The Cboe Volatility Index, or VIX, which measures the market’s expectations of near-term volatility in the S&P 500, last closed at a sale price of 17.87 as of October 21, 2025, according to the St. Louis Fed FRED database. This level marks a decline from the previous closing sale price of 18.23 on October 20, representing a percent change of approximately -1.98 percent since the last reported session.
Looking more broadly at recent trends, the VIX has moved downward from an elevated period seen earlier in the month. For instance, on October 16, VIX closed at 25.31, reflecting a jump in volatility, but has since fallen steadily—down to 20.78 on October 17 and then to 17.87 by October 21.
The recent decrease in the VIX signals easing market anxiety and a reduction in the pricing of near-term risks. Several underlying factors may have contributed to this change. Typically, spikes in the VIX are driven by uncertainty regarding monetary policy, geopolitical tensions, earnings seasons, or sudden macroeconomic developments. In recent sessions, however, markets may have found reassurance from more stable economic indicators, mitigation or resolution of immediate geopolitical escalations, or a calming in expectations for aggressive interest-rate moves by the Federal Reserve.
Moreover, the broader trend over late October has been one of moderation after surges in the first half of the month. This suggests traders are more confident in market stability and are reducing the cost of options protection priced into the VIX.
For market participants, the current VIX level reflects a transition from heightened to more moderate investor caution. Any return to elevated volatility would likely be triggered by renewed economic shocks, policy surprises, or corporate results falling well outside consensus.
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