--%>

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 : Define the term year of Completion Year

    Year of Completion (YOC): This is the last fiscal year for which the appropriation is accessible for encumbrance or expenditure.

  • Q : Define Organization Code Organization

    Organization Code: The four-digit code allotted to each state governmental entity (and at times to exclusive budgetary programs) for fiscal system aims. The organization code is the initial segment of the budget item or appropriation

  • Q : Question based on change in GDP Normal

    Normal 0 false false

  • Q : Describe Section 1.50 Section 1.50 : It

    Section 1.50: It is a section of the Budget Act which A) Identifies a certain style and format for the codes employed in the Budget Act, B) Authorizes the Department of Finance

  • Q : Assignments i want to write final state

    i want to write final state report. My state is Texas.

  • Q : Explain Budget Cycle Budget Cycle : The

    Budget Cycle: The time period needed to made a state financial plan and enacts that part of it applying to the budget year. The Significant events in the cycle comprise: • The preparation of G

  • Q : Methods to determine Promotional Budget

    What are the methods to determine Promotional Budget? Explain in brief.

  • 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 : Define Control Sections Control

    Control Sections: The sections of the Budget Act (that is, 1.00 to the end) giving specific controls on the appropriations itemized in the Section 2.00 of Budget Act.

  • Q : Define Legislature Legislature,

    Legislature, California: Two-house bodies of elected representatives vested with the accountability and power to make laws affecting the state (that is, except as limited by the veto power of the Governor).