Volatility and Losses: No End in Sight

Andy Spero | December 1, 2008 | 0 Comment(s) |

If you haven’t read it, For the Vix, 40 Looks Like It’s the New 20 in today’s The Wall Street Journal please know that is a decent column.

We particularly like the paragraph:

“Volatility may not return to its highs, but it isn’t clear when it will get back to normal, either. Volatility breeds fear, which breeds more volatility. There is still too much uncertainty about the losses lurking on bank balance sheets and about the depth and breadth of the current recession to inspire much calm.”

Now,… Read the rest

Speculators, Hedge Funds and Lehman Brothers

Andy Spero | September 11, 2008 | 0 Comment(s) |

We saw a headline yesterday (September 10) about plans in Congress to bail-out of the auto industry.  We are formulating a post about it in the context of adult irresponsibility, which seems to be the defining characteristic of many (but not all) baby-boomers.  However, we don’t have time for a long post like that one, but we do have a few brief observations about current events.  Well, two briefs ones, and one longer one.

Speculators: First, in yesterday’s (September 10) The Wall Street Journal, we saw the title of an article, Read the rest

Caveat Emptor

Andy Spero | April 1, 2008 | 0 Comment(s) |

We recently met an individual who is working towards a PhD in mathematical finance.  He had a masters degree in something technical, too, and if we recall correctly, has been in the PhD program for four years.

He wanted us to read his paper regarding the volatility of volatility.  We didn’t have the time, but a quick skim revealed that it was suitably loaded with math and graphs—quite technical.  1

When individuals discuss volatility, they usually speak of one of two kinds: (1) historical or realized vol or (2)… Read the rest