Textbook Problem

REAUZED RATES OF RETURN Stocks A and B have the following historical returns:

Year	Stock A’s Returns, rA	Stock B’s Returns, rB
2009	(18.00%)	(14.50%)
2010	33.00	21.80
2011	15.00	30.50
2012	(0.50)	(7.60)
2013	27.00	26.30

1. a. Calculate the average rate of return for each stock during the period 2009 through 2013.
2. b. Assume that someone held a portfolio consisting of 50% of Stock A and 50% of Stock B. What would the realized rate of return on the portfolio have been each year? What would the average return on the portfolio have been during this period?
3. c. Calculate the standard deviation of returns for each stock and for the portfolio.
4. d. Calculate the coefficient of variation for each stock and for the portfolio.
5. e. Assuming you arc a risk-averse investor, would you prefer to hold Stock A, Stock B, or the portfolio? Why?