The Complete List of Volatility Indices

In the world of finance, there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Different sectors, geographic regions and asset classes have unique characteristics. A complete list of volatility indexes takes this diversity into account, allowing investors and traders alike to tailor their strategies to specific market segments. Whether you’re interested in technology stocks, commodities or international markets, having access to a wide range of volatility indexes allows you to make more informed decisions.

In addition, market sentiment and expectations are often key drivers of asset prices. By monitoring various volatility indices, investors can gain insight into the prevailing market sentiment. These indices act as barometers, indicating whether investors are feeling optimistic or cautious. Such insights are invaluable, especially when it comes to anticipating market trends and positioning your portfolio accordingly.

Equity Market Volatility Indices

Equity market volatility indices, like the VIX for the S&P 500, provide crucial insights into investor sentiment and market expectations by measuring the anticipated price fluctuations of stocks within a specific equity market.

These indices are valuable tools for assessing the overall risk and stability of equity markets, helping investors make informed decisions about their stock portfolios and hedging strategies.

VIX

VIX, often referred to as the “Fear Gauge” or the Volatility Index, is a measure of market volatility and investor sentiment, calculated based on the implied volatility of S&P 500 index options, providing insights into market expectations for future price fluctuations. (Article: VIX a beginners guide)

VOLI

The Nations Large Cap VolDex Implied Volatility Index (VOLI®) is an enhanced measure of implied volatility and measures implied volatility by focusing on at-the-money options. (Article: Unlocking the secrets of the VOLI Index)

VXN

The CBOE Nasdaq Volatility Index, or VXN, measures volatility expectations in the Nasdaq 100, providing insights into the anticipated price fluctuations of technology and growth stocks.

VXD

The CBOE DJIA Volatility Index, or VXD, tracks volatility expectations in the Dow Jones Industrial Average, offering insights into market sentiment regarding the performance of large-cap industrial stocks.

RVX

The CBOE Russell 2000 Volatility Index, or RVX, gauges volatility expectations in the Russell 2000, reflecting anticipated price swings in small-cap stocks.

VVIX

The CBOE VIX Volatility Index, or VVIX, serves as a measure of volatility in the VIX itself, helping investors assess changes in market fear and uncertainty. (Article: VVIX Demystified: Navigating the Volatile Terrain)

VXEEM

The CBOE Emerging Markets ETF Volatility Index, or VXEEM, measures volatility expectations in emerging market exchange-traded funds, offering insights into price fluctuations in developing economies.

GVZ

The CBOE Gold ETF Volatility Index, or GVZ, tracks volatility expectations in gold ETFs, providing insights into price movements in the precious metal.

EVZ

The CBOE EuroCurrency Volatility Index, or EVZ, measures volatility expectations in the Eurocurrency market, helping traders assess currency exchange rate fluctuations.

VXEFA

The CBOE EFA ETF Volatility Index, or VXEFA, gauges volatility expectations in the iShares MSCI EAFE ETF, offering insights into price movements of international equities.

JPVIX

The CBOE Japan ETF Volatility Index, or JPVIX, measures volatility expectations in Japan-focused ETFs, providing insights into price fluctuations in the Japanese stock market.

TYVIX

The CBOE 10-Year Treasury Note Volatility Index, or TYVIX, tracks volatility expectations in 10-year Treasury notes, helping investors assess interest rate-related price swings.

VXGDX

The CBOE Gold Miners ETF Volatility Index, or VXGDX, measures volatility expectations in gold mining ETFs, offering insights into price movements in the gold mining sector.

RVOL3M

The CBOE S&P 500 3-Month Realized Volatility Index, or RVOL3M, reflects the historical realized volatility of the S&P 500 over a 3-month period.

OVX

The CBOE Crude Oil ETF Volatility Index, or OVX, tracks volatility expectations in crude oil ETFs, providing insights into price movements in the oil market.

SKEW

The CBOE SKEW Index quantifies the perceived tail risk and potential for extreme market events in the S&P 500.

VXAPL

The CBOE Apple Volatility Index, or VXAPL, measures volatility expectations for Apple Inc. stock, offering insights into price fluctuations in one of the world’s largest tech companies.

VIX1D

The VIX1D is a 1-day Volatility Index that provides short-term insights into market expectations for price swings. (Article: VIX1D Revealed: Mastering Short-Term Volatility)

VIX9D

The VIX9D, also known as the “9-Day Volatility Index,” measures short-term volatility expectations in the financial markets, specifically reflecting the anticipated volatility over a 9-day period. (Article: VIX9D: Your Guide to Short-Term Volatility)

VIX3M

The VIX3M is a 3-month Volatility Index, indicating market expectations for price fluctuations over a slightly longer time frame. (Article: VIX3M: Unveiling Mid-Term Market Volatility)

VIX6M

The VIX6M is a 6-month Volatility Index, reflecting medium-term market expectations for price movements. (Article: Mid-Term Volatility Mastery with VIX6M)

VIX1Y

The VIX1Y is a 1-year Volatility Index, offering a longer-term perspective on market expectations for future price fluctuations. (Article: Navigating Long-Term Volatility Swings with VIX1Y)

By tracking equity market volatility indices, traders and investors can react to changing market conditions, manage risk, and adapt their investment strategies to varying levels of market uncertainty, ultimately enhancing their ability to navigate the dynamic world of stocks.

Currency and Fixed-Income Volatility Indices

Currency and fixed-income volatility indices, such as those tracking foreign exchange rates or government bond yields, play a crucial role in assessing the risk and uncertainty associated with currency markets and interest rates.

These indices offer valuable insights into market sentiment, inflation expectations, and central bank policies, allowing investors and financial institutions to make informed decisions regarding currency exposure and fixed-income investments.

1. CVOL: The CBOE/CME FX Euro Volatility Index, or CVOL, measures volatility expectations in the euro currency exchange rate, providing insights into potential fluctuations in the value of the euro against other currencies.
2. BPVIX: The CBOE/CBOT 10-Year U.S. Treasury Note Volatility Index, or BPVIX, tracks volatility expectations in the 10-year U.S. Treasury Note market, helping investors assess potential price movements in this key segment of the bond market.
3. TYVIX: The CBOE 10-Year Treasury Note Volatility Index, or TYVIX, measures volatility expectations in 10-year Treasury notes, offering insights into potential interest rate-related price swings.
4. USBIV: The CBOE/CBOT 5-Year U.S. Treasury Note Volatility Index, or USBIV, gauges volatility expectations in the 5-year U.S. Treasury Note market, aiding investors in assessing potential price fluctuations in this intermediate-term government bond sector.

Monitoring currency and fixed-income volatility indices helps participants in these markets navigate changing economic conditions, interest rate fluctuations, and geopolitical events, enabling them to better manage risk and optimize their investment strategies in the currency and bond markets.

Commodity and Energy Volatility Indices

Commodity and energy volatility indices, such as those tracking oil prices or agricultural commodities, provide essential information for investors and businesses operating in these markets, helping them gauge price risk and market sentiment.

These indices offer insights into the supply and demand dynamics, geopolitical factors, and macroeconomic conditions that influence commodity and energy prices, enabling market participants to make more informed decisions about their investments and hedging strategies.

1. OVX: The CBOE Crude Oil ETF Volatility Index, or OVX, measures volatility expectations in crude oil exchange-traded funds, providing insights into potential price fluctuations in the oil market.
2. GVZ: The CBOE Gold ETF Volatility Index, or GVZ, tracks volatility expectations in gold ETFs, offering insights into potential price movements in the precious metal.
3. VXSLV: The CBOE Silver ETF Volatility Index, or VXSLV, gauges volatility expectations in silver ETFs, aiding investors in assessing potential price fluctuations in the silver market.
4. VXD: The CBOE Gasoline Volatility Index, or VXD, measures volatility expectations in the gasoline market, providing insights into potential price swings in this energy commodity.
5. CIVIX: The CBOE Crude Oil Volatility Index, or CIVIX, tracks volatility expectations in the crude oil market, helping investors assess potential price movements in this key energy commodity.
6. VXF: The CBOE Energy Sector ETF Volatility Index, or VXF, reflects volatility expectations in energy sector exchange-traded funds, offering insights into potential price fluctuations within the energy industry.
7. VXTYN: The CBOE 10-Year T-Note Volatility Index, or VXTYN, measures volatility expectations in the 10-year Treasury Note market, aiding investors in assessing potential interest rate-related price swings.
8. OIV: The CBOE Crude Oil Volatility Index, or OIV, gauges volatility expectations in the crude oil market, offering insights into potential price fluctuations in this essential commodity.

By monitoring commodity and energy volatility indices, traders and producers can adapt to changing market conditions, mitigate the impact of price fluctuations, and optimize their strategies for managing risk in these essential sectors of the global economy.

Interest Rate Volatility Indices

Interest rate volatility indices, such as those tracking government bond yields or interest rate derivatives, play a vital role in the financial markets by providing insights into market expectations for changes in interest rates.

These indices are crucial for investors, financial institutions, and policymakers as they help assess the potential impact of interest rate movements on bond prices, equity markets, and overall economic conditions.

1. TYVIX: The CBOE 10-Year Treasury Note Volatility Index, or TYVIX, measures volatility expectations in the 10-year U.S. Treasury Note market, providing insights into potential price movements in this important segment of the bond market.
2. USBIV: The CBOE/CBOT 5-Year U.S. Treasury Note Volatility Index, or USBIV, tracks volatility expectations in the 5-year U.S. Treasury Note market, helping investors assess potential price fluctuations in this intermediate-term government bond sector.
3. BPVIX: The CBOE/CBOT 30-Year U.S. Treasury Bond Volatility Index, or BPVIX, gauges volatility expectations in the 30-year U.S. Treasury Bond market, offering insights into potential price swings in this long-term government bond category.
4. VXTYN: The CBOE 10-Year T-Note Volatility Index, or VXTYN, measures volatility expectations in the 10-year Treasury Note market, aiding investors in assessing potential interest rate-related price fluctuations.

By monitoring interest rate volatility indices, market participants can anticipate shifts in monetary policy, economic stability, and inflation expectations, allowing them to make more informed decisions about their fixed-income investments and financial risk management strategies.

Global and Regional Volatility Indices

Global and regional volatility indices provide valuable insights into market sentiment and expectations for price fluctuations, helping investors assess risk and make informed decisions in specific geographic regions or across the global market.

1. VXEWZ: The CBOE Emerging Markets ETF Volatility Index for Brazil, or VXEWZ, measures volatility expectations in Brazilian emerging markets exchange-traded funds, providing insights into potential price fluctuations in this specific geographic region.
2. VXFXI: The CBOE China ETF Volatility Index, or VXFXI, tracks volatility expectations in Chinese exchange-traded funds, offering insights into potential price movements in the Chinese stock market.
3. VXGDX: The CBOE Gold Miners ETF Volatility Index (Global), or VXGDX, gauges volatility expectations in global gold mining ETFs, aiding investors in assessing potential price fluctuations in the global gold mining sector.
4. VXEEM: The CBOE Emerging Markets ETF Volatility Index (Global), or VXEEM, measures volatility expectations in global emerging markets exchange-traded funds, offering insights into potential price swings in emerging markets worldwide.
5. EUVIX: The CBOE EuroCurrency Volatility Index for Europe, or EUVIX, reflects volatility expectations in the Eurocurrency market within Europe, helping traders assess potential currency exchange rate fluctuations in the region.
6. NIFVIX: The India VIX, or NIFVIX, is a volatility index specific to the Indian stock market, providing insights into potential price fluctuations in Indian equities.
7. VDAX: The Germany VIX, or VDAX, measures volatility expectations in the German stock market, offering insights into potential price movements in German equities.

By analyzing global and regional volatility indices, market participants can gain a better understanding of how geopolitical events, economic factors, and regional dynamics impact market volatility in specific areas, facilitating more informed investment strategies.

Volatility Exchange-Traded Products (ETPs)

Volatility Exchange-Traded Products (ETPs) are financial instruments designed to track or derive their value from various volatility indices, such as the VIX, and provide investors with exposure to market volatility as an asset class.

These ETPs offer both long and short strategies, allowing traders to profit from rising or falling volatility levels and use them for risk management or portfolio diversification.

1. VXX: iPath S&P 500 VIX Short-Term Futures ETN, or VXX, offers exposure to short-term volatility by tracking futures contracts on the CBOE Volatility Index (VIX), allowing investors to hedge against market downturns.
2. VXZ: iPath S&P 500 VIX Mid-Term Futures ETN, or VXZ, provides exposure to medium-term volatility by tracking futures contracts on the VIX, offering investors a more extended horizon for volatility protection.
3. VIXY: ProShares VIX Short-Term Futures ETF, or VIXY, allows investors to access short-term VIX futures contracts, providing a means to hedge against rapid market fluctuations.
4. VIXM: ProShares VIX Mid-Term Futures ETF, or VIXM, offers exposure to medium-term VIX futures contracts, providing a longer-term approach to managing market volatility.
5. TVIX: VelocityShares Daily 2x VIX Short-Term ETN, or TVIX, seeks to provide double the daily returns of short-term VIX futures, making it attractive for those looking for amplified exposure to short-term volatility.
6. UVXY: VelocityShares Daily 1.5x VIX Short-Term ETN, or UVXY, aims to deliver one and a half times the daily return of the short-term VIX futures, allowing investors to add exposure to short-term market volatility..
7. XIVH: VelocityShares VIX Short Volatility Hedged ETN, or XIVH, offers a unique approach to short volatility by providing exposure to VIX futures while attempting to hedge against potential losses due to rising volatility.
8. SVXY: The SVXY (ProShares Short VIX Short-Term Futures ETF) is an exchange-traded fund designed to provide investors with inverse exposure to short-term VIX futures, allowing them to profit from declining market volatility.
9. IVOP: Barclays Inverse VIX Short-Term ETN, or IVOP, provides inverse exposure to short-term VIX futures, allowing investors to profit from declining volatility levels.
10. VMIN: Rex VolMAXX Short VIX Weekly Futures Strategy ETF, or VMIN, follows a strategy to profit from declines in short-term VIX futures, offering potential returns when volatility decreases.
11. VMAX: Rex VolMAXX Long VIX Weekly Futures Strategy ETF, or VMAX, aims to profit from increases in short-term VIX futures, making it suitable for investors who anticipate rising market volatility.

While these products can provide valuable hedging opportunities and speculative tools, they also carry unique risks due to the complex nature of volatility and should be approached with a clear understanding of their mechanics and investment objectives.

Sector Volatility Indices

Sector volatility indices, such as those tracking specific industries or segments of the stock market, offer valuable insights into the risk and sentiment within particular sectors, enabling investors to make more informed decisions about sector-specific investments.

These indices help investors identify potential areas of opportunity or concern within their portfolios, allowing them to adjust their strategies to better align with sector-specific market conditions.

1. VIX: The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) measures overall market volatility and is often referred to as the “Fear Gauge,” indicating investor sentiment and expectations for price fluctuations in the broader market.
2. VXN: The CBOE Nasdaq Volatility Index (VXN) focuses on the technology sector, specifically tracking volatility expectations within the Nasdaq 100 index, providing insights into potential price swings in tech stocks.
3. VXD: The CBOE DJIA Volatility Index (VXD) gauges volatility expectations in the Dow Jones Industrial Average, offering insights into market sentiment and expectations for price fluctuations in large-cap industrial stocks.
4. RVX: The CBOE Russell 2000 Volatility Index (RVX) tracks volatility expectations in the Russell 2000 index, reflecting anticipated price swings in small-cap stocks.
5. VXF: The CBOE Energy Sector ETF Volatility Index (VXF) measures volatility expectations within the energy sector exchange-traded funds, providing insights into potential price movements in the energy industry.
6. VXH: The CBOE Healthcare Sector ETF Volatility Index (VXH) focuses on the healthcare sector ETFs, offering insights into volatility expectations within the healthcare industry.
7. VXL: The CBOE Industrial Sector ETF Volatility Index (VXL) measures volatility expectations within the industrial sector exchange-traded funds, reflecting anticipated price fluctuations in industrial stocks.
8. VXN: The CBOE Technology Sector ETF Volatility Index (VXN) concentrates on the technology sector ETFs, offering insights into volatility expectations within the tech industry.
9. VXM: The CBOE Materials Sector ETF Volatility Index (VXM) tracks volatility expectations in materials sector exchange-traded funds, providing insights into potential price movements in materials stocks.
10. VXR: The CBOE Consumer Discretionary Sector ETF Volatility Index (VXR) focuses on the consumer discretionary sector ETFs, reflecting volatility expectations within this sector.
11. VXE: The CBOE Utilities Sector ETF Volatility Index (VXE) measures volatility expectations within the utilities sector ETFs, offering insights into potential price swings in utility stocks.
12. VXU: The CBOE Consumer Staples Sector ETF Volatility Index (VXU) concentrates on the consumer staples sector ETFs, providing insights into volatility expectations within this sector.
13. VXP: The CBOE Health Care Sector ETF Volatility Index (VXP) gauges volatility expectations in health care sector exchange-traded funds, offering insights into potential price fluctuations in the health care industry.
14. VXG: The CBOE Energy Sector ETF Volatility Index (VXG) measures volatility expectations within energy sector exchange-traded funds, providing insights into potential price movements in the energy sector.

By monitoring sector volatility indices, market participants can proactively manage risk and capitalize on sector-specific trends, contributing to a more comprehensive and strategic approach to portfolio management.

Composite Volatility Indicators

1. VVIX/VIX: The VVIX/VIX Ratio is a financial metric that represents the relationship between the CBOE VIX Volatility Index (VVIX), which measures the expected volatility of the CBOE Volatility Index (VIX), and the CBOE VIX Volatility Index (VIX), which provides insight into the market’s anticipation of potential fluctuations in market volatility.
2. VIX-VOLI: Subtracting VOLI from VIX yields a residual that represents out-of-the-money activity and shows the difference in implied volatility between the broader market, as measured by the CBOE Volatility Index (VIX), and the implied volatility specific to large-cap equity indices, as captured by the Nations Large Cap VolDex Implied Volatility Index (VOLI).
3. HV(20)-VIX: The HV(20)-VIX comparison evaluates the variance between the 20-day historical volatility (HV) of the S&P 500 and the CBOE Volatility Index (VIX), which tracks the implied volatility of the S&P 500. This analysis provides valuable insight into how current implied market volatility (VIX) compares to recent historical price swings (HV) over a one-month period. HV(20) is particularly well suited for tracking the VIX because it aligns with the calendar day measurement of the VIX.