VIXCLSCBOE Volatility Index (VIX) (VIXCLS) — Current Value & Historical Data
CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) (VIXCLS) Chart & Data Table
Showing 2,544 of 9,232 observations. Pick "All" to see the full history (1990-01-02–2026-07-17).
Gray bands: NBER recessions
What is CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) (VIXCLS)?
The CBOE Volatility Index, commonly called the VIX or 'fear gauge,' measures the market's expectation of S&P 500 volatility over the next 30 days, derived in real time from the prices of near-the-money SPX options. A rising VIX means options traders are paying up for downside protection; a falling VIX signals complacency. It is the most-cited single number in U.S. equity risk management, feeding into hedge-fund risk limits, bank value-at-risk models, and the design of leveraged volatility ETFs and ETNs. Historical reference points anchor its interpretation: the VIX closed at 9.14 in November 2017, its lowest daily close on record, during the late-cycle low-volatility regime; it spiked to an intraday high of 82.69 in March 2020 at the peak of COVID-19 dislocation, just above the 80.86 closing high set in November 2008 during the Lehman Brothers collapse. Sustained readings above 30 typically coincide with bear markets or acute credit-market stress.
Current CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) (VIXCLS) Value
As of July 17, 2026, the current cboe volatility index: vix is 18.77 Index. This is the most recent observation available for this series, updated daily, close.
CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) Historical Trend
CBOE Volatility Index: VIX rose 12.19% year-over-year. In the series' tracked history, the highest recorded value was 82.69 (March 2020), and the lowest was 9.14 (November 2017).
Methodology & Source
Source
CBOE
Frequency
Daily, Close
Units
Index
Notes
VIX measures market expectation of near term volatility conveyed by stock index option prices. Copyright, 2016, Chicago Board Options Exchange, Inc. Reprinted with permission....
Frequently Asked Questions About CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) (VIXCLS)
What is the current cboe volatility index: vix?
As of July 17, 2026, cboe volatility index: vix stands at 18.77 Index.
Where does cboe volatility index: vix data come from?
CBOE Volatility Index: VIX data is sourced from the Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED) system and related U.S. government agencies. Data quality and historical coverage vary by series.
How often is cboe volatility index: vix updated?
This series is updated according to its publication schedule. Check FRED or the source agency for the most current release calendar.
What is the historical high and low for cboe volatility index: vix?
In the available data, the highest value was 82.69 Index in March 2020, and the lowest was 9.14 Index in November 2017.
Related government-spending dashboards
How CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) connects to the federal budget across GOVSPENDING.ORG:
Federal Debt
Total public debt, debt held by the public, and intragovernmental holdings.
Receipts vs Outlays
Federal revenue, spending, and the resulting surplus or deficit over time.
Congressional Activity
Recent legislation, appropriations, and fiscal-related bills in Congress.
Interest Expense vs Revenue
How rising debt service costs crowd out federal spending as a share of receipts over time.
Revenue Composition
Federal receipts broken down by source — individual income, corporate, social insurance, excise taxes, and customs duties as shares of total revenue.
Agency Spending (FY 2019 vs FY 2024)
Net outlays by federal agency for FY 2019 and FY 2024, from the Treasury Monthly Treasury Statement. Both nominal and inflation-adjusted comparisons.
Related Indicators
Compare CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) with related indicators
See how CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) stacks up against related series in a side-by-side chart and explainer: