Beta

A measure of a stock price volatility relative to the overall market.

Beta measures how much a stock moves relative to a benchmark, typically the S&P 500. Beta of 1 means the stock moves in line with the market. Beta above 1 means it amplifies market moves. Beta below 1 means it is less volatile. Negative beta, which is rare, means it moves opposite the market.

The utility stock had a beta of 0.5, so it barely moved while the market swung wildly.