--%>

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 : Excess reserves Normal 0 false false

    Normal 0 false false

  • Q : Describe inventory is sometimes thought

    Inventory is sometimes thought of as an essential evil. Describe. Inventory ties up funds and these are not earning an explicit return. Some inventory is frequently necessary, however, as companies attempt to hold the lowest acceptable amount.

  • Q : Investors prospects of growth Why might

    Why might investors overestimate the prospects of growth companies and underestimate value companies?

  • Q : Explain non diversifiable risk and how

    Explain non diversifiable risk? How is it measured? Unless the returns of one-half the assets into a portfolio are entirely negatively correlated along with the other half-that is extremely unlikely-some risk will

  • Q : Fixed Income I need solution by Tuesday

    I need solution by Tuesday evening March 18, 6 pm EST

  • Q : Causes and solution to international

    causes and solutions to international bank crisis

  • Q : Which insurance company takes on the

    Which kind of insurance company usually takes on the greater risks: a life insurance company or a property and casualty insurance company? The risks sheltered against by property and casualty companies are much less predictable than are the risk

  • Q : Define Final Budget Summary Final

    Final Budget Summary: A document generated by the Department of Finance subsequent to enactment of the Budget Act that reflects the Budget Act, any vetoes to the language and/or appropriations, technical corrections to the Budget Act, and summing up t

  • Q : Define Appropriations Limit

    Appropriations Limit, State (SAL): The constitutional limit on the expansion of some appropriations from tax proceeds usually set to the level of the previous year's appropriation limit as adjusted for modifications in cost of living

  • Q : Multiplier for private closed economy

    Normal 0 false false