Volatility Index (VIX) Tracker
Inspect a VIX quote and daily closing history. Compare the loaded value with a local threshold; this page does not stream prices or deliver background notifications.
Quote responses are cached for 30 seconds; recent daily history for 15 minutes. These are cache durations, not guarantees about market-data delay. Check the observation timestamp.
Understanding the Volatility Index (VIX)
VIX is Cboe's estimate of 30-day expected S&P 500 volatility derived from SPX option prices, quoted as an annualized percentage. A level of 20 represents 20% annualized implied volatility, not a forecast that the S&P 500 will fall 20% or that tomorrow will move 20%.
Read levels without turning them into signals
The bands up to 20, above 20 to 30, and above 30 are descriptive choices for this page. They are not Cboe trading rules. A low observation does not establish a safe market; a high observation does not identify a bottom. Compare observations with their date, surrounding events and your risk assumptions.
Index level versus daily change
A move from 20 to 22 is 2 index points, or a 10% change in the VIX level. Neither number is an S&P 500 return forecast. Implied volatility describes dispersion, not direction.
Use the snapshot and reminder
- Check the quote timestamp. Refresh manually to request another snapshot; a cached response may still have the same timestamp.
- Set a finite positive threshold. The banner compares that threshold with the loaded quote using ≥; it does not observe an intervening crossing.
- Read up to 252 available daily closes. Fewer rows, missing sessions and unavailable history are not filled with simulated observations. The latest quote and last daily close can differ.
- Keep the page open to view the comparison. Closing it stops all page activity; saving a threshold does not create a background alert service.
See Cboe's volatility overview and VIX product information for the index and related instruments. This tool does not calculate VIX from the option chain or execute hedges.
VIX tracker questions
What does VIX measure?
VIX estimates 30-day expected S&P 500 volatility from SPX option prices and expresses it as an annualized percentage. It does not forecast whether stocks will rise or fall.
Is this tracker a live feed?
No. It requests a snapshot when opened or manually refreshed. Our quote endpoint caches responses for 30 seconds and recent historical data for 15 minutes; provider delays and closed markets can make observations older. Check the displayed quote timestamp.
How does the threshold reminder work?
A banner appears when the loaded quote is at or above your threshold. This is a level comparison, not crossing detection. It does not send email, push notifications or run after you close the page. The threshold is stored in this browser when storage is available.
Are levels 20 and 30 trading signals?
No. The displayed ranges are descriptive reference bands chosen for this page. Low VIX does not ensure safety, and high VIX does not establish a market bottom.
Can I buy the VIX index?
The index itself is a calculation. VIX derivatives and exchange-traded volatility products have their own pricing and risks; their returns are not the same as changes in the spot index. This tracker does not place trades.
Draft and test volatility rules
Use Pineify's paid Coding Agent to draft Pine Script rules for review in TradingView. Test data access, symbols, timeframe and execution assumptions separately. This tracker does not automate a hedge or place orders.