CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. Please ensure you fully understand the risks involved. CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. Please ensure you fully understand the risks involved.

Beta definition

A financial instrument’s beta is a measure of its risk or volatility when compared to the wider market.

It is mainly used in the capital asset pricing model (CAPM), a popular financial model used to balance the inherent risk of an instrument with its expected return. More volatile markets are capable of providing higher returns, but are also riskier to invest in.

Beta is listed as a scale. If an instrument has a beta of one, its volatility matches that of its wider market. If its beta is less than one, it will be less volatile than the wider market; if it is greater than one then it will be more volatile.

Beta is calculated based on past form only, taking into account the historical volatility of the instrument and comparing it to the wider market.

Beta example

In shares trading, shares will often have beta below one. Utility stocks, for instance, tend to be more resistant to market moves and will as such tend to have low beta. On the other hand, highly volatile start-ups or technology companies will often have a beta well in excess of one.

Read our guide to risk management

If you’re interested in how to manage risk when trading, read our guide to risk management.

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CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. You do not own or have any interest in the underlying asset. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work, and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money. Please consider the Margin Trading Product Disclosure Statement (PDS), Risk Disclosure Notice and Target Market Determination before entering into any CFD transaction with us.

The value of shares, ETFs and ETCs bought through an IG share trading account can fall as well as rise, which could mean getting back less than you originally put in. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

Please ensure you fully understand the risks and take care to manage your exposure.

The information on this website is prepared without considering your objectives, financial situation or needs. Consequently, you should consider the information in light of your objectives, financial situation and needs.

This website is operated by IG Australia Pty Ltd. IG Australia Pty Ltd is located on Level 32, Queen & Collins, 376-390 Collins Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000. ABN 93 096 585 410, Australian Financial Services Licence No. 515106. Derivatives Issuer Licence in New Zealand FSP No. 684191, NZBN 9429047618251.

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Beta definition

Beta example

Read our guide to risk management

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