CBOE Volatility Index
About CBOE Volatility Index
The VIX, often called the 'fear gauge', measures the market's expectation of 30-day forward-looking volatility implied from S&P 500 options prices. It is not a traditional stock index but rather a real-time sentiment indicator used by traders to gauge market fear and complacency.
CBOE Volatility Index Price Chart
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Components
Derived from S&P 500 (SPX) option prices — both calls and puts across a wide range of strike prices. Not composed of individual stocks.
Trading Hours
VIX options and futures trade on CBOE and CFE: 08:30–15:15 CT and extended Globex hours.
Fact Sheet
Introduced in 1993 by the CBOE. Updated in 2003 to use S&P 500 options (previously used S&P 100). VIX futures launched 2004, VIX options 2006.
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