--%>
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 Cost-of-Living Adjustments

    Cost-of-Living Adjustments (COLA): Increases offered in state-funded programs which comprise periodic adjustments predetermined in state law (statutory, like K-12 education apportionments), or established at optional levels (that is discretionary) by

    		•
  • Q : FIN 335: Time Value of Money Problems

    FIN 335: Time Value of Money Problems  Computed on a Texas Instrument BA II Plus financial calculator  Before you start:  ? The calculator com

    		•
  • Q : Define Programs Programs : The

    Programs: The activities of an association grouped on the basis of common objectives. The programs are included of elements that can be further classified into tasks and components.

    		•
  • Q : Define operating leverage effect and

    Define operating leverage effect and what causes it? Describe potential benefits and negative consequences of high operating leverage? The operating leverage effect is the phenomenon where a small change in sales triggers a comparatively large

    		•
  • Q : What is Detail of Appropriations and

    Detail of Appropriations and Adjustments: A budget display, for each association, that replicates appropriations and adjustments by fund source for each of the character of expenditure, (that is, State Operations, Local Assistance, and Capital Outlay)

    		•
  • Q : State statement of cash flows State

    State three major sections of the statement of cash flows? Cash flows from investing activities Cash flows from Operations Cash flows from financing activities Net change in cash balance Cash balance at beginning of period

    		•
  • Q : What is Appropriation Schedule

    Appropriation Schedule: The detail of an appropriation (example, in the Budget Act), exhibiting the distribution of the appropriation to each of the class, programs, or projects thereof.

    		•
  • Q : Cyclical unemployment Suppose that in a

    Suppose that in a specific year the natural rate of unemployment is 5 percent and the actual rate of unemployment is 9 percent. Employ Okun's law to fin out the size of the GDP gap in percentage-point terms. If the nominal GDP is $500 billion in that year, how much ou

    		•
  • Q : What is Appropriation Without Regard To

    What is Appropriation Without Regard To Fiscal Year (AWRTFY): The appropriation for a particular amount that is obtainable from year to year until completely expended.

    		•
  • Q : What are Feeder Funds Feeder Funds :

    Feeder Funds: For lawful basis accounting purposes, funds into which some taxes or fees are deposited on collection. In some situations administrative costs, collection expenses, and refunds are paid. The balance of such funds is transferable at any t

    		•