div > div.group > p:first-child"> The Cboe Volatility Index, a measure of the 30-day implied volatility of the S&P 500 known as the"VIX" or the"fear gauge," hit 12.37 on Tuesday, its lowest level since October. Volatility collapsed as the stock market was quick to fully make back the losses from its December bloodbath.
For investors looking for a hedge in case reality falls short of expectations, here are some strategies that worked well in the past when volatility spiked. Long-duration and intermediate-term U.S. Treasury bonds as well as safe-haven gold have significantly outperformed the S&P 500 whenever volatility has surged.
The most imminent risk to break the market peace is the Fed's policy decision Wednesday, where investors will look for further details about the pivot to patience on tightening and balance-sheet runoff.