Empirical Probability

Dictionary Says

Definition of 'Empirical Probability'

A form of probability that is based on some event occurring, which is calculated using collected empirical evidence. An empirical probability is closely related to the relative frequency in a given probability distribution.
Investopedia Says

Investopedia explains 'Empirical Probability'

In order for a theory to be proved or disproved, empirical evidence must be collected. An empirical study will be performed using actual market data. For example, many empirical studies have been conducted on the capital asset pricing model (CAPM), and the results are slightly mixed.

In some analyses, the model does hold in real world situations, but most studies have disproved the model for projecting returns. Although the model is not completely valid, that is not to say there is no utility associated with using the CAPM. For instance, the CAPM is often used to estimate a company's weighted average cost of capital.

Sign Up For Term of the Day!

Try Our Stock Simulator!

Test your trading skills!

Related Definitions

  1. A Priori Probability

    Probability ...
  2. Beta

    A measure of the ...
  3. Capital Asset Pricing Model - CAPM

    A model that ...
  4. Probability Distribution

    A statistical ...
  5. Modern Portfolio Theory - MPT

    A theory on how ...
  6. Mutual Fund Theorem

    An investing ...
  7. Boom

    A period of time ...
  8. Industry

    A classification ...
  9. Prisoner's Dilemma

    A paradox in ...
  10. Price Risk

    The risk of a ...

Articles Of Interest

  1. Find The Right Fit With Probability Distributions

    Discover a few of the most popular probability distributions and how to calculate them.
  2. The Capital Asset Pricing Model: An Overview

    CAPM helps you determine what return you deserve for putting your money at risk.
  3. Beta: Know The Risk

    Beta says something about price risk, but how much does it say about fundamental risk factors? Find out here.
  4. An Introduction To Value at Risk (VAR)

    Volatility is not the only way to measure risk. Learn about the "new science of risk management".
  5. Should You Invest Your Entire Portfolio In Stocks?

    It is true that stocks outperform bonds and cash in the long run, but that statistic doesn't tell the whole story.
  6. The Uses And Limits Of Volatility

    Check out how the assumptions of theoretical risk models compare to actual market performance.
  7. Risk Tolerance Only Tells Half The Story

    Just because you're willing to accept a risk, doesn't mean you always should.
  8. 5 Tips For Diversifying Your Portfolio

    A diversified portfolio will protect you in a tough market. Get some solid tips here!
  9. Invest Like A Pro

    By following the strategies of the pros, even a beginner can learn to invest like an expert.
  10. 5 Nobel Prize-Winning Economic Theories You Should Know About

    Here are 5 prize-winning economic theories that you’ll want to be familiar with.

comments powered by Disqus
Recommended
Loading, please wait...
Trading Center