Conditional Value at Risk
The average loss on the occasions when the value-at-risk threshold is exceeded.
Formula
CVaR = Average of all losses greater than the VaR threshold
Unit
₹
In depth
Also called expected shortfall, CVaR answers the question VaR ignores: given that the bad case has occurred, how bad is it on average. It is always larger than the corresponding VaR and is more informative about tail exposure, which is why banking regulation moved toward it. It is also mathematically better behaved, being sub-additive, so combining two portfolios never produces a CVaR larger than the sum of the parts — a property VaR does not always have. It still relies on the modelled or historical distribution of returns, so it inherits any error in that estimate.
Worked example
With a 95% one-day VaR of ₹19,740, the losses on the worst 5% of days average ₹31,500. VaR says the threshold; CVaR says that when it breaks, the typical loss is 60% larger than the threshold itself.
Illustrative figures, chosen so the arithmetic is easy to follow. Not a live price and not a valuation of any company.
Educational reference only
This entry explains what “Conditional Value at Risk” means. It is not investment advice and not a recommendation to buy or sell any security. Any numbers above are illustrative, not live prices, and nothing here predicts price direction or rates a stock. Consider your own circumstances and consult a SEBI-registered investment adviser before acting.