The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX), often referred to as the market’s “fear gauge,” saw a sharp 34% increase in October, signaling intensified investor concern as the U.S. presidential election looms. This spike marks the third-strongest October VIX increase for an election year, with only 2008 and 2020 witnessing larger jumps. Excluding the extraordinary 52% spike in October 2008, driven by the financial crisis, and the 44% rise in October 2020 amid the COVID-19 pandemic, October 2024’s surge marks the highest volatility for an election-year October since the VIX’s index inception in 1990. Data:…
