This tool measures a portfolio’s risk-adjusted return relative to the systematic risk, represented by beta. It helps evaluate how much excess return was generated for each unit of market risk taken. For example, a higher value suggests better performance in managing risk. The calculation involves subtracting the risk-free rate of return from the portfolio’s return and dividing the result by the portfolio’s beta.
As a key performance indicator, this metric provides valuable insights for investment analysis. It allows investors to compare different investment options on a risk-adjusted basis, leading to more informed decision-making. Introduced by Jack L. Treynor in the 1960s, this methodology has become a widely accepted tool in finance for evaluating portfolio performance and guiding strategic asset allocation.