CBOE’s VIX ‘fear gauge’ jumps as impasse dee
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NEW YORK (MarketWatch) — The Chicago Board Options Exchange’s VIX volatility index (MDE:VIX) , widely known as the “fear” index, rose sharply Monday as politicians made no progress toward resolving a budget standoff, escalating concerns that the stalemate could result in the U.S. government running out of room under the debt limit facing default. The VIX was up nearly 10% in recent action at 18.39 after trading as high as 18.93, its highest level since June. Stocks fell sharply on shutdown-related fears, while Treasurys gained ground, pulling down yields. Still, a VIX reading of less than 20 is generally considered pretty tame, while a level of more than 30 is usually read as a sign of a high level of investor uncertainty.