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Modern Portfolio Theory (MPT)

MPT is Markowitz's 1952 framework for constructing portfolios to maximize expected return for a given risk level through diversification.

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Exam Tip

MPT = Markowitz 1952. Diversification reduces unsystematic risk (not systematic). Correlation < 1 provides benefit.

What is MPT?

Harry Markowitz won the 1990 Nobel Prize for proving diversification reduces portfolio risk.

Core Principle

Evaluate assets by how they affect PORTFOLIO risk/return, not individually.

Key Concepts

  • Expected return
  • Standard deviation (risk)
  • Correlation
  • Efficient frontier

Risk Types

  • Systematic: Cannot diversify away
  • Unsystematic: CAN diversify away

Study This Term In

Series 7Series 65Series 66

Related Terms

Beta

Beta is a measure of a security's volatility relative to the overall market, where a beta of 1.0 means the security moves with the market, above 1.0 means more volatile, and below 1.0 means less volatile.

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