Ashley Bethea
FINC311.D1
Chapter 8 Review
7/29/23
Chapter 8 Review Questions
8-1 In the context of financial decision making, risk refers to the uncertainty or potential variability in the
outcomes of an investment or financial decision. It represents the possibility of losing some or all the
invested capital or not achieving the desired returns. Risk arises from various factors, including market
volatility, economic conditions, industry dynamics, regulatory changes, and company-specific factors.
8-2 Return refers to the profit or loss generated from an investment over a specific period, usually
expressed as a percentage. It represents the overall performance of an investment and indicates the gain
or loss relative to the initial investment amount. To find the total rate of return on investment, you need
to consider both capital appreciation (or depreciation) and any income generated by the investment,
such as dividends or interest.
8-3 Risk preferences refer to an individual's attitude or inclination towards taking risks in various
situations, including financial decision-making. Let's compare the three risk preferences you mentioned:
risk averse, risk neutral, and risk seeking.
Risk-averse: Someone who prefers to avoid or reduce risks wherever it's possible is said to be risk-averse.
Typically, they are more worried about prospective losses than rewards. Risk-averse people frequently
prioritize protecting their money and choose safer, more cautious investment tactics. They are ready to
settle for fewer returns in exchange for more stability and stability.
Risk Neutral: People who are risk-neutral don't have any preferences when it comes to taking risks. They
don't consider the level of risk involved when evaluating investment options; they only look at potential
returns. They are unconcerned with varying risk levels and simply concern themselves with maximizing
the anticipated result.
Risk Seeking: People who actively seek out opportunities with higher levels of risk are referred to as risk
lovers or risk enthusiasts. They are driven by the possibility of receiving significant returns and are
prepared to put up with increased apprehension and volatility in their investments.
Risk avoidance is the most prevalent risk preference among financial managers. Financial managers have
a fiduciary duty to handle their shareholders' or clients' money with care and caution. They prioritize
protecting capital and work to limit potential losses. This strategy is in line with a risk-averse mentality
that emphasizes reducing risk exposure and looking for more conservative investment options. It's
crucial to keep in mind that people's risk preferences can vary, and some financial managers may display
risk-neutral or risk-seeking tendencies depending on their personal preferences, the nature of their
employment, or the goals of their investments.
Risk aversion refers to a preference for minimizing risks and prioritizing capital preservation, while risk
tolerance represents the level of risk an individual is willing to accept in pursuit of potential rewards.
Risk-averse individuals focus on avoiding losses and opt for safer, conservative investment strategies. Risk
tolerance reflects an individual's ability and willingness to withstand uncertainty, volatility, and potential
losses in pursuit of higher returns. Both factors are important in shaping investment decisions and
overall risk management approaches.