Optionstrategist iconOptionstrategistAug 17, 2026

Is Volatility Just Stuck at Low Levels? (Preview)

McMillan We have been cautioning about a potential increase in implied volatility ($VIX) for some time. We are not alone in our opinion, which is perhaps one reason why volatility has remained low: "everyone" is all set with long $VIX calls or long $SPX puts, waiting for the volatility explosion, and the majority is often wrong.

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McMillan We have been cautioning about a potential increase in implied volatility ($VIX) for some time.

We are not alone in our opinion, which is perhaps one reason why volatility has remained low: "everyone" is all set with long $VIX calls or long $SPX puts, waiting for the volatility explosion, and the...

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McMillan We have been cautioning about a potential increase in implied volatility ($VIX) for some time. We are not alone in our opinion, which is perhaps one reason why volatility has remained low: "everyone" is all set with long $VIX calls or long $SPX puts, waiting for the volatility explosion, and the majority is often wrong. However, $VIX has essentially refused to move higher.

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