1. Statistical measures of stand-alone risk Remember, the expected value of a probability distribution is a statistical measure of the average (mean) value expected to occur during all possible circumstances. To compute an asset's expected return under a range of possible circumstances (or states of nature), multiply the anticipated return expected to result during each state of nature by its probability of occurrence. Consider the following case: James owns a two-stock portfolio that invests in Happy Dog Soap Company (HDS) and Black Sheep Broadcasting (BSB). Three-quarters of James's portfolio value consists of HDS's shares, and the balance consists of BSB's shares. Each stock's expected return for the next year will depend on forecasted market conditions. The expected returns from the stocks in different market conditions are detailed in the following table: Market Condition Probability of Occurrence Strong Normal 0.25 Happy Dog Soap 10% Black Sheep Broadcasting 14% 0.45 6% Weak 0.30 -8% 8% -10% Calculate expected returns for the individual stocks in James's portfolio as well as the expected rate of return of the entire portfolio over the three possible market conditions next year. The expected rate of return on Happy Dog Soap's stock over the next year is 3.36 The expected rate of return on Black Sheep Broadcasting's stock over the next year is 4.63% The expected rate of return on James's portfolio over the next year is 2.65% The expected returns for James's portfolio were calculated based on three possible conditions in the market. Such conditions will vary from time to time, and for each condition there will be a specific outcome. These probabilities and outcomes can be represented in the form of a continuous probability distribution graph.