Quick reading Federal Reserve Chairman Kevin Warsh faces pressure to tighten monetary policy amid rising inflation (core PCE in the 91st percentile of trailing-12-month range) while maintaining political independence from President Trump, likely using quantitative balance sheet tightening rather than interest rate increases to avoid headlines. There is a significant disconnect between complacent options markets…
Something incredibly contradictory is afoot: Major stock indexes are falling, red screens are multiplying, but the CBOE Volatility Index ($VIX) and, by extension, long-volatility ETFs like VXX and VIXY, are actually holding steady or falling. According to classic market logic, when stocks go down, the VIX is supposed to go up. When that relationship breaks…
While the S&P 500 index shows a strong rally, the options market indicates growing apprehension, with hedging costs on the rise. Traders are seeking protection amid the uncertainties of the global economy. Rising coverage costs raise concerns The remarkable 16% rise in the S&P 500 index over the year has been a boon for early…
After a period of heightened volatility that sent shockwaves through stock and bond markets, a semblance of calm has returned. Notably, the S&P 500 index saw a 0.3% rally, and the Nasdaq 100 posted a 0.6% gain. The Cboe Volatility Index (VIX), which had recently reached its highest level since May, has now begun to…
