Volatility in vogue

The spike in volatility initiated by the collapse of the US subprime market has spurred mark-to-market losses of equity-linked products. While investors remain bullish about equity markets, dealers are preparing for the next batch of products that short sell volatility. But has volatility come of age as a standalone marketable underlying?

Sparked by the US subprime mortgage crisis, global volatility has risen to its highest level this year. The Chicago Board Options Exchange Volatility Index (Vix) reached 37.5 points on August 17, its highest level since 2002, and nearly double the historical average of 18.9 points since 1990. Stock markets also tumbled. Between August 8-15, the S&P 500 index plunged by 6% and the Dow Jones Eurostoxx 50 index slumped by 4.5%.

The value of many equity-linked structured products has decreased

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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…

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