What is volatility?
Volatility is an investment term that describes when a market or security experiences periods of unpredictable, and sometimes sharp, price movements. People often think about volatility only when prices fall, however volatility can also refer to sudden price rises too.
How is volatility calculated?
Volatility measures price movements over a specified period.
In statistical terms, volatility is the standard deviation of a market or security’s annualised returns over a given period – essentially the rate at which its price increases or decreases.
If the price fluctuates rapidly in a short period, hitting new highs and lows, it is said to have high volatility. If the price moves higher or lower more slowly, or stays relatively stable, it is said to have low volatility.
Historical volatility is calculated using a series of past market prices, while implied volatility looks at expected future volatility, using the market price of a market-traded derivative like an option.
What causes volatility?
Some of the things that can cause volatility include:
1. Political and economic factors
Governments play a major role in regulating industries and can impact an economy when they make decisions on trade agreements, legislation and policy. Everything from speeches to elections can cause reactions among investors, which influences share prices.
Economic data also plays a role, as when the economy is doing well, investors tend to react positively. Monthly jobs reports, inflation data, consumer spending figures and quarterly Gross Domestic Product (GDP) calculations can all impact market performance. In contrast, if these miss market expectations, markets may become more volatile.
2. Industry and sector factors
Specific events can cause volatility within an industry or sector. In the oil sector, for example, a major weather event in an important oil-producing area can cause oil prices to increase. As a result, the share price of oil distribution-related companies may rise, as they would be expected to benefit, while the prices of those that have high oil costs within their business may fall.
Similarly, more government regulation in a specific industry could result in stock prices falling, due to increased compliance and employee costs that may impact future earnings growth.
3. Company performance
Volatility isn’t always market-wide and can relate to an individual company.
Positive news, such as a strong earnings report or a new product that is wowing consumers, can make investors feel good about the business. If many investors look to buy it, this increased demand can help to raise the share price sharply.
In contrast, a product recall, data breach or bad executive behaviour can all hurt a share price, as investors sell off their shares. Depending on how large the company is, this positive or negative performance can also have an impact on the broader market.
Volatility is a normal part of long-term investing
There is plenty to unnerve markets and cause volatility, from changes in commerce to politics, to economic outcomes and corporate actions.
Yes, it might be unsettling, but it’s all ‘normal’.
When investors are prepared at the outset for episodes of volatility on their investing journey, they are less likely to be surprised when they happen, and more likely to react rationally.
By having the mindset that accepts volatility as an integral part of investing, investors can prepare themselves and remain focused on their long-term investment goals.
Market corrections can create attractive opportunities
Volatility is not always a bad thing, as market corrections can sometimes also provide entry points from which investors can take advantage.
If an investor has cash and is waiting to invest in the stock market, a market correction can provide an opportunity to invest that cash at a lower price. Downward market volatility also offers investors who believe markets will perform well in the long run the opportunity to buy additional shares in companies that they like, but at lower prices.
A simple example may be that an investor can buy for $50, a share that was worth $100 a short time before. Buying shares in this way lowers your average cost-per-share, which helps to improve your portfolio’s performance when markets eventually rebound.
The process is the same when a share rises quickly. Investors can take advantage of this by selling out, the proceeds of which can be invested in other areas that offer better opportunities.
By understanding volatility and its causes, investors can potentially take advantage of the investment opportunities that it provides to generate better long-term returns.
Contact us today if you’d like to understand more about market volatility. Call on 02 9054 1230.
Source:
Reproduced with permission of Fidelity Australia. This article was originally published at https://www.fidelity.com.au/insights/education/market-volatility-defined-and-explained/
This document has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. You should consider these matters before acting on the information. You should also consider the relevant Product Disclosure Statements (“PDS”) for any Fidelity Australia product mentioned in this document before making any decision about whether to acquire the product. The PDS can be obtained by contacting Fidelity Australia on 1800 119 270 or by downloading it from our website at www.fidelity.com.au. This document may include general commentary on market activity, sector trends or other broad-based economic or political conditions that should not be taken as investment advice. Information stated herein about specific securities is subject to change. Any reference to specific securities should not be taken as a recommendation to buy, sell or hold these securities. While the information contained in this document has been prepared with reasonable care, no responsibility or liability is accepted for any errors or omissions or misstatements however caused. This document is intended as general information only. The document may not be reproduced or transmitted without prior written permission of Fidelity Australia. The issuer of Fidelity Australia’s managed investment schemes is FIL Responsible Entity (Australia) Limited ABN 33 148 059 009. Reference to ($) are in Australian dollars unless stated otherwise.
© 2022. FIL Responsible Entity (Australia) Limited.
Important:
This provides general information and hasn’t taken your circumstances into account. It’s important to consider your particular circumstances before deciding what’s right for you. Any information provided by the author detailed above is separate and external to our business and our Licensee. Neither our business nor our Licensee takes any responsibility for any action or any service provided by the author. Any links have been provided with permission for information purposes only and will take you to external websites, which are not connected to our company in any way. Note: Our company does not endorse and is not responsible for the accuracy of the contents/information contained within the linked site(s) accessible from this page.
