IVAnalog

Decode market volatility with history analogs. IVAnalog analyzes today’s implied volatility (IV) prices and term structure against past patterns, offering valuable context and insights.

Author: Editor

  • On Risk Pricing and Hedging (IV): Risk Pricing and Valuation

    Option pricing is one of the most powerful yet misunderstood tools in finance. Beneath all the jargon and math lies a fundamental question we’ve returned to throughout this series: How should we value risk? And beyond that, a more actionable one: What is the price and what is the value of the risk we’re trading?… Read more

  • On Risk Pricing and Hedging (III): A Historical Look at Market Probabilities

    In the markets, not every drop signals collapse, and not every crash is the end of the world. While dramatic moments draw headlines, most of the time the market simply fluctuates—within statistical norms. And if we’re living through one of those “normal” stretches, then we should respect the statistics. Many tough investment decisions come down… Read more

  • On Risk Pricing and Hedging (II): Put Options for Hedging, and Speculation

    “The invention of marine insurance transformed the risks of trade from fatal uncertainty into manageable cost.”— Peter Bernstein As we discussed in Part 1, one of the keys to surviving—and even thriving—in financial markets is hedging. When markets fall, volatility spikes, or systemic crises hit, many investors suffer deep losses. But those who prepared—those who… Read more

  • On Risk Pricing and Hedging (I): It All Starts with a Car Insurance Policy

    We All Live With Risk Every day, we face risks:Car accidents.Job loss.Sudden health issues.Market crashes.Family emergencies. Sure, we’re often told to “stay positive” or “adjust our mindset,” and that’s important for mental health—but positive thinking doesn’t eliminate real-world risk. What actually protects you in a risky situation is preparation.And that preparation needs to happen before… Read more

  • VIX Explained (IV): The Risks of Option Sellers and the Liquidity Crisis

    Why is a High VIX a Signal of Market Liquidity Risk? To answer this question, we must first understand what a single put trade means for a put seller. The Structural Advantage and Risk of a Put Seller For a put seller, statistically speaking, the market tends to rise most of the time. That means… Read more

  • VIX Explained (III): How to Buy a Stock Market Insurance Plan?

    In the stock market, insurance is essentially purchasing a put option. For the put option buyer, from an insurance perspective, the only significant drawback is the high cost, but aside from that, puts offer many advantages. However, to make the most of put options as a hedge, it’s essential to understand the associated risks and… Read more

  • VIX Explained (II): How Much Market Insurance Should You Buy and When?

    📌 Do You Have Insurance? Do you have car insurance? Our household owns two cars, and according to SOFI, their combined residual value is estimated to be around $50,000 to $60,000. In comparison, I pay $200 per month for auto insurance from Geico. Even though both Geico and I are fairly confident that I won’t… Read more

  • VIX Explained (I): Insurance Pricing

    What is the VIX Index? During the recent market correction, I frequently mentioned the VIX Index and continuously adjusted my positions based on it. Many investors, especially those new to options trading, often ask: “What exactly is the VIX Fear Index, and why does it matter?” VIX Index: The Market’s Insurance Pricing Index We all… Read more

  • Understanding the Greeks in Options Trading

    An option grants the holder the right to buy or sell an underlying asset at a predetermined price upon expiration. In American-style options, the right to buy is called a Call, while the right to sell is called a Put. Since both Calls and Puts can be either bought or sold, there are four possible… Read more

  • How to Read VIX Term Structure Charts in IVAnalog.com

    If you’ve ever seen a VIX term structure chart and weren’t sure what it meant, you’re not alone! This post will break it down in simple terms, explaining what it represents, why it matters, and how to interpret it. What Is a VIX Term Structure Chart? A VIX term structure chart shows how the market… Read more