How Volatile is 2015? Hint: There are Only a Couple Years Had Less Volatility

With the recent rise in volatility, as measured by the CBOE VIX Index on the S&P 500, a good portion of analysts are anticipating increasing volatility in the equity markets for the remainder of 2015 (and the economy as a whole).

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How does 2015 look in perspective of past years?

Here's a look.

A Look at Volatility by Year Since 1991

The following graphic depicts the percentage gain or decrease in the value of the VIX (vertical axis) by year (each colored line) according to the number of days into the year (horizontal axis).

We are about 158 days into 2015.

Can you guess which line is 2015?  A decrease in volatility, an...