Excess Returns

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Definition: Excess Returns


Excess Returns


What is the dictionary definition of Excess Returns?

Dictionary Definition


Asset returns in excess of the risk-free rate. Used especially in the context of the CAPM. Excess returns are negative in those periods in which returns are less than the risk-free rate. Contrast abnormal returns.


Full Definition of Excess Returns


Excess returns are generally defined as the returns provided by a given portfolio minus the returns provided by a risk-free asset. Excess returns are those in excess of the riskless asset. Excess returns are associated with the Capital Asset Pricing Model which postulates that riskier investments must offer higher returns to compensate investors for added risk. Excess returns can be negative if the returns an asset provides are less than the risk-free rate. Some investors don’t distinguish between “excess returns” and “abnormal returns”; others claim the terms are different. These investors agree that excess returns measure the difference in the returns of a portfolio and a riskless asset. They argue, however, that abnormal returns differ from excess returns and measure the difference in returns between a portfolio and a market benchmark such as the S&P 500.


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Definition Sources


Definitions for Excess Returns are sourced/syndicated and enhanced from:

  • A Dictionary of Economics (Oxford Quick Reference)
  • Oxford Dictionary Of Accounting
  • Oxford Dictionary Of Business & Management

This glossary post was last updated: 10th February, 2020 | 0 Views.