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Should one look at absolute returns or risk-adjusted returns?

This is why risk-adjusted returns matter far more than absolute returns, as they reveal how efficiently gains are achieved relative to the risks taken.

February 14, 2025 / 10:24 IST
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Absolute returns tell you how much money an investment made or lost, without considering the risks involved.

It is a common conception that higher risk leads to higher returns. However, the real skill in investing lies in maximizing returns while keeping risk to a minimum—a principle that distinguishes smart investing from mere speculation.

Absolute returns tell you how much money an investment made or lost, without considering the risks involved. For example, if you invest Rs 1 lakh and it grows to Rs 1.2 lakh, your absolute return is 20%.

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But what if that investment was extremely risky, with wild ups and downs along the way? You might have faced big losses before reaching that 20% gain.

Risk-adjusted returns help you understand whether the returns were worth the risk. A safer investment that gives a steady 15% return might actually be better than a highly volatile one that gives 20% but with huge ups and downs.