Range of corr(y,z) when both correlate 0.8 with x
Question
Three random variables are such that has correlation with and also correlation with . Find the maximum and the minimum possible value of the correlation between and .
Short answer
Between and . Think of standardised variables as unit vectors with correlation as the cosine of the angle. Each of is at angle from , so their angle lies in and the correlation in . The PSD condition on the correlation matrix gives the same: .
Adapted from Zhou, A Practical Guide to Quantitative Finance Interviews, sec. 3.6 Linear Algebra, 'Vectors and correlation', p.49; question and answer rewritten by SelfMadeQuant.com.
See the hint and the full worked solution in the question bank (free account).
Open the worked solutionLessons behind this question
- Positive (Semi-)Definite Matrices: Equivalent Characterisations
- Covariance and Correlation
- Matrix Algebra: Operations, Rules, and the Transpose
Start with a free lesson: Expectation, Variance and Covariance is part of a free topic. Create a free account, no card needed, to read it in full with worked solutions.
Read it free