The highly watched CBOE Volatility Index, the VIX or the Fear Index, blew through 30 over recent days faster than one could imagine. Historically 30 is the recent historic level where even the bears have decided to lighten up. Sometimes it is for a bear market bounce and sometimes for more. Yesterday it had reached a high of 36.40. This morning the VIX crossed above 40 and briefly went north of 42.00. Even after the current rally we have seen we are still slightly above 40.00 on the VIX. A market being oversold is no refuge for long-term and near-term issues, but that doesn’t keep traders from trying to make a living. 
Jon C. Ogg
September 18, 2008
Are You Ahead, or Behind on Retirement? (sponsor)
If you’re one of the over 4 Million Americans set to retire this year, you may want to pay attention.
Finding a financial advisor who puts your interest first can be the difference between a rich retirement and barely getting by, and today it’s easier than ever. SmartAsset’s free tool matches you with up to three fiduciary financial advisors that serve your area in minutes. Each advisor has been carefully vetted, and must act in your best interests. Start your search now.
Don’t waste another minute; get started right here and help your retirement dreams become a retirement reality.
Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us?
Contact the 24/7 Wall St. editorial team.
Latest from 24/7
Our expert who first called NVIDIA in 2009 is predicting 2025 will see a historic AI breakthrough.
You can follow him investing $500,000 of his own money on our top AI stocks for free.