Difference Between Systematic And Unsystematic Risk

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• Total risk consists of Systematic and Unsystematic risk, whereby Systematic risk is defined as the variation in returns on securities as a result of macroeconomic elements in a business like political, economics, or social factors. Such fluctuations are related to changes in return of the entire market. Whereas, Unsystematic risk is the risk that arises due to the variation in returns of a company’s security resulting from microeconomic elements, i.e. factors existing in the organisation.
• The key differences between the two are: -

Basis for Comparison Systematic Risk Unsystematic Risk
Meaning Refers to risk associated with market segment as a whole Refers to risk associated with a particular industry, company or security
Nature Uncontrollable Controllable
Factors …show more content…

A single investment is affected by both Systematic and Unsystematic risk but if an investor holds a well-diversified portfolio then only Systematic risk would be relevant. If a single investment becomes part of a well-diversified portfolio the Unsystematic risk can be significantly ignored.

• Because of their close relationship, it is difficult to distinguish the effects of Systematic and Total risk. The inclusion of Unsystematic risk appears to give little explanation to the risk-return relationship. Many investors view Unsystematic risk as irrelevant within the greater context of an investment strategy. The relevancy here is equated with persistent impact of risk, in spite of the best possible risk-minimizing strategies.
• Of course Unsystematic risks are relevant on its own as they can harm many individual securities, firms or markets. Nevertheless, if one accepts the purpose and validity of portfolio diversification which is designed to remove Unsystematic risks, then it is unavoidable or Systematic risks that bear a real

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