Guides · Stocks, ETFs and markets
What is the VIX, the "fear index"?
In short: The VIX measures the volatility investors expect on the S&P 500 over the next 30 days, based on option prices. The higher it is, the greater the fear. It usually spikes during crashes.
How to read it
Around 12 to 20: a fairly calm market. Above 30: strong worry. It topped 80 in 2008 and March 2020.
What it doesn't say
Direction. A high VIX doesn't tell you whether the market will rebound or keep falling.
On the radar
The VIX is one of the inputs the AIs use, notably to forecast volatility and the risk of a sharp drop.
Today's numbers
| Asset | Price | Expected move over a month | Risk of a drop of more than 10% |
| S&P 500 (ETF) | $735.29 | ±4% | 3% |
Prices as of 2026-11-08, updated automatically. Volatility and drop risk are what the radar's AIs forecast best; they are not buy or sell recommendations.