Utility Index

In this project we are going to compute the rate of growth in the Utility Index of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). The table below gives the highest close of the utility index for the NYSE for each year. Find the rate of increase from 1974 to 1978 and use this rate to predict the highest close of the utility index for next year and for the year 1966.

Now find the rate of increase from 1993 to 1997 and use this rate to predict the highest close of the utility index for next year and for the year 1966.

In your opinion, which rate provides the best estimate of the highest close of the utility index in 1966? Which rate provides the best estimate of the highest close of the utility index for next year? Provide reasons that might account for differences in these calculations.

Year

Utility

Year

Utility

1974

35.72

1986

79.99

1975

33.73

1987

80.03

1976

41.27

1988

75.11

1977

41.28

1989

96.54

1978

40.26

1990

90.71

1979

38.25

1991

102.13

1980

38.91

1992

105.19

1981

39.49

1993

233.17

1982

44.61

1994

228.41

1983

47.03

1995

247.81

1984

50.52

1996

262.58

1985

62.43

1997

322.10

NYSE Utility Index

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