A Shift in Market Environment May Lead to an ‘Accident’

  • A shift in market environment may lead to an ‘accident’ for markets
  • Traditional relationship between stocks and volatility is returning
  • Factors driving the change include suppression of volatility, economic outlook, and US presidential election
  • Market vulnerable to sharp pullback as volatility gets squeezed from depressed levels

Charlie McElligott, cross-asset macro strategist at Nomura, warns that a more traditional relationship between stocks and volatility is emerging, making markets more vulnerable to a sharp pullback. Factors driving this change include the suppression of volatility through trading strategies, growing confidence in a cooling economic outlook, and the upcoming US presidential election. This shift leaves the market susceptible to an ‘accident’ or sudden drop. VIX call options allow buyers to profit if volatility spikes, but there is still potential for upside surprises like a strong Nvidia performance or 0% core CPI reading.

Factuality Level: 8
Factuality Justification: The article provides relevant information about the current market dynamics and includes insights from an expert in the field. It discusses potential risks and factors that could impact the market, such as the U.S. presidential election and VIX call options. However, it lacks some details and context for readers who may not be familiar with financial terms like ‘VIX’ or ‘euphoria upside chase.’ The article is mostly factual but could benefit from more explanation to make it more accessible to a wider audience.
Noise Level: 6
Noise Justification: The article provides some relevant information about the potential for an ‘accident’ in markets and mentions a few factors contributing to it, but lacks depth and context. It also includes some jargon that may be confusing for readers unfamiliar with financial terms.
Public Companies: Nomura (N/A), Nvidia (NVDA)
Key People: Charlie McElligott (cross-asset macro strategist at Nomura)


Financial Relevance: Yes
Financial Markets Impacted: Stocks, volatility, VIX call options, U.S. presidential election, S&P 500
Financial Rating Justification: The article discusses the relationship between stocks and volatility in financial markets, the impact of trading strategies on these markets, and the potential for a sharp pullback due to various factors including the U.S. presidential election. It also mentions the S&P 500 and VIX call options.
Presence Of Extreme Event: b
Nature Of Extreme Event: Financial Crash or Crisis
Impact Rating Of The Extreme Event: Major
Extreme Rating Justification: An extreme event is mentioned in the form of a potential financial crisis due to a sharp pullback in the market, which could be far more ‘convex’ than a regular 5%-10% correction. The impact rating is major as it involves significant economic consequences and vulnerability of the market.

Reported publicly: www.marketwatch.com