A stock decreases in value by 20% in the first year and then increases by 30% in the second year. If the initial value was $100, what is the value at the end of the second year? - Abbey Badges
Understanding Volatile Stock Performance: How a 20% Drop Followed by a 30% Rise Transforms Investments
Understanding Volatile Stock Performance: How a 20% Drop Followed by a 30% Rise Transforms Investments
Investing in stocks often means riding a rollercoaster of gains and losses. A compelling real-world example occurs when a stock’s value initially plummets—sales and market corrections drain value—only to rebound strongly in the following year. This article explains how a $100 stock that falls 20% in its first year and rises 30% in the second year ultimately reaches a new, higher value—and why understanding volatility helps investors make smarter decisions.
The Journey of a $100 Stock: From $100 to $80, Then to $114
Understanding the Context
Let’s break down the numeric journey step-by-step based on the scenario:
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Starting Value (Year 0): $100
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Year 1: Falls 20%
A 20% drop means the stock loses 20% of its initial value:
$100 × (1 - 0.20) = $100 × 0.80 = $80 at the end of Year 1. -
Year 2: Rises 30%
The $80 moves upward by 30%:
$80 × (1 + 0.30) = $80 × 1.30 = $104
Final value after two years: $104, which represents a 4% net gain from the original $100, even after a 20% initial decline.
Why This Pattern Matters for Investors
Key Insights
This volatility illustrates a key financial principle: percentage declines and recoveries don’t cancel out exactly when returns are based on absolute price values—not just percentages. Stock buyers benefit significantly from rebound growth after drops when positioned in a recovering asset. The 30% rebound on a reduced base transforms a short-term setback into long-term strength, demonstrating the power of compounding from recovery.
Conclusion
While a 20% drop in the first year of a stock might raise red flags, a subsequent 30% increase can restore and even surpass the original value. In this case, starting at $100 leads to a final value of $104—a compelling example of resilience and growth in stock investing. Recognizing how percentages interact over time empowers investors to avoid panic and embrace strategic, long-term perspectives.
Want to calculate your own stock journey? Use simple formulas: subtract 20%, then multiply by 1.30, or directly compute $100 × 0.80 × 1.30 = $104. Understanding these dynamics builds confidence in navigating market fluctuations.
