The composition of the AEX-index appears to change often.
For example, during the time between 01/01/2001-04/05/2004, the index has changed 17 times.
We used the data between 02/01/2001-02/03/2004 as training data for finding the optimal tracking portfolio.
We tested the tracking portfolio found out of sample using the data from the period
03/03/2004-03/03/2005.
We used the composition of the index on 02/03/2004 to determine the benchmark weights
(for precise information on the benchmark weights used,we again refer to [1]).
The covariance matrix is calculated using daily stock quotes between 02/01/2001-02/03/2004(calculation details are given below).
All quotes are obtained by using DATASTREAM (http://www.datastream.net/) and are adjusted for stock splits, dividends etc.