Market volatility was notably calm over 2023—in a striking contrast from last year. In fact, the Cboe Volatility Index (VIX), a common measure for tracking volatility, dropped to four-year lows in December after the Fed signaled interest rate cuts in 2024. This graphic, sponsored by New York Life Investments, shows the key factors that influenced volatility this year and how to navigate the path forward. The Macroeconomic Climate To start, investors were closely watching how macroeconomic uncertainties would unfold in 2023. Here’s how they compared to last year: {table} How did investors react to the shifting ... (full story)