--%>
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 : What is means of correlation

    What does this mean while we say that the correlation coefficient for two variables is -1? What does it mean if this value were zero? What does it mean if it were +1?Correlation is calculated by the correlation coefficient, represented through t

    		•
  • 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

    		•
  • Q : Explain the role of a dealer in the OTC

    Normal 0 false false

    		•
  • Q : Chartered bank loan policy Normal 0

    Normal 0 false false

  • Q : Describe NAFTA Normal 0 false false

    Normal 0 false false

  • Q : Describe usual pattern of cash flows

    Describe usual pattern of cash flows for share of preferred stock? How does the market fidn out the value of a share of preferred stock, given these promised cash flows?Preferred stock contains no maturity date hence, it has no maturity value.

    		•
  • 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 : Selection of board of directors of

    How are the members of the board of directors of corporation selected and to whom do these board members owe their prime allegiance? Members of corporation's board of directors are chosen by the common stockholders and owe their allegiance to th

    		•
  • Q : Describe accumulated depreciation

    Describe accumulated depreciation?Depreciation is the allocation of an asset's primary cost over time. Accumulated depreciation is the sum of all the depreciation cost that has been identified to date.

    		•
  • Q : Value $100 is received at the beginning

    $100 is received at the beginning of year 1, $200 is received at the beginning of year 2, and $300 is received at the beginning of year 3. If these cash flows are deposited at 12 percent, their combined future value at the end of year 3 is

    		•