Answer:
b. Asset B.
Explanation:
Standard deviation is a measure variability or volatility of a stock in which a stock is considered to be more volatile when the return from the stock or its price vary from the average return of the stock or its price.
Therefore, a stock is considered to be highly risky if its standard deviation is high while a stock is considered to have a low risk when its standard deviation is low. Comparing two stocks, a stock with a higher standard deviation is said to be riskier.
From the question, since the 12% standard deviation of Asset A is higher than the 8% standard deviation of Asset B, Asset B is considered to less risky. Therefore, the risk-averse investor should add Asset B to her portfolio.