Risk-Reward Ratio
The risk-reward ratio measures the potential profit of a trade relative to the amount of capital at risk. It is calculated by dividing the difference between the entry price and the stop-loss price by the difference between the target price and the entry price.
For example, a ratio of 1 to 3 means that for every dollar risked, the trader aims to make three dollars in profit. This metric is foundational to behavioral game theory in trading, as it allows participants to maintain profitability even if they lose more trades than they win.
A favorable risk-reward ratio helps traders survive periods of high volatility and drawdowns by ensuring that winning trades significantly outweigh losing ones. Professional traders often look for ratios that justify the inherent risks of derivative markets, where leverage can rapidly amplify losses.
It forces a disciplined approach to position sizing and trade selection.