Risk Tolerance

Dictionary Says

Definition of 'Risk Tolerance'

The degree of uncertainty that an investor can handle in regard to a negative change in the value of his or her portfolio.
Investopedia Says

Investopedia explains 'Risk Tolerance'

An investor's risk tolerance varies according to age, income requirements, financial goals, etc. For example, a 70-year-old retired widow will generally have a lower risk tolerance than a single 30-year-old executive, who generally has a longer time frame to make up for any losses she may incur on her portfolio.

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