Although the VIX is only a general measure of volatility in
the OEX, trader's use this as a general indication of index
option implied volatility and as an indicator of volatility
of the U.S. equity market.
When the VIX is at a low value in the teens, it indicates
complacency in the market - there is not much fear. This
tends to be a bearish indication for the market. The VIX
hovered around 20 in January 2000 when the DOW peaked.
The VIX goes up when there is a lot of fear in the market
because option traders are willing to pay a higher premium
when they purchase options. Higher option premiums result
in higher implied volatilities (driving the VIX higher).
The VIX can be used to help determine market bottoms.
During October 1998, when there was a lot of fear in the
market, the VIX reached a high value of 60 and the market
bottomed. Market bottoms generally occur when fear reaches
its highest point. So when the VIX reaches its peak, it is
a bullish indicator.
The VIX is a sentiment indicator and works in a contrarian way. When the market is most fearful, as it is going down, the VIX gives a bullish signal that the market is prone to a reversal, sending the market up. When the market is most complacent, as it is going up, the VIX gives a bearish signal that the market is prone to a reversal, sending the market down.
The CBOE changed the method it uses to calculate the VIX in September 2003, broadening the number of options included in the computation and basing it on the S&P 500 option series rather than the S&P 100 series. Thus key reversal levels should be revalidated over time since prior history is not as relevant as it was.
When the VIX gets high, options are getting more expensive.
At times like that, it is very important to calculate fair
value for the option you are considering, so that you know
how much over fair value you are paying for the option and
determine how much risk you are you are really taking on.
Then it is especially important to have a good options
analysis program like Option-Aid.
Buy Option-Aid today and increase your trading profits.
It can determine fair value for the options you are looking
at and calculate the probability of you making a profit or
taking a loss. If you pay too much for an option, the
underlying asset could move in the direction you predicted,
yet you might find your profits disappear as volatilities
moderate and option premiums return to more normal values.
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