European Equities: Receding volatility, and possible causes
Low equity markets volatility has been around for some time (see also https://deutscheam.com/thought-leadership/cio-view/article/no-messing-with-volatility ). In June we have witnessed a special development in European equity markets: swings in equity markets have been moderate so far this year. In fact, the aftermath of the BREXIT referendum in June 2016 was the last period when stocks gyrated widely. These heavy fluctuations are now dropping out of the one-year calculations, leading to a substantial drop in 12month volatility measures, as ourChart of the Week demonstrates.
Investment strategies, which e.g. try to balance risk contributions from different asset classes, in such an environment may have to add to equity exposure. This seems to have been a supportive factor recently. If however, for whatever reason, volatility were to pick up again, these strategies should have to close these positions again.
Sources: Bloomberg Finance L.P., Deutsche Asset Management Investment GmbH, as of 6/29/17
