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Answer: Asset A is riskier than asset B.
## Explanation Kurtosis measures the "tailedness" of a probability distribution - specifically, it indicates the presence and frequency of extreme values (outliers) in the data. ### Key Points: - **Higher kurtosis** indicates a distribution with **fatter tails**, meaning there's a higher probability of extreme values occurring - Since both assets have the same mean, variance, and skewness, the only difference is in kurtosis - Asset A having **higher kurtosis** means it has **more extreme returns** (both positive and negative) than Asset B - In financial risk management, **extreme negative returns** represent significant risk - Therefore, Asset A is **riskier** because it has a higher likelihood of experiencing extreme losses ### Why other options are incorrect: - **B**: Incorrect - Asset B has lower kurtosis, meaning fewer extreme returns and thus lower risk - **C**: Incorrect - Mean returns are the same for both assets, and kurtosis doesn't indicate profitability - **D**: Incorrect - Mean returns are the same, and kurtosis doesn't predict long-term negative returns **Conclusion**: Higher kurtosis = higher tail risk = higher overall risk, making Asset A the riskier investment.
Author: Tanishq Prabhu
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Mary Noel, FRM, is tasked with analyzing the returns of two different assets – A and B. She finds that the two assets have the same mean, variance, and skewness, but A has a higher kurtosis than B. Which of the following statements is most likely true?
A
Asset A is riskier than asset B.
B
Asset B is riskier than asset A.
C
Both assets are highly profitable.
D
Assets A and B will earn negative returns in the long term.