Market breadth has narrowed, with VIX futures live holding at 16.5 despite a pullback in large-cap stocks. Options data show elevated put buying, hinting that institutional players are preparing for short-term turbulence. We saw similar action between 2000 and 2003, when the bear market following the dot-com craze of the late-1990s took hold and wouldn't let go. The VIX finally jumped to a multiyear high in mid-2002, and the S&P 500 started laying the groundwork for a reversal of the then-bear market shortly thereafter. Get this delivered to your inbox, and more info about our products and services. As of the latest session, VIX futures live are trading near 16.8, signaling moderate market volatility expectations ahead of key economic data releases. Traders are watching Treasury yields closely, as higher rates could push volatility higher into next week.
