The Two Faces Of Stock Market Volatility

By Elliott Wave International

Volatility, volatility, volatility. It's all the financial world can talk about lately... and, well, for good reason. In the past few months, the world's stock markets have endured some of the most gut-wrenching price swings since the 2007-2009 financial crisis.

But for many investors, it's still not clear what this volatility means for the status of the bull market in U.S. stocks.

The reason why said status remains unclear is in large part because the mainstream pundits haven't exactly been consistent with their punditing. (Note: NOT a real word!)

Take, for example, this summer. Before U.S. stocks fell off the cliff this August, the market was about as volatile as a yoga retreat. The trend was a slow, calm, and steady ascension to a higher self. In fact, the ultimate "fear gauge" known as the CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) had dipped below 12 for the first time since 2014.

Now, according to the usual experts, this extended period of market calm was a bullish sign, as these news items from the time explain: Continue reading "The Two Faces Of Stock Market Volatility"