VIX volatility index, 1990 to 2026
VIX volatility index stood at 17 in 2026, down 7.7% on the previous period.
The latest reading is a level of 17.9, for June 2026, against a level of 17.2 in May 2026. The series is monthly (FRED series VIXCLS) and runs from January 1990.
How it is measured
The Cboe Volatility Index: the stock market's expected volatility over the next 30 days, computed from S&P 500 option prices. When investors pay up for protection, the VIX rises, which is why it is called the fear gauge. It is a market price of insurance, not a survey. The data reaches us through FRED, the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis's data service, and originates with Cboe.
What the curve shows
The VIX has ranged from 10.1 (October 2017) to 62.7 (November 2008) over the window. Readings in the low teens accompany calm bull markets; spikes above 30 mark stress, and the extremes on this chart line up with the crises you would guess.
What does a VIX of 20 actually mean?
Can you buy the VIX?
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