Is There a Positive Correlation Between Risk and Return? (2024)

Yes, there is a positive correlation (a relationship between two variables in which both move in the same direction) between risk and return—with one important caveat. There is no guarantee that taking greater risk results in a greater return. Rather, taking greater risk may result in the loss of a larger amount of capital.

A more correct statement may be that there is a positive correlation between the amount of risk and the potential for return. Generally, a lower risk investment has a lower potential for profit. A higher risk investment has a higher potential for profit but also a potential for a greater loss.

key takeaways

  • A positive correlation exists between risk and return: the greater the risk, the higher the potential for profit or loss.
  • Using the risk-reward tradeoff principle, low levels of uncertainty (risk) are associated with low returns and high levels of uncertainty with high returns.
  • An investor needs to understand his individual risk tolerance when constructing a portfolio.

Risk and Investments

The risk associated with investments can be thought of as lying along a spectrum. On the low-risk end, there are short-term government bonds with low yields. The middle of the spectrum may contain investments such as rental property or high-yield debt. On the high-risk end of the spectrum are equity investments, futures and commodity contracts, including options.

Investments with different levels of risk are often placed together in a portfolio to maximize returns while minimizing the possibility of volatility and loss. Modern portfolio theory (MPT) uses statistical techniques to determine an efficient frontier that results in the lowest risk for a given rate of return. Using the concepts of this theory, assets are combined in a portfolio based on statistical measurements such as standard deviation and correlation.

The Risk-Return Tradeoff

The correlation between the hazards one runs in investing and the performance of investments is known as the risk-return tradeoff. The risk-return tradeoff states the higher the risk, the higher the reward—and vice versa. Using this principle, low levels of uncertainty (risk) are associated with low potential returns and high levels of uncertainty with high potential returns. According to the risk-return tradeoff, invested money can render higher profits only if the investor willaccept a higher possibility of losses.

Investors consider the risk-return tradeoff as one of the essential components of decision-making. They also use it to assess their portfolios as a whole.

Risk Tolerance

An investor needs to understand his individual risk tolerance when constructing a portfolio of assets. Risk tolerance varies among investors. Factors that impact risk tolerance may include:

  • the amount of time remaining until retirement
  • the size of the portfolio
  • future earnings potential
  • ability to replace lost funds
  • the presence of other types of assets: equity in a home, a pension plan, an insurance policy

Managing Risk and Return

Formulas, strategies, and algorithms abound that are dedicated to analyzing and attempting to quantify the relationship between risk and return.

Roy's safety-first criterion, also known as the SFRatio, is an approach to investment decisions that sets a minimum required return for a given level ofrisk.Its formula provides a probability of getting aminimum-required returnon a portfolio; an investor's optimal decision is to choose the portfolio with the highest SFRatio.

Another popular measure is theSharpe ratio. This calculation compares an asset's, fund's, or portfolio's return to the performance of a risk-free investment, most commonly the three-month U.S. Treasury bill. The greater the Sharpe ratio, the better the risk-adjusted performance.

Is There a Positive Correlation Between Risk and Return? (2024)

FAQs

Is There a Positive Correlation Between Risk and Return? ›

A positive correlation exists between risk and return

risk and return
Risk-return tradeoff states that the potential return rises with an increase in risk. Using this principle, individuals associate low levels of uncertainty with low potential returns, and high levels of uncertainty or risk with high potential returns.
https://www.investopedia.com › terms › riskreturntradeoff
: the greater the risk, the higher the potential for profit or loss. Using the risk-reward tradeoff principle, low levels of uncertainty (risk) are associated with low returns and high levels of uncertainty with high returns.

Does risk and return have a positive correlation? ›

Relationship between risk and returns

Generally, the higher the level of investment risk, the higher the potential return and the greater danger of things going wrong. Think about it – why is somebody paying you more for your money? It's because there's more chance they won't be able to pay it back.

Is there a relationship between risk and return? ›

Risk-return tradeoff states that the potential return rises with an increase in risk. Using this principle, individuals associate low levels of uncertainty with low potential returns, and high levels of uncertainty or risk with high potential returns.

What is the relationship between risk and expected return ____________? ›

What is the relationship between risk and return? The higher the risk, the higher the expected return.

What is the relationship between risk and return Quizlet? ›

there is a positive relationship between risk and return. the more risk an investor is willing to accept, the higher the expected return must be.

How do I know if my correlation is positive or negative? ›

How can you tell by inspection the type of correlation? If the graph of the variables represent a line with positive slope, then there is a positive correlation (x increases as y increases). If the slope of the line is negative, then there is a negative correlation (as x increases y decreases).

What is the degree of correlation between risk and return? ›

Answer: The relationship between risk and return is directly proportional. Higher risks give higher returns and vice versa. But, sometimes, this equation may not work due to financial issues. Investment companies cannot profit due to debt to the investor.

Do risk and return have an inverse relationship? ›

When it comes to the world of investing, a fundamental principle governs the choices and strategies of every investor—the risk-return tradeoff. This principle unveils the interplay between investment risk and investment return, revealing an inverse correlation that is central to prudent wealth management.

How do you compare risk and return? ›

The concept of risk and return makes reference to the possible economic loss or gain from investing in securities. A gain made by an investor is referred to as a return on their investment. Conversely, the risk signifies the chance or odds that the investor is going to lose money.

Which of the following is true about risk and return? ›

Answer and Explanation:

A central implication from modern portfolio theory is that risk and returns are positively correlated. That is, riskier assets on average demand a higher return.

How is risk related to expected returns? ›

The higher the risk an investor is willing to take, the higher the potential return they can expect on their investment.

What is the relationship between risk and return multiple choice questions? ›

Answer and Explanation:

Option b is correct because there is a direct relationship exist between the risk and return which states that the higher the risk, the higher is the return, and the lower the profit lower is the return.

What is the relationship between risk and return in CAPM? ›

The Capital Asset Pricing Model (CAPM) is a model that describes the relationship between the expected return and risk of investing in a security. It shows that the expected return on a security is equal to the risk-free return plus a risk premium, which is based on the beta of that security.

Is there a positive relationship between risk and return? ›

A positive correlation exists between risk and return: the greater the risk, the higher the potential for profit or loss.

What is the relationship between risk and return quizizz? ›

Risk is about how uncertain your returns could be. Risk is about how much money you can lose. A risky asset is more likely to deliver higher return than a less risky asset.

What is the relationship between risk and return Wikipedia? ›

The risk–return spectrum (also called the risk–return tradeoff or risk–reward) is the relationship between the amount of return gained on an investment and the amount of risk undertaken in that investment. The more return sought, the more risk that must be undertaken.

What shows a positive correlation? ›

A positive correlation indicates that there is a direct relationship between two variables, with both variables moving in the same direction (e.g., when one variable increases, the other does as well).

What is covariance and correlation in risk and return? ›

The covariance measures how much two securities' returns move together. The correlation coefficient has the individual standard deviation effects removed. Correlation ranges between -1 and +1. The correlation shows the degree to which securities' returns are linearly related.

Is risk both positive and negative? ›

A negative risk is a threat, and when it occurs, it becomes an issue. However, a risk can be positive by providing an opportunity for your project and organization. This is critical to consider when registering your risks.

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