The Cboe Volatility Index VIX, better known as the Vix or Wall Street’s “fear gauge,” surged 20% on Friday to touch its highest level in more than a week, leaving it just shy of levels not seen since late May, according to FactSet data. The index touched an intraday high of 20.78, just shy of the Oct. 4 intraday high of 20.88. The move put the index briefly above its long-term average of 19.6. The Vix has remained relatively subdued since stocks started sinking in early 2022, only seeing a few brief spikes above its long-term average. The index reached its current 52-week high of 33.87 on Oct. 13 as stocks sold off following…
