5. Problem 8.06 (Expected Returns)

eBook Problem Walk-Through
Stocks A and B have the following probability distributions of expected future returns:

Probability A B
0.1 (13 %) (39 %)
0.2 3 0
0.4 12 20
0.2 19 27
0.1 36 38
Calculate the expected rate of return, , for Stock B ( = 11.50%.) Do not round intermediate calculations. Round your answer to two decimal places.
%
Calculate the standard deviation of expected returns, σA, for Stock A (σB = 20.63%.) Do not round intermediate calculations. Round your answer to two decimal places.
%

Now calculate the coefficient of variation for Stock B. Do not round intermediate calculations. Round your answer to two decimal places.

Is it possible that most investors might regard Stock B as being less risky than Stock A?

If Stock B is more highly correlated with the market than A, then it might have a lower beta than Stock A, and hence be less risky in a portfolio sense.
If Stock B is more highly correlated with the market than A, then it might have the same beta as Stock A, and hence be just as risky in a portfolio sense.
If Stock B is less highly correlated with the market than A, then it might have a lower beta than Stock A, and hence be less risky in a portfolio sense.
If Stock B is less highly correlated with the market than A, then it might have a higher beta than Stock A, and hence be more risky in a portfolio sense.
If Stock B is more highly correlated with the market than A, then it might have a higher beta than Stock A, and hence be less risky in a portfolio sense.

Assume the risk-free rate is 3.5%. What are the Sharpe ratios for Stocks A and B? Do not round intermediate calculations. Round your answers to four decimal places.

Stock A:

Stock B:

Are these calculations consistent with the information obtained from the coefficient of variation calculations in Part b?

In a stand-alone risk sense A is more risky than B. If Stock B is less highly correlated with the market than A, then it might have a lower beta than Stock A, and hence be less risky in a portfolio sense.
In a stand-alone risk sense A is more risky than B. If Stock B is less highly correlated with the market than A, then it might have a higher beta than Stock A, and hence be more risky in a portfolio sense.
In a stand-alone risk sense A is less risky than B. If Stock B is more highly correlated with the market than A, then it might have the same beta as Stock A, and hence be just as risky in a portfolio sense.
In a stand-alone risk sense A is less risky than B. If Stock B is less highly correlated with the market than A, then it might have a lower beta than Stock A, and hence be less risky in a portfolio sense.
In a stand-alone risk sense A is less risky than B. If Stock B is less highly correlated with the market than A, then it might have a higher beta than Stock A, and hence be more risky in a portfolio sense.