Equity correlation and volatility move out of sync

Correlation in the equity markets has traditionally moved in tandem with volatility, but since June the relationship between the two has broken down. What has caused the rupture and how have investors been affected? Peter Madigan reports

andrew-baehr-bnpp

Financial crises usually have a striking impact on correlation. With investors panicking and pulling money out of any investment deemed to be at risk, volatility and correlation can spike to extremes as everything moves in tandem. The same pattern emerged in the second quarter, when the eurozone sovereign debt crisis was at its peak. Unusually, though, volatility has dropped in the months since May, while correlation remains locked at close to record highs. This phenomenon has been evident

Only users who have a paid subscription or are part of a corporate subscription are able to print or copy content.

To access these options, along with all other subscription benefits, please contact info@risk.net or view our subscription options here: http://subscriptions.risk.net/subscribe

You are currently unable to copy this content. Please contact info@risk.net to find out more.

Sorry, our subscription options are not loading right now

Please try again later. Get in touch with our customer services team if this issue persists.

New to Risk.net? View our subscription options

What gold's rise means for rates, equities

It has been several years since we have seen volatility in gold. An increase in gold volatility can typically be associated with a change in sentiment and investor behavior. The precious metal has surged this year on increased demand for safe haven…

Most read articles loading...

You need to sign in to use this feature. If you don’t have a Risk.net account, please register for a trial.

Sign in
You are currently on corporate access.

To use this feature you will need an individual account. If you have one already please sign in.

Sign in.

Alternatively you can request an individual account here