--%>

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 : Portfolio Analysis And Management My

    My Assignment is writing a Three page paper including executive Summary and investing 1million Dollars in Stocks, Bonds and Mutual Funds and Other Assets and Recording Each Investments made Every Friday of the week, Beginning On September 7th to October 30 on An excel spreadsheet which has been crea

  • 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 : 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 : Define Reserve Reserve: The amount of a

    Reserve: The amount of a fund balance set sideways to give for expenditures from the unencumbered balance for ongoing appropriations, future apportionments, and economic uncertainties, pending salary or price raise appropriations, and appropriations f

  • Q : Describe depreciation expense Describe

    Describe depreciation expense as it seems on the income statement.  Accounting depreciation is the allocation of asset's primary cost over time. Depreciation cost on an income statement is the amount of the asset=s initial cost allocated to

  • Q : How does preemptive right secure

    How does a preemptive right secure the interests of present stockholders? A preemptive right secure the interests of existing stockholders through giving them the chance to preempt other investors into the purchase of new shares. If these right

  • Q : Advantages of finger prints biometric

    Advantages of finger prints biometric technique: Easy to use and very little training is used No space is required for the installation Large amounts of existing data to allow background list check Has proven effect

  • Q : 222 what do you understand by planning

    what do you understand by planning premises

  • Q : Describe primary reasons that companies

    Describe primary reasons that companies hold cash? Companies hold cash to make essential payments, to take benefit of opportunities as they arise, and to cover unforeseen emergencies.

  • Q : What is Unanticipated Cost or Funding

    Unanticipated Cost or Funding Shortage: A lack or scarcity of (a) cash in a fund, (b) expenses authority due to an inadequate appropriation, or (c) expenses authority due to a cash problem (example, reimbursements not received on a timely base).