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The area has seen considerable electoral volatility, and there appears to be evidence of split ticket voting.

"We see great volatility over the near term and there will be opportunities to buy great companies at low prices."

Even before the Irish situation hit the headlines, however, we were seeing unusual volatility in on the foreign currency exchanges.

Some Thursdays preceding triple-witching days have also seen volatility, but yesterday was sedate.

"Certainly over the next six months or so, you're going to see huge volatility in the rand leading up to the elections."

"A lot of people who had never seen volatility in the credit markets had all of a sudden been sensitized."

Still, the market has seen enormous volatility this year, particularly in recent days.

Mr. Nordberg added that he expected to continue to see greater volatility in the American stock market leading up to the fall election.

They may see a 200-point fall one day only as volatility that will be followed by a sharp rebound.