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Different investors have different risk tolerances. Much of the difference stems from the time horizon. That is, someone with a short investment time horizon is less able to withstand losses. The remainder of the difference is attributable to the individual’s appetite for risk. Volatility can be nerve-wracking for many people and they are more comfortable when they can avoid it. However, there is a definite relationship between risk and return. Investors need to recognize this risk/return trade-off. The following risk tolerance questionnaire has been designed to measure an individual’s ability (time horizon) and willingness (risk tolerance) to accept uncertainties in their investment’s performance. The total score recommends which of the five risk profiles is most appropriate for the investor. |
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| Time Horizon |
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| 1. When do you expect to begin withdrawing money from your investment account? |
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| 2. Once you begin withdrawing money from your investment account, how long do you expect the withdrawals to last? |
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3. Inflation, the rise in prices over time, can erode your investment return. Long-term investors should be aware that, if portfolio returns are less than the inflation rate. their ability to purchase goods and services in the future might actually decline. However, portfolios with long-term returns that significantly exceed inflation are associated with a high-degree of risk.
Which of the following portfolios is most consistent with your investment philosophy? |
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4. Portfolios with the highest average returns also tend to have the highest chance of short-term losses. The table below provides the average dollar return of four hypothetical investments of $100,000 and the possibility of losing money (ending value of less than $100,000) over a one-year holding period. Please select the portfolio with which you are most comfortable. |
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Probabilities After
One Year |
Possible Average
Dollar Return |
Chances of
Losing Money |
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$106,000 |
16% |
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$107,000 |
21% |
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$108,000 |
25% |
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$109,000 |
28% |
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5. Investing involves a trade-off between risk and return. Historically, investors who have received high long-term average returns have experienced greater fluctuations in the value of their portfolio and more frequent short-term losses than have investors in more conservative investments.
Considering the above, which statement best describes your investment goals? |
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6. Historically markets have experienced downturn, both short-term and prolonged, followed by market recoveries. Suppose you owned a well-diversified portfolio that fell by 20% (i.e. $1,000 initial investment would now be worth $800) over a short period, consistent with the overall market.
Assuming you still have 10 years until you begin withdrawals, how would
you react? |
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7. Portfolios with the highest average returns also tend to have the highest chance of short-term losses. The table below provides the average dollar return of four hypothetical investments of $100,000 and the possibility of losing money (ending value of less than $100,000) over a one-year holding period. Please select the portfolio with which you are most comfortable.
Which of these portfolios would you prefer to hold?
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| 8. I am comfortable with investments that may frequently experience large declines in value if there is potential for higher returns. |
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