Abstract: In certain embodiments, a computer-implemented method of comparing financial parameters includes providing a first value representing at least a first financial parameter, providing a second value representing at least a second financial parameter, and calculating in a computer a ratio index comprising a time sequence of the ratio of the first value to the second value. In some embodiments, the method further includes creating a financial instrument, wherein the price of the financial instrument is based at least in part on the ratio index. In one embodiment, the financial instrument is an asset-liability derivative having an underlying comprising the ratio index.