Trading VIX

TRADING VIX DERIVATIVES While the Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE) Volatility Index, widely know by its ticker symbol VIX, is often referred to as the "fear index," it is much more than an index of fear in the stock market. Nobody understands this better than author Russell Rhoads, a top instructor at the CBOE's Options Institute. Now, in Trading VIX Derivatives, he skillfully explores the ins and outs of this popular market indicator, or index, that is based on implied volatility. Engaging and informative, this reliable resource provides you with a solid understanding of implied volatility, the VIX index, methods of using the VIX for market analysis, and ways to directly trade volatility. Page by page, you'll become familiar with a number of volatility-related indexes and products currently available?from the S&P 500 Implied Correlation Index (VTY) and CBOE Crude Oil Volatility Index to VIX futures, options, and exchange-traded notes. There are unique features to many of the derivative contracts that are based on implied volatility, and they are touched on throughout the book. Along the way, Rhoads takes the time to highlight the various uses of volatility-related indexes and products. Methods to speculate on the direction of the overall market, or just volatility, are skillfully addressed as well as how to apply volatility derivatives to hedge traditional portfolios. Rhoads rounds out his detailed discussion of trading VIX derivatives by offering you valuable insights on everything from calendar spreads with VIX options and futures to iron condors and butterflies with VIX options. Volatility as an asset class and trading tool continues to be a rapidly growing area in the markets. With this book as your guide, you'll quickly discover a wide range of uses associated with the VIX and learn how to implement profitable new forecasting and trading techniques into your everyday investing endeavors with it.