Turn Up the Vol-ume

May 03, 2018

Volatility is a normal and healthy component of any market. While 2017 lacked typical market volatility, 2018 has experienced its share and entered back into a more reactive and “normal” environment. In the first quarter alone, 2018 had almost triple the amount of +/- 1% days than the entire year of 2017. Although a reversal of 2017’s complacent behavior, this market movement is in line with recent history.

Another pivotal trend is the VIX premium over the V2X; the VIX reflects U.S. market volatility while the V2X is an equivalent measure of European markets. Typically, the VIX trades below the V2X (a negative premium), which reflects the average lower volatility of U.S. vs European markets. The first quarter of 2018 marks the first time this monthly average has peaked above 0 in quite some time. This is not exactly surprising given the economic policy uncertainty and rising rate environment in the U.S.

Volatility is back, and though this is a change of pace from 2017, is well within the bounds of normalcy and is likely to continue throughout 2018.

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The opinions expressed herein are those of Marquette Associates, Inc. (“Marquette”), and are subject to change without notice. This material is not financial advice or an offer to purchase or sell any product. Marquette reserves the right to modify its current investment strategies and techniques based on changing market dynamics or client needs.