Stock return volatility during the Great Depression has been labeled a “volatility puzzle” because the standard …, and Jones; 1990). We investigate the “volatility puzzle” using a new series of building permits, a forward-looking measure … of economic activity. Our results suggest that the volatility of building permit growth largely explains the high level …

Stock return volatility during the Great Depression has been labeled a "volatility puzzle" because the standard …, and Jones; 1990). We investigate the "volatility puzzle" using a new series of building permits, a forward-looking measure … of economic activity. Our results suggest that the volatility of building permit growth largely explains the high level …