Share New Research 
Hello,
Does anyone know if the returns used to calculate Beta should be excess returns or not?
Formulas for Beta:
Beta = Covar(Returns, Market returns) / Var(Market returns)
or Correl(Returns, Market returns) * StdDev_Returns / StdDev_Market_returns
Thanks,
JM
QUANTCONNECT COMMUNITY
The material on this website is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer to sell, a solicitation to buy, or a recommendation or endorsement for any security or strategy, nor does it constitute an offer to provide investment advisory services by QuantConnect. In addition, the material offers no opinion with respect to the suitability of any security or specific investment. QuantConnect makes no guarantees as to the accuracy or completeness of the views expressed in the website. The views are subject to change, and may have become unreliable for various reasons, including changes in market conditions or economic circumstances. All investments involve risk, including loss of principal. You should consult with an investment professional before making any investment decisions.
QuantConnect™ 2025. All Rights Reserved
Gurumeher Sawhney
Beta = Covar(Returns, Market returns) / Var(Market returns)
Beta is a volatility measure against the market as a whole. Using the formula above, the covariance will provide the strength of the correlation between the security/portfolio and the market, and then it will be divided by the variance of market returns so that a Beta of 1.0 means the security is as volatile as the market.
João Matos
Hello,
Thanks for your reply, but I already knew that information.
What I don't understand is if I should consider the Returns and Market_returns to be excess returns or not, i.e., should I subtract the risk-free rate from both or not, before doing the calculation.
Best regards,
JM
João Matos
The material on this website is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer to sell, a solicitation to buy, or a recommendation or endorsement for any security or strategy, nor does it constitute an offer to provide investment advisory services by QuantConnect. In addition, the material offers no opinion with respect to the suitability of any security or specific investment. QuantConnect makes no guarantees as to the accuracy or completeness of the views expressed in the website. The views are subject to change, and may have become unreliable for various reasons, including changes in market conditions or economic circumstances. All investments involve risk, including loss of principal. You should consult with an investment professional before making any investment decisions.
To unlock posting to the community forums please complete at least 30% of Boot Camp.
You can continue your Boot Camp training progress from the terminal. We hope to see you in the community soon!