VIX Volatility Index
CBOE Volatility Index (points, daily)
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Category | macro |
| Unit | pts |
| Resolution | 1d |
| Assets | MACRO |
| Tier | Basic |
| API Endpoint | GET /v1/macro/markets |
| Field | vix |
Overview
CBOE Volatility Index (VIX), measuring the market's expectation of 30-day forward S&P 500 volatility implied by S&P 500 index options. Daily values in points. Commonly known as the "fear gauge" because it spikes during equity drawdowns.
Interpretation
- Low VIX (<15): complacency regime, often associated with extended risk-on rallies.
- Mid-range VIX (15–25): normal trading regime.
- High VIX (>30): stress regime, often coincides with BTC drawdowns and broad cross-asset risk-off events.
- Sustained spikes above 40 are rare and have historically marked major equity bottoms — and sometimes BTC bottoms.
Use Cases
- Use as the cleanest single read on US equity-market stress for BTC cross-asset analysis.
- Combine with
macro_hy_credit_spreadto build a composite financial-stress indicator. - Watch for VIX spikes as contrarian signals for risk-on rotations once stress recedes.
API Usage
curl -H "Authorization: Bearer YOUR_API_KEY" \
"https://api.blocklens.co/v1/macro/markets?start_date=2024-01-01&end_date=2024-12-31&limit=365"
Related Metrics
- SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY) — S&P 500 ETF closing price ($, daily)
- HY Credit Spread (OAS) — ICE BofA US High Yield Index option-adjusted spread (%, daily)
- 10Y-2Y Yield Spread — 10-year minus 2-year Treasury yield spread (%, recession indicator)
- US Dollar Index (DXY) — ICE US Dollar Index DX-Y.NYB (points, daily)