Expected Return Calculator
Compute the probability-weighted expected return, variance, and standard deviation across three economic scenarios (bull, base, bear).
Results
What is it?
The expected return calculator uses probability-weighted scenarios to estimate the mean return of an investment and measure its risk through variance and standard deviation. It is a fundamental tool in portfolio analysis and risk assessment.
How to use
Define three scenarios (bull, base, bear) with their probabilities and expected returns. Probabilities should ideally sum to 100%. The calculator computes the expected return, variance, and standard deviation.
Example scenario
Bull: 30% probability, +25% return. Base: 50% probability, +10% return. Bear: 20% probability, รขหโ15% return. Expected return = (30รโ25 + 50รโ10 + 20รโ(รขหโ15)) / 100 = 9.5%. The standard deviation measures how spread out the outcomes are.
Pro tip
A higher standard deviation means more uncertainty. Use the coefficient of variation (std dev / expected return) to compare the risk-per-unit-of-return across different investments.