2. Statistical measures of standalone 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: Joshua owns a two-stock portfolio that invests in Falcon Freight Company (FF) and Pheasant Pharmaceuticals (PP). Three-quarters of Joshua's portfolio value consists of FF's shares, and the balance consists of PP'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 Falcon Freight Pheasant Pharmaceuticals Strong 0.25 Normal 0.45 40% 56% 24% 32% Weak 0.30 -32% -40% Calculate expected returns for the individual stocks in Joshua'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 Falcon Freight's stock over the next year is . The expected rate of return on Pheasant Pharmaceuticals's stock over the next year is The expected rate of return on Joshua's portfolio over the next year is The expected returns for Joshua'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. For example, the continuous probability distributions of rates of return on stocks for two different companies are shown on the following graph: PROBABILITY DENSITY Company Company H -20 0 20 40 60 RATE OF RETURN (Percent) Based on the graph's information, which company's returns exhibit the greater risk? O Company H Company G