VIX Holds Steady at 19.09 Amid Market Stability and Cooling Economic Concerns in February 2026

The Cboe Volatility Index, known as the VIX, stands at a current spot price of 19.09 as of February 20, 2026, according to the Cboe Global Markets website. This reflects a percent change of 0.00 percent from the prior session, showing stability in implied volatility for the S&P 500 Index.

The VIX, often called the fear gauge, measures expected market turbulence over the next 30 days based on S&P 500 option prices. Cboe reports this level amid recent fluctuations: FRED data from the St. Louis Fed shows the VIX closed at 20.23 on February 19, down from 19.62 on February 18 and a peak of 21.20 on February 16. Investing.com historical data notes earlier readings like 17.79 on February 10 and 21.77 on February 5, indicating a volatile period with swings from 14.49 to 21.90 in recent weeks.

Underlying factors for the flat change include steady equity markets and cooling economic concerns, per Cboe's volatility updates. Implied volatilities rose modestly last week on anticipation of economic data, but equity vols stabilized post-Fed meeting despite some uncertainty from Powell's comments. Broader trends show a decline from mid-February highs around 21-22, as seen in Perplexity Finance and FRED series, signaling reduced fear after a retracement from S&P 500 record highs due to valuation worries. VIX futures on Cboe Futures Exchange trade higher, with near-term contracts at 23.52 down 1.02, pointing to expected rises in volatility ahead, alongside shifts in tech vs. small-cap volatility and precious metals sentiment.

This stability suggests markets are pricing in balanced risks, though weekly expirations and upcoming data could spark moves.

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