What is the general relationship between risk and return in investments?

The relationship between risk and return is a fundamental concept in investment practice. The principle states that, generally, as the level of risk increases, the potential for higher returns also increases. This is because investors require a premium or compensation for taking on additional risk.

Higher-risk investments, such as stocks or cryptocurrencies, might offer the potential for substantial returns compared to lower-risk investments like government bonds or savings accounts, which typically yield lower returns. This is because investors are attracted to the possibility of significant gains and are willing to accept the possibility of loss. This risk-return trade-off is central to portfolio management, asset allocation, and investment strategy formation.

In contrast, other choices suggest meanings that are inconsistent with established investment principles. For instance, the assertion that lower risk guarantees higher returns fails to recognize that lower-risk investments generally offer lower returns as they do not require compensating investors for taking on significant risk. Similarly, the idea that higher returns do not require risk overlooks the fundamental principle that potential returns are often accompanied by increased risk. Lastly, the notion that risk should be avoided in all investments ignores the reality that risk is inherent in investing and can be strategically managed to achieve desirable returns.