Definition

VIX Index

Meaning ⎊ A measure of expected 30-day volatility of the S&P 500 index, often called the market fear gauge.
Greeks.liveMarch 15, 2026

VIX Index

The VIX index, often referred to as the fear gauge, measures the market's expectation of 30-day volatility of the S&P 500 index. It is derived from the prices of S&P 500 index options and reflects the market's consensus on future volatility.

A high VIX value indicates that the market expects significant price swings, while a low VIX value suggests stability. The VIX is a crucial indicator for traders and investors to gauge market sentiment and risk.

It is often used to hedge portfolios against market downturns, as VIX tends to spike during market stress. The index is not directly investable, but there are derivatives such as futures and options based on it.

Understanding the VIX is essential for analyzing the broader market environment and its impact on individual assets. It provides a macro view of volatility that influences trading strategies across various asset classes.

The VIX is a key component of systemic risk assessment. It is a widely watched indicator in global financial markets.

Spot Index Price
Volatility Index
Multiplier
Flash Loan Liquidation
Automated Execution
Network Throughput
Cost Reduction
Index Price

Glossary

Index Standardization

Calculation ⎊ Index standardization, within cryptocurrency derivatives, involves converting disparate price feeds into a unified, comparable metric, essential for fair valuation and settlement of contracts.

Index Price Correlation

Correlation ⎊ The concept of Index Price Correlation, within cryptocurrency derivatives, quantifies the statistical relationship between the price movements of two or more indices.

ZK-VIX Equivalents

Anonymity ⎊ Zero-knowledge VIX equivalents represent a significant advancement in the design of decentralized derivatives markets, particularly concerning volatility products.

Volatility Index Verification

Algorithm ⎊ Volatility Index Verification, within cryptocurrency derivatives, represents a computational process designed to validate the accuracy and reliability of implied volatility surfaces derived from options pricing models.

Index Calculations

Calculation ⎊ Index calculations within cryptocurrency, options trading, and financial derivatives represent the quantitative processes used to derive values for various market metrics and instrument pricing.

Market Makers

Role ⎊ These entities are fundamental to market function, standing ready to quote both a bid and an ask price for derivative contracts across various strikes and tenors.

Decentralized Finance Stress Index

Index ⎊ The Decentralized Finance Stress Index (DeFi Stress Index) represents a quantitative assessment of systemic risk within the decentralized finance ecosystem, specifically tailored to evaluate vulnerabilities arising from interconnectedness and liquidity dynamics.

Gamma Index

Analysis ⎊ The Gamma Index, within cryptocurrency derivatives, quantifies the rate of change of an option's Delta with respect to changes in the underlying asset's price.

Price Index Methodology

Algorithm ⎊ Price index methodology within cryptocurrency derivatives relies on algorithmic construction to establish a representative value for an underlying asset or basket of assets.

Auditable Index

Index ⎊ An auditable index, within the context of cryptocurrency, options trading, and financial derivatives, represents a quantifiable measure derived from underlying assets or contracts, designed with inherent transparency and verifiability.