--%>
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 : 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 Budget—Program or Traditional

    Budget—Program or Traditional: A program budget states the operating plan in terms of the costs of activities (that is, programs) to be undertaken to attain particular goals and objectives. A traditional (or object of expenses) budget expresses

    		•
  • Q : What is the Character of Expenditure

    Character of Expenditure: A classification recognizing the major purpose of expenditure, like State Operations, Local Assistance, Capital Outlay, or Unclassified.

    		•
  • 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 : Define Sponsor Sponsor : It is an

    Sponsor: It is an individual, group, or organization which initiates or brings to a Legislator's attention a proposed law modification.

    		•
  • Q : Describe most conservative capital

    Describe most conservative type of working capital financing plan a company could implement? clarify. An all equity capital structure would be the most conservative kind of working capital financing plan approach. The more long-term financing

    		•
  • 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 Expenditure Expenditure : The

    Expenditure: The expenditures reported on a department’s annual financial reports and “past year” budget documents comprises of amounts paid and accruals (comprising encumbrances and payables) for obligations made for the fiscal year

    		•
  • Q : What is Non-governmental Cost Funds

    Nongovernmental Cost Funds: For lawful basis purposes, employed to budget and account for revenues other than common and special taxes, licenses, and fees or some other state revenues.

    		•
  • Q : What can financial institution do for a

    What can a financial institution frequently do for a deficit economic unit (DEU) which it would have complexity doing for itself if the DEU were to deal directly with an SEU?SEUs typically desire to supply a small amount of funds, while DEUs typ

    		•