Correlation Between Merck and Bristol Myers

Can any of the company-specific risk be diversified away by investing in both Merck and Bristol Myers 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 Merck and Bristol Myers into the same portfolio, which is an essential part of the fundamental portfolio management process.

By analyzing existing cross correlation between Merck Company and Bristol Myers Squibb, you can compare the effects of market volatilities on Merck and Bristol Myers 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 Merck with a short position of Bristol Myers. Check out your portfolio center. Please also check ongoing floating volatility patterns of Merck and Bristol Myers.

Diversification Opportunities for Merck and Bristol Myers

-0.88

Correlation Coefficient

Merck  Bristol Myers

Pay attention - limited upside

The 3 months correlation between Merck and Bristol is -0.88. Overlapping area represents the amount of risk that can be diversified away by holding Merck Company and Bristol Myers Squibb in the same portfolio, assuming nothing else is changed. The correlation between historical prices or returns on Bristol Myers Squibb and Merck 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 Merck Company are associated (or correlated) with Bristol Myers. Values of the correlation coefficient range from -1 to +1, where. The correlation of zero (0) is possible when the price movement of Bristol Myers Squibb has no effect on the direction of Merck i.e., Merck and Bristol Myers go up and down completely randomly.

Pair Corralation between Merck and Bristol Myers

Considering the 90-day investment horizon Merck Company is expected to under-perform the Bristol Myers. But the stock apears to be less risky and, when comparing its historical volatility, Merck Company is 2.82 times less risky than Bristol Myers. The stock trades about -0.18 of its potential returns per unit of risk. The Bristol Myers Squibb is currently generating about 0.12 of returns per unit of risk over similar time horizon. If you would invest  73,550  in Bristol Myers Squibb on September 16, 2024 and sell it today you would earn a total of  18,672  from holding Bristol Myers Squibb or generate 25.39% return on investment over 90 days.

Time Period	3 Months [change]
Direction	Moves Against
Strength	Significant
Accuracy	98.46%
Values	Daily Returns

Merck Company  vs.  Bristol Myers Squibb

Merck Company

Risk-Adjusted Performance

0 of 100

Very Weak

Over the last 90 days Merck Company has generated negative risk-adjusted returns adding no value to investors with long positions. Despite uncertain performance in the last few months, the Stock's basic indicators remain quite persistent which may send shares a bit higher in January 2025. The latest mess may also be a sign of long-standing up-swing for the company institutional investors.

Bristol Myers Squibb

Risk-Adjusted Performance

9 of 100

OK

Compared to the overall equity markets, risk-adjusted returns on investments in Bristol Myers Squibb are ranked lower than 9 (%) of all global equities and portfolios over the last 90 days. Even with relatively fragile primary indicators, Bristol Myers reported solid returns over the last few months and may actually be approaching a breakup point.

Pair Trading with Merck and Bristol Myers

The main advantage of trading using opposite Merck and Bristol Myers positions is that it hedges away some unsystematic risk. Because of two separate transactions, even if Merck position performs unexpectedly, Bristol Myers 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 Bristol Myers will offset losses from the drop in Bristol Myers' long position.

The idea behind Merck Company and Bristol Myers Squibb 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 Transaction History module to view history of all your transactions and understand their impact on performance.