Volatility Impact Cost

Definition

Volatility impact cost refers to the additional expense incurred when executing a trade in a volatile market, beyond the standard bid-ask spread. This cost arises from rapid price fluctuations that can cause an order to fill at a less favorable price than anticipated, or from increased market impact due to order book instability. It is an implicit trading cost that can significantly erode profitability. This cost is particularly pronounced in illiquid or highly active markets. It reflects the challenge of execution in dynamic conditions.