Purpose This study aims to investigate the relationship between risks and the expected return of financial investment because the relationship between them is negative; if the investors agree to the higher level of risk, they have the greater the expected return; therefore, investors always require a degree of proportionality between the risks and returns. Design/methodology/approach This study applied the standard deviation, variance, coefficient of variation methods and matrix function to measure risks. Besides, the dataset is a return on equity ROE, which is collected in three companies at time series from 2005 to 2020. Findings When the variance or the standard deviation is higher, the return on the securities is higher, but the securities are a higher risk and vice versa. The results showed risk levels of stocks that are 2.509%, 0.367%, 3.666% and the corresponding return mean of 38.68%, 23.99% and 14.02%. Originality/value The results support the portfolio management policy appropriately. This study identifies issues for managers, investors and readers to consider: have a comprehensive solution among microcosmic policies, finance policy, investment policy and other policies to control and balance the relationship between risks and returns; have appropriate policies to regulate funds to stimulate investment in the long term.