Cboe Blogs

The CBOE SKEW Index (SKEW) topped 142 on each of the first four trading days this week. The long-term daily average for the SKEW Index (since January 1990) is 118.8, but the daily average for the SKEW Index in 2017 (through August 17) is a much higher 134.5. CBOE SKEW Index values, which are calculated from weighted strips of out-of-the-money S&P 500 options, often rise to higher levels as investors become more fearful of a “black swan” event — an unexpected event of large magnitude[...]

On June 1st the CBOE Volatility Index® (VIX®) closed at 9.89. June 1st marked only the 14th day on which the VIX Index closed below 10 (its price history begins in 1990). Six of the 14 days on which the VIX Index closed below 10 occurred in 2017 (see Exhibit 1 below for a list of all 14 dates). REMARKS AT CFA ANNUAL CONFERENCE On May 21 through 24 I listened to several outstanding speakers 70th CFA Institute Annual Conference in Philadelphia. Speakers’ remarks that were among the most[...]