CSI 779 / STAT 789

Topics in Computational Statistics:

Projects in Analysis of Financial Data

Spring, 2002

Taught as a reading course.

Instructor: James Gentle; email: jgentle@gmu.edu

This course will consist of data analysis projects on the two topics:

Both projects involve open-ended questions of definitions and methodology. Analysis paralysis will not be acceptable in this course; work following well-reasoned approaches is required.

Stock price movements

We need to define "significant" price decline. The definition and the conclusions of the study may depend on various characteristics of the stock, such as sector, price history, and so on. They may also depend on external events related to the price decline. The first step is to identify which factors will be included in the study and to determine how these factors are to be measured or categorized.

At least in the first phase of the project, data will be obtained from Yahoo.

Option prices/values

At least in the first phase of the project, data will be obtained from E*Trade.