presentation

FTSE 100 analytical report

Good morning, thank you for the opportunity for me to present today. My name is Cassie Mehta, and I will be showing how I applied my analytical skills during an individual coursework assignment on the UK equity market, specifically focusing on the FTSE 100 Index and BP. In this presentation, I will outline the analytical techniques I used, the challenges I faced and how these skills align with this Undergraduate Analyst Position .

Why i chose the FTSE 100 coursework

I chose this specific coursework because it showcases my ability to collect, analyse and interpret data , which are key skills that are directly relevant to the role of an analyst. This project required me to work with real time financial data, apply statistical analysis and present my findings in a clear and structured way, which is an essential skill when presenting findings.

Coursework overview

This coursework focused on analysing the FTSE 100 Index and BP's performance over a four-year period, from March 2020 to January 2024. I assessed how BP performed in comparison to the FTSE 100 index to understand the key factors influencing price changes and total return and advise potential  investment decisions between both. The highest weighted part of this coursework was the analysis. My analysis included gathering stock price and return data, identifying trends (such as high and low points and high impact news) and interpreting the implications of market fluctuations.

Analytical approach

To begin the coursework, I first identified the key data points that would help me analyse the performance of the FTSE 100 Index and BP. The goal was to compare the total returns and price changes of the index and the company during the given period. I used FactSet to gather accurate data on the FTSE 100 and BP, paying close attention to the external factors that could influence their performance, such as market shifts due to COVID-19. By structuring my analysis in this way, I was able to give meaningful insights rather than just reporting raw figures

Navigating analytical challenges

Like any analytical project, there were challenges associated with it. One key obstacle was managing large datasets and ensuring data accuracy. In real-world analysis, even minor errors can lead to misleading conclusions. I addressed this by carefully cleaning the data, checking for gaps and verifying that all figures were correctly formatted.

Interpreting the data

Once I had cleaned and prepared the data, I examined the trendline of BP’s stock performance relative to the FTSE 100. My findings showed that BP exhibited higher growth but greater volatility compared to the index. The FTSE 100, being a diversified index, was more stable, while BP’s performance was highly dependent on oil prices and global economic conditions. This kind of interpretation is crucial in data analysis i.e looking beyond the numbers to examine context, understand underlying trends and consequent implications.

Communicating complex analysis

I imagine that analysing data is only part of the job of an analyst. An equally important skill is the ability to communicate findings clearly and its implications without jargon. In this coursework, I had to present my analysis in a structured and comprehensive manner. This meant choosing the right structure of writing a report, and summarising key insights concisely. Whether working with financial data or healthcare data, the ability to break down complex analysis into key insights is a necessary skill of any data analyst.

How this relates to the analyst role

This coursework directly aligns with the skills required for this data analyst role. Just as I analysed stock market performance, a healthcare analyst must evaluate performance trends in patient care, efficiency, and service quality. Both require collecting, cleaning and interpreting data. This coursework shows my ability to handle large datasets, draw meaningful insights and present findings effectively skills I am eager to apply in this role. I received 75% in this coursework and understood the feedback I was given in areas I could have improved on.

Summary

To summarise, this coursework not only showcases my ability to collect and analyse complex data, but it also highlights my attention to detail and ability to interpret financial trends. I am confident I can apply  these skills to a wide variety of challenges in an analytical role and I’m eager to bring them to the NHS Wales Executive team. Thank you for your time today and I’d be happy to answer any questions you may have.