^GSPC$7,423.20+0.56%^IXIC$25,009.60+1.04%^DJI$42,502.91-0.16%^VIX$27.32+2.05%^STOXX50E$67.27+0.73%BTC-USD$79,600.39-1.10%ETH-USD$2,257.18-0.75%SOL-USD$90.98-3.49%AAPL$298.95+1.41%MSFT$405.09-0.66%NVDA$225.86+2.30%TSLA$445.21+2.71%META$616.61+2.26%GOOGL$402.64+3.95%AMZN$270.15+1.63%AMD$445.40-0.64%EURUSD$1.1709-0.27%GC$4,686.94-0.60%CL$101.27-1.72%^GSPC$7,423.20+0.56%^IXIC$25,009.60+1.04%^DJI$42,502.91-0.16%^VIX$27.32+2.05%^STOXX50E$67.27+0.73%BTC-USD$79,600.39-1.10%ETH-USD$2,257.18-0.75%SOL-USD$90.98-3.49%AAPL$298.95+1.41%MSFT$405.09-0.66%NVDA$225.86+2.30%TSLA$445.21+2.71%META$616.61+2.26%GOOGL$402.64+3.95%AMZN$270.15+1.63%AMD$445.40-0.64%EURUSD$1.1709-0.27%GC$4,686.94-0.60%CL$101.27-1.72%
RockstarMarkets
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Options

VIX

The 30-day implied volatility of S&P 500 options. The 'fear gauge.'

What it means

The VIX is calculated from the prices of SPX options across strikes, weighted to produce an estimate of expected 30-day volatility. Quoted in annualized percentage points.

Why it matters

VIX is the most-watched market sentiment indicator on Earth. Moves above 30 typically coincide with stress; sustained levels below 13 typically precede tops. It's the input to most volatility-based trading strategies.

How to use it

Don't trade the VIX directly - it's not investable. Trade VXX, UVXY, SVXY (with caution), or SPX options. Watch the VIX term structure (front-month vs longer): contango is normal; backwardation is a stress signal.

Take it further

Want a worked example or a deeper dive? Ask Rocky how this concept applies to your specific watchlist or trade idea.

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