In Chapter 10, we discuss some of the significant problems with these kinds of risk models. For now I will simply point out that the core purpose of such risk models seems to me to be flawed. Other kinds of investments, such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds, private equity, or fine wine, do not attempt to offer fixed levels of volatility. Why should quants want to manage risk in this manner, or be asked to do so? Furthermore, if a quant is good at forecasting volatility or dispersion, there are far more interesting and productive ways to utilize these forecasts (for example, in the options markets) than there are in a risk model that governs leverage. These kinds of models often cause traders to take too little risk in more normal times and too much risk in very turbulent times. Nevertheless, they are wildly popular.