Investment returns and risk premiums | FNCE 3001 – Financial Management | Walden University

  

How do you feel about the following statement: “Avoiding risks is the biggest risk of all”? That statement may seem contradictory at first, but it makes more sense if you apply the concept to various situations in life and business. For example, many people pursue a college degree because they feel it will increase their job prospects and earning potential. This can turn out to be true but is not a guarantee. Others may find this path too risky and prefer to enter the job market right away. Although the first group of people take the risk of their college degree paying off in the long run, the second group are also taking the risk of limiting their potential for the future. Similarly, the nature of entrepreneurship is built upon the risk of investing time and money into something that could potentially fail. Even established businesses could become outdated or be outperformed if they stop taking certain risks. Just as the concept of risk can apply in a general sense, it also applies to investments that individuals and businesses make. Calculated investment risks are not always guaranteed to pay off, but a zero-risk approach may not be as safe as it sounds either.