Roller-Coaster Periods
Posted 3/5/07
Volatile Times
The stock market has often gotten more volatile after trading days in which equity prices fell 2 percent or more. These figures show market behavior in the 12 months following such sell-offs.
| Initial Sell-Off | Number of Days With 2% Decline | Increase in Volatility |
| March 7, 1996 | 16 | 28% |
| Feb. 12, 1993 | 2 | 11% |
| Jan. 7, 1986 | 6 | 44% |
| Oct. 30, 1978 | 2 | 8% |
| May 11, 1973 | 8 | 68% |
| July 25, 1969 | 5 | 73% |
| Aug. 25, 1966 | 3 | 27% |
| Aug. 7, 1959 | 0 | 8% |
| Average | 5 | 33% |
Source: Standard & Poor's
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