Created by the Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE), the Volatility Index, or VIX, is a real-time market index that represents the market's expectation of 30-day forward-looking volatility.
Derived from the price inputs of the S&P 500 index options, it provides a measure of market risk and investors' sentiments. It is also known by other names like "Fear Gauge" or "Fear Index."
Investors, research analysts and portfolio managers look to VIX values as a way to measure market risk, fear and stress before they take investment decisions.
https://www.investopedia.com/terms/v/vix.asp
The fear was so bad, even the fear gauge wasn’t working!
WTH? I thought it had to be like @ 100 before that happened?
VIX seems to fluctuate between 15-20 and absolute panic. I’ve thought about buying when it’s low (not now!)and just holding to the next panic. Anyone see any problem with that idea?
The VIX is a derivative of trading in S&P 500 index options.
If trading is halted there are no inputs to calculate the VIX.