FINANCE

Published on
KembaraXtra-Islamic Finance-Islamic Capital Market
Sharpe Ratio


Meaning of Sharpe Ratio
The Sharpe ratio is a measure used to evaluate how well an investment performs relative to the risk taken. It shows whether an investment’s returns are the result of good decision-making or simply the result of taking excessive risk.


How Sharpe Ratio Works
The Sharpe ratio compares the extra return earned by an investment over a risk-free return with the total risk of that investment. The risk-free return is usually represented by government securities such as treasury bills. Total risk is measured using standard deviation.


Sharpe Ratio Formula
Sharpe Ratio = (Portfolio Return − Risk-Free Return) ÷ Standard Deviation


Simple Example


  • Portfolio return = 12%
  • Risk-free return = 3%
  • Standard deviation = 6%




Sharpe ratio = (12% − 3%) ÷ 6% = 1.5


This means the investment earned 1.5 units of excess return for every unit of risk taken.


How to Interpret Sharpe Ratio
A higher Sharpe ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance. It means the investor is being well compensated for the risk taken. A lower Sharpe ratio suggests that returns are not sufficient for the level of risk assumed.


Why Sharpe Ratio Is Important
The Sharpe ratio helps investors compare different investments or portfolios, even if they have different risk levels. It is especially useful when choosing between portfolios that generate similar returns but carry different levels of volatility.


Key Point to Remember
Higher Sharpe ratio is better, as it reflects higher returns per unit of risk.


Picture
0 Comments