Parametric VaR
Also called: variance-covariance VaR, delta-normal VaR, analytical VaR
Parametric VaR assumes returns are normally distributed and computes risk directly from volatilities and correlations. It's fast and transparent enough to decompose across a whole firm, which is why it survives. It's also structurally optimistic: real returns have fat tails, so a normal assumption systematically understates the size of the rare loss, and it handles options badly because their payoff isn't linear.
Formula
VaR ≈ Portfolio value × z-score × Portfolio volatility
Where this is taught
Definitions are the trailer. These free levels turn Parametric VaR into something you play — one bite-size lesson, with worked examples, a quiz and XP.