Market volatility today: VIX 15.21, 50-day average 15.48 (Inactive)
As of 12 October 2026, the VIX reads 15.21. One year earlier, on 10 October 2025, it was 21.66. The Zensei Index rates the market volatility indicator Inactive on 12 October 2026: no signal. The condition this indicator checks for is absent.
VIX level and its 50-day average
A VIX that stays high over time means persistent uncertainty.
VIX and 50-day average, Dec 2020 to Oct 2026. Values updated daily. Data as of .
VIX: last value of each month
| Month | Date | VIX | 50-day average |
|---|---|---|---|
| October 2026 | 15.21 | 15.48 | |
| September 2026 | 16.34 | 15.90 | |
| August 2026 | 14.92 | 16.45 | |
| July 2026 | 15.99 | 17.36 | |
| June 2026 | 16.45 | 17.69 | |
| May 2026 | 15.32 | 19.95 | |
| April 2026 | 16.89 | 22.31 | |
| March 2026 | 25.25 | 21.58 | |
| February 2026 | 19.86 | 17.09 | |
| January 2026 | 17.44 | 16.43 | |
| December 2025 | 14.95 | 17.46 | |
| November 2025 | 16.35 | 18.49 |
What it measures
Identifies sustained periods of elevated market volatility.
This indicator tracks whether market volatility remains elevated over time rather than spiking briefly. Sustained high volatility reflects deeper, persistent uncertainty.
Why it matters
Historically, prolonged volatility regimes align with unstable or bearish environments.
This indicator belongs to the regime confirmations group: whether a regime shift is visible in price and cross-asset behavior. It carries 30% of that group's weight.
How to read the status
The Index dashboard gives this indicator one of 2 statuses, from calm to stressed. A more stressed status adds more of the indicator's weight to its group score. A VIX that stays high over time means persistent uncertainty.
- InactiveToday
No signal. The condition this indicator checks for is absent.
- Activated
Full signal. The condition this indicator checks for is present.
Market volatility: common questions
What is the VIX today?
As of 12 October 2026, the VIX reads 15.21. The Zensei Index rates the market volatility indicator Inactive: no signal. The condition this indicator checks for is absent.
What is the VIX 50-day average today?
As of 12 October 2026, the VIX closed at 15.21 and its 50-day average is 15.48. The VIX is below its 50-day average.
What does a rising VIX mean?
A rising VIX means options price larger moves in the S&P 500 over the next 30 days. This indicator looks for volatility that stays high over time, not for a brief spike.
Where does the market volatility data come from?
Daily closes of the Cboe VIX index. Zensei computes the indicator from these series.
How often does the market volatility indicator update?
The source data updates once per US trading day. Zensei recomputes the indicator after each new value. This page shows the newest value and its date.
Analytics, not investment advice. The status describes current conditions; it does not predict prices.
More market risk indicators
See all ten indicators in one score
The Zensei Index combines this reading with nine others into one risk score from 0 (calm) to 100 (maximum risk), with a written summary when conditions change.