Realized Volatility Calculation

Calculation

Realized volatility calculation, a cornerstone of modern risk management, estimates volatility from high-frequency return data rather than relying solely on implied volatility derived from options prices. This approach leverages intraday price movements to construct a more granular and potentially more accurate picture of market volatility. The core principle involves summing the squared returns over a specified period, typically daily or weekly, and applying a scaling factor to account for the number of observations. Consequently, it provides a backward-looking measure of volatility, offering insights into historical price fluctuations and informing trading strategies.