An investor will choose between Asset Q with an expected return of 6.5% and a standard deviation of 5.5%, Asset U with an expected return of 8.8% and a standard deviation of 5.5%, and Asset B with an expected return of 8.8% and a standard deviation of 6.5%. Which one should the investor prefer?A. Asset B B. Cannot be determined C. Asset Q D. Asset U

The investor will prefer asset U. So the correct answer is option D

Explanation:

To choose between these stocks, we will calculate the coefficient of variation (CV) which is used to assess the risk per unit of expected return. As most people are risk averse, we assume that the investor is risk averse. We will calculate the CV for all three investments and the stock having lowest CV will be selected.

Coefficient of Variation (CV)

Coefficient of Variation =  standard deviation / expected return

Asset Q = 5.5% / 6.5% = 0.846

Asset U = 5.5% / 8.8% = 0.625

Asset B = 6.5% / 8.8% = 0.738

Thus, asset U has the lowest CV and the investor =, being a risk averse, will prefer asset U.