Risk Free Rate

I understand the concept of the risk-free rate however, I've seen both 3 mo and 10 year treasuries used as the risk free rate. What is the most common rate used when comparing portfolio returns to a risk free rate. In other words what is the risk free rate by definition, application, and currently?
 
It depends on your investment time horizon.

If you are holding stocks for a few days, then you should probably use the overnight rate. If you are about to invest in a stock with a 10 year horizon then the 10 year rate is applicable.
 
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