Beta Coefficient Calculator

Measure a stock's volatility relative to the market to assess investment risk.

Market Risk Analysis
CAPM Essential

Calculate Stock Beta (β)

Enter historical returns to calculate a stock's beta coefficient, which measures its volatility relative to the overall market.

Beta Formula

β = Cov(Rstock, Rmarket) / Var(Rmarket)

Where Cov is covariance and Var is variance

Enter returns as percentages, separated by commas. List returns in chronological order (oldest to newest).
Enter market returns for the same time periods as the stock returns.

Understanding Beta Coefficient

Beta measures a stock's volatility in relation to the overall market. Here's how to interpret beta values and use them in your investment decisions.

β < 1

Defensive Stock

Less volatile than the market. Tends to be less affected by market swings.

β = 1

Market Match

Moves in line with the market. Expected to match market performance.

β > 1

Aggressive Stock

More volatile than the market. Tends to amplify market movements.

How to Use the Beta Calculator

  1. Gather Historical Returns

    Collect periodic returns (daily, weekly, monthly) for both the stock and a market index (like the Ghana Stock Exchange Composite Index) for the same time periods.

  2. Enter Returns

    Input the returns as percentages, separated by commas. Ensure the stock and market returns are in chronological order and correspond to the same time periods.

  3. Calculate Beta

    Click "Calculate Beta" to compute the stock's beta coefficient. The result will show the beta value along with an interpretation of what it means for your investment.

  4. Apply to Investment Strategy

    Use beta to assess the stock's risk profile. Higher beta stocks may offer higher returns but come with greater risk, especially in volatile markets.

Key Applications of Beta

  • Assessing a stock's risk relative to the market
  • Building a diversified portfolio with balanced risk
  • Calculating expected returns using the Capital Asset Pricing Model (CAPM)
  • Adjusting portfolio risk exposure based on market conditions