Based on the expected return, would you rather invest your money in the stock market or in gold? Why?

Suppose that the percentage annual return you obtain when you invest a dollar in gold or the stock market is dependent on the general state of the national economy as indicated below. For example, the probability that the economy will be in “boom” state is

0.15

. In this case, if you invest in the stock market your return is assumed to be

25%

; on the other hand if you invest in gold when the economy is in a “boom” state your return will be minus 30%. Likewise for the other possible states of the economy. Note that the sum of the probabilities has to be 1–and is. 

 

0.1525%

5%

0.25

State of the Economy	Probability	Market Return	Gold Return
Boom	(-30%)
Moderate Growth	0.35	20%	(-9%)
Weak Growth		0.25	35%
No Growth	(-14%)	50%

Based on the expected return, would you rather invest your money in the stock market or in gold? Why?To make a post to this week’s Challenge Discussion Forum, click on the Decision Alternatives link, then click Post New Thread.  In the title block of the dialog box that appears kindly insert your first and last name; compose your post in the message box; and then click Post Message.