Business · Markets · 1 hr ago
India VIX rises as traders expect bigger market swings
India VIX, a measure based on Nifty options prices, has risen more than 36% since the start of September.
It reflects how much movement traders expect in the Indian stock market over the next 30 days, but does not predict whether prices will rise or fall.
The index reached 28.91 in March after oil prices surged during the US-Iran conflict, then fell close to 9 between April and August as diplomatic efforts continued.
Renewed fighting and worries about high oil prices and the economic outlook have contributed to its recent rise.
It is now slightly above 15, near the upper edge of its usual range and only a little above its average over the past two years.
Analysts say this is a reason for caution, not evidence that a market crash is imminent.
They advise investors to avoid excessive borrowing, use stop-loss limits and be selective, while monitoring risks including geopolitical tensions, foreign fund outflows and uncertainty about company earnings.
India VIX, a gauge of expected market volatility, has risen more than 36% since the start of September, according to Mint.
The index reflects expected volatility over the next 30 calendar days, based on Nifty options prices.
Experts say the rise points to greater uncertainty and the possibility of sharper intraday swings, but does not by itself forecast a market crash or its direction.
Mint reports that India VIX is slightly above 15, compared with an average of around 14 over the past two years.
Experts advise caution, including avoiding excessive leverage and using disciplined stop-losses.
- Who
- Indian market participants and investors; analysts Devarsh Vakil of HDFC Securities and Ajit Mishra of Religare Broking commented.
- What
- India VIX has risen more than 36% since the start of September, signalling higher expected volatility.
- When
- The rise has been recorded since the start of September; the article was published on 13 October 2026.
- Where
- India’s market; India VIX is derived from Nifty options prices.
- Why
- The article links the rise to geopolitical uncertainty, elevated oil prices and concerns about the macroeconomic outlook.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
India VIX touched a record low of 8.72.
The US and Israel launched coordinated air strikes on Iran, according to Mint.
India VIX rose to 28.91 after oil prices rose sharply amid the US-Iran conflict.
The index declined on a monthly basis and returned to levels near 9.
India VIX rose more than 36%, according to Mint.
- Rise since September
- More than 36%
- Year-to-date rise
- Nearly 61%
- Current level
- Slightly above 15
- Average over the past two years
- Around 14
- Record low
- 8.72 on 1 January 2026
What people are saying
A rising VIX points to higher expected volatility and uncertainty, but it is not, by itself, a directional forecast
The key message is caution, not panic—volatility can create opportunities, but capital preservation should take priority over aggressive bets
Sources
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