How To Profit From High Volatility
12:58 AM
Investors who have had money in the markets over the past two years will not be surprised to learn that since June 2007, the volatility index has risen from 16 to a little more than 79, the highest levels recorded in history.
To put that number into perspective, consider that after September 11, the index reached 33. Now, in the 30 range, the market seems subdued! Overall, however, 30 remains a high number as far as volatility is concerned and this is where many investors stand to profit.
The first thing investors need to do when it comes to taking a run at profit is to distance themselves emotionally from their investments. Trading software that provides signals on when to buy and sell can help in this regard, but this is something most individual investors are unable to accomplish. Think about it: we all work hard for our money and we hate to see it wasted. This is a benefit that money managers have -- they haven't worked hard for the money you invest, so if they lose, they lose your money, not theirs.
The next thing the investor needs is an understanding of volatility. Although Yahoo! Finance provides a neat graphical image (enter "^VIX" in the quote box), it does not give a definition to the term. Simply put, volatility is rate of change in the deviation from the mean. This means that the higher volatility, the more rapidly a price will wander from its mean price.
Lastly, investors need is to hold back from being consumed by greed. This poses an immense challenge for most people as short-term gains often hint at larger longer-term returns. Trading system can help in this regard as well since they so effectively strip the emotion factor from any trade by focusing solely on statistical figures like volatility, momentum, relative strength and so on. Individual investors, on the other hand, focus on the potential of profit or loss.
In summary, by eliminating emotion and relying on technical trends investors can use volatility advantageously. Such volatility can allow for strong gains and returns when used properly. A trading system can assist to a large degree, but is not at all required for investors who can control their emotions and greed.
To put that number into perspective, consider that after September 11, the index reached 33. Now, in the 30 range, the market seems subdued! Overall, however, 30 remains a high number as far as volatility is concerned and this is where many investors stand to profit.
The first thing investors need to do when it comes to taking a run at profit is to distance themselves emotionally from their investments. Trading software that provides signals on when to buy and sell can help in this regard, but this is something most individual investors are unable to accomplish. Think about it: we all work hard for our money and we hate to see it wasted. This is a benefit that money managers have -- they haven't worked hard for the money you invest, so if they lose, they lose your money, not theirs.
The next thing the investor needs is an understanding of volatility. Although Yahoo! Finance provides a neat graphical image (enter "^VIX" in the quote box), it does not give a definition to the term. Simply put, volatility is rate of change in the deviation from the mean. This means that the higher volatility, the more rapidly a price will wander from its mean price.
Lastly, investors need is to hold back from being consumed by greed. This poses an immense challenge for most people as short-term gains often hint at larger longer-term returns. Trading system can help in this regard as well since they so effectively strip the emotion factor from any trade by focusing solely on statistical figures like volatility, momentum, relative strength and so on. Individual investors, on the other hand, focus on the potential of profit or loss.
In summary, by eliminating emotion and relying on technical trends investors can use volatility advantageously. Such volatility can allow for strong gains and returns when used properly. A trading system can assist to a large degree, but is not at all required for investors who can control their emotions and greed.
About the Author:
Chris has more than 15 years of experience in the financial services industry as a Financial Advisor. For recommendations on trading systems and analysis, visit Online Trader Today.com where Chris is a Technical Advisor. As well, you can visit his debt-free blog at How To Repay Debt.com
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