What Is Markowitz Model?

The Markowitz model is a method of maximizing returns within a calculated risk. It is also called
the Markowitz portfolio theory or modern portfolio theory. This model facilitates practical
application; many new investors use this technique in capital markets.

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The Markowitz model of selection mainly focuses on portfolio diversification. It separates

stocks into high-risk and low-risk assets. The Harry Markowitz Model was introduced in 1952
through the journal of finance. Harry Markowitz won the Nobel prize for his contribution in
1990.

Key Takeaways

 The Markowitz model is an investing strategy. Amateur investors use it to maximize

gross returns within a sustainable risk bracket.
 The Harry Markowitz Model was first published in the journal of finance in 1952. In
1990, Harry Markowitz won the Nobel Prize for his work on modern portfolio theory.
 The limitations of Markowitz model include overreliance on historical data, irrelevant
assumptions, and the use of mean-variance instead of potential risks.
 Markowitz’s assumptions become irrelevant; this is especially the case with volatile
markets.

Markowitz Model Of Portfolio Theory Explained

The Markowitz model is an investment technique. It is used to create a portfolio that would
yield maximized returns. In 1952, Harry Markowitz published his model in the Journal of
Finance. Markowitz is an American economist. He is considered the creator of the modern
portfolio theory. The theory is also known as the Markowitz Mean Variance Model.

The Markowitz model of portfolio suggests that the risks can be minimized through
diversification. Simultaneously, the model assures maximization of overall portfolio returns.
Investors are presented with two types of stocks—low-risk, low-return, and high-risk, high-
return stocks. Risks are also divided into two—systematic risk and unsystematic risk. The Harry
Markowitz model uses mathematical calculations to reduce risks; it builds an ideal portfolio.

Nonetheless, real-world investments cannot eliminate a certain level of risk. Thus, investors
must possess some risk appetite. New investors especially benefit from this theory—the
Markowitz model of portfolio popularized diversification. Not to mention the importance of
understanding and avoiding systematic portfolio risks.

On the downside, the limitations of Markowitz model stem from its overreliance on
assumptions. These flaws can make the conclusions irrelevant to prevailing market conditions.

Assumptions

Markowitz’s assumptions are as follows:

 The model assumes that investors are rational and will always behave in a certain
manner.
 The model assumes that there are only two different types of assets—low returns and
high returns.
 Harry Markowitz argues that markets will always work in a certain direction and will
always be efficient. But this is not always the case.
 Diversification is important. But the theory assumes diversification is the only way to
minimize investment risks.
 The Markowitz model of portfolio assumes that every investor has unlimited access to
information about market changes. In reality, investors often lack the time and expertise
to gather relevant data.
 Markowitz assumes that all investors are risk-averse, but that is not universally true.
 The model mentions a bracket of bearable loss—but not all real-world investors can
afford that.
Diagram

The Markowitz model diagram is as follows.

(Source)
The Markowitz diagram depicts the standard deviation (risk) on the x-axis and expected returns
on the y-axis. The diagram elucidates three portfolios:

1. Minimum variance portfolio

2. Tangency portfolio
3. Maximum return portfolio

The efficient frontier is a parabola depicting all three portfolios toward efficiency. The agency
portfolio is also the optimal one—with the highest Sharpe ratio.

In contrast, the minimum variance portfolio is the green point in the diagram. It marks the
change from convex to concave. Finally, the maximum return portfolio is the orange point—it
has the highest volatility.

In the Markowitz diagram, portfolios on the efficient frontier are better than those under it.
This is because the point where the linear Capital Market Line (CML) touches the y-axis is a risk-
free asset.

Formula of Markowitz Model

The Markowitz formula is as follows:

RP = IRF + (RM – IRF)σP/σM

Here,

 RP = Expected Portfolio Return

 RM = Market Portfolio Return
 IRF = Risk-free Rate of Interest
 σM = Market’s Standard Deviation
 σP = Standard Deviation of Portfolio

Calculation Example

Let us now look at a Markowitz example to understand the theory better.

Let us assume that Charlie is an investor who possesses a small portfolio—only two stocks. He
has invested $900,000 in stock A and $180,000 in stock B—a portfolio of $1080000. Charlie
anticipates a 4% return on stock A and a 9% return on stock B.

To calculate the portfolio’s expected returns, we divide the current value of stock A by the total
portfolio value and multiply it by its expected return:

 Portfolio expected return = $900,000/1080000 x 4%.

Now, we repeat the step for the second asset:

 Portfolio Expected Return = $180,000/1080000 x 9%.

So, for stock A (most invested), Charlie gets an expected return of 3%; for stock B (least
invested), Charlie gets an expected return of 2%. The portfolio can expect a return of 5%.

To increase the expected portfolio return to 6.5%, Charlie needs to shift an appropriate amount
of capital towards stock B (less invested).
A 50-50 allocation of capital will result in the following returns:

Portfolio Expected Return of 6.5%

 50% x 4% = 2%

 Plus 50% x 9% = 4.5%

 Portfolio Expected Return = 2% + 4.5% = 6.5%

Let’s assume Charlie divides the $1080000 portfolio into four equal assets. The first asset has a
beta of 1, so its systematic risk exposure is identical to the market. The second asset has a beta
of 1.6, as Charlie is willing to take a bit more risk. The third has a beta of 0.75—less exposure
than the market; the fourth has an even lower beta of 0.5.

Multiplying the allocation of 25% with their respective beta values and adding the results give
Charlie an overall portfolio beta value of 0.96. Since it is below 1, the portfolio is considered a
systematic risk.

Let us consider another hypothetical; Charlie shifts 10% of the third and fourth assets with the
lowest risk betas and 5% from the first division and invests in the second asset (highest-beta
asset). Here the second asset, which started with a 25% allocation, will become 50% of the total
portfolio’s capital, the first amounts to 20%, and the third and fourth divisions account for 15%
each.

 First division beta = 20% x 1 = 0.2

 Second division beta = 50% x 1.6 = 0.8

 Third division beta = 15% x 0.75 = 0.11

 Fourth division beta = 15% x 0.5 = 0.08

 The new beta will be 1.19, close to the required desired beta value of 1.2

Advantages And disadvantages

The advantages are as follows:

 The portfolio becomes resistant to systematic risk

 Diversification helps investors understand different sectors.
 Such portfolios suit both long-term wealth creation and short-term profits.
 A variety of financial instruments fit this investment strategy.
The disadvantages are as follows:

 This approach is often called Markowitz Mean Variance Model. It is more inclined
towards variance and tends to overlook potential risks.
 It does not guarantee good returns and is only based on historical data.
 The model does not account for associated costs like broker commissions, taxes, and
other charges.
 The whole model is based on irrelevant stock market assumptions. In reality, stock
markets are as unpredictable as they are volatile.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the Markowitz Model of risk/return optimization?

The Harry Markowitz Model states: stocks in a portfolio can either be of low risk and low
returns or high risk and high returns. Optimizing both can help maximize an investor’s total
portfolio return. The model also defines an acceptable loss bracket within the portfolio that an
investor may have to bear.

2. What are the limitations of Markowitz Model?

The limitations of Markowitz model are as follows:
– This approach is not based on current data; information is determined through historical data.
– The model hinges on assumptions; sometimes, these assumptions become irrelevant. This is
especially the case with volatile markets.
– It is reliance on variance when it should ideally focus on risks.

3. Why is the Markowitz Model important?

The important features of the Markowitz theory are as follows.
– It helps new amateur investors in creating a diversified portfolio.
– The theory aids in regulating risks to minimize losses. Simultaneously, the investments run a
good chance of registering lucrative profits.
– Investors can use the model to identify and replace nonperforming investments.