The Cboe Volatility Index, known as the VIX, closed at 16.87 on December 18, 2025, according to FRED St. Louis Fed data updated December 19. This marks a decline of 0.75 points, or 4.26 percent, from the prior session, as reported by Klick Analytics symbol data.
The drop reflects calming market sentiment after recent turbulence. CBOE's own records show the VIX spot price at 14.91 as of December 19, down 11.62 percent intraday, signaling reduced expectations for near-term S&P 500 swings. The VIX measures 30-day implied volatility from SPX options, often called the fear gauge due to its inverse tie to stocks.
Recent trends point to mean-reversion, a hallmark of volatility where levels trend toward long-term averages around 17-20. Klick Analytics quick stats list an average of 17.21, with the recent 16.87 near the lower end versus a 52-week high of 52.33 in April 2025 and low of 11.86 in May 2024. Historical data from Investing.com shows volatility: up 4.35 percent one day, down 1.63 percent the next, with bigger swings like 21.89 percent gains earlier.
Underlying factors include stable oil markets post-U.S. strikes, per CBOE insights, as WTI implied volatility eased from 68 percent to 51 percent without spiking U.S. inflation fears, unlike 2022 events. The VIX's strong inverse S&P 500 link suggests equity gains eased volatility demand. Over weeks, it fell from 17.62 on December 17 and 16.48 on December 16, per FRED, amid broader calm.
Traders note VIX futures and options exploit this, hedging portfolios or betting on volatility premiums over realized levels. CBOE highlights calendar spreads from nine monthly and weekly contracts.
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