Volatility is the dispersion of returns for a given security or market index. It is quantified by short-term traders as the average difference between a stocks daily high and daily low, divided by the stock price. A stock that moves $5 per day with a $50 share price is more volatile than a stock that moves $5 per day with a $150 share price, because the percentage move is greater with the first. Trading the most volatile stocks is an efficient way to trade, because theoretically these stocks offer the most profit potential.
Volatile stocks are prone to sharp moves, which requires patience in awaiting entries, but quick action when those entries appear. As with any stock, trading volatile stocks that are trending provides a directional bias giving the trader an advantage. Certain indicators can be used to trade volatile stocks but the trader must also monitor price action--watching if the price is making higher swing highs or lower swing lows relative to prior waves--to determine when indicator signals are taken, and when they are left alone.