2013: The Year Volatility Died
The stock market in 2013 gave investors almost exactly what they wanted: sizable returns without any major correction along the way. But what drove such strong results, and can 2014 give investors another chance at such favorable conditions?
In the following video, Dan Caplinger, The Motley Fool's director of investment planning, talks about low volatility levels in the market and how they helped investors this year. Dan notes that the Volatility Index is typically seen as a measure of fear, and it stayed relatively flat nearly throughout 2013. Volatility-linked investments iPath VIX ST Futures ETN and VelocityShares 2x VIX ST ETN posted severe losses as a result of the lack of fear in the market. As Dan points out, just about the only way to make money on volatility was to bet against it, as the VelocityShares Inverse VIX ETN almost doubled. Dan concludes by noting the dangers of assuming that markets will behave normally, especially with investments oriented toward shorter-term performance.
What to do in 2014
Too many investors missed 2013's gains, scared of potential volatility. Yet those who've stayed out of the market have put their long-term financial futures in jeopardy. In our brand-new special report, "Your Essential Guide to Start Investing Today," The Motley Fool's personal finance experts show you why investing is so important and what you need to do to get started. Click here to get your copy today -- it's absolutely free.
The article 2013: The Year Volatility Died originally appeared on Fool.com.
Fool contributor Dan Caplinger and The Motley Fool have no position in any of the stocks mentioned. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools don't all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
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