The CBOE Volatility Index and its futures slipped yesterday.
The VIX finished the day at 15.43, down 0.28 points, or 1.8 percent. That was about the in middle of a relatively tight range for the day, while the S&P 500 gained 5.24 points to close at 1450.99. The two indexes usually move inversely.
The SPX is now back above its 20-day moving average, closing above that line for the first time in more than a week. It still faces resistance at 1460 while having support around 1430.
The Nasdaq 100 was up just shy of 20 points to close at 2818.84, remaining below its 20-day moving average. It has resistance at that level and at 2823, with support at 2768.
The Russell 2000 was down on the day, giving up just less than 2 points to close at 838.78. The small-cap index saw a late-afternoon bounce remained in negative territory below its 20-day moving average. It has resistance at 856 and support at 832.
The VIX futures were down with the spot volatility index. The October futures fell 0.15 points to 16.45, while the November contracts lost 0.10 points to close at 17.85.
More than 479,000 VIX options traded on the day, with 286,000 calls. The SPX options turned over 474,000 times, with puts outpacing calls by 2 to 1.
The VVIX Index, which measures the implied volatility of the VIX options, fell 3 percent to 87.56 and is back near its lows.
Options Trading News
Related Stories
SPX
Stocks attempt to stage a rebound
May 17, 2013
The main catalyst for the buyers appears to be coming from Asia, where Tokyo and Shanghai indexes rallied overnight amid positive Japanese economic data and signs that Chinese authorities will reduce economic regulations.
SPX
Equities are hovering at record levels
May 16, 2013
S&P 500 futures are indicated to open fractionally lower but have been nudging higher throughout the morning. The Nasdaq is up almost two-tenths of a percent after strong numbers from Cisco.
SPX
Equities in range after big gains
May 15, 2013
S&P 500 futures are little-changed, while most European indexes are posting small gains. Asian markets were mostly positive overnight, led by a 2 percent rally in Tokyo.
SPX
Wide range of events on calendar
May 15, 2013
German, France, and Italy will report preliminary gross domestic product numbers early in the morning, which could affect sentiment before the opening bell.
SPX
Another record day on Wall Street?
May 14, 2013
S&P 500 futures are fractionally higher after earlier falling by more than one-tenth of a percent. Europe is also fighting its way back to positive after posting slightly larger declines.
Social Media
Follow optionMONSTER for news and updates
Premium Services
-
Semi-active traders looking for simple calls and spreads (5 per week).
Learn More -
Entry-to-mid level traders looking for full circle trade analysis (1 per week).
Learn More -
Tailored, one-on-one education designed and led by Jon & Pete (3 months and up)
Learn More
Education & Strategy
So why do we bother with spreads?
Trading options allows for far deeper levels of complexity than stocks. And while you may never fully venture all the...
