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A key measure of bond volatility surged this week to its highest level since the early days of the Iran war. The ICE BofA U.S. Bond Market Option Volatility Estimate Index, or MOVE index, is designed to track U.S. bond market volatility via prices on a basket of options. On Thursday, it has backtracked only slightly, now sitting at around 93, according to Intercontinental Exchange data.

U.S. stocks ended lower on Wednesday, as Treasury yields and oil prices rose, while investors feared that the Federal Reserve could go ahead with more interest rate hikes.

The bond market awoke from its early autumn slumber this week amid a maelstrom of headlines tied to growth, inflation, and fiscal concerns that dragged Treasury yields to the highest levels in decades and stoked bets on a series of interest-rate hikes from the Federal Reserve. The broader fixed income slump, which was extending into Thursday’s trading session on Wall Street, was largely powered by the renewed surge in global crude prices. “This is ‘hit the wall stuff’ if we continue anything resembling the current pace,” said John Hardy, Saxo’s global head of macro strategy.

U.S. stocks ended mixed on Tuesday, with the Nasdaq notching a record closing high, while the S&P 500 ended flat as investors closely monitored developments between the United States and Iran.

The mood on Wall Street remained calm on Tuesday, even after President Donald Trump threatened to "annihilate" Iran at a United Nations meeting. The Cboe Volatility Index, or VIX, held steady at just over 14 in early trading.

U.S. stocks closed sharply higher on Monday, led by a tech rally, while investors breathed a sigh of relief as Treasury yields slid from their recent highs and oil prices dropped to an 11-day low.

Over the past week or so, the 10-year Treasury yield has inched upward to nearly 5%, a critical psychological threshold for investors around the world. Other explanations are more concerning: heavy Treasury issuance to finance federal budget shortfalls, persistent above-target inflation, and mounting uncertainties about future monetary policy. Finally, and most worrisome of all, is the possibility that political paralysis will stymie any correction of fiscal deficits and ultimately engender soaring bond yields, a financial crisis, or even a federal default.

Volatility is back towards the lowest levels we have seen in 2026 with the VIX Index closing at 14.87 on Monday. When volatility is low, options become cheaper, so today we’re looking for stocks with a low IV Percentile which could be good candidates for a Long Straddle trade.

The most widely followed gauge of stock market fear and uncertainty was sliding on Tuesday as investors continued to bet that the Iran war could soon be resolved. The Cboe Volatility Index, or VIX, was a touch lower at 14.

Investors are well aware of the risks, but they have simply decided none are significant enough to force them out of the market.

Intel options volume hit nearly 3 times its monthly average Thursday as tech stocks rebounded from the Fed's first rate increase since 2023

The most widely followed gauge of market fear and uncertainty was sliding on Wednesday, suggesting investors were feeling a little calmer ahead of the Federal Reserve's interest-rate decision. The Cboe Volatility Index, or VIX, slipped 0.

Investors may be getting calmer at an awkward time

The latest cracks in the AI trade are emerging at a particularly troubling time for investors.

The key “affordability” rate briefly touched its highest level since 2007 on Monday.

With oil prices pushing up to $104.50 a barrel as the U.S.-Iran conflict turns regional and the 10-year Treasury yield rising to 4.99%, two trip wires for the S&P 500 are flashing red. The CBOE Volatility Index, or VIX, known as the S&P 500 fear gauge, has climbed to 17.8, but remains well below the 20 level that signals a loss of composure. Things have gotten so bad in the Middle East that a window may be opening for improvement, according to Marko Papic, chief investment strategist at BCA Research.

The market's go-to fear gauge was surging on Monday after three major AI CEOs caused for a slowdown in the development of artificial intelligence, which dragged down chip and memory stocks. The Cboe Volatility Index, or VIX, jumped by almost 2 points to just under 18 in early trading.

U.S. stock investors should look to the other side of the world for guidance next week.

Volatility has picked up in recent days as the market digests rising yields and oil prices along with seasonal headwinds. With everything going on, volatility could rear its ugly head again at any time. The VIX Index closed at 16.46 yesterday after briefly dropping below 14 last week.

Markets remain under pressure as geopolitical and economic risks rise. Defensive ETFs could help investors navigate volatility without abandoning growth.

RBC Capital Markets is maintaining an 8,150 price target for the index, while Barclays is the latest firm to update its forecast

The Nasdaq Composite dipped 0.3%. It comes down to the “usual suspects,” notes Joe Mazzola, head trading and derivatives strategist at Charles Schwab: oil, Treasuries, and tariffs. Reports that Yemen’s Houthis attacked Saudi Arabian oil facilities caused oil prices to spike today.

Stocks might soon need to adapt to the Federal Reserve’s first rate hike since 2023.

Oil prices continued to rise on Tuesday, tanking stocks. Despite today's moves, market volatility held relatively low. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 1.2%, or 627 points. The S&P 500 dropped 0.

Investors were feeling a little more on edge on Tuesday as a flare-up in oil prices drove bond yields higher. The Cboe Volatility Index, or VIX, climbed by more than 1 point to 15.7. That implies traders expect daily swings of about 1% for the S&P 500.

The VIX has been one of the most frustrating puzzles for investors recently. Here's what to know and how to play it.

Wall Street's go-to gauge of fear and uncertainty was lower on Friday, suggesting investors are feeling calm at the end of what has been a confusing week for the market. The Cboe Volatility Index, or VIX, was down 0.

The market is pricing in a rate increase as the most likely outcome at the central bank's upcoming meeting, according to CME Fed Watch. Odds the Fed will announce an increase in rates on Sept. 16 ticked lower to 64% from 66% on Wednesday, though were still significantly higher than they were just last week. The slight pullback came after New York Federal Reserve President John Williams said the recent rise in Treasury yields reflected a strong economy and signaled a wait-and-see approach to September's meeting.

The market's go-to gauge of fear and uncertainty was rising again on Wednesday as investors continued to fret about the run-up in bond yields. The Cboe Volatility Index, or VIX, ticked up to 16.7 in early trading, suggesting traders expect daily swings of more than 1% for the S&P 500. The VIX was rising as the yield on the 10-Year Treasury note topped 4.8%.

The longtime analyst, who worked for Cowen & Co. and Goldman Sachs in the 1980s, has a blunt message for investors.