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VIX (fear index)
An index measuring how much volatility investors expect in the S&P 500.
The VIX is calculated from option prices on the S&P 500 and shows how much prices are expected to swing over the next 30 days. It is often called the fear index.
Values around 15 are considered calm, above 25 nervous, above 35 panic. When the VIX is high, shares often fall together and sharply; at the same time prices are sometimes driven unusually low. The VIX feeds into DipCatcher's market conditions.