Darius McDermott: Make volatility work for you

Short-term noise or something sinister?

clock • 4 min read

Volatility is healthy and a sign that markets are normalising, argues Darius McDermott, before considering how advisers and their clients can make the return of volatility work for them

Up until a couple of months ago, an eerie sense of calm had settled across markets. The VIX  index - one of the most commonly-used gauges of market fear - continued to fall to new all-time lows during the second half of last year. In January, it came within touching point of reaching yet another record low. Of course, nothing lasts forever - especially not when it comes to markets - and, in February, volatility suddenly spiked as equities sold off across the globe. According to FE Analytics, over the first three months of the year, the VIX was up by a substantial two-thirds. This is p...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Investment

Watch Professional Adviser's Working Lunch with Baillie Gifford - Enduring Growth in a Changing World

Watch Professional Adviser's Working Lunch with Baillie Gifford - Enduring Growth in a Changing World

Catch up on the discussion

Professional Adviser
clock 21 August 2025 • 1 min read
PA Awards 2025: Why MyFolio Index came out top as Best Risk Targeted Range of Funds

PA Awards 2025: Why MyFolio Index came out top as Best Risk Targeted Range of Funds

Aberdeen Investments Senior Investment Director and Head of Managed & Model Solutions Justin Jones shares what sets MyFolio Index apart following its Best Risk Targeted Range of Funds award win at the Professional Adviser Awards 2025.

Professional Adviser
clock 19 August 2025 • 3 min read
Woodford IM hits back at FCA's enforcement action including £46m in fines

Woodford IM hits back at FCA's enforcement action including £46m in fines

WIM said it 'strongly disagrees' with the regulator's decision

Cristian Angeloni
clock 05 August 2025 • 3 min read