VIXvísitölunni

VIXvísitölunni, more commonly known as the VIX, is a real-time stock market index that represents the market's expectation of 30-day forward-looking volatility derived from the prices of S&P 500 index options. It is a product of the Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE). The VIX is often referred to as the "fear index" because it tends to spike when investors are fearful or uncertain about the market's future direction. Conversely, it generally declines when investor confidence is high and the market is stable.

The calculation of the VIX involves a weighted average of the implied volatilities of a broad range of S&P 500 index options with near-term expiration dates. Implied volatility is a forward-looking measure, reflecting the market's consensus on how much the S&P 500 is likely to move in the future. A higher VIX value indicates greater expected volatility, while a lower value suggests a more stable market. The VIX itself cannot be traded directly, but there are various financial products, such as futures and exchange-traded funds (ETFs), that are based on its price. These products allow investors to speculate on or hedge against future volatility.