A Highly Risk-Averse Investor Is Considering Adding One Additional Stock

question 80

Multiple Choice

A highly risk-averse investor is considering adding one additional stock to a three-stock portfolio, to form a four-stock portfolio. The three stocks currently held all have b = 1.0 and a perfect positive correlation with the market. Potential new Stocks A and B both have expected returns of 15%, and both are equally correlated with the market, with r = 0.75. However, Stock A's standard deviation of returns is 12% versus 8% for Stock B. Which stock should this investor add to his or her portfolio, or does the choice matter?

• A) either A or B, i.e., the investor should be indifferent between the two.
• B) Stock A.
• C) Stock B.
• D) neither A nor B, as neither has a return sufficient to compensate for risk.

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Definitions:

Closing Entries

Entries recorded at the conclusion of an accounting cycle to shift balances from temporary to permanent accounts.

Temporary Accounts

Accounts used to collect revenues, expenses, and withdrawals for a single accounting period, which are then closed and transferred to permanent accounts at period end.

Capital Balance

The portion of the equity section in a company's balance sheet that shows the net worth attributable to the owners or shareholders.

Adjusting Journal Entries

Entries made at the end of an accounting period to update the accounts and ensure accurate financial reporting.