Volatility Measurement Techniques

Calculation

Volatility measurement fundamentally relies on statistical calculation, deriving quantifiable metrics from historical price data to represent dispersion around an average price. Implied volatility, extracted from option prices using models like Black-Scholes, provides a forward-looking estimate of expected price fluctuations, crucial for derivative pricing and risk assessment. Realized volatility, computed from high-frequency data, offers an ex-post view of actual price swings, serving as a benchmark for model calibration and trading strategy evaluation. Accurate calculation is paramount, as errors propagate through risk management systems and impact portfolio performance.