Article · Wikipedia archive · Last revised Jun 5, 2026

Realized kernel

The realized kernel (RK) is an estimator of volatility. The estimator is typically computed with high frequency return data, such as second-by-second returns. Unlike the realized variance, the realized kernel is a robust estimator of volatility, in the sense that the realized kernel estimates the appropriate volatility quantity, even when the returns are contaminated with noise.

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Jun 5, 2026
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The realized kernel (RK) is an estimator of volatility. The estimator is typically computed with high frequency return data, such as second-by-second returns. Unlike the realized variance, the realized kernel is a robust estimator of volatility, in the sense that the realized kernel estimates the appropriate volatility quantity, even when the returns are contaminated with noise. 1

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