võrdlusindeksid

Võrdlusindeksid, often translated as comparative indices or benchmark indices, are statistical tools used to measure the performance of an investment, a market segment, or an entire economy against a predetermined standard or benchmark. In finance, they are most commonly associated with stock market indices like the S&P 500 or the Nasdaq Composite, which track the performance of a basket of selected stocks. These indices serve as benchmarks for fund managers to evaluate the success of their investment strategies. If a fund outperforms its benchmark index, it is considered to have added value.

Beyond financial markets, comparative indices can be applied in various economic contexts. For instance, economic indicators might be compared against historical averages or against the performance of other countries to assess relative growth or development. In social sciences, indices can be constructed to compare different regions or groups based on factors like income levels, education attainment, or quality of life. The construction of a comparative index typically involves selecting relevant data points, assigning weights to these points, and then calculating a single numerical value that represents the overall performance or status relative to the chosen benchmark. The primary purpose is to provide a standardized and objective measure for comparison, facilitating analysis and decision-making.