Correlation Between HSBC Holdings and FirstGroup PLC

Can any of the company-specific risk be diversified away by investing in both HSBC Holdings and FirstGroup PLC at the same time? Although using a correlation coefficient on its own may not help to predict future stock returns, this module helps to understand the diversifiable risk of combining HSBC Holdings and FirstGroup PLC into the same portfolio, which is an essential part of the fundamental portfolio management process.

By analyzing existing cross correlation between HSBC Holdings PLC and FirstGroup PLC, you can compare the effects of market volatilities on HSBC Holdings and FirstGroup PLC and check how they will diversify away market risk if combined in the same portfolio for a given time horizon. You can also utilize pair trading strategies of matching a long position in HSBC Holdings with a short position of FirstGroup PLC. Check out your portfolio center. Please also check ongoing floating volatility patterns of HSBC Holdings and FirstGroup PLC.

Diversification Opportunities for HSBC Holdings and FirstGroup PLC

0.73

Correlation Coefficient

HSBC Holdings  FirstGroup PLC

Poor diversification

The 3 months correlation between HSBC and FirstGroup is 0.73. Overlapping area represents the amount of risk that can be diversified away by holding HSBC Holdings PLC and FirstGroup PLC in the same portfolio, assuming nothing else is changed. The correlation between historical prices or returns on FirstGroup PLC and HSBC Holdings is a relative statistical measure of the degree to which these equity instruments tend to move together. The correlation coefficient measures the extent to which returns on HSBC Holdings PLC are associated (or correlated) with FirstGroup PLC. Values of the correlation coefficient range from -1 to +1, where. The correlation of zero (0) is possible when the price movement of FirstGroup PLC has no effect on the direction of HSBC Holdings i.e., HSBC Holdings and FirstGroup PLC go up and down completely randomly.

Pair Corralation between HSBC Holdings and FirstGroup PLC

Assuming the 90 days trading horizon HSBC Holdings is expected to generate 2.36 times less return on investment than FirstGroup PLC. But when comparing it to its historical volatility, HSBC Holdings PLC is 1.68 times less risky than FirstGroup PLC. It trades about 0.19 of its potential returns per unit of risk. FirstGroup PLC is currently generating about 0.27 of returns per unit of risk over similar time horizon. If you would invest  16,113  in FirstGroup PLC on April 24, 2025 and sell it today you would earn a total of  5,827  from holding FirstGroup PLC or generate 36.16% return on investment over 90 days.

Time Period	3 Months [change]
Direction	Moves Together
Strength	Significant
Accuracy	100.0%
Values	Daily Returns

HSBC Holdings PLC  vs.  FirstGroup PLC

HSBC Holdings PLC

Risk-Adjusted Performance

Good

Compared to the overall equity markets, risk-adjusted returns on investments in HSBC Holdings PLC are ranked lower than 15 (%) of all global equities and portfolios over the last 90 days. In spite of comparatively uncertain basic indicators, HSBC Holdings unveiled solid returns over the last few months and may actually be approaching a breakup point.

FirstGroup PLC

Risk-Adjusted Performance

Solid

Compared to the overall equity markets, risk-adjusted returns on investments in FirstGroup PLC are ranked lower than 21 (%) of all global equities and portfolios over the last 90 days. In spite of rather unsteady technical and fundamental indicators, FirstGroup PLC exhibited solid returns over the last few months and may actually be approaching a breakup point.

Pair Trading with HSBC Holdings and FirstGroup PLC

The main advantage of trading using opposite HSBC Holdings and FirstGroup PLC positions is that it hedges away some unsystematic risk. Because of two separate transactions, even if HSBC Holdings position performs unexpectedly, FirstGroup PLC can make up some of the losses. Pair trading also minimizes risk from directional movements in the market. For example, if an entire industry or sector drops because of unexpected headlines, the short position in FirstGroup PLC will offset losses from the drop in FirstGroup PLC's long position.

The idea behind HSBC Holdings PLC and FirstGroup PLC pairs trading is to make the combined position market-neutral, meaning the overall market's direction will not affect its win or loss (or potential downside or upside). This can be achieved by designing a pairs trade with two highly correlated stocks or equities that operate in a similar space or sector, making it possible to obtain profits through simple and relatively low-risk investment.

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Note that this page's information should be used as a complementary analysis to find the right mix of equity instruments to add to your existing portfolios or create a brand new portfolio. You can also try the Economic Indicators module to top statistical indicators that provide insights into how an economy is performing.