Standard deviation is a metric that shows the variability of a security’s returns over time. It can be used to gauge volatility based on past performance and compare a future return to past returns.

Steven Nickolas is a writer and has 10+ years of experience working as a consultant to retail and institutional investors. Gordon Scott has been an active investor and technical analyst or 20+ years.

Ryan Eichler holds a B.S.B.A with a concentration in Finance from Boston University. He has held positions in, and has deep experience with, expense auditing, personal finance, real estate, as well as ...

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