The volatility index closed at a four-week high above 17 yesterday, despite stocks remaining positive.
The VIX advanced 0.57, or 3.5 percent, to 17.06. This came as the S&P 500 inched up by a little more than 1 point to 1410.22. That close stood in the middle of the day’s range as it came off the day’s afternoon peak near 1414.
VIX futures ended at the highs. The September contracts last traded at 19.25, up 0.25 or 1.3 percent, while October climbed 0.2 to 21.65.
Total activity across the option markets remained light, with just over 9 million contracts. VIX options were fifth on that list with volume of 234,000 contracts. Calls outpaced puts by almost 2 to 1.
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