Answer: 16.38%
Step-by-step explanation:
The weighted average return of the portfolio is calculated (as implied) by taking the weights of the different stocks and multiplying by their returns.
= (5,000/40,000 * 15%) + (15,000/40,000 * 8%) + (20,000/40,000 * 23%)
= 0.01875 + 0.03 + 0.115
= 0.16375
= 16.38%