α (Alpha) is the first letter of the Greek alphabet, symbolizing the beginning or primary position in various contexts. In mathematics and science, it often represents a constant or a coefficient, such as in the alpha particle in nuclear physics, which is a type of radiation emitted by certain radioactive materials. In finance, α (Alpha) measures the performance of an investment relative to a benchmark index. A positive α indicates that the investment has outperformed the benchmark, while a negative α suggests underperformance. This concept is crucial for investors assessing the effectiveness of their investment strategies.