VIX closes 1.7 percent higher as GM tumbles
Published on 10/20/2026 at 22:59 | Editorial responsibility: Rafael Müller, Editor-in-Chief AD HOC NEWSVolatility and earnings ahead
- VIX closed at 18.75 points on October 20, up 0.31 points or 1.7 percent.
- General Motors fell 7.5 percent as its outlook raised cost concerns.
- Technology stocks lagged while healthcare shares led the S&P 500 higher.
- Usual weekly earnings are due October 21 at 10:00 a.m. ET.
VIX closed at 18.75 points on October 20, up 0.31 points or 1.7 percent from the previous close. General Motors fell 7.5 percent, while healthcare stocks led the broader market higher, Yahoo Finance and Reuters report.
General Motors was the weakest major mover, closing down 7.5 percent after its outlook highlighted pressure from higher commodity costs and weaker truck sales, 247WallSt reports. Equifax gained 10.6 percent after results beat expectations, while Hasbro rose 5.9 percent after raising its outlook.
Why did VIX rise as healthcare stocks rallied?
Wall Street rotated toward healthcare and value stocks, while technology shares lagged after their rebound on Monday. Reuters said healthcare was up 2.3 percent at 2:08 p.m. ET and had reached a record high.
The mixed leadership left the volatility gauge higher despite gains in the Dow Jones and the S&P 500. Earnings remained central, with Netflix scheduled after the close and larger technology results due Wednesday.
VIX range and market drivers on October 20
VIX opened at 18.42 points and traded between 18.37 and 18.88 points. The index finished above its previous close of 18.44 points.
General Motors pressure, technology weakness and the rotation into healthcare shaped the session. The S&P 500 gained 0.4 percent, while the Dow Jones rose 1.0 percent in Reuters' afternoon market snapshot.
What comes next for VIX
- October 21, 2026, 10:00 a.m. ET: The US Bureau of Labor Statistics is scheduled to publish usual weekly earnings for the third quarter, BLS lists.
- October 21, 2026, 4:30 p.m. ET: Meta is scheduled to release quarterly results after the US close, Blofin lists.
- October 21, 2026, 5:30 p.m. ET: Tesla is scheduled to report after the close, with its webcast listed for 5:30 p.m. ET, StockTitan reports.
VIX price data for October 20, 2026
VIX closed at 18.75 points on October 20, 2026, up 0.31 points or 1.7 percent from 18.44 points on October 19, 2026, Yahoo Finance shows. It opened at 18.42 points and reached a high of 18.88 points and a low of 18.37 points.
VIX by the numbers on October 20, 2026
- Index: VIX
- Home exchange: Cboe, United States
- Close on October 20, 2026: 18.75 points
- Change versus previous close of October 19, 2026: up 0.31 points (up 1.7 percent)
- Previous close: 18.44 points
- Open: 18.42 points
- Day high / day low: 18.88 points / 18.37 points
- Next scheduled event: October 21, 2026, 10:00 a.m. ET: US usual weekly earnings release
