A statistical measure of the degree of variation in an asset's price over time, typically expressed as standard deviation of returns. High volatility indicates large price swings, while low volatility suggests stable prices.
From Latin 'volatilis' meaning 'flying' or 'fleeting,' from 'volare' (to fly). The financial meaning captures how volatile assets have prices that 'fly around' unpredictably, changing rapidly and dramatically like a bird in flight.
Volatility is the price you pay for the chance of higher returns - it's like financial turbulence that shakes up your portfolio! The VIX 'fear index' measures stock market volatility and spikes during crises because when investors panic, prices start flying around like leaves in a hurricane.
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