do Investors demand higher expected rates of return on stocks with more variable rates of return?

Yes, investors typically demand higher expected rates of return on stocks with more variable rates of return, a concept known as risk-return tradeoff. Stocks that exhibit higher volatility are perceived as riskier investments, leading investors to seek greater compensation for taking on that additional risk. This expectation aligns with the principles of modern portfolio theory, where higher risks should correlate with higher potential rewards. Thus, more variable stocks generally attract higher required returns to entice investors.