Economic Indicators and Portfolio Theory Flashcards

What is the 'efficient frontier' in portfolio theory?

Answer: The set of optimal portfolios that offer the highest expected return for each given level of risk, or the lowest risk for each given level of return

The efficient frontier is a graphical representation of the set of portfolios that maximise expected return for a given level of risk. Portfolios on the frontier are considered 'efficient'; those below it are suboptimal because a better risk-return combination is available.

What is 'correlation' in the context of portfolio construction?

Answer: A statistical measure of how two assets move in relation to each other, ranging from -1 (perfectly negatively correlated) to +1 (perfectly positively correlated)

Correlation measures the degree to which two assets move together. Assets with low or negative correlation provide the greatest diversification benefit — when one falls, the other may rise, reducing overall portfolio volatility. Correlation ranges from -1 to +1.

What is a 'benchmark' in the context of investment management?

Answer: A reference index or target against which the performance of an investment portfolio or fund is measured

A benchmark is a standard (typically a market index such as the FTSE All-Share) against which a fund manager's performance is compared. It helps investors assess whether the manager has added value relative to simply tracking the market.

What is 'beta' as a measure of investment risk?

Answer: A measure of a security's volatility relative to the overall market. A beta of 1.0 means the security moves in line with the market; above 1.0 means more volatile; below 1.0 means less volatile

Beta measures a security's sensitivity to market movements. A beta of 1.2 means the security is expected to move 20% more than the market (up or down). Beta above 1 indicates higher market sensitivity; beta below 1 indicates lower sensitivity.

What is the 'risk-free rate' and why is it used in investment analysis?

Answer: The theoretical return of an investment with zero risk, typically approximated by the yield on short-term UK gilts, used as a baseline against which riskier investments are compared

The risk-free rate is the theoretical minimum return an investor should accept, with no risk of financial loss. Short-term UK gilts are typically used as a proxy. Riskier assets are expected to generate a return above the risk-free rate — this additional return is the 'risk premium'.

What are UK ISAs (Individual Savings Accounts) and what is the main tax advantage they provide?

Answer: ISAs are tax-efficient savings and investment accounts where returns (income and capital gains) are free of UK tax within the ISA wrapper, and withdrawals are tax-free

ISAs allow UK residents to save or invest up to the annual ISA allowance (£20,000 in 2025/26) in a tax-free wrapper. All income (dividends, interest) and capital gains within the ISA are exempt from UK income tax and capital gains tax. Withdrawals are also completely tax-free.