Which investment type typically has the highest risk?

Stocks are typically considered to have the highest risk among the given investment types due to their inherent volatility and the potential for significant fluctuations in value. When you invest in stocks, you are buying ownership shares of a company, which means your investment is subject to the company's performance and market perceptions. Factors such as changes in the economy, competition, or shifts in consumer behavior can lead to rapid price changes, resulting in both potential gains and losses.

Additionally, stocks do not offer a guaranteed return, unlike government bonds or certificates of deposit, which generally provide stable and predictable income streams. While mutual funds can offer diversified exposure to stocks and may reduce risk compared to investing in individual stocks, they still carry the market risks associated with the stocks they contain. Overall, the potential for substantial gains and losses linked to stock investments places them at the higher end of the risk spectrum compared to other investment options mentioned.