DENTON (UNT), Texas -- The Dow Jones Industrial Average has seen significant volatility in 2016. The Dow closed with a triple digit gain or loss in 16 of the 21 trading days so far in 2016. Michael Carroll, a University of North Texas economist, is available to discuss this year's trading news and both the short- and long-term effects.

Reach Carroll at 940-565-4049 (office) or 419-308-9580 (cell), or by email at Michael.Carroll@unt.edu.

He says that though the market volume has remained within historical averages, the daily range – the market's high and low each day – has been in the triple digits each trading session this year.

"Most of the volatility can be traced to uncertainty in the international markets and changes in global oil prices," he says. "Another key factor has been speculation on how the Federal Reserve will react if the U.S. economic growth continues to slow."

Two lingering questions among investors will keep the markets churning through the first quarter of 2016, he says:

• Does the Fed have any tools left in the tool box to deal with a mild recession?
• Manufacturing is already in decline. What will the Fed do if services follow?