What would a high positive beta indicate about an asset's return compared to market moves?

A high positive beta indicates that an asset is more volatile than the market. It suggests that the asset's returns move in the same direction as the market, but with greater intensity. Specifically, if the market rises, an asset with a high positive beta is expected to rise even more than the market does, reflecting higher sensitivity to market movements.

For example, if the beta of an asset is 1.5, it implies that for every 1% increase in the market, the asset's return is expected to increase by 1.5%. This characteristic makes high-beta assets suitable for investors looking for greater potential returns during bullish market conditions, although it also implies higher risk during downturns.

The other options do not accurately reflect the implications of a high positive beta. It does not suggest less volatility or independence from market movements, nor does it imply consistent underperformance. Instead, a high positive beta distinctly ties the asset’s performance closely to the movements of the market, often amplifying those movements.