The annual returns (in percent) for a sample of stocks in the technology industry over the past year are as follows: (See the Excel Data File.) The sample standard deviation is the closest to ________.
A) 7.59
B) 8.49
C) 57.61
D) 72.01

Question

The annual returns (in percent) for a sample of stocks in the technology industry over the past year are as follows:  (See the Excel Data File.) The sample standard deviation is the closest to ________.
A) 7.59 
B) 8.49 
C) 57.61 
D) 72.01

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

To calculate the standard deviation, we can use the formula =STDEV(range of data). Using this formula, we find the sample standard deviation for the given data to be approximately 8.49. Therefore, the correct answer is B.

The Annual Returns (In Percent) for a Sample of Stocks