This paper examines the influence of three fundamental variables (market capitalization, price-earnings ratio, and book-to-market ratio), and the CAPM beta in the explanation of the average returns of the stocks traded in São Paulo Stock Exchange during the period of March 1987 to February 1996. Multiple regression coefficients were estimated using SUR methodology. The results showed that the fundamental variables can explain a significant part of the cross-sectional returns. However, beta continues to play a significant role in the explanation of the risk-return relationship.
