Abstract: A method for forming an index in which a universe of N instruments is initially defined. In a second step, a covariance matrix is assigned to the universe. In a third step, one of the instruments from the universe is removed. In a fourth step, a residual variance of the remaining universe is calculated. In a fifth step, the removed instrument is reinstated into the universe. Next, steps three through five of the method are repeated N-1 times. In a sixth step, the removed instrument for which the residual variance is minimized is inserted into the index. In a seventh step, the removed instrument for which the residual variance is minimized is eliminated from the universe. In an eighth step, variance of each instrument in the remaining instrument is recalculated by replacing it with its residual variance Finally, the third through eighth steps are repeated until the index is formed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a credit index, a system and method for structuring a credit index, a system and method for operating a credit index, and a system and method for determining the liquidity of a credit.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer program product provide automated reconciliation of transactions. A transaction in a first list is reconciled with a combination of two or more transactions in a second list. A function, which may be implemented as a recursive function, successively searches for combinations of transactions in the second list in order to obtain a match for a transaction in the first list.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method of managing assets for stabilizing anticipated periodic payments, allocating the assets to first and second pools; at periodic intervals, comparing the current value of the assets in the first pool to a present value of the remaining payments; and, when the current value is less the present value, reallocating a portion of the assets from the second pool to the first pool so that the first asset pool has a current value representing the present value. In another embodiment, a method for managing assets for stabilizing anticipated periodic payments includes allocating the assets into first and second pools; establishing a first payment amount; determining a first trigger value; assessing a current value of the assets; and reallocating assets from the second pool to the first pool to increase the first payment amount in response to the current value being greater than the first trigger value.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for enabling respondents at their computer systems to connect with a server computer over a network, such as the Internet, and receive an executable configuration program enabling each respondent to select for each of the features of a product one of multiple subfeature attributes or levels for that feature. Each of the subfeatures for each feature has a price value and the combination of selected subfeatures for the features of the product provides a total price value of the product. The total price value is displayed and updated as subfeatures for the features are selected by the respondent or the selection of subfeatures are changed by the respondent.

Abstract: A technique for identifying a consumer's electronic billers in which the consumer does not identify billers is provided. The consumer transmits, from a consumer station, a request for a service provider to identify his or her electronic billers. This request includes information identifying the consumer, but excludes any information identifying any biller. In response to the transmitted request, the consumer receives, at the consumer station, a listing of one or more electronic billers of the consumer. That is, these are electronic billers with which the consumer has a relationship. Also, the consumer has not previously requested to the service provider to electronically present bills of any of the electronic billers included in the listing.