Risk means, in today's language, the probability of something bad happening or an unfortunate outcome. Risk in finance, however, is defined as the variance of the probability distribution of returns. a.) Why do these definitions seem contradictory? b.) Reconcile the two ideas.

Intermediate Financial Management (MindTap Course List)
13th Edition
ISBN:9781337395083
Author:Eugene F. Brigham, Phillip R. Daves
Publisher:Eugene F. Brigham, Phillip R. Daves
Chapter2: Risk And Return: Part I
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Risk means, in today's language, the probability of something bad happening or an unfortunate outcome. Risk in finance, however, is defined as the variance of the probability distribution of returns.

a.) Why do these definitions seem contradictory?

b.) Reconcile the two ideas.

 

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