Math Problem Statement

Suppose that the annual rate of return for a common biotechnology stock is normally distributed with a mean of 4% and a standard deviation of 6. Find the probability that the one-year retum of this stock will be negative. Round your answer to at least four decimal places.

Solution

To find the probability that the one-year return of the stock will be negative, we need to determine the probability that the return is less than 0%. Since the return is normally distributed, we can use the Z-score formula.

Steps:

  1. Convert the raw score (0%) to a Z-score: The Z-score formula is: Z=XμσZ = \frac{X - \mu}{\sigma} where:

    • XX is the raw score (0% in this case),
    • μ\mu is the mean (4%),
    • σ\sigma is the standard deviation (6%).

    Substituting the values: Z=0%4%6%=4%6%=230.6667Z = \frac{0\% - 4\%}{6\%} = \frac{-4\%}{6\%} = -\frac{2}{3} \approx -0.6667

  2. Find the cumulative probability for the Z-score: We need to find P(Z0.6667)P(Z \leq -0.6667), which represents the probability that the return is less than 0%.

    Using a Z-table or a calculator, the cumulative probability for Z=0.6667Z = -0.6667 is approximately 0.2525.

Thus, the probability that the one-year return of this stock will be negative is approximately 0.2525.

Would you like more details or have any questions about this solution?


Here are 5 related questions:

  1. What is the probability that the one-year return of the stock will be more than 10%?
  2. How would the probability change if the mean return were 6% instead of 4%?
  3. What is the probability that the return will be between 2% and 8%?
  4. How would you calculate the probability if the return distribution were not normal?
  5. What is the Z-score for a return of -2%?

Tip: When dealing with normally distributed financial data, understanding how to calculate and interpret Z-scores helps assess the risk and likelihood of various returns.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Probability Theory
Normal Distribution
Z-score

Formulas

Z-score formula: Z = (X - μ) / σ

Theorems

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Suitable Grade Level

Advanced High School