Article · Wikipedia archive · Last revised Jul 27, 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.

Last revised
Jul 27, 2026
Read time
≈ 1 min
Length
97 w
Citations
1
Source

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

Notes

Notes