A telemetry facility may connect numerous telemetry receivers to a single tracking antenna depending on the number of TM channels involved in the test and on the required redundancy. The tracking data, i.e. AM normalized analog signals extracted by the receivers from the TM signal and the AGC analog signals, are sent to the Antenna Control Unit (ACU) for tracking error calculation. The number of cables between receivers and ACU becomes important in some telemetry facilities and the tracking signals being analog, the distance must be limited. This paper proposes a new tracking architecture that moves from analog to digital links between receivers and ACU with the following main benefits:  Keeping the capability to acquire tracking data (AM&AGC) from several telemetry receivers,  Having more flexibility for integration,  Improving interoperability,  Providing availability of simultaneous tracking errors for enhanced tracking algorithms, for C-band tracking improvement for example.

In recent years, the financial service industry demonstrated substantial growth of Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs). Apart from offering access to new and more specific investment opportunities, many ETFs enter direct competition with conventional, already existing Mutual Index Funds. With 22,1% growth of assets over the past 5 years, the European market by now accounts for 19% of the global ETF market, while at the same time we observe a decline of cash flows to Mutual Index Funds. Given the recent development, index investors are likely to face a choice between ETFs and Mutual Index Funds offering the same service. The purpose of this study is to analyze those two similar investment instruments towards the quality of achieving their objective, which is to deliver a performance as close as possible to the respective benchmarks'. The analysis will be performed for the European market, i.e. we include only Index Funds that track European indices. This study is guided by objectivism and positivism as ontological and epistemological positions. We conduct a deductive research by reviewing and testing previous findings through the formulation of hypotheses that serve our purpose. For our analysis we gather quantitative data in the form of daily prices for 21 ETFs and 22 Mutual Index Funds, tracking 9 European indices. We further use a time frame of 7 years (2006-2012), which we analyze as a whole as well as divided into sub-periods as determined by different states of the European market. As a basis for the analysis we calculate return differences and different measures of tracking risk. Our results show that on average ETFs as well as Mutual Index Funds sufficiently replicate index performance with approximately the same level of tracking risk for both instruments. Furthermore, we see no significant impact of expected returns or index volatility on return difference. However, through examination of fees and tracking errors during recent economic turmoils, we show that ETFs first bear lower directly attributed costs and second are less affected by down markets than Mutual Funds.

In Taiwan, the trading value of electronics related stocks makes up over 60% of Taiwan stock market and has grown gradually to the recent high of 70.03% in Dec. 2009. The high correlation between the TAIEX and TAIEX Electronic Index raises our interest to build a fund aiming to outperform TAIEX Electronic Index performance with similar risk as index by constructing an enhanced fund. We are keen to investigate if active management gain higher return than passive one according to our empirical study. This paper presents a combination effect of multi-factor model in the electronic sector and illiquidity, that expected returns are increasing in illiquidity. The major outcome is that we construct single industry Multi-Factor Model (MFM) and test for its prediction ability. The other is we form a proxy for illiquidity and incorporate it into the multi-factor model using Principal Component Analysis (PCA). The objective of this study is to discover mispriced stocks and make adjustments to build an enhanced fund, targeting 3% tracking error. As a result, the most stable factors based on cumulative return in forecasting electronic sector are Leverage, Value3, ValueToGrowth, EarningQulity respectively. The average explanatory power of electronic multi-factor model (ELE-MFM) is around 52.4% over the sample from 2004/1 to 2009/12. For illiquidity measure, we run cross-regression of stock return on illiquidity and other stock characteristics from the period of 2000/1 to 2009/12. What we find is sub-period is the significant evidence for the work of illiquidity. With the PCA combination of electronic multi-factor model and illiquidity measure into scores coming from the first principal component, we rank stocks through it. With the appropriate constraint rules added into our quadratic programming, the portfolio using the techniques combining multi-factor model and liquidity measures shows IR 0.69, TE 3% and Alpha 2.04% in our sample period. The work of the electronic Multi-Factor Model (MFM) and the illiquidity measure showing satisfactory result support enhanced skills.

Even though the framework of mean-variance analysis is convincing, in practice, investors encounter serious drawbacks. Understandably, a more stable and rather simple method to make investment decisions without depending on the expected returns would obviously be preferred by some investors. In this study, we adopt a newly proposed equally-weighted risk contribution portfolio (ERC), without the assumption of expected returns, in order to observe its risk and return, as well as the timing of use compared to different benchmarks, the Taiwan 50 index (TWN50) and Taiwan weighted index (Y9997). For comparison, we adopt the other two commonly used methods, the minimum variance portfolio (MVP) and the equal weight portfolio (EW). It is interesting to observe the ERC¡¦s risk and return profile because, similar to the EW, it invests in every asset in a portfolio while adjusting weights to consider the marginal risk between each component. Therefore, no individual asset¡¦s risk contribution is dominated by an other and they all have the same risk contribution. In addition, to strike a balance between risk control and pursuing excess return, we incorporate arbitrage portfolios into the standard ERC portfolio; to satisfy the standard of the passive funds, we combine the minimum tracking error portfolio with the standard ERC portfolio by a specific ratio. From the TWN50 and the Y9997 cases, we presume that the problem relating to whether or not the benchmark is a full sample or a partial sample and whether it¡¦s replicable, affects the performance of the ERC. If our benchmark is a partial sample like the TWN50, the ERC strategy can outperform the benchmark and even provides some degree of defensive ability when the market trend is down.

Many enhanced index funds are based on a quantitative model to control active risk and to acquire active return. In this thesis we first construct a multiple-factor model (MFM) and then use statistical methods to evaluate the significance and stability of factor explanatory power. Significant and stable factors are utilized to fine tune weights of T50 index fund portfolio by an intuitive weight allocation model to achieve the effect of return enhancement. Empirical studies show that the multiple-factor model can explain the excess stock return effectively; the average R-Square of multiple-factor model reaches 49%. After analyzing the sensitivity of parameter of enhanced index weight allocation, the study finds that the original weight retention rate has linear relationship with active return and active risk of the T50 index fund. Adjusting the retention rate allows us to control the active return and active risk of T50 index fund. Furthermore, adjusting the original weight retention rate according to the Adj-R2 of multiple-risk factor model can effectively improve the stability of active return. The study finds also that the expected rates of return which are calculated by multiple-risk factor model could not differentiate among future performance of the first your guarantee portfolios. Thus, the study adjusts the range of weight allocation to T50 constituent stocks with higher and lower expected return rates. The result shows that this adjustment increased the IR of the enhanced index funds.

Made available in DSpace on 2010-04-20T20:54:44Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2001-06-13T00:00:00Z / O objetivo principal desta dissertação é possibilitar a compreensão do processo utilizado na avaliação de desempenho de fundos de investimento. Portanto, a dissertação pretendeu responder a seguinte questão: como se analisa o padrão de desempenho de um fundo de investimento? Para isso, foi realizado um levantamento bibliográfico onde foram selecionadas algumas metodologias de desempenho de fundos que avaliam retomo e risco simultaneamente no período como um todo, e outras com objetivo de avaliar a consistência e eficiência do desempenho de administradores de fundos em seguir sua política de investimento ao longo desse período (intra período). O estudo empírico realizado em cima de alguns fundos do mercado brasileiro permitiu a aplicação prática dos indicadores estudados. Concluímos que, um investidor, ao investir em um fundo de investimento, deve verificar seu padrão de desempenho não apenas no período como um todo como também ao longo desse período. Além disso, diferentes metodologias que avaliam o padrão de desempenho de fundos no período e intra período podem apresentar resultados diferentes.

Submitted by Cristiane Shirayama (cristiane.shirayama@fgv.br) on 2011-08-20T19:16:46Z No. of bitstreams: 1 DISSERT_IGINO ZUCCHI DE MATTO.pdf: 894398 bytes, checksum: 0d19d1d1f176cfa48f33320690add5cf (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Gisele Isaura Hannickel (gisele.hannickel@fgv.br) on 2011-08-22T12:09:40Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 DISSERT_IGINO ZUCCHI DE MATTO.pdf: 894398 bytes, checksum: 0d19d1d1f176cfa48f33320690add5cf (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Gisele Isaura Hannickel (gisele.hannickel@fgv.br) on 2011-08-22T12:15:14Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 DISSERT_IGINO ZUCCHI DE MATTO.pdf: 894398 bytes, checksum: 0d19d1d1f176cfa48f33320690add5cf (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2011-08-22T12:22:43Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 DISSERT_IGINO ZUCCHI DE MATTO.pdf: 894398 bytes, checksum: 0d19d1d1f176cfa48f33320690add5cf (MD5) Previous issue date: 2011-07-06 / With the ETF going to be used for more sophisticated investors and with the possibility to go on to win representation, either for a passive strategy or strategy combined with more specialized and higher risk assets, this paper seeks to explain and justify the coexistence of these vehicles, which has similar goals, but with different structures. With this objective, the study seeks to analyze the behavior and the effectiveness of passive investment products-funds classified as ETF´s (acronym for Exchange-Traded Fund) and Passive mutual funds in the Brazilian market. Study seeks to benchmark, demonstrating differentiations of products from a technical point of view, validating the behavior of managers and product for final investors. Despite recent academic literature, the study seeks to elucidate potential opportunities and relevant aspects to investors. The objective doesn't include make comparison between active funds and ETF´s in Brazil, only display the figures - returns obtained - in recent periods. Concluding with numeric examples, ETF becomes an attractive to investors as harnessing their potential, the fact this with relevant developments in the markets of Europe and United States, mainly. / Com o ETF passando a ser utilizado por investidores mais sofisticados e com a possibilidade de passar a ganhar representatividade, seja para uma estratégia passiva ou para uma estratégia combinada com ativos de maior risco e mais especializados, este paper busca explicar e justificar a coexistência destes veículos, que tem objetivos semelhantes, mas com estruturas diferentes. Com este objetivo, o estudo busca analisar o comportamento e a eficácia dos produtos passivos de investimentos - fundos classificados como ETF´s (sigla para Exchange-Traded Fund) e Fundos Mútuos Passivos no mercado brasileiro. Buscamos avaliar comparativamente, demonstrando diferenciações dos produtos do ponto de vista técnico, validando o comportamento dos gestores em relação a gestão passiva e de produto para os investidores finais. Apesar de literatura acadêmica recente sobre a comparatividade, o estudo busca elucidar possíveis oportunidades e aspectos relevantes para os investidores. Não é objetivo deste trabalho fazer relação comparativa entre produtos ativos de ações e os ETF´s no Brasil, apenas detalharemos o retorno obtido nos últimos períodos. O trabalho demonstra, com exemplos númericos, que o ETF torna-se um instrumento atrativo aos investidores na medida do aproveitamento de suas potencialidades, fato este com evolução relevante nos mercados da Europa e Estados Unidos, principalmente.

The goal of the master thesis is to analyze portfolio performance. The theoretical part of the thesis describes risk, portfolio performance measurement, investment funds, theory of portfolio. The analysis of portfolio performance is measured by different portfolio measurement tools.

JANKOVÁ, Z. A Performance Comparison of mutual funds and ETF. Mendel University in Brno, 2017. Diploma thesis. The diploma thesis is focused on performance comparison of open-end mutual funds and ETF. Selected funds are separated by region USA, World, European and Emerging markets equities. Funds are analyzed in the practical part for the period between 2007 and 2016. The first part introduced defines notion of collective investment, advantages and disadvantages. Funds are analyzed in the terms of return, risk, cost and including foreing exchange risk.

Diese Dissertation besteht aus fünf empirischen Studien. Zwei Studien befassen sich mit passiv gemanagten Finanzprodukten. Sie untersuchen den Replikationsprozess von Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) und vergleichen hierbei die Replikationsgüte von synthetischen und physischen ETFs. Oftmals wird darauf verwiesen, dass synthetische ETFs eine höhere Replikationsgüte besitzen als physische ETFs. Dies lässt sich für Renten-ETFs bestätigen, allerdings nicht für Aktien-ETFs. Zudem wird gezeigt, dass ETFs und Indexzertifikate, die sich im direkten Wettbewerb befinden, im Hinblick auf ihre Geldmittelflüsse komplementär, allerdings nicht perfekt komplementär zueinander sind. Dieser Effekt lässt sich mithilfe der Replikationsgüte und einer Zuordnung beider Indexprodukte in verschiedene Marktnischen erklären. Weitere drei Studien befassen sich mit aktiv gemanagten Finanzprodukten. Sie widmen sich der Frage, ob mithilfe von Fondsbewertungen wie dem Feri Trust Rating, der Finanztest-Bewertung und der FondsNote die zukünftige Performance deutscher Aktienfonds prognostiziert werden kann. Hintergrund ist, dass Investoren Fondsbewertungen in ihre Anlageentscheidung einbeziehen. Sie investieren vor allem in Fonds, die eine Top-Bewertung aufweisen. Die Prognosefähigkeit von Fondsbewertungen kann sich allerdings stark voneinander unterscheiden. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass mithilfe der FondsNote am besten zwischen sich zukünftig besser und schlechter entwickelnden Fonds differenziert werden kann. Die Prognosefähigkeit lässt sich durch Kombination der drei Fondsbewertungen sogar erhöhen. Dies hängt allerdings von der Kombination und dem verwendeten Performancemaß/-zeitraum ab. Zudem werden Faktoren untersucht, die einen Einfluss auf die Prognosefähigkeit haben können. Es wird gezeigt, dass qualitative Bewertungsfaktoren nicht zu einer Erhöhung der Prognosefähigkeit beitragen. Stattdessen weisen die Fondskosten und das Verhalten der Investoren einen signifikanten Einfluss auf. / This thesis consists of five empirical studies that deal with actively and passively managed financial products. The first two studies focus on the replication process of exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and compare the tracking ability of ETFs based on physical replication of their benchmark indices with those of synthetic ETFs. Contrary to conventional wisdom, synthetic equity ETFs are not different in terms of tracking errors from their physical counterparts. However, synthetic fixed-income ETFs have lower tracking errors than physical fixed-income ones. Moreover, the second study examines the coexistence of ETFs and index certificates within one market by analyzing the relationship between their money flows. Evidence shows that ETFs and index certificates complement each other, but not in a perfect way. This effect can be explained by similar tracking abilities and a segmentation of investors into different market niches. The other three studies address the question if fund ratings like the Feri Trust rating, the Finanztest-Bewertung, and the FondsNote can predict the future performance of German equity mutual funds. The reason is that investors include fund ratings in their decision-making. They primarily invest in funds which have the best fund rating. However, fund rating predictability can significantly differ among fund ratings. Results indicate that the FondsNote can best distinguish between well and poorly performing funds. Predictability can be enhanced by a combination of fund ratings. However, it depends on the particular fund rating combination, the chosen performance measure, and the post-rating period. Moreover, these three studies analyze factors that could influence the predictability of fund ratings. It is shown that qualitative factors can hardly improve the predictability. By contrast, the costs of funds and the behavior of investors with regard to fund ratings significantly influence the ability to predict future performance.