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Expected Rate Of Return Calculator

Expected Rate of Return Formula:

\[ ERR = \sum (Probability \times Return) \]

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1. What is Expected Rate of Return?

The Expected Rate of Return (ERR) is a statistical measure that calculates the average of a probability distribution of possible returns. It represents the mean value of the possible outcomes weighted by their respective probabilities.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Expected Rate of Return formula:

\[ ERR = \sum (Probability \times Return) \]

Where:

Explanation: The formula multiplies each possible return by its probability of occurrence and sums all these values to get the expected return.

3. Importance of ERR Calculation

Details: Expected Rate of Return is crucial for investment analysis, portfolio management, and risk assessment. It helps investors make informed decisions by quantifying the average return they can expect from an investment considering various possible outcomes.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter probabilities and returns as percentages. You can separate values by commas or new lines. Ensure the number of probabilities matches the number of returns. The sum of probabilities should ideally equal 100% for accurate results.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the difference between ERR and actual return?
A: ERR is a statistical expectation based on probabilities, while actual return is the realized return. ERR helps in forecasting, but actual returns may vary.

Q2: Can probabilities exceed 100% in total?
A: No, the sum of all probabilities should equal 100% for a proper probability distribution. The calculator will show the total probability entered.

Q3: How should I interpret a negative ERR?
A: A negative ERR indicates an expected loss on average. This suggests the investment may not be favorable based on the given probabilities and returns.

Q4: What are typical ERR values for different investments?
A: ERR varies by asset class. Stocks typically have higher ERR (5-10%) than bonds (2-5%), but with higher risk and variability.

Q5: Can I use this for portfolio analysis?
A: Yes, ERR is fundamental to Modern Portfolio Theory and helps in constructing efficient portfolios by evaluating expected returns of different assets.

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