CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) Index — Level, Chart & Constituents

What the CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) measures

The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) is a stock market index that tracks the market's expectation of near-term volatility derived from S&P 500 options. Often called the "fear gauge," it reflects how much investors expect the S&P 500 to move up or down over the coming weeks. A rising VIX typically signals higher uncertainty, while a falling VIX suggests calmer conditions.

Key numbers explained

• The current index level is 15.18 points, quoted in USD.
• Today's range was 14.12 – 15.45, with a price change today of +6.83%.
• The 52-week low and high are 13.38 and 35.3 respectively.
• The level represents the implied volatility priced into options, not a yield or coupon.
• A lower reading such as 15.18 generally indicates lower expected short-term market swings.
• The spread between the 52-week low 13.38 and high 35.3 shows the range of investor uncertainty over the past year.

Recent news

Recent headlines include "Stock Market News for Sep 23, 2026," "The ‘Warsh Volatility Effect’ Means It’s Time to Lock In Profits," and "Stock Market Fear Index Signals Calm Despite Trump's Tough Talk." Additional stories covered "Stock Market News for Sep 22, 2026," "Treasury Yields Keep Climbing. The Dollar Might Tell Us Why," and "Positioning for a Big Move: Nvidia Long Straddle Trade Idea."

What to watch

Broad factors that can move the CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) include economic data releases, central bank policy signals, earnings seasons, geopolitical developments, and shifts in interest rates. Because the index is tied to options on the S&P 500, large moves in major benchmarks such as the Nasdaq-100, Nasdaq Composite, Russell 2000, or Dow Jones Industrial Average can also influence implied volatility.