Which of the following statements about beta is correct?
A)Firms with greater systematic risk volatilities than the market have betas that are less than 1.0, and firms with smaller systematic risk volatilities than the market have betas that are greater than 1.0.
B)Firms with greater systematic risk volatilities than the market have betas that are greater than 1.0, and firms with smaller systematic risk volatilities than the market have betas that are less than 1.0.
C)Firms with greater systematic risk volatilities than the market have betas that are less than zero, and firms with smaller systematic risk volatilities than the market have betas that are greater than zero.
D)Firms with greater unsystematic risk volatilities than the market have betas that are less than 1.0, and firms with smaller unsystematic risk volatilities than the market have betas that are greater than 1.0.
E)Firms with greater unsystematic risk volatilities than the market have betas that are greater than 1.0, and firms with smaller unsystematic risk volatilities than the market have betas that are less than 1.0.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Beta measures the systematic risk of an asset in relation to the market. The market has a beta of 1.0, so firms with greater systematic risk volatilities than the market have betas that are greater than 1.0, and firms with smaller systematic risk volatilities than the market have betas that are less than 1.0. Therefore, option B is correct. Options A, C, D, and E are incorrect.

Which of the Following Statements About Beta Is Correct