VIX index | Learn About the Volatility 75 index | AvaTrade (2024)

VIX index | Learn About the Volatility 75 index | AvaTrade (1)

What is the Volatility 75?

The Volatility Index (VIX) is widely considered the foremost indicator of stock market volatility and investor sentiment. It is a measure of the market’s expectation of near term volatility of the prices of US 500 stock index options. Since its introduction in 1993, the index has grown to become the standard for gauging market volatility in the US stock market. This has earned it the monikers ‘fear index’ and ‘fear gauge’.In 2003, encouraged by the ever-growing significance of the index, the issuing bodies updated the Volatility 75 to reflect its benchmark status. The VIX is now based on a wider index, the US 500, allowing for a far more accurate depiction of expected market volatility.

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Currently, AvaTrade ZA does not offer the VIX. You can, however, expand your portfolio with other indices like the US 30 or the DAX 30. AvaTrade’s list of assets continues to grow. Check our financial instruments page regularly by clicking the button below.

Understanding the VIX

As a volatility gauge, the VIX generally portrays investor fear or complacency. The typical indicative value is 30. When the VIXX reading is above 30, it implies high volatility and inherent fear in the market. On the other hand, when the reading is below 30, it denotes complacency, or rather, less tense times in the market.In highly volatile times, investors usually exercise increased caution in the markets and vice versa. This innately inversely correlates the VIX with the US 500. When the US 500 goes down, the market interprets this as fear in the market, which consequently pushes the Volatility 75 higher.Still, the Volatility 75 Index measures volatility, and does not necessarily indicate future market direction. Historically, the VIX posted its all-time high of 80.86 on November 20, 2008, which was during the global financial crisis. Its all-time intraday low of 8.56 was posted on November 24, 2017, and the fact that it was Black Friday probably helped impact the VIX.

Volatility 75 Trading Information

  • MT4 Symbol: VXXB
  • Trading Time: Monday – Friday 08:00 – 17:00 Eastern Time
  • Country: United States
  • Currency: USD

Calculation of the VIX

Unlike stock indices, such as the US 500, which are calculated using prices of component stocks, the VIX is a volatility index. Its computation involves averaging the weighted prices of SPX (S&P 500) Puts and Calls over a wide range of strike prices, allowing it to estimate the near-term volatility of option prices.As stated above, the only major change to the formula was enacted in 2003, when the index was expanded from the S&P 100 to include the wider US 500. Previously, the index computation used only at-the-money options, but after it was updated, a broad range of strikes are now included.

The formula of the VIX follows the mathematical step-by-step logic below when computed:

  • Options with expiry times of between 23-37 days are selected
  • The contribution to the total variance of each option is calculated
  • The total variance for the first and the second expiration is calculated
  • Next is the derivation of the 30-day variance, which is done by interpolating the two variances
  • The square root is computed to obtain volatility as a standard deviation
  • The Volatility 75 is finally derived by multiplying the standard deviation (volatility) by 100

The calculation explains that the Volatility 75 Index is simply Volatility times 100. As such, when the VIX reading is 20, it basically means that the 30-day annualized volatility is 20%.

Advantages of Trading the Volatility 75 Index

Trading the VXXB on AvaTrade ZA provides the following advantages:

  • Up to leveraged trading on the VIX
  • Daily and weekly free expert technical and fundamental analyses
  • Risk management tools and innovative entry orders, such as hard and partial stop losses, as well as limit orders
  • Intuitive and powerful online trading platforms for desktop and mobile trading apps
  • Trading online with a globally regulated forex trading broker
  • MetaTrader 4 + MetaTrader 5 for desktop, tablet & mobile
  • 24/5 multilingual customer support
  • Trade with competitive spreads
  • Award-winning, regulated Forex broker
  • Access to a free demo trading account. with $100,00 in virtual funds to practice

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Using VIX Signals for Trading

Volatility 75 Seasonal Patterns

As the primary ‘fear barometer’, the Volatility 75 index chart is particularly useful in timing market cycles, as dictated by the fiscal year. Generally, a high VIX reading denotes heightened fear among investors, while a low reading denotes general complacency.As stated earlier, the Volatility 75 Index tracks implied volatility based on the options market. The overall stock market is long-biased, which means that the VIX generally displays sideways to gradual down movements. It is the VIX’s sustained low levels that warn keen investors of potential complacency in the market.

Interestingly, market declines usually trigger an overreaction by market participants, who seek to cover their positions by buying Put options. This is what drives up the Volatility 75 Index, confirming over-fear among investors.It is this spike in the Volatility 75 Index that can help traders time a temporary or definitive market bottom in anticipation of a longer-term higher price movement. This is especially ideal in a general bullish market, where the strategy is to pick out optimal price entry points in the direction of the overall trend. The reverse is true, with sustained lower VIX readings, which denote complacency, and this can help investors in picking out market tops.

Correlation

The VIX can also be combined with other market indicators to provide an even more definitive picture of the prevailing market sentiment.The Put-Call ratio (PCR), which tracks the volume or open interest of Put options versus Call options, combines well with the VIX.A Put-Call ratio greater than 1 implies a bearish sentiment, while a reading below 1 implies bullish bias in the market. The Put-Call ratio can be used as a confirmation tool for Volatility 75 trackers. A higher VIX reading, together with a <1 PCR figure, would be a great signal for bulls. Similarly, a lower VIX reading, together with >1 PCR figure, should signal bears are ready to take charge.There is also an interesting relationship between the VIX and the VXXB (S&P 500 VIX Short-Term Futures ETN). To start with, VXXB tracks VIX futures, and not exactly the VIX itself. As an electronically traded fund (ETN), the VXXB is tradable while the Volatility 75 Index is not.

The VXXB offers an excellent way to trade volatility. The VXXB usually moves higher when stocks decline, reflecting the sudden increase in short term volatility. As well, the VXXB tends to overshoot VIX futures moves and, consequently, the overall market moves, especially during bullish periods.With Volatility 75 Index serving as the primary fear gauge in the market, tracking it can help to identify great opportunities of market volatility via the VXXB, especially when forecasting the overall market direction is not certain.

Risk Management

Besides trading signals, Volatility 75 Index can also be a vital risk management tool. Prudent traders employ a variable system for optimal position sizing in the market, depending on the existing levels of volatility.As a tool that provides information on possible levels of implied volatility, the VIX can help traders apply a dynamic position sizing technique that will help minimise their trading risks, while maximising their potential rewards.As a rule of thumb, in periods of higher volatility, traders should trade lower lot sizes; whereas in periods of lower volatility, higher lot sizes can be traded.

Trading the VIX

The first exchange-traded VIX futures contract was introduced on March 24, 2004. In February 2005, VIX options were also launched and have now become one of the most traded assets on the derivatives market. Due to the typically negative correlation with the stock market, VIX options and futures have served as a natural hedge for positions in the stock and indices market.Away from the futures and options market, AvaTrade enables south african investors to trade the Volatility 75 in a revolutionary manner. The index is offered as the Inverse VIX ETN (VXXB), giving traders the lucrative chance of maximizing potential profitability in a risk-controlled environment.

VIX index FAQ

  • Should I trade the VIX index?

    If you are looking to make profits when the markets are in a wild mode you need look no further than the VIX index. Because this index tracks volatility it can be a good way to profit from volatile markets when there’s no certainty which way any individual stock or other asset might go on a daily basis. Anytime you see fear and uncertainty rising in the markets perception is a good time to buy the VIX since fear and uncertainty typically lead to increased volatility. Conversely when investors are feeling confident volatility will decrease, giving traders the chance to profit by shorting the VIX.

  • How does the VIX index impact stock prices?

    The VIX and the S&P 500 are considered to be strongly negatively correlated. That means when the VIX is increasing the S&P 500 is likely falling, and when the VIX is declining stocks are likely rising. Remember that volatility doesn’t measure the direction of price movement, rather it measures the rate of change or how rapidly price moves up or down. Many traders believe the VIX can predict tops and bottoms in the S&P 500. As the VIX reaches extremely high levels it’s seen as a buy signal for the S&P 500, but when it reaches extreme lows it’s viewed as a sell signal for the S&P 500.

  • What is the best way to trade the VIX index?

    Rather than trading the VIX directly it is possible to use the VIX to trade equities and indices. That’s because when volatility is rising stocks and indices are generally falling, but when the VIX is falling stocks and indices are generally rising. At the very least the VIX can be used as an initial signal to begin looking for signs to buy or sell in the market based on the direction in volatility. The VIX can also be used to confirm fundamental data that indicates increased uncertainty of fear in the market. If the VIX is not rising in response to news that should cause uncertainty or fear, then the market is either ignoring or discounting the news.

Currently, AvaTrade does not offer the Volatility 75. You can, however, expand your portfolio with other indices like the US 30 or the DAX 30. AvaTrade’s list of assets continues to grow. Check our financial instruments page regularly by clicking the button below.

Register Now

VIX index | Learn About the Volatility 75 index | AvaTrade (2024)

FAQs

VIX index | Learn About the Volatility 75 index | AvaTrade? ›

What is the Volatility 75? The Volatility Index (VIX) is widely considered the foremost indicator of stock market volatility and investor sentiment. It is a measure of the market's expectation of near term volatility of the prices of S&P 500 stock index options.

What is volatility 75 index VIX? ›

What is the Volatility 75? The Volatility Index (VIX) is widely considered the foremost indicator of stock market volatility and investor sentiment. It is a measure of the market's expectation of near term volatility of the prices of S&P 500 stock index options.

How to trade V75 successfully? ›

Let's look at how to grow your equity trading Volatility 75.
  1. Work on your Lot size: No matter your analysis, please always use conservative lot size when trading V75. ...
  2. Don't stack trade randomly. ...
  3. Make price action your only Special indicator. ...
  4. Don't Trade without Stop Loss. ...
  5. Grow steadily and slowly; don't aim too high.

Is VIX the same as volatility 75? ›

The volatility of 75 indexes is usually abbreviated as VIX and indicates the volatility of one of the most closely monitored stock indices, the S&P 500. VIX is an indicator of the market's fear, and when it exceeds 30, it is in fear mode. The level of fear is directly proportional to the VIX value.

Which indicator is best for VIX 75? ›

Personally, I usually use the line chart to study the market and then use the candlestick chart to place the trade. Another good tool for trading volatility is to search for an overbought or oversold indicator.

What is the relationship between S&P 500 and VIX 75? ›

The price action of the S&P 500 and the VIX often shows inverse price action: when the S&P falls sharply, the VIX rises—and vice versa. As a rule of thumb, VIX values greater than 30 are generally linked to large volatility resulting from increased uncertainty, risk, and investors' fear.

What makes VIX 75 move? ›

Volatility 75 Index prices are rising because investors are over-fearful. In anticipation of a long-term increase in price movement, traders can use this spike in the Volatility 75 Index to detect a temporary or definitive bottom in the market.

Is volatility 75 manipulated? ›

Go and check it out too. Vol 75 index is kind of manipulated sometimes, i have used some indicators but still failed. But it does respect support and resistance at least 35% of the time, on the daily time frame.

What is the minimum deposit for volatility 75 index? ›

HF Markets Overview
🔎 Broker🥇 HFM
⚖️ RegulationFSCA, CySEC, FCA, DFSA, FSCA, CMA
💳 Minimum deposit$0
💰 Maximum Leverage1:2000
🔘 Asset TypesForex, Metals, etc.
4 more rows

How to read volatility 75? ›

The calculation explains that the Volatility 75 Index is simply Volatility times 100. As such, when the VIX reading is 20, it basically means that the 30-day annualized volatility is 20%.

Which VIX is most volatile? ›

In general, VIX values of greater than 30 are considered to signal heightened volatility from increased uncertainty, risk and investor fear. VIX values below 20 generally correspond to more stable, less stressful periods in the markets.

What is the best range for VIX? ›

Theoretically, VIX oscillates between 15 and 35. Any value around or below 15 represents low volatility against values higher than 35, which indicate high fluctuations in the market.

Should I buy when VIX is high or low? ›

When the VIX is low, volatility is low. When the VIX is high volatility is high, which is usually accompanied by market fear. Buying when the VIX is high and selling when it is low is a strategy, but one that needs to be considered against other factors and indicators.

What is the best strategy for VIX? ›

The VIX reversal strategy uses 5-minute and 15-minute moving averages (MA) of the VIX. When the 5MA crosses above the 15MA a sell signal is given. When the 5MA crosses below the 15MA a short buy signal is given. The strategy is a reversal strategy.

What is another name for volatility 75 index? ›

The Volatility 75 index, or VIX, is also known as the 'fear gauge' of the US stock market.

How accurate is the VIX index? ›

Our studies show that the VIX consistently over-estimates actual volatility in normal times but it underestimates volatility in times of market crashes and crises making it unsuitable for many risk-management applications. The concept of risk has fascinated financial economists for a long time.

What is the best moving average for VIX 75? ›

To trade VIX75 using the moving average method, you need to apply 3 moving averages from the indicators window. For volatility 75, I recommend smoothed moving averages 21, 50, and 200.

Does VIX go up as spy goes down? ›

The common rule of thumb is that VIX and S&P500 tend to move in opposite directions: VIX rises when equities decline and vice versa.

How to predict market with VIX? ›

There are two ways to use the VIX in this manner: The first is to look at the actual level of the VIX to determine its stock-market implications. Another approach involves looking at ratios comparing the current level to the long-term moving average of the VIX.

How much is needed to trade volatility 75? ›

VIX 75 Fees

HF Markets' standard spread for CFDs on the Volatility 75 Index is 0.14 pips. The lowest amount necessary to begin trading CFDs at HF Markets is 2,000 NGN, and the highest leverage for CFD on VIX is 1:100. Compared to other brokers, their VIX 75 index CFD trading costs are competitively priced.

What is the best time to trade synthetic indices? ›

Thus, for seasoned traders, the interval between 9:30 to 10:30a. m. ET is one of the best hours of the day as it offers the biggest moves in the shortest amount of time. You should also consider that different indices are traded at different times, depending on the individual exchange.

What are the three types of volatility? ›

Volatility can be calculated by using many methods but three types—historical, implied and future-realized volatility—are the most common and generally used in the decision-making process.

What is acceptable volatility? ›

How Much Market Volatility Is Normal? Markets frequently encounter periods of heightened volatility. As an investor, you should plan on seeing volatility of about 15% from average returns during a given year.

Which broker has VIX 75? ›

Which Brokers in South Africa offer CFD on Volatility 75 Index? CFD trading services on the Volatility 75 Index are offered by only a few regulated forex and CFD brokers in South Africa. These are Hotforex, PepperStone, Plus500, IG Markets, and FXCM.

What are the biggest volatility funds? ›

The largest Volatility ETF is the ProShares Ultra VIX Short-Term Futures ETF UVXY with $666.00M in assets. In the last trailing year, the best-performing Volatility ETF was SVIX at 78.86%.

Can you buy volatility index? ›

Investors cannot buy VIX, and even if they could, it would be an investment with a great deal of risk. The Chicago Board Options Exchange Volatility Index® (VIX®) reflects a market estimate of future volatility. VIX is constructed using the implied volatilities of a wide range of S&P 500 index options.

What is minimum volatility investing? ›

A minimum volatility strategy involves buying stocks based on the estimate of their volatility and correlations with other stocks. Minimum volatility is categorized as a “defensive” factor, meaning it has tended to benefit during periods of economic contraction (see “Performance and Implementation”).

What is the easiest way to measure volatility? ›

Standard deviation is the most common way to measure market volatility, and traders can use Bollinger Bands to analyze standard deviation. Maximum drawdown is another way to measure stock price volatility, and it is used by speculators, asset allocators, and growth investors to limit their losses.

What is the most successful trading indicator? ›

The relative strength index (RSI) is among the most popular technical indicators for identifying overbought or oversold stocks. The RSI is bound between 0 and 100. Traditionally, a reading above 70 indicates overbought ad below 30 oversold.

What stocks do well with high volatility? ›

Top Volatile Stocks 2022
  • Sun Pharma.
  • Suzlon Energy Ltd.
  • Garden Silk Mills.
  • Madhucon Projects Limited.
  • KM Sugar Mills.
  • 3i Infotech Ltd.
  • GVK Power & Infrastructures Ltd.
  • Jubilant Industries.
Apr 27, 2023

Which trading is most volatile? ›

Commodities are typically more volatile than currency and equity markets due to the lower levels of liquidity or trading volume than other asset classes, as well as the constant exposure to weather events and other production issues that might affect supply and demand.

What is the VIX for dummies? ›

The Volatility Index or VIX is the annualized implied volatility of a hypothetical S&P 500 stock option with 30 days to expiration. The price of this option is based on the prices of near-term S&P 500 options traded on CBOE. It can help investors estimate how much the S&P 500 Index will fluctuate in the next 30 days.

How do you read the VIX volatility index? ›

In general, a VIX reading below 20 suggests a perceived low-risk environment, while a reading above 20 is indicative of a period of higher volatility. The VIX is sometimes referred to as a "fear index," since it spikes during market turmoil or periods of extreme uncertainty.

What causes VIX to go up? ›

The price of options is considered a good measure of volatility as if something concerns the market, traders and investors tend to start buying options, which causes prices to rise. This is why the VIX is also known as the fear index, as it measures the level of market fear and stress.

What is a healthy VIX? ›

A VIX level above 20 is typically considered “high.” A VIX below 12 is typically considered “low.” Anything in between 12 and 20 is considered “normal.”

What is the highest the VIX has ever been? ›

All-time intraday high was 172.79 on 20 October 1987 (Tuesday after Black Monday). VXO calculation method and even the underlying market (S&P 100) is different from the VIX, although the differences in values are mostly small.

What does a VIX of 35 mean? ›

Therefore, VIX rallies usually indicate that stocks are moving lower, but if the VIX reaches an extreme level (above 35) stocks will likely move higher in short order.

What is considered a good VIX? ›

Source: Fidelity International, 2019. In general, VIX values of greater than 30 are considered to signal heightened volatility from increased uncertainty, risk and investor fear. VIX values below 20 generally correspond to more stable, less stressful periods in the markets.

What is the difference between VIX and volatility? ›

Simply put, VIX measures the expectation of stock-market volatility as communicated by options prices. Rather than measuring “realized” or historical volatility, VIX projects “implied” or expected volatility–specifically 30 days in the future–by measuring changes in the prices of options on the S&P 500.

What does a VIX of 50 mean? ›

As a variance swap, the VIX lets speculators bet on the next 30-day portion of the maximum expected 12-month price movement of the S&P 500. Say the VIX is 50. To get the 30-day expected price: 50 / square root(12). That equals 14.43.

What is the highest VIX index ever? ›

All-time intraday high was 172.79 on 20 October 1987 (Tuesday after Black Monday). VXO calculation method and even the underlying market (S&P 100) is different from the VIX, although the differences in values are mostly small.

How do you interpret the VIX index? ›

In general, a VIX reading below 20 suggests a perceived low-risk environment, while a reading above 20 is indicative of a period of higher volatility. The VIX is sometimes referred to as a "fear index," since it spikes during market turmoil or periods of extreme uncertainty.

Which volatility is better? ›

Typically, low volatility is associated with positive market returns and high volatility with negative market returns. However, volatility can be high when stocks are increasing or decreasing in value.

Which volatility is good? ›

As an investor, you should plan on seeing volatility of about 15% from average returns during a given year.

What is the rule of 16 in the VIX index? ›

According to the rule of 16, if the VIX is trading at 16, then the SPX is estimated to see average daily moves up or down of 1% (because 16/16 = 1). If the VIX is at 24, the daily moves might be around 1.5%, and at 32, the rule of 16 says the SPX might see 2% daily moves.

What does a VIX of 10 mean? ›

Say the VIX is presently 10. This means there is about a 68% chance (one standard deviation) that the absolute value of the market's return will be less than 10√12=2.89 over the next 30 days (one month).

What does a VIX of 80 mean? ›

What does a VIX of 80 mean? In the simplest possible terms, it means that the market expects daily moves in the equity markets to be around four times larger than normal.

Can VIX go above 100? ›

VIX (CBOE Volatility Index) can theoretically reach any value from zero to positive infinite. It can not be negative, but there it no theoretical limit on the upside. VIX can definitely go over 100.

What does a VIX of 45 mean? ›

The VIX confirms when fear levels are sufficiently high to suggest that weaker holders have been shaken out and removed as an obstacle to the market's future rise. A VIX reading higher than 45 has often been shown to correspond with major market bottoms.

Can VIX be negative? ›

Historical volatility, as well as implied volatility and volatility in general, can never be negative. In other words, it can reach values from zero to positive infinite only.

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