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Performance

Alpha

Return earned in excess of a benchmark, after adjusting for risk.

In depth

Positive alpha means a manager or strategy outperformed expectations given its risk profile. Most active managers fail to deliver positive alpha after fees over long periods, which has driven the rise of low-cost index investing.

Frequently asked about Alpha

What is Alpha?

Return earned in excess of a benchmark, after adjusting for risk. Positive alpha means a manager or strategy outperformed expectations given its risk profile. Most active managers fail to deliver positive alpha after fees over long periods, which has driven the rise of low-cost index investing.

Why does Alpha matter for investors?

In performance, Alpha is one of the building blocks investors use to compare opportunities and assess risk. Understanding it helps you read research notes, earnings reports, and market commentary without getting lost in jargon.

How is Alpha used in practice?

Positive alpha means a manager or strategy outperformed expectations given its risk profile. Most active managers fail to deliver positive alpha after fees over long periods, which has driven the rise of low-cost index investing..

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