--%>

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 : Mascot Simulation Simulation with

    Simulation with Crystal Ball Provided Workbook: Mascot Simulation Relevant Readings:"Discounted Cash Flow Modeling" folder + Text

  • Q : Why too little debt is as unwanted as

    If an optimal capital structure exists, describe reasons why too little debt is as unwanted as is too much debt? Too little debt may be as unwanted as too much debt since if a firm contains a very conservative capital structures it may be losing

  • Q : Describe formula to figure out

    Normal 0 false false

  • Q : What is Special Items of Expense

    Special Items of Expense: It is an expenditure category which covers nonrecurring big expenditures or special aim expenditures which usually need a separate appropriation (or else need separation for clarity).

  • Q : State time dimensions State time

    State time dimensions of the income statement, the balance sheet, and the statement of cash flows?  Describe. The income statement is such as a video: This measures a firm's profitability on a period of time (that can be a week, a

  • Q : What is Revenue Revenue : Any adding up

    Revenue: Any adding up to cash or other current assets which does not raise any liability or reserve and does not symbolize the reduction or recovery of expenditure (example, reimbursements or abatements). Revenues are a kind of receipt usually derive

  • Q : Global Economic Crises during 2007-2008

    Describe Global Economic Crises during 2007-2008 ?

  • Q : Describe the importance of additional

    Normal 0 false false

  • Q : State Schedule 11 Schedule 11 : It is

    Schedule 11: It is the outdated word for “Supplementary Schedule of Operating Expenses and Equipment.”

  • Q : Negative consequences of company

    Explain negative consequences of a company holding too much cash? A company holding too much cash would be giving up the chance to invest more in income generating assets