{"id":58442,"date":"2025-01-03T15:28:31","date_gmt":"2025-01-03T14:28:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.captrader.com\/?post_type=blog&#038;p=58442"},"modified":"2026-02-20T08:32:18","modified_gmt":"2026-02-20T07:32:18","slug":"vix","status":"publish","type":"blog","link":"https:\/\/www.captrader.com\/en\/blog\/vix\/","title":{"rendered":"Using the VIX correctly: the big guide to the volatility index"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">With the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.captrader.com\/en\/glossary\/volatility-index-vix\/\" data-type=\"glossar\" data-id=\"45251\">Volatility index VIX<\/a><\/strong> Chicago's options exchange has created a metric that allows traders to <strong>helps to assess market developments.<\/strong> The special thing about it: you can also trade the VIX and thus profit directly from rising and falling volatility! You can find out how this works and how you can use the index for forecasts here.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n<style id=\"bricks-inline-css-component-lnntzm\">\n\/* BREAKPOINT: Desktop (BASE) *\/\n.block-editor-iframe__body .brxe-rtliac:not(.tag), .block-editor-iframe__body .brxe-rtliac img{aspect-ratio: 1; object-fit: contain}\n.block-editor-iframe__body .brxe-rtliac{width: 65px}\n\n\n\/* BREAKPOINT: Desktop (BASE) *\/\n.block-editor-iframe__body .brxe-lkidxf{border: 3px solid #F6F6F8; margin-top: -60px; background-color: var(--light)}\n\n\n\/* BREAKPOINT: Desktop (BASE) *\/\n.block-editor-iframe__body .brxe-jzmkoh{font-weight: 600; font-size: var(--text-xl); text-transform: uppercase}\n\n\n\/* BREAKPOINT: Desktop (BASE) *\/\n.block-editor-iframe__body .brxe-umltno ul li{ list-style: none; position: relative; padding-left: 30px;} .block-editor-iframe__body .brxe-umltno ul li::before{ content: ''; position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0.4em; width: 15px; height: 15px; background-image: url('\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/square-full-solid.svg'); background-size: contain; background-repeat: no-repeat;}\n\n\n\/* BREAKPOINT: Mobil Hochformat *\/\n@media (max-width: 478px){\n.block-editor-iframe__body .brxe-xowhkb{margin-top: 20px}\n}\n\n\/* BREAKPOINT: Desktop (BASE) *\/\n.block-editor-iframe__body .brxe-lnntzm{background-color: #F6F6F8; align-items: center; position: relative; margin-top: 60px; padding-right: var(--space-l); padding-bottom: var(--space-l); padding-left: var(--space-l)}\n\n\n\/* Disable links in editor *\/\n.block-editor-iframe__body a.brxe-lnntzm, .block-editor-iframe__body .brxe-lnntzm a{ pointer-events: none; }\n<\/style><div class=\"brxe-lnntzm brxe-block\"><div class=\"brxe-lkidxf brxe-div radius-full padding-s\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.captrader.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Icons_Uebersicht-blau.svg\" class=\"brxe-rtliac brxe-image css-filter size-full\" alt=\"A simple outline of a document with horizontal lines and a yellow magnifying glass in front of it, symbolizing the document check or search.\" \/><\/div><div class=\"brxe-xowhkb brxe-block\"><h2 class=\"brxe-jzmkoh brxe-heading\">The most important in a nutshell<\/h2><div class=\"brxe-umltno brxe-text\"><ul>\n<li>The VIX volatility index reflects the prices of options on the S&amp;P 500 with 30 days to maturity. As options contracts are often used as hedges, the sentiment, confidence or fear of market participants can be identified.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<li>A high\/rising VIX indicates that price fluctuations are imminent. Prices often, but not always, fall.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<li>A low\/falling volatility index stands for calm markets without strong price fluctuations. Often, but not always, this means price stability.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<li>You can use the index as an underlying for options and thus profit directly from volatility.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is the VIX?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To make profits on the stock market, traders need to correctly predict price movements. To do this, they use a large arsenal of key figures and technologies, such as trading charts, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.captrader.com\/en\/blog\/volume-trading\/\">Volume Trading<\/a> Analysis that <a href=\"https:\/\/www.captrader.com\/en\/blog\/fundamental-analysis\/\">Fundamental analysis<\/a> for shares and much more.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">With the VIX, the volatility index of the CBOE options exchange in Chicago, traders have another particularly exciting tool at their disposal. Although it is \"only\" the <strong>Measured value for options on the S&amp;P 500<\/strong> the VIX is ideal for determining market sentiment and predicting potential crashes.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The way it works is surprisingly simple:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Market participants use options to hedge against crashes, crises and other price changes or to profit from them.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>In turbulent times and when fluctuations are expected, the need for hedging increases and more options are purchased. This increases the option price.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The VIX measures this price change. It records the costs for put and call options with a remaining term of 30 days.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A high value indicates a high demand for options contracts, which points to unrest and fear in the markets.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A low value indicates that demand for hedging is low. The markets are confident and do not fear any imminent price changes.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The VIX indicates the<strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.captrader.com\/en\/glossary\/implicit-volatility\/\" data-type=\"glossar\" data-id=\"45191\">implied volatility<\/a><\/strong>also known as \"projected volatility\". It is one of three volatility indicators and is used to<strong> future developments.&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The two other volatilities that traders encounter time and again are:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Standard deviation: Measures price changes of an asset over a defined period of time.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Beta: Measures the volatility of an asset in relation to the market. An asset is more volatile than the market with a value of over 1.0 and less volatile with a lower value.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\"><a id=\"brxe-kbumbq\" href=\"https:\/\/www.captrader.com\/en\/depot-eroeffnen\/\" class=\"brxe-block margin-bottom-s banner-bild\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1500\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/www.captrader.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/CapTrader_Werbebanner_horizontal-Astronaut_EN.jpg\" class=\"brxe-image css-filter size-full\" alt=\"An astronaut floating in space with the earth in the background, next to it an advertising text about share trading services and a yellow &quot;Open account&quot; button.\" id=\"brxe-xmcpzb\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.captrader.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/CapTrader_Werbebanner_horizontal-Astronaut_EN.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/www.captrader.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/CapTrader_Werbebanner_horizontal-Astronaut_EN-300x100.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.captrader.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/CapTrader_Werbebanner_horizontal-Astronaut_EN-1024x341.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.captrader.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/CapTrader_Werbebanner_horizontal-Astronaut_EN-768x256.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.captrader.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/CapTrader_Werbebanner_horizontal-Astronaut_EN-18x6.jpg 18w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px\" \/><\/a><a id=\"brxe-devmle\" href=\"https:\/\/www.captrader.com\/en\/depot-eroeffnen\/\" class=\"brxe-block margin-bottom-s\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"350\" height=\"700\" src=\"https:\/\/www.captrader.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/CapTrader_Werbebanner_vertikal_Astronaut_EN.jpg\" class=\"brxe-image css-filter size-full\" alt=\"An astronaut floats in space next to ad text promoting stock trading features such as global exchanges, short selling and fractional shares. A yellow button reads &quot;Open an account&quot;.\" id=\"brxe-edyjfs\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.captrader.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/CapTrader_Werbebanner_vertikal_Astronaut_EN.jpg 350w, https:\/\/www.captrader.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/CapTrader_Werbebanner_vertikal_Astronaut_EN-150x300.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.captrader.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/CapTrader_Werbebanner_vertikal_Astronaut_EN-6x12.jpg 6w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 350px) 100vw, 350px\" \/><\/a>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">VIX as a \"fear barometer\"<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The volatility index only reflects the price at which options with the S&amp;P 500 as the underlying are traded. Strictly speaking, it therefore only refers to the well-known share index. However, the development of the S&amp;P 500 is of course closely linked to the US economy and consequently the whole world! Traders use the<strong> VIX is therefore a key figure for the entire US market and the global economy.&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Stock market crashes and corrections are undesirable events that can wipe out huge sums of money in a matter of minutes. So it's no wonder that traders are afraid of such phases!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The comparatively gentle correction of the AI bubble in January 2025 resulted in the loss of one trillion euros within a few hours.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>In February 2020, the COVID crisis hit an already weakened economy. The damage was enormous: the S&amp;P 500 fell by more than 12.5 % and wiped out over 3.5 trillion euros.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>During the financial crisis of 2007 and 2008, the 30 most important US shares (represented in the Dow Jones Industrial Average Index) lost more than 50 % in value. In total, almost 10 trillion dollars in private assets were wiped out in the USA. The financial crisis contributed directly to the emergence of the euro crisis.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The VIX can <strong>fear of these and similar events: If traders expect an imminent setback, demand for options increases. <\/strong>Because these can be used to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Minimize the damage of price declines. Options contracts are ideal for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.captrader.com\/en\/blog\/safe-start-to-the-year-hedging-strategies-for-volatile-markets\/\">Hedging strategies<\/a> and thus avoid damage in the event of a crash.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Generate profit from crises. Options contracts are an excellent way to profit from falling prices.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The rising demand for options leads to a higher price, which in turn drives up the VIX. As the volatility index is the <strong>mood of the market participants<\/strong>, the term \"<strong>Anxiety barometer<\/strong>\" naturalized.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The following guide values are used to interpret the index:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td>0 to 15<\/td><td>15 to 25<\/td><td>25 to 30<\/td><td>over 30<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Very low volatility. The market is optimistic.<\/td><td>Low volatility. No particular market sentiment.<\/td><td>Increased volatility. Markets are unsettled.&nbsp;<\/td><td>Very high volatility. The markets are expecting a sharp turnaround soon.&nbsp;<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">VIX as underlying<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">An index is a list of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.captrader.com\/en\/tradable-products\/stocks\/\">Stocks<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.captrader.com\/en\/blog\/short-term-bonds\/\">short-term bonds<\/a>cryptocurrencies or other assets that are compiled on the basis of defined rules. The best-known examples are the S&amp;P 500 (comprising the 500 largest US stock corporations by market capitalization) or the DAX (40 most liquid stock corporations from Germany).&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The <strong>VIX is an index<\/strong>However, it behaves somewhat differently than the well-known share indices, for example. <strong>Its content is not a classic asset.<\/strong> It is therefore not directly tradable.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here come the <strong>Derivatives<\/strong> into play: If we <a href=\"https:\/\/www.captrader.com\/en\/blog\/trade-options\/\">Trade options<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.captrader.com\/en\/blog\/future-trading\/\">Future Trading <\/a>no \"tangible\" values are required. <strong>Traders can use interest rates, the weather or volatility as an underlying.<\/strong> You can trade the VIX in several ways:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">VIX futures<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Futures are contracts between two equal trading partners. They are executed at a fixed point in time and can be used for hedging or speculation, for example.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>With a VIX future, you speculate on a single futures contract and its price on the expiry date. <\/strong>The value of the VIX during the term is irrelevant; only the price of the future determines success or failure.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">However, developments during the term can have a major impact on your futures contract.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>By default, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.captrader.com\/en\/blog\/using-term-structure-curves-profitably\/\">Term structure curve<\/a> in the \"<strong>Contango<\/strong>\" form: Later contracts are more expensive than those with an earlier expiry date.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"531\" src=\"https:\/\/www.captrader.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/VIX-Term-Struktur-Contango-1024x531.png\" alt=\"A line chart illustrates the VIX term structure in Contango. The Y-axis, marked &quot;Price&quot;, ranges from 13 to 19, while the X-axis lists the months from &quot;VIX Index&quot; to &quot;August VX&quot;. A yellow line shows the steadily rising VIX trend.\" class=\"wp-image-59252\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.captrader.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/VIX-Term-Struktur-Contango-1024x531.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.captrader.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/VIX-Term-Struktur-Contango-300x155.png 300w, https:\/\/www.captrader.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/VIX-Term-Struktur-Contango-768x398.png 768w, https:\/\/www.captrader.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/VIX-Term-Struktur-Contango-18x9.png 18w, https:\/\/www.captrader.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/VIX-Term-Struktur-Contango.png 1100w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>In some cases, however, the curve can reverse its trend. This results in the so-called \"<strong>Backwardation<\/strong>\", where later futures are cheaper, i.e. those that expire soon.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"531\" src=\"https:\/\/www.captrader.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/VIX-Backwardation-Contango-1024x531.png\" alt=\"The chart shows the VIX backwardation and contango over nine months. The blue line labeled &quot;Backwardation&quot; runs downwards, the yellow line labeled &quot;Contango&quot; runs upwards. The axes are clearly labeled &quot;price&quot; and &quot;contract&quot;.\" class=\"wp-image-59251\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.captrader.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/VIX-Backwardation-Contango-1024x531.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.captrader.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/VIX-Backwardation-Contango-300x155.png 300w, https:\/\/www.captrader.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/VIX-Backwardation-Contango-768x398.png 768w, https:\/\/www.captrader.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/VIX-Backwardation-Contango-18x9.png 18w, https:\/\/www.captrader.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/VIX-Backwardation-Contango.png 1100w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The reason for the inverted term structure curve may be a high demand for immediate hedging. If many traders buy VIX futures because they expect a price change in the near future, the price of these contracts rises. It is therefore hardly surprising that a<strong> VIX term structure curve in backwardation often precedes a major crash.&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Like all exchange-traded products, a VIX future naturally also has a price based on supply and demand. The equivalent value of a future is calculated by multiplying the current price by the multiplier set by the exchange. For example, a VIX future of 20 has an equivalent value of USD 20,000. Changes in the VIX can result in high profits or losses due to these strong leverage effects. We therefore strongly recommend that you hedge such transactions accordingly and take out a suitable <a href=\"https:\/\/www.captrader.com\/en\/blog\/safe-start-to-the-year-hedging-strategies-for-volatile-markets\/\">Hedging<\/a> to operate.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>The further a VIX future is in the future, the less correlation there is between its price and the current VIX price. On the other hand, the closer the expiry date approaches, the greater the impact of current price changes on the future.&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group info-box\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>CapTrader can do that: <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">CapTrader is one of the few providers on the German market to offer you access to futures and options - and at excellent conditions! With us you can trade futures from as little as \u20ac2.00 per contract, EU options from \u20ac2.00 and US options from \u20ac3.50 $ per contract!<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">VIX options<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Options are also contracts between two trading partners. However, they do not have equal rights: The buyer of the option has a right to choose and can execute the contract or let it lapse, depending on what is advantageous to him. The seller has no choice and must follow the buyer's decision. You can find out more about how the contracts work in our article <a href=\"https:\/\/www.captrader.com\/en\/blog\/trade-options\/\">Trade options<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You can <strong>Options with the VIX as underlying<\/strong> trade. Such contracts have some special features:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The price of options<strong> is based on the VIX futures for the respective expiry date, <\/strong>not on the current level of the volatility index. However, you do not trade the futures contract itself, it is only a pricing tool.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The exercise type is always \"European\", i.e. they are not settled until the expiry date.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Each VIX option is multiplied by a factor of 100.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Settlement always takes place via cash settlement. As the underlying is not an asset, a tender would not be possible.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The capital requirement is manageable (multiplier 100) and the contracts are therefore also suitable for options trading with small accounts.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\"><a id=\"brxe-wczkhi\" href=\"https:\/\/www.captrader.com\/en\/orderarten\/\" class=\"brxe-block margin-bottom-s banner-bild\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1500\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/www.captrader.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/CapTrader_Werbebanner_horizontal_Orderarten_EN.jpg\" class=\"brxe-image css-filter size-full\" alt=\"A person holds a smartphone with a trading app in front of a computer monitor with stock charts; text advertises trading with 100 order types and algos.\" id=\"brxe-ebhyij\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.captrader.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/CapTrader_Werbebanner_horizontal_Orderarten_EN.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/www.captrader.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/CapTrader_Werbebanner_horizontal_Orderarten_EN-300x100.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.captrader.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/CapTrader_Werbebanner_horizontal_Orderarten_EN-1024x341.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.captrader.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/CapTrader_Werbebanner_horizontal_Orderarten_EN-768x256.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.captrader.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/CapTrader_Werbebanner_horizontal_Orderarten_EN-18x6.jpg 18w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px\" \/><\/a><a id=\"brxe-sxpnay\" href=\"https:\/\/www.captrader.com\/en\/depot-eroeffnen\/\" class=\"brxe-block margin-bottom-s\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"350\" height=\"700\" src=\"https:\/\/www.captrader.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/CapTrader_Werbebanner_vertikal_Orderarten_EN.jpg\" class=\"brxe-image css-filter size-full\" alt=\"Person holding a smartphone with a trading app on the screen in front of computer monitors displaying financial charts; ad text promoting trading with 100 order types and algorithms.\" id=\"brxe-hxuxkx\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.captrader.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/CapTrader_Werbebanner_vertikal_Orderarten_EN.jpg 350w, https:\/\/www.captrader.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/CapTrader_Werbebanner_vertikal_Orderarten_EN-150x300.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.captrader.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/CapTrader_Werbebanner_vertikal_Orderarten_EN-6x12.jpg 6w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 350px) 100vw, 350px\" \/><\/a>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">VIX futures options<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Options on VIX futures are <a href=\"https:\/\/www.captrader.com\/en\/blog\/new-vix-options\/\">new VIX options<\/a>which have only been available to dealers since 2025. These are <strong>Options that use a VIX future as the underlying. <\/strong>In the event of exercise, you will receive a future booked into\/out of your securities account (depending on whether it is a long position or a short position). <a href=\"https:\/\/www.captrader.com\/en\/blog\/short-sale\/\">Short sale<\/a> has acted).&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These contracts have the following characteristics:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>American exercise type. You can also exercise the contracts during the term and do not have to wait until the expiry date.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>VIX futures options are subject to a multiplier of 1,000.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Settlement always takes place by physical delivery. You actually receive the VIX future in or out of your securities account (depending on the type of option selected)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Future options require a comparatively large amount of capital (multiplier 1,000) and are therefore more suitable for options trading with large accounts<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">ETF and ETN<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Exchange traded funds and exchange traded notes<\/strong> are two types of financial instruments that also allow transactions with the VIX. They come in different variants and represent either VIX futures or options on VIX futures.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">How you achieve this goal can vary greatly from product to product. We therefore strongly recommend <strong>to study the functionality and possible points of use in detail before investing<\/strong>to avoid disappointments and losses.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If we look at the S&amp;P 500 VIX Futures Enhanced Roll UCITS ETF from Amundi and its historical performance, for example, it quickly becomes clear that this ETF is only worthwhile when the VIX rises, especially before major crises. During the COVID crisis in February 2020, for example, the exchange-traded fund gained around 200 % within a few days.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n    <div class=\"tradingview-widget-container\">\n        <div id=\"tradingview_1391637367\"><\/div>\n        <script type=\"text\/javascript\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.tradingview.com\/tv.js\"><\/script>\n        <script type=\"text\/javascript\">\n        new TradingView.widget(\n        {\n            \"width\": \"100%\",\n            \"height\": \"500px\",\n            \"symbol\": \"VOOL\",\n            \"interval\": \"D\",\n            \"timezone\": \"Etc\/UTC\",\n            \"theme\": \"light\",\n            \"style\": \"1\",\n            \"locale\": \"en\",\n            \"toolbar_bg\": \"#f1f3f6\",\n            \"enable_publishing\": false,\n            \"allow_symbol_change\": true,\n            \"container_id\": \"tradingview_1391637367\"\n        }\n        );\n        <\/script>\n    <\/div>\n    \n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Amundi S&amp;P 500 VIX Futures Enhanced Roll UCITS ETF shows the typical performance of a VIX ETF. There are many comparable products available from other providers.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">ETFs and ETNs can be traded on numerous exchanges without any special requirements. They are therefore also suitable for market participants who have little experience and are unable or unwilling to trade complex products such as futures or options.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Please note:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Most VIX ETFs and ETNs <strong>are generally not suitable for long-term investments. <\/strong>They increase in value when the volatility index rises in price and are therefore designed for hedging. However, there are also exceptions; you should therefore always consider how the product in question works before investing.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>VIX ETF and ETN<strong> are often based on VIX futures with very long maturities <\/strong>(several months). The current value of the volatility index does not necessarily allow conclusions to be drawn about the prices of these future contracts!<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Many products based on the VIX appear <strong>Comparatively expensive<\/strong>Costs of 1 % p.a. and more are not uncommon. However, due to the short investment period (the investment products are only intended for short-term investments of a few days in the event of acute risks), these expenses are negligible.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group info-box\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>CapTrader can do that: <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We provide you with a huge range of more than 20,000 ETFs and enable you to trade both futures and options. This ensures that you are guaranteed to find the right product for VIX trading!<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Variants of the VIX<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The VIX is undoubtedly the best-known volatility index, but there are <strong>other indices that also provide useful insights into the market situation. <\/strong>The Chicago Options Exchange (CBOE), for example, publishes other volatility figures:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Nasdaq-100 Volatility Index (VXNSM)&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>CBOE Dow Jones Industrial Average Volatility Index (VXDSM)&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>CBOE Russell 2000 Volatility Index (RVXSM)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There are also numerous examples of the \"classic VIX\" on the S&amp;P 500.<strong> Variants<\/strong>. You <strong>differ in the term of the underlying options<\/strong> and thus allow forecasts to be made for different time periods. The combination of several volatility indicators in particular can provide helpful information for traders.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>CBOE 1-Day Volatility Index (VIX1D), maturity one day<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>CBOE ShortTerm Volatility Index (VIX9DSM), maturity nine days<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>CBOE Volatility Index (VIX), \"standard variant\", term one month<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>CBOE S&amp;P 500 3-Month Volatility Index (VIX3MSM), maturity three months<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>CBOE S&amp;P 500 6-Month Volatility Index (VIX6MSM), term six months<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>CBOE S&amp;P 500 1-Year Volatility Index (VIX1YSM), maturity one year<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Another variant is the<strong> <\/strong><strong>VVIX<\/strong><strong>It reflects the demand for options on the VIX<\/strong> and thus reflects the volatility of volatility. This index can also be a useful forecasting tool, but is not itself tradable.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\"><a id=\"brxe-jacjrw\" href=\"https:\/\/www.captrader.com\/en\/depot-eroeffnen\/\" class=\"brxe-block margin-bottom-s banner-bild\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1500\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/www.captrader.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Weltkugel_EN.jpg\" class=\"brxe-image css-filter size-full\" alt=\"Advertising banner for CapTrader with statistical data: 1.2 million tradable securities, 170 stock exchanges, 36 countries, 28 currencies and a button to open an account.\" id=\"brxe-paogup\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.captrader.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Weltkugel_EN.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/www.captrader.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Weltkugel_EN-300x100.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.captrader.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Weltkugel_EN-1024x341.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.captrader.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Weltkugel_EN-768x256.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.captrader.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Weltkugel_EN-18x6.jpg 18w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px\" \/><\/a><a id=\"brxe-hojgaz\" href=\"https:\/\/www.captrader.com\/en\/depot-eroeffnen\/\" class=\"brxe-block margin-bottom-s\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"350\" height=\"700\" src=\"https:\/\/www.captrader.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/CapTrader_Werbebanner_vertikal_Weltkugel_EN.jpg\" class=\"brxe-image css-filter size-full\" alt=\"Advertisement for CapTrader with a view of Europe from space at night, a list of trading advantages and a yellow button labeled &quot;Open account&quot;.\" id=\"brxe-aaxoxz\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.captrader.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/CapTrader_Werbebanner_vertikal_Weltkugel_EN.jpg 350w, https:\/\/www.captrader.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/CapTrader_Werbebanner_vertikal_Weltkugel_EN-150x300.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.captrader.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/CapTrader_Werbebanner_vertikal_Weltkugel_EN-6x12.jpg 6w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 350px) 100vw, 350px\" \/><\/a>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Where can I find the VIX at CapTrader in the Trader Workstation TWS?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Would you like the<strong> VIX as a forecasting tool <\/strong>you have several options at your disposal. Firstly, you can use the volatility index<strong> directly via the <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cboe.com\/tradable_products\/vix\/term_structure\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Website of the CBOE<\/strong><\/a><strong> call<\/strong> This allows you to quickly gain an insight into the current volatility values; however, this method is not really practical for trading.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It is easier for most traders to use the index<strong> Display directly in the respective trading software <\/strong>to leave. In the popular <a href=\"https:\/\/www.captrader.com\/en\/platforms\/trader-workstation-tws\/\">Trader Workstation<\/a> this works as follows:\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Enter the search term \"VIX\" in a free line of the watch list and confirm with \"Enter\"<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Select the hit \"Index\" to display the index, alternatively select the hits \"Options\" or \"Futures\" for forward transactions on the VIX.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"402\" height=\"319\" src=\"https:\/\/www.captrader.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/CapTrader-VIX-in-Trader-Workstation-TWS.png\" alt=\"A menu presents financial products such as &quot;Futures&quot;, &quot;Futures Options&quot; and &quot;Index&quot;, all highlighted in yellow. At the bottom is a search bar with the keyword &quot;VIX&quot; for easy navigation.\" class=\"wp-image-59294\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.captrader.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/CapTrader-VIX-in-Trader-Workstation-TWS.png 402w, https:\/\/www.captrader.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/CapTrader-VIX-in-Trader-Workstation-TWS-300x238.png 300w, https:\/\/www.captrader.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/CapTrader-VIX-in-Trader-Workstation-TWS-15x12.png 15w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 402px) 100vw, 402px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">VIX in the Trader Workstation TWS<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group info-box\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>CapTrader can do that: <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We provide you free of charge with various <a href=\"https:\/\/www.captrader.com\/en\/platforms\/\">Platforms<\/a> for trading. These include, for example, the powerful Trader Workstation, which <a href=\"https:\/\/www.captrader.com\/en\/blog\/best-trading-app\/\">best trading app<\/a>TraderFox Tradingdesk, which enables direct integration of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.captrader.com\/en\/blog\/traderfox\/\">TraderFox<\/a> signals allowed and much more.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Conclusion: Crash forecast and lucrative trading with the VIX<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The<strong> VIX is a volatility index published by the CBOE exchange that tracks the demand for options on the S&amp;P 500. <\/strong>Since options contracts are often used to hedge one's own portfolio, various insights into the mood of the markets can be gained from them:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Low VIX (0 to 15): Market participants are very optimistic and do not expect any major changes.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Medium (15 to 25): The mood is neutral.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>High (25 to 30): The markets are unsettled, demand for hedging through options is increasing.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Very high (over 30): Market participants are panicking and anticipate very sharp price fluctuations in the near future.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">On the basis of the changes and the current value, important <strong>Insights into the market situation and possible stock market crashes <\/strong>especially in conjunction with other indicators.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The index is based on options with 30 days to maturity; variants with other maturities are also available and can provide additional information. Traders can also<strong> Trading futures, options and products such as ETFs based on the VIX <\/strong>and thus profit directly from volatility!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Trading with the VIX as the underlying can be used for hedging or price speculation and can generate attractive profits. However, all products have their own advantages and disadvantages. We therefore recommend that you read our articles on the subject of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.captrader.com\/en\/blog\/trade-options\/\">Trade options<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.captrader.com\/en\/blog\/future-trading\/\">Future Trading<\/a> and to read trading strategies initially on a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.captrader.com\/en\/depot\/paper-trading-account\/\">CapTrader Paper Trading Account<\/a> without risks.&nbsp;<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Mit dem Volatilit\u00e4tsindex VIX hat Chicagos Optionsb\u00f6rse eine Kennzahl geschaffen, die H\u00e4ndlern dabei hilft, Marktentwicklungen abzusch\u00e4tzen. Das Besondere daran: Sie k\u00f6nnen den VIX auch handeln und so direkt von steigender und fallender Volatilit\u00e4t profitieren! Wie das funktioniert und wie Sie den Index f\u00fcr Prognosen einsetzen k\u00f6nnen, erfahren Sie hier.&nbsp; Was ist der VIX? Um an [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":20,"featured_media":44954,"menu_order":0,"template":"","blog-kategorie":[839],"class_list":["post-58442","blog","type-blog","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","blog-kategorie-optionen"],"acf":{"blog_summary":"","blog_faq_schalter":"ja","faq_uberschrift":"FAQ - H\u00e4ufig gestellte Fragen","blog_faq_loop":[{"blog_faq_question":"Was hei\u00dft VIX auf Deutsch?","blog_faq_answer":"VIX steht f\u00fcr Volatilit\u00e4tsindex, eine Kennzahl, die von der Optionsb\u00f6rse in Chicago (CBOE) herausgegeben wird. Sie bildet die Preise f\u00fcr Optionen auf den S&amp;P 500 ab und zeigt so, welche Stimmung an den M\u00e4rkten vorherrscht."},{"blog_faq_question":"Was ist der internationale VIX?","blog_faq_answer":"Der VIX ist eine Kennzahl f\u00fcr die Volatilit\u00e4t des S&amp;P 500 Index. Er l\u00e4sst R\u00fcckschl\u00fcsse auf die Marktstimmung und m\u00f6gliche Crashes zu. Zudem k\u00f6nnen Sie den VIX als Basiswert handeln und so direkt von der Volatilit\u00e4t profitieren."},{"blog_faq_question":"Wie hoch sollte die Volatilit\u00e4t sein?","blog_faq_answer":"Traditionell gilt ein VIX von \u00fcber 30 als hoch. In diesem Bereich spricht man von unruhigen M\u00e4rkten und die Gefahr eines B\u00f6rsenkrachs ist erh\u00f6ht. Werte unter 15 zeigen hingegen Zuversicht der Marktteilnehmer an."}]},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.captrader.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/blog\/58442","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.captrader.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/blog"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.captrader.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/blog"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.captrader.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/20"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.captrader.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/blog\/58442\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":65948,"href":"https:\/\/www.captrader.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/blog\/58442\/revisions\/65948"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.captrader.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/44954"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.captrader.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=58442"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"blog-kategorie","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.captrader.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/blog-kategorie?post=58442"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}