FOR THE VIX, 40 LOOKS LIKE IT'S THE NEW 20

By Nathaniel Luce

Publication: WALL STREET JOURNAL

The most popular proxy for market fear is the Chicago Board Options Exchange’s Volatility Index, or VIX, developed by ROBERT WHALEY, Valere Blair Potter Professor of Finance. It peaked at nearly 81 about two weeks ago, roughly four times its historical average of about 20.