Question

If the economy is normal, Charleston Freight stock is expected to return 16.5 percent. If the economy falls into a recession, the stock's return is projected at a negative 11.6 percent. The probability of a normal economy is 80 percent while the probability of a recession is 20 percent. What is the variance of the returns on this stock?

A. 0.010346
B. 0.012634
C. 0.013420
D. 0.013927
E. 0.014315

Answer 1

option (B) 0.012634

Step-by-step explanation:

Data provided in the question:

Expected return Probability

16.5% 80%

-11.6% 20%

Now,

Mean return = ∑( Probability × Expected return )

= ( 0.8 × 16.5% ) + ( 0.2 × (-11.6%) )

= 13.2% - 2.32%

= 10.88%

Thus,

Variance = ∑(Probability × [ Expected return - Mean return ]² )

= 0.8 × ( 16.5% - 10.88% )² + 0.2 × ( -11.6% - 10.88% )²

= 0.8 × ( 5.62% )² + 0.2 × (-22.48%)²

= 0.8 × 0.0562² + 0.2 × 0.2248²

= 0.002526752 + 0.010107008

= 0.01263376 ≈ 0.012634

Hence,

The correct answer is option (B) 0.012634