--%>
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 : Investors prospects of growth Why might

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

    		•
  • Q : Describe Modigliani and Miller theory

    Describe Modigliani and Miller theory of dividends? Describe. The Modigliani-Miller theory of dividends says which dividend theory is irrelevant. They claim that it is the income generated by assets that is significant, not how funds are distr

    		•
  • Q : Why do businesses spend efforts to

    Why do businesses spend effort, time and money to generate forecasts?  Describe.Businesses succeed or fail based on how well prepared they are to deal along with the situations they confront in the future. Hence they expend considerable sum

    		•
  • Q : What is Reference Code Reference Code :

    Reference Code: A three-digit code recognizing whether the item is from the Budget Act or some other source (example, legislation), and its character (example, state operations). This is the middle segment of the budget item or appropriation number.

    		•
  • 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 : 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 : Explain Section 26.00 Section 26.00 :

    Section 26.00: It is a Control Section of Budget Act which gives the authority for the transfer of funds from one class, program or function in a schedule to the other category, program or function in the similar schedule, subject to particular limita

    		•
  • Q : Unsustainable previous interest rate

    Normal 0 false false

  • Q : Describe factors affecting minimum cash

    Describe the factors affecting the option of a minimum cash balance amount. The minimum cash balance amount is find out by how easy it is to increase funds when needed, how predictable the cash flows are, and how risk averse managers are.

    		•
  • Q : Explain State-Mandated Local Program

    State-Mandated Local Program: The state compensations to local governments for the cost of activities needed by legislative and executive acts. This reimbursement necessity was established, Statutes of 1972 (SB 90) and further approved by the adoption

    		•