FAQ on VIX, the “Fear Index”

Why do they call the VIX Index the “Fear Index” or “Fear Gauge” Because the VIX almost always goes up when the market goes down. The scarier the decline the higher the VIX tends to go. In the worst part of the 2008/2009 bear market it went as high as 80. In strong bull markets it historically bounces between 10 and 15. How can I …

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VIX quotes, options chains, and correct greeks for VIX options

You can get free delayed VIX option quotes at freerealtime.com or Yahoo Finance using the ^VIX symbol.  Go to here for options calenders giving the correct expiration dates (always last trading on a Tuesday, expiration on a Wednesday morning) Schwab uses $VIX as the ticker symbol, Fidelity uses VIX, Yahoo uses ^VIX. VIX Settlement values (the price used to evaluate loss/gain at expiration) use symbol VRO …

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Vance’s rules for six figure investing

Big moves usually don’t happen in a day, be patient Don’t fight the market Consider not jumping in or out all at once—no matter which way the market goes there will be something good to be said about it (e.g., at least I got half out…) Regardless of the market trend the chances of an up day tomorrow are always fifty-fifty (post) Don’t buy at …

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