Risk-Return Tradeoff

What does it Mean? The principle that potential return rises with an increase in risk. Low levels of uncertainty (low risk) are associated with low potential returns, whereas high levels of uncertainty (high risk) are associated with high potential returns. According to the risk-return tradeoff, invested money can render higher profits only if it is subject to the possibility of being lost. 
Investopedia Says... Because of the risk-return tradeoff, you must be aware of your personal risk tolerance when choosing investments for your portfolio. Taking on some risk is the price of achieving returns; therefore, if you want to make money, you can't cut out all risk. The goal instead is to find an appropriate balance - one that generates some profit, but still allows you to sleep at night.

Terms Related Links

Casino Finance
Coefficient Of Variation
Eat Well, Sleep Well
Equity Risk Premium
Modern Portfolio Theory - MPT
Return
Risk Discount
Risk Tolerance
Risk-Adjusted Return
Speculative Risk

Terms Related Links
Risk and Diversification: The Risk-Reward Tradeoff - The level of risk you take on is positively correlated to your potential returns. Read more here.

Determining Risk And The Risk Pyramid - Many investors do not understand how to determine the level of risk their individual portfolios should bear.

Modern Portfolio Theory: An Overview - See why investors today still follow this set of principles to reduce risk and increase returns through diversification.

The Capital Asset Pricing Model: An Overview - CAPM helps you determine what return you deserve for putting your money at risk.

Financial Concepts: The Risk/Return Tradeoff - Find out your acceptable level of risk versus reward.

Why Stocks Outperform Bonds - Why have stocks historically produced higher returns than bonds? It's all a matter of risk.

Achieving Optimal Asset Allocation - Minimizing risk while maximizing return is any investor's prime goal, and the right mix of securities is the key.




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