In terms of investment, what does risk typically refer to?

In the context of investment, risk primarily refers to the chance of losing money on an investment. This encompasses the uncertainty associated with the returns on an investment, which can lead to situations where the actual return is less than the anticipated return or could even result in a complete loss of the initial investment. Understanding this aspect of risk is essential for investors, as it helps them make informed decisions about where to allocate their resources and how to manage their portfolios effectively.

While the possibility of gaining more than expected, the expected increase in stock prices, and the volatility of interest rates can indeed be considered aspects of investment, they do not capture the fundamental nature of risk as it pertains to the potential for loss. The primary concern with investments is managing the downside risk, as this affects the overall investment strategy and asset allocation that investors might pursue.