, vs GBP(GBP/USD), vs. Swiss Franc (USD/CHF)
b. Euro vs USD, Yen, GBP, Swiss Franc
c. US Dollar Index

DELIVERABLES

Analyze US Dollar Index, the concept of cost of carry, future contract specifications for WTI, Gold via CME Group site.

1. For each index, calculate weekly, Year-to-Date, 12-month(rolling) returns, 3Y CAGR & 5Y CAGR (in case you cannot find the data from the web or Datastream just skip the respective index)

2. Calculate the average annual returns, standard deviation and the cross-correlations for as much from the above indices/asset classes for the following periods:
a. JAN 2007- DEC 2009
b. JAN 2010- DEC 2012
c. JAN 2002- DEC 2012
using i) daily or weekly and ii)monthly data

3. Plot the average returns (y-axis) and standard deviations (x-axis) for the period JAN 2002 - DEC 2012

4. Given the above results, which of these indices/asset classes would you be most / least interested investing in?

5. How do you explain the differences in the correlation figures?

6. Describe briefly each index / asset class from the ones in the list above.

  • Add the definitions of all indices, # of companies/countries included 
  • Weighting method: price weighted, value-weighted, equal-weighted 
  • top 5 of companies/countries in the basket/index - whenever you have access to constituents/members. 
  • Briefly analyze the structure and potential advantages for each index/asset class 
  • List at least one (1) Exchange Traded Fund (ETF) that you could invest in so that to track each one of these indices. 

7. Monitor major headlines and be ready to discuss the direction of the markets from week to week. The 2013 Outlook reports provided you with the key factors / themes that will be influencing the markets this year.

 

 

 

 

   Related Questions in Finance Basics

  • Q : Define Augmentation Augmentation : An

    Augmentation: An authorized raise to a formerly authorized appropriation or allotment. This augment can be authorized by the Budget Act provisional language, control sections, or other legislation. Generally a Budget Revision or an Ex

    		•
  • Q : Government requirements imposed on

    Describe some of the government requirements imposed onto a public corporation which are not imposed on a private, intimately held corporation? Public corporations ought to submit audited financial statements to the government for release to the

    		•
  • Q : Correlate each to the New Economy

    Normal 0 false false

  • Q : Determine per unit cost of production

    Normal 0 false false

  • Q : Describe most conservative capital

    Describe most conservative type of working capital financing plan a company could implement? clarify. An all equity capital structure would be the most conservative kind of working capital financing plan approach. The more long-term financing

    		•
  • Q : Resolving ranking conflict Describe how

    Describe how to resolve a "ranking conflict" among the net present value and the internal rate of return. Why should the conflict be resolved as you described? Whenever there is a ranking conflict among net present value and internal rate of re

    		•
  • Q : Describe trustworthy collateral from

    Describe trustworthy collateral from the lenders' perspective? Describe whether accounts receivable and inventory are trustworthy collateral. Assets which are readily marketable, of stable value, and not likely to "disappear" make for trustwort

    		•
  • Q : Meaning of invisible hand Normal 0

    Normal 0 false false

  • Q : Define the term Judgments Judgments :

    Judgments: It is generally refers to decisions made by courts against the state. The payment of judgments is subject to a range of controls and procedures.

    		•
  • Q : Price Earning ratio Define the term

    Define the term Price Earning ratio and how it is calculated?

    		•