Track gold and silver volatility, compare historical trends, and monitor market risk
Gold & silver volatility history
Annualized (%)Historical volatility data are being prepared.
Hover, click or tap a date to see volatility and average prices in USD per troy ounce. Missing values remain gaps; the current UTC day is excluded.
Recent volatility readings
30-return window
| Observation | Gold HV | Gold change | Silver HV | Silver change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| No verified observations yet. | ||||
Prices: Gold API · Calculations: Silver Dominion · Checked twice daily
Methodology & data notes
Historical volatility is the sample standard deviation of daily log returns, annualized with √252 and expressed as a percentage. A 30-return window needs 31 valid prices. This tracker uses Gold API’s daily average USD prices rather than market closing prices, so its results differ from close-to-close volatility.
Saturday, Sunday and the unfinished UTC day are excluded. No prices are estimated or carried forward. A source gap longer than seven calendar days resets the rolling calculation. Observation windows count available weekday returns; holidays and source coverage may affect the dates covered.
The percentile uses the preceding 1,260 valid values at the same window, excluding the latest reading; ties receive half weight. It needs at least 252 earlier valid values. This is roughly five trading years, not necessarily five full calendar years. Silver/gold compares matching dates and is unavailable if gold volatility is zero.
Gold uses a solid amber line and silver a dashed blue line, on one common scale. Green and red describe changes in volatility versus the previous reading. Historical volatility measures movement size, not future direction, and is not an option-implied volatility index. CSV includes prices, all six computed series and changes; the selected period only filters the chart and table.
Source documentation: history API · free-plan limits · terms. Neither API availability nor price accuracy is guaranteed. Successful checks replace both metal histories together; failures preserve verified data.
Gold & Silver Historical Volatility
The Gold & Silver Volatility Tracker helps investors compare price fluctuations over 10, 30, and 90 trading days. It provides insight into changing market conditions and historical price risk.
Gold and silver often respond to the same economic developments, but silver typically experiences larger percentage swings. Comparing their volatility helps identify unusual market activity and shifts in risk.
How to Read the Volatility Tracker
Historical volatility measures how much prices have fluctuated over a given period. Higher readings indicate larger price movements, while lower values suggest more stable conditions.
Each timeframe provides a different perspective:
- 10-Day Volatility: Captures recent price fluctuations.
- 30-Day Volatility: Shows medium-term market activity.
- 90-Day Volatility: Highlights broader volatility trends.
A sharp rise in short-term volatility may signal increasing market uncertainty, particularly when longer-term readings remain stable.
Learn more in our Volatility guide.
What Drives Precious Metals Volatility?
Gold and silver volatility can increase during inflation releases, Federal Reserve decisions, and unexpected economic developments.
Our Economic Calendar highlights upcoming events that may influence market activity.
Changes in speculative positions can also amplify price movements. Follow these developments through our Gold & Silver COT Positioning Tracker.
Interest rates are another important factor. Our U.S. Real Yields Tracker provides additional context for precious metals markets.
Why Compare Gold and Silver Volatility?
Silver’s larger price swings can create opportunities during rallies but also increase potential losses during corrections. Gold generally shows greater relative stability, although both metals can experience significant volatility.
Higher volatility does not necessarily mean falling prices, and lower volatility does not guarantee safety.
Combining historical volatility with price trends, market positioning, and economic indicators helps investors better understand changing risks in precious metals markets.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is gold and silver historical volatility?
Historical volatility measures how much gold and silver prices have fluctuated over a specific period. Higher volatility indicates larger price swings, while lower volatility suggests more stable trading conditions.
How is gold and silver volatility calculated?
Historical volatility is typically calculated using the standard deviation of daily price returns over a selected period. The result is often annualized to make different timeframes easier to compare.
Why is silver usually more volatile than gold?
Silver generally has a smaller and less liquid market than gold. Its combination of industrial and investment demand can also amplify price movements during periods of economic uncertainty or changing market expectations.
What is the difference between 10-day, 30-day, and 90-day volatility?
The 10-day reading reflects recent price fluctuations, the 30-day reading captures medium-term conditions, and the 90-day reading provides a broader perspective. Comparing them helps identify changes in market volatility.
Does higher volatility mean gold or silver prices will fall?
No. Volatility measures the magnitude of price movements, not their direction. High volatility can occur during strong rallies or sharp declines and does not reliably predict future prices.
What is the difference between historical and implied volatility?
Historical volatility measures past price fluctuations, while implied volatility reflects expectations derived from options prices. Both provide useful information, but they measure different aspects of market risk.
How can investors use the Gold & Silver Volatility Tracker?
Investors can compare the risk characteristics of gold and silver, identify unusual price fluctuations, and monitor changes in market conditions. Volatility data are most useful alongside price trends, economic indicators, and market positioning.