The tab-delimited text file C223C323_A1_S1_2013_Q1_Q2.txt contains data on the share price of FirstGroup plc (FirstGroup), the public transport company, the share price of Cairn Energy plc (Cairn), the British oil and gas exploration company, and the FTSE 250 Mid-cap index (FTSE 250). The file also includes the simple weekly return on FirstGroup shares (R1), the weekly return on Cairn Energy shares (R2), and the weekly return on the FTSE 250 index (RM). The data are weekly from 1/4/2010 to 24/9/2012. The share prices are in UK pence, the stock index is in pounds.

Using the share returns for the period 1 April 2010 to 26 March 2012, and the methods you have studied in Unit 1, construct a portfolio consisting of FirstGroup shares and Cairn Energy shares. Justify your choices.

1b) For the portfolio you formed in part a), examine the performance over the period 2 April 2012 to 24 September 2012. Comment on your results.