What is often a characteristic of high-risk investments?

High-risk investments are typically associated with the potential for high returns. This characteristic stems from the nature of risk and reward in investing; the more risk an investor takes on, the greater the potential for significant rewards. High-risk investments often include assets such as stocks in emerging markets, startups, or speculative ventures, where the uncertainty can lead to large gains if successful.

In contrast, investments that offer predictable income and stable price levels, such as bonds or dividend-paying stocks, are generally considered lower risk. Similarly, minimal volatility is a hallmark of conservative investments where price changes are relatively small and predictable. Therefore, the potential for high returns differentiates high-risk investments from more conservative approaches and reflects the investor's willingness to accept uncertainty for the chance of substantial gains.