 VIX - Volatility Index, this technical indicator indicates level of fear by the amount of options-based "insurance" in portfolios. A low VIX environment, less than 00 for the S&P index, indicates a stable market with a possible uptrend. A high VIX, over 00, indicates a possible downtrend. However, it is equally important to see how VIX is changing over time, if it is decreasing or increasing, as that indicates increasing or decreasing fear. Low volatility allows high leverage without risk or rest. Occasionally, markets do rise with high VIX. As VIX is unusually high, in the forties, we can be confident that a downtrend 