Portfolio Volatility Scaling
Portfolio volatility scaling is a risk management technique that adjusts the size of positions based on the current volatility of the underlying assets. The goal is to maintain a constant level of risk across the portfolio, regardless of market conditions.
When volatility increases, position sizes are reduced to keep the overall risk exposure within acceptable limits; when volatility decreases, sizes may be increased. This approach helps to smooth out the equity curve and protect the account from outsized losses during periods of market turbulence.
It requires real-time monitoring of volatility metrics such as Average True Range or implied volatility. By dynamically scaling, a trader avoids the trap of being over-leveraged during high-risk environments.