Macro Indicator
VIX today — the market's fear gauge
Expected 30-day S&P 500 volatility right now reads 15.55 (Nervous).
Source: CBOE VIX
The VIX measures how much volatility the market expects in the S&P 500 over the next 30 days, read from options prices. It spikes when investors rush to buy protection — so it tends to jump during sell-offs and drift lower in calm, rising markets.
Level is only half the story: the shape of the VIX futures curve tells you whether fear is short-term or structural. FinBrio flags that regime automatically, alongside the Fear & Greed index and the yield curve.
FAQ
What is the VIX today?
The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) is at 15.55, a "Nervous" reading. Roughly, under 15 is calm, 20–30 is elevated, and above 30 signals fear.
What does the VIX measure?
The VIX estimates the S&P 500's expected volatility over the next 30 days, derived from S&P 500 options prices. It rises when investors pay up for downside protection — which is why it's nicknamed the market's 'fear gauge'.
Is a high VIX good or bad?
A high VIX means the market expects big swings — usually during sell-offs. It isn't directional on its own, but spikes have historically clustered around market bottoms. FinBrio adds term-structure regime detection so you see whether fear is building or fading.
Track the VIX — with regime detection
FinBrio charts the VIX with term-structure regime detection, the Fear & Greed gauge and a market-stress meter. Free on iOS and the web.