The Chicago Board Options Exchange’s Volatility Index (VIX) is a real-time market index representing the market’s expectations for volatility over the coming 30 days. These are key measures conveyed by option prices to measure the level of risk, fear, or stress in the market when making investment decisions. Sometimes referred to as the “fear index”, VIX becomes the leading barometer for investor sentiment and market volatility relating to listed options to further reflect the level of uncertainty. The VIX rises when put option buying increases; and falls when call buying activity is more robust.