12.8 a These quantitative data are of different magnitudes. Therefore, the most appropriate technique to compare these data is index numbers. The index numbers for the two companies are: EJ Investment Holdings AE Financial Services Price 6 months ago 100 100.0 Price 4 months ago 120 104.4 Price 2 months ago 130 112.1 Current price 140 117.5 b The price of AE Financial Services’ shares has increased by €103 compared with an increase of €4 for EJ Investment Holdings’ share price. However, the proportional increase in prices has been greatest for EJ Investment Holdings. Using six months ago as the base period (with a base index number of 100), the index for EJ Investment Holdings’ share price is now 140 while the index for AE Financial Services’ share price is 117.5.