A Snapshot of Volatility and Stocks
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View from the Observation Deck  
  1. The Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE) SPX Volatility Index (VIX) uses S&P 500 Index options activity to gauge investors' expectations of volatility. It represents a 30-day measure. It is often referred to as the "fear index" by the financial media.
  2. From 2000 through 2017, the average reading on the VIX Index was 19.88, according to data from Bloomberg. 
  3. The recent 10.1% correction in the S&P 500 Index (not shown in chart) from its all-time on 1/26/18 through 2/8/18 was accompanied by a surge in the VIX Index, from a reading of 11.08 at the close on 1/26/18 to as high as 37.32 at the close on 2/5/18, according to Bloomberg. It closed at 19.26 on 2/14/18 (not shown in table), in line with its 19.88 average since the start of 2000. 
  4. As indicated in the table, with the exception of 2008 (financial crisis), the VIX Index can fluctuate dramatically on an intra-year basis, without negatively impacting the performance of the S&P 500 Index.
  5. Volatility was very low in 2017.  We expect it to be higher in 2018, especially following the recent spike, but do not believe it is something investors should fear. 
This chart is for illustrative purposes only and not indicative of any actual investment. The illustration excludes the effects of taxes and brokerage commissions or other expenses incurred when investing. Investors cannot invest directly in an index. The S&P 500 is a capitalization-weighted index comprised of 500 stocks used to measure large-cap U.S. stock market performance. The VIX Index (The CBOE SPX Volatility Index®) estimates expected volatility by averaging the weighted prices of S&P 500 puts and calls over a wide range of strike prices.

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Posted on Thursday, February 15, 2018 @ 2:08 PM

These posts were prepared by First Trust Advisors L.P., and reflect the current opinion of the authors. They are based upon sources and data believed to be accurate and reliable. Opinions and forward looking statements expressed are subject to change without notice. This information does not constitute a solicitation or an offer to buy or sell any security.