Assignment Questions: (Marks- 10) Read the above case study and answer the follo

Assignment Questions: (Marks- 10)
Read the above case study and answer the following Questions:
1. An analyst is assembling data for use in her firm’s expectations-setting process. Several historical measures have been collected and used to set expectations on inflation and consumer consumption trends. Previously, only the most recent 25 years of historical data concerning these measures had been collected and analyzed. Now, an executive has suggested extending the starting point of the data 25 years further back to make the overall analysis more robust.
Discuss why the inclusion of the additional data may present problems for the expectations-setting process despite the request’s objective of making the analysis more robust. 2Marks
2. Determine the liquidity requirement of an investor and evaluate the effects of a liquidity requirement on portfolio choice. 1Marks
3. Contrast a defined-benefit plan to a defined-contribution plan from the perspectives of both the employee and employer. 1 Marks
4. Louise and Christopher Maclin live in London, United Kingdom, and currently rent an apartment in the metropolitan area. Christopher Maclin, aged 40, is a supervisor at Barnett Co. and earns an annual salary of £80,000 before taxes. Louise Maclin, aged 38, stays home to care for their newborn twins. She recently inherited £900,000 (after wealth transfer taxes) in cash from her father’s estate. In addition, the Maclins have accumulated the following assets (current market value):
• £5,000 in cash
• 160,000 in stocks and bonds
• £220,000 in Barnett common stock
The value of their holdings in Barnett stock has appreciated substantially as a result of the company’s growth in sales and profits during the past ten years. Christopher Maclin is confident that the company and its stock will continue to perform well.
The Maclins need £30,000 for a down payment on the purchase of a house and plan to make a £20,000 non-tax deductible donation to a local charity in memory of Louise Maclin’s father. The Maclins’ annual living expenses are £74,000. After-tax salary increases will offset any future increases in their living expenses.
During discussions with their financial advisor, Grant Webb, the Maclins express concern about achieving their educational goals for their children and their own retirement goals. The Maclins tell Webb:
• They want to have sufficient funds to retire in 18 years when their children begin their four years of university education.
• They have been unhappy with the portfolio volatility they have experienced in recent years. They state that they do not want to experience a loss in portfolio value greater than 12 percent in any one year.
• They do not want to invest in alcohol and tobacco stocks.
• They will not have any additional children.
After their discussions, Webb calculates that in 18 years the Maclins will need £2 million to meet their educational and retirement goals. Webb suggests that their portfolio be structured to limit shortfall risk (defined as expected total return minus two standard deviations) to no lower than a negative 12 percent return in any one year. Maclin’s salary and all capital gains and investment income are taxed at 40 percent and no tax-sheltering strategies are available. Webb’s next step is to formulate an investment policy statement for the Maclins.
A. 2 Marks
a. Formulate the risk objective of an investment policy statement for the Maclins.
b. Formulate the return objective of an investment policy statement for the Maclins. Calculate the pre-tax rate of return that is required to achieve this objective. Show your calculations.
B. Formulate the constraints portion of an investment policy statement for the Maclins, addressing each of the following: 4 Marks
a. Time horizon
b. Liquidity requirements
c. Tax concerns
d. Unique circumstances
Note: Your response to Part B should not address legal and regulatory factors.