VIX Closes at Highest Since 2020 as Stock Slide Accelerates

The Cboe Volatility Index closed at the highest level since April 2020, as a spiraling trade war pushed the S&P 500 to an 11-month low.

Total put option volume rose to a record high as investors snapped up protection against further declines. The VIX ended the day at 45.31, a closing level last reached in the opening months of the Covid-19 pandemic.