Does covariance affect expected return?
Robert Miller
Updated on February 08, 2026
A positive covariance indicates that two assets move in tandem. A negative covariance indicates that two assets move in opposite directions. In the construction of a portfolio, it is important to attempt to reduce the overall risk and volatility while striving for a positive rate of return.
How do you calculate expected return from covariance?
Covariance is calculated by analyzing at-return surprises (standard deviations from the expected return) or by multiplying the correlation between the two variables by the standard deviation of each variable.
How do you calculate expected monthly return?
Expected return is calculated by multiplying potential outcomes (returns) by the chances of each outcome occurring, and then calculating the sum of those results (as shown below).
How do you calculate expected return on risk?
An expected return is calculated by multiplying potential outcomes by the odds of them occurring and then totaling these results. Expected returns cannot be guaranteed.
Is positive covariance good?
Modern portfolio theory uses this statistical measurement to reduce the overall risk for a portfolio. A positive covariance means that assets generally move in the same direction. Negative covariance means assets generally move in opposite directions.
How do you interpret covariance?
Covariance in Excel: Overview Covariance gives you a positive number if the variables are positively related. You’ll get a negative number if they are negatively related. A high covariance basically indicates there is a strong relationship between the variables. A low value means there is a weak relationship.
What rate of return should I expect?
It’s important for investors to have realistic expectations about what type of return they’ll see. A good return on investment is generally considered to be about 7% per year. This is the barometer that investors often use based off the historical average return of the S&P 500 after adjusting for inflation.
How do you calculate at risk?
There is a definition of risk by a formula: “risk = probability x loss”.