Correlation Between Microsoft and NetApp

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

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

Diversification Opportunities for Microsoft and NetApp

0.95

Correlation Coefficient

Microsoft  NetApp

Almost no diversification

The 3 months correlation between Microsoft and NetApp is 0.95. Overlapping area represents the amount of risk that can be diversified away by holding Microsoft and NetApp Inc in the same portfolio, assuming nothing else is changed. The correlation between historical prices or returns on NetApp Inc and Microsoft 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 Microsoft are associated (or correlated) with NetApp. Values of the correlation coefficient range from -1 to +1, where. The correlation of zero (0) is possible when the price movement of NetApp Inc has no effect on the direction of Microsoft i.e., Microsoft and NetApp go up and down completely randomly.

Pair Corralation between Microsoft and NetApp

Given the investment horizon of 90 days Microsoft is expected to generate 0.79 times more return on investment than NetApp. However, Microsoft is 1.27 times less risky than NetApp. It trades about 0.35 of its potential returns per unit of risk. NetApp Inc is currently generating about 0.2 per unit of risk. If you would invest  39,454  in Microsoft on April 30, 2025 and sell it today you would earn a total of  11,796  from holding Microsoft or generate 29.9% return on investment over 90 days.

Time Period	3 Months [change]
Direction	Moves Together
Strength	Very Strong
Accuracy	100.0%
Values	Daily Returns

Microsoft  vs.  NetApp Inc

Microsoft

Risk-Adjusted Performance

Strong

Compared to the overall equity markets, risk-adjusted returns on investments in Microsoft are ranked lower than 27 (%) of all global equities and portfolios over the last 90 days. In spite of comparatively weak technical and fundamental indicators, Microsoft unveiled solid returns over the last few months and may actually be approaching a breakup point.

NetApp Inc

Risk-Adjusted Performance

Good

Compared to the overall equity markets, risk-adjusted returns on investments in NetApp Inc are ranked lower than 15 (%) of all global equities and portfolios over the last 90 days. Even with relatively uncertain basic indicators, NetApp reported solid returns over the last few months and may actually be approaching a breakup point.

Pair Trading with Microsoft and NetApp

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

The idea behind Microsoft and NetApp Inc 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 Economic Indicators module to top statistical indicators that provide insights into how an economy is performing.