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What is Beta?



Stephen L. Thomas
By Stephen L. Thomas | November 1, 2023 | In

Investors and analysts rely on a multitude of metrics to assess the risk and potential return of an investment. One such metric is beta, a measure of systematic risk that provides valuable insights into an asset’s volatility compared to the broader market. In this article, we will delve into the concept of beta and its significance in investment analysis. Beta is a financial metric that measures the volatility of an asset in relation to the overall market. It quantifies the sensitivity of an asset’s returns to fluctuations in the market’s performance. The beta coefficient is calculated by analyzing historical data and comparing the asset’s price movements to those of a benchmark index, such as the S&P 500. Beta values can be positive, negative, or zero. A beta greater than 1 indicates that the asset tends to be more volatile than the market, meaning it has the potential for larger price swings. A beta less than 1 suggests that the asset is less volatile than the market, indicating a lower risk profile. A beta of 1 means that the asset’s price movements closely mirror those of

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