--%>

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 : Equilibrium price level and level of

    Normal 0 false false

  • Q : Finance powerpoint Hi, I am a

    Hi, I am a management student studying in a business school. I have given a case study (attached below in PDF) as evaluation. I was able to get an English version but since i am not familiar with the subject i don't know how to solve this. I would like to know if you can provide any solution f

  • Q : Disadvantages of the Finger print

    Disadvantages of the Finger print technique: Health concerns while touching the sensor which is being touched by many number of individuals. Sometimes due to age and occupation may cause some diff

  • Q : Define Allotment Allotment : The

    Allotment: The permitted division of an amount (generally of an appropriation) to be expended for a specific purpose throughout a particular time period. An allotment is usually authorized on line item expenditure basis by program or

  • Q : Problem on banks Customers arrive at a

    Customers arrive at a bank with 2 tellers. The manager took the following data for 11 customers during a busy time. The manager has asked you to:(a) Create an event log. (b) Calculat

  • Q : Explain Pro Rata Pro Rata : It is the

    Pro Rata: It is the amount of state administrative costs, paid from General Fund and the Central Service Cost Recovery Fund (example, amounts expended by the central service departments like the State Treasurer's Office, State Controller's Office, Sta

  • Q : What are Federal Funds Federal Funds :

    Federal Funds: For legal basis budgeting purposes, categorization of funds into which the money received in trust from an agency of the federal government will be deposited and finished by a state department in accordance with state and/or federal rul

  • Q : How management incorporated in proforma

    Describe how management aims are incorporated into proforma financial statements.Management decide a target goal, and forecasters generate proforma financial statements under the assumption that the goal will be

  • Q : What is Abatement Abatement : A

    Abatement: A decrease to an expense which has already been made. In state accounting, only specific kinds of receipts are accounted for as abatements, comprising refund of overpayment of salaries, rebates from vendors and third partie

  • Q : Explain Feasibility Analysis

    Feasibility Analysis: It is an analysis of the ability to finish a project successfully, taking into account legal, technological, economic, scheduling and various other factors. Instead of just diving into a project and hoping for th