Many software packages that report option Greeks (e.g., delta, gamma, theta, implied volatility) report incorrect values for VIX options (Fidelity, Schwab, Ameritrade , LIVEVOL and Barchart (free subscription) are notable exceptions). Depending on the date and state of the market they can vary from almost correct to widely wrong–giving truly nonsense numbers. These packages assume that the VIX index is the underlying for the VIX options. This is wrong. The best underlying to use is the corresponding VIX future for that month (e.g., January VIX futures for January VIX options).
VIX
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 …
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 …
2024 Option Expiration Calendars
Market Watch (includes all years out to at least the year 4000!) No VIX data. Easy to get to other years Calendar The CBOE and the Options Clearing Corporation both publish nice options expiration calendars. 2024 2022 2021 Free Six Figure Investing Spreadsheet with 2020-2023 Equity Trading Days, VIX Future & Option Expirations, and SPX monthly Expirations Updated January 11, 2022
