← Browse all charts Chart intent Is implied volatility running hotter than realized volatility?

Market Signal

S&P 500 Realized Volatility vs VIX

A direct implied-versus-realized volatility comparison that pairs the VIX with trailing 20-day realized S&P 500 volatility.

Loading chart data…

The latest series values are listed below the chart. Visible-window CSV and full-history JSON downloads are available above.

Use Value for the raw series and % from view start to rebase the first visible value in the current window to 0%.

Historical Context

Toggle the market-event markers above when you want to line recent regime shifts up with the signal.

Feb 5, 2018 Volmageddon detonates short-volatility trades
Mar 16, 2020 COVID panic across global markets
Mar 16, 2022 Fed hiking cycle begins
Mar 10, 2023 SVB failure sparks banking stress
Aug 5, 2024 Yen carry unwind jolts volatility across global markets

How To Read It

  • Volatility spikes show stress, but what matters most is whether volatility stays high or quickly mean-reverts.
  • Rising volatility with flat prices usually signals a more fragile tape than the index headline suggests.
  • Compare current levels with prior stress zones rather than treating every jump as equally important.
Next step Want the longer read behind this chart?

ChartVault keeps the chart free and focused. The broader interpretation and setups continue in the publications below.