Risk Adjusted Return

Definition ∞ Risk adjusted return measures an investment’s profit relative to the amount of risk taken. This metric evaluates the performance of an investment by considering the level of risk incurred to achieve that return, providing a more comprehensive view than raw profit figures. It helps investors compare different investment opportunities by standardizing returns based on their associated volatility or potential for loss. Common methodologies include the Sharpe Ratio, Sortino Ratio, or Treynor Ratio, which penalize investments for higher risk exposure.
Context ∞ The discussion around risk adjusted return is particularly relevant in the volatile digital asset markets, where high returns often accompany significant risk. A key debate involves developing appropriate risk models and metrics specifically tailored to the unique characteristics of cryptocurrencies, such as their high price fluctuations and novel operational risks. Future developments will likely see more sophisticated analytical tools for assessing risk adjusted returns in DeFi protocols and tokenized assets, aiding investor decision-making.