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VIX Drops to 14.2 as Stocks Hit Records

8/18/2026

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Story summary
  • The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) fell to 14.2 on Friday, its lowest level in 2026.
  • The S&P 500 and other benchmarks are up 16% YTD, hitting record highs.
  • Jonathan Krinsky, managing director at BTIG warned that the mid-August-to-mid-October period is historically volatile, that 2026 has seen no 80% downside-volume days since last October, and that investors should pare risk or hedge as long-end Treasury yields sit near cycle highs.