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VIX today: Wall Street's fear index

Data as of Oct 12, 2026

15.21 Fair

Higher than on 35% of the days of the last 10 years.

Last month

DateValueColour
Oct 12, 202615.21Fair
Oct 9, 202614.84Good
Oct 8, 202615.41Fair
Oct 7, 202615.08Fair
Oct 6, 202615.01Fair
Oct 5, 202615.52Fair
Oct 2, 202615.31Fair
Oct 1, 202616.39Fair
Sep 30, 202616.34Fair
Sep 29, 202616.04Fair
Sep 28, 202616.07Fair
Sep 25, 202614.87Good
Sep 24, 202615.67Fair
Sep 23, 202615.18Fair
Sep 22, 202614.21Good
Sep 21, 202614.87Good
Sep 18, 202614.81Good
Sep 17, 202615.44Fair
Sep 16, 202617.71Fair
Sep 15, 202617.20Fair
Sep 14, 202617.10Fair
Sep 11, 202615.84Fair

Over the last 10 years

What it is

The VIX measures how much investors expect the S&P 500 to move over the next 30 days, from option prices. That is why it is called the "fear index".

How to read it

Below 15 usually signals calm; above 30, intense fear, as in 2008 or March 2020. The colour compares today's value with the last 10 years: "Poor" is a high VIX for what is usual.

Frequently asked questions

What is the VIX?

An index computed by Cboe from S&P 500 option prices. It reflects the volatility investors expect over the next 30 days.

What VIX level is high?

As a rule of thumb, below 15 usually signals calm and above 30, intense fear. The page shows its 10-year high and low above.

Does a high VIX mean stocks will fall?

Not necessarily: it usually rises while stocks fall and eases when they calm down. It describes today's nervousness, not future prices.

Sources

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