Risk Averse (Meaning, Investments) | Who is a Risk Averse Investor?

Risk-Averse Meaning

Risk-averse signify a reluctance to take on risks and an investor is termed as being risk-averse when they prefer a low return investment with known risks as opposed to a higher return investment with unknown risks. All forms of investments carry a level of inherent risk and a risk-averse investor is one who is averse to the risks associated with uncertainty.

Who is a Risk-Averse Investor?

A risk-averse investor opts to avoid risks altogether in his/her investment. Such investor aims to protect the investment made and is likely to choose instruments that offer certainty in the payback whilst carrying the lowest level of risks. Although all investments carry a certain level of inherent risks, such an investor chooses an investment that carries a minimal level of known risks – the degree of uncertainty is maintained at the minimal level. This type of investor is not attracted by lucrative returns from risky assets and prefers to earn lower returns with a secure investment.

The kind of investments chosen by risk-averse investors usually contain the following features –

Guaranteed Returns – On the principal as well as the return (either interest or profits);
Easy liquidity
The lower level of return as compared to the market return;
Degree of Uncertainty – minimal.

Types of Investments Risk-Averse Prefer

The investment options chosen include –

Savings Account
Certificate of Deposit
Municipal Bonds
Treasury Bills, Notes, Bonds
Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities (TIPS);
Money Market Funds.

Advantages of Being Risk-Averse Investor

Loss of Principal: The fundamental risk in any type of investment is the risk of loss of capital. Such an investor is the one who ensures a guaranteed return in his/her investments and therefore the risk of loss of capital is minimal.
Lower Risk: They take a lower level of risk by choice of investments as opposed to other kinds of investors. Although this results in a lower income, it is much safer.
Steady Income: Retired people are most likely to be risk-averse as their intent is to ensure a steady income with minimal risks. Low-risk investments offer steady periodic income to the investors.

Disadvantages

One of the main disadvantages is the high opportunity cost. This type of investor is more likely to choose steady and safe investments and in the process gives up opportunities to invest in other forms of lucrative instruments. The opportunity cost is fairly high.

Conclusion

Each investor’s risk appetite and investments preferences vary. Although being risk-averse provides certain advantages, the opportunity costs are extremely high. The purpose of investment is to earn maximum profit at minimal risks. A certain level of risk needs to be undertaken to earn a decent level of return. Therefore, it is better to be risk diverse.

This refers to portfolio diversification wherein the investments are spread across industries and companies and therefore the portfolio does not stand to be affected by any volatility in any particular industry. Another way to ensure that the optimum returns are earned for the portfolio is to seek the advice of financial experts. Although seasoned investors invest based on their knowledge and experience, it is always advisable to take into account the views of a financial expert as well prior to making any investments.