Prepare for the QFA Investments Exam 1. Study with flashcards and multiple-choice questions with detailed explanations. Enhance your understanding and succeed on your exam!

Multiple Choice

Which statement about CAPM is true?

CAPM links an asset’s expected return to its systematic risk, measured by beta, using the formula E[R] = R_f + β(E[R_m] − R_f). Here R_f is the risk-free rate, E[R_m] is the market’s expected return, and (E[R_m] − R_f) is the market risk premium. This means higher beta — greater sensitivity to market movements — requires greater compensation above the risk-free rate. The statement is true because it exactly reflects this formula: the expected return equals the risk-free rate plus beta times the market risk premium. CAPM does not fit the other ideas: beta is central, a risk-free asset is assumed for lending/borrowing, and it does not use the dividend discount rate to estimate returns. For example, with R_f = 3%, market return 9% (market risk premium = 6%), and beta = 1.5, the expected return would be 3% + 1.5×6% = 12%.

CAPM links an asset’s expected return to its systematic risk, measured by beta, using the formula E[R] = R_f + β(E[R_m] − R_f). Here R_f is the risk-free rate, E[R_m] is the market’s expected return, and (E[R_m] − R_f) is the market risk premium. This means higher beta — greater sensitivity to market movements — requires greater compensation above the risk-free rate. The statement is true because it exactly reflects this formula: the expected return equals the risk-free rate plus beta times the market risk premium. CAPM does not fit the other ideas: beta is central, a risk-free asset is assumed for lending/borrowing, and it does not use the dividend discount rate to estimate returns. For example, with R_f = 3%, market return 9% (market risk premium = 6%), and beta = 1.5, the expected return would be 3% + 1.5×6% = 12%.