1
Portfolio ManagementModule 1 of 3

Portfolio Risk and Return: Part I

6

Concepts

4

Formulas

1

Decisions

3

Quiz Questions

Key Concepts

6 concepts covered in this module.

Risk-Return Tradeoff

Higher expected return requires accepting higher risk. Historical data: stocks > bonds > T-bills in return and risk.

Utility Theory

U = E(R) - ½Aσ². Risk-averse investors (A>0) require compensation for bearing risk. Indifference curves slope upward.

Efficient Frontier

Set of portfolios offering maximum return for each level of risk. Rational investors choose portfolios ON the frontier.

Minimum Variance Portfolio

Portfolio with lowest possible risk. Starting point of the efficient frontier.

Capital Allocation Line (CAL)

Line from risk-free rate tangent to efficient frontier. Slope = Sharpe ratio. Optimal risky portfolio at tangent point.

Two-Fund Separation

All investors hold the same optimal risky portfolio; they differ only in allocation between it and the risk-free asset.

Formulas

4 essential formulas for this module.

Utility Function

U = E(R) - ½ × A × σ²

Where: A = risk aversion coefficient (A>0 for risk-averse)

CAL Equation

E(RC) = Rf + [(E(RP) - Rf)/σP] × σC

Where: Slope = Sharpe ratio of optimal portfolio

Sharpe Ratio

Sharpe = [E(RP) - Rf] / σP

Where: Excess return per unit of total risk

Portfolio Risk (2 assets)

σ²p = w²Aσ²A + w²Bσ²B + 2wAwBρσAσB

Where: Diversification benefit when ρ < 1

Decision Frameworks

1 decision frameworks to guide your analysis.

How does risk aversion affect portfolio choice?

  • More risk-averse (higher A): more allocation to risk-free asset, less to risky portfolio
  • Less risk-averse (lower A): more in risky portfolio, may use leverage

Mind Map

Visual overview of how concepts connect in this module.

Portfolio Risk & Return I
Risk Concepts
Risk-return tradeoff
Risk aversion
Utility function
Indifference curves
Portfolio Theory
Efficient frontier
Minimum variance portfolio
Diversification effect
Correlation matters
CAL & Optimal
Risk-free + risky
Sharpe ratio = slope
Two-fund separation
Tangent portfolio

Study Portfolio Risk and Return: Part I

This module has 11 flashcards and 3 quiz questions to test your knowledge.

Open the study dashboard to access interactive flashcards, timed quizzes, and track your progress.

Open Study Dashboard

No signup required. Create an account anytime to save progress.