Risk Tolerance

Risk tolerance is how much loss or ups and downs you're emotionally and financially comfortable with when you invest your money.

In short: How much risk can you handle without panicking?

Example:

If your investment drops 20% in one month…

  • Do you stay calm and hold it?
  • Do you feel nervous but wait it out?
  • Do you panic and sell to avoid losing more?

Your answer shows your risk tolerance.

What's Your Risk Tolerance?

Slide to explore Low, Medium, and High risk tolerance.

Medium Risk

You're okay with some ups and downs.

Most long-term investors

Which one feels closest to you?

3 Types of Risk Tolerance

TypeWhat It MeansExample Investor
LowYou want safety, small steady returnsRetirees, people close to big expenses
MediumYou're okay with some ups and downsMost long-term investors
HighYou're okay with big drops for big rewardsYoung investors, crypto traders

Why It Matters in Investing

If You Have…You Might Invest More In…
Low risk toleranceBonds, dividend stocks, savings, REITs
Medium risk toleranceBalanced mix: stocks + bonds + ETFs
High risk toleranceGrowth stocks, crypto, emerging markets

Factors That Affect Risk Tolerance

  1. Age – Younger people can take more risk (more time to recover).
  2. Goals – If you need money soon, avoid risky investments.
  3. Income – More income = you can afford more risk.
  4. Experience – New investors may prefer safer options at first.
  5. Emotions – If drops stress you out, lower your risk level.

Summary

TermSimple Meaning
Risk toleranceHow much market loss you can handle
High toleranceOK with big ups/downs for more profit
Low tolerancePrefer safety and stable returns
Use it to…Build a portfolio that fits your comfort level