VIX Hits 2026 Low of 14.56 as Brent Jumps 6% and Tail Hedges Build
Updated
Updated · ts2.tech · Aug 15
VIX Hits 2026 Low of 14.56 as Brent Jumps 6% and Tail Hedges Build
3 articles · Updated · ts2.tech · Aug 15
Summary
14.56 marked the VIX's 2026 low even as Brent climbed 6.0% for the week, highlighting a split between calm headline volatility and rising demand for protection against sharp market swings.
Two tanker attacks and stalled ceasefire talks drove the oil surge, while the Cboe SKEW Index rose 6.6% since July, signaling heavier hedging against outsized S&P 500 moves.
18.62 billion dollars flowed into global equity funds through Aug. 12, but investors also added 46.42 billion dollars to bond and money-market funds and 2.62 billion dollars to precious-metals funds.
0.6% weaker July retail sales helped push the dollar index down 0.28% to 99.65, lifted gold 0.53%, and left markets pricing a 69.4% chance the Fed holds rates at 3.50%-3.75% in September.
85% of reporting S&P 500 companies have beaten estimates, but traders now face retailer earnings, Jackson Hole on Aug. 27-29, and whether oil tensions escalate or ease.