Quantitative Foundations Flashcards
What does compounding recognize?
That interest on interest creates more wealth than simple compounding.
What is discrete compounding?
Any compounding interval other than continuous compounding such as daily, monthly, annually.
What is continuous compounding?
Continuous compounding uses a natural log-based formula to calculate and add back accrued interest at the smallest possible intervals.
What is a return computation interval?
The smallest time interval for which returns are calculated. (ie daily, monthly, even annually)
What are other names for return computation intervals?
Granularity, time resolution, or frequency of return ratio
What are two common tasks in return analysis?
- Aggregating a number of returns from a smaller sub period into one large sum.
- Determining an average return.
What is the mathematical difference between simple returns and log returns?
Simple returns require multiplication and log returns use addition.
What is a forward contract?
An agreement to make an exchange at some date in the future.
What is the typical starting value of a forward contract?
0
What is notional principal?
The value of the asset underlying or used as reference to the contract or the derivative position.
What does it mean to be fully collateralized?
The position has been paired with a quantity of capital equal in value to the notional principal of the contract.
What are the two components of return for a fully collateralized position?
- The change in value of the derivative.
2. Any return on the collateral.
How is the rate of return for traditional investments calculated?
rate of return= (change in price + cash flows)/initial price
What is the internal rate of return or IRR?
This equates the present value of costs (cash outflow) with the present value of benefits (cash inflow). It also acts as the discount rate that makes the net present value (NPV) equal to 0.
What are the four types of IRRs?
- Lifetime IRR
- Since Inception IRR
- Interim IRR
- Point to Point IRR
What is a lifetime IRR?
A lifetime IRR contains all the cash flows, realized and anticipated, of the investments life. You would have periods 0 to termination.
What is a since inception IRR?
Used as a measure of fund performance rather than individual performance. In this case there is no liquidation, rather T indicates the date through to which you are analyzing.
What is interim IRR?
IRR based on the realized cash flow and its current estimated residual value rather than realized cash flow.