10th April 2009


Dear Friends

After a year of effort and about a decade of subconscious musing, I am very proud to announce the launch of Pakistan Risk Review (PRR), a dedicated periodical that quantifies the risk associated with Pakistani securities using a consistent, objective benchmark.

Ten years ago to the day, as part of a class project at Columbia Business School, when I searched for information on the Pakistani currency, debt and capital markets, there was none to be found. And this was information, God forbid if you were looking for objective analysis.

A decade later there is an enormous amount of data available on the country, but it is rarely current or consistent. Three of the top five global brokers, run annual and quarterly updates on the economy, but run it at a macro level. Domestic research houses and mutual funds share reports with their investors but the focus is again macro and the depth varies. If you are looking beyond the data set, at risk metrics, holding period returns, correlations, alpha’s and beta’s, historical volatility trends or baseline benchmarks, you will look in vain.

Pakistan financial risk, to a large extent, still remains undocumented and misunderstood.

Pakistan Risk Review (PRR) aims to address this need. More detailed information about the product is available on the PRR soft launch page as well as uses and benefits of subscription. You can also download the following: Foreword to the first issue Editor's Note Download the Table of contents If you would like to receive a complimentary and advance copy of the executive summary from the first issue, please drop me a note. It is a large file and I would rather get your consent first than clog your mail box. From May 2009, the monthly paid for subscription period starts. The next issue updated using 15th April 2009 data set will hit distribution lists on 10th May 2009. If you would like to subscribe please let me know and I will send you an advance invitation. International subscribers click here for subscription details.

I will look forward to your feedback on our initiative. Your suggestions and guidance have allowed us to get where we are today. With your help, we hope to redefine the understanding of Pakistan Risk.

Yours

Jawwad Farid
Alchemy Technologies Pvt. Ltd.
Tel: +9221 455 6452