Volatility

Volatility is a statistical measure of the spread of a security's or market index's returns. In most circumstances, a security is riskier the higher its volatility. Volatility is frequently calculated using the standard deviation or variance of returns from the same securities or market index. Volatility in the financial markets is frequently correlated with significant swings in either direction. For instance, a market is considered volatile when it fluctuates by more than 1% over an extended period of time. The volatility of an asset is an important consideration when pricing options contracts.