Q73 · UPSC Prelims 2023 · Set A · Economy

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In the context of finance, the term 'beta' refers to

A the process of simultaneous buying and selling of an asset from difference platforms.
B an investment strategy of a portfolio manager to balance risk versus reward.
C a type of systemic risk that arises where perfect hedging is not possible.
D a numeric value that measures the fluctuations of a stock to changes in the overall stock market.

Correct answer: (d) a numeric value that measures the fluctuations of a stock to changes in the overall stock market.

Explanation

  1. A

    the process of simultaneous buying and selling of an asset from difference platforms.

    Simultaneous buy and sell on different platforms. That is arbitrage.

  2. B

    an investment strategy of a portfolio manager to balance risk versus reward.

    Balancing risk and reward. That is portfolio management in general.

  3. C

    a type of systemic risk that arises where perfect hedging is not possible.

    Systemic risk when hedging is imperfect. That is basis / residual risk, not beta.

  4. D

    a numeric value that measures the fluctuations of a stock to changes in the overall stock market.

    A number that measures how much a stock moves with the market. Beta.

Summary. Official key is (d). Beta is the sensitivity of a security’s returns to market returns (CAPM). Arbitrage, a manager’s risk-reward style, and unhedgeable residual risk are other words.