VIX closes 9.6 percent lower as AI stocks rebound
Published on 10/19/2026 at 22:57 | Editorial responsibility: Rafael Müller, Editor-in-Chief AD HOC NEWSEarnings and rates shape volatility
- VIX closed at 18.07 points on October 19, 2026, down 1.92 points or 9.6 percent.
- The 10-year Treasury yield was 5.14 percent as AI shares recovered.
- Nvidia gained 1.9 percent in premarket trading as chip stocks rebounded.
- Housing starts are due October 20, 2026, at 8:30 a.m. ET.
VIX closed at 18.07 points on October 19, 2026, down 1.92 points or 9.6 percent from the previous close. AI stocks rebounded as the 10-year Treasury yield held at 5.14 percent.
The immediate equity cue was a recovery in chip shares. Reuters reported Nvidia up 1.9 percent and AMD up 3.5 percent in premarket trading.
Why did VIX fall on October 19?
Lower Treasury yields and easing crude oil prices supported the battered AI trade, Reuters reported. The move followed a sharp technology selloff on Friday, when concern over debt-funded AI investment lifted VIX to 19.99 points.
Cboe said demand for downside protection had driven the previous week's volatility surge. Its market commentary also linked the risk repricing to hotter inflation data and worries about AI infrastructure financing, Cboe reported.
VIX stays below Friday's stress peak
VIX opened at 18.37 points and was 18.07 points at 4:47 p.m. ET, according to Cboe. The index remained below Friday's 22.31-point intraday high, while its previous close was 19.99 points.
At the broader market close, technology shares recovered while the 10-year Treasury yield reached 5.14 percent. Market breadth was negative, with 1,777 stocks declining against 1,307 advancers, MetaCap reported.
What comes next for VIX
- October 20, 2026, 8:30 a.m. ET: September housing starts and building permits are scheduled for release, CNBC reports.
- October 20, 2026, 4:01 p.m. ET: Netflix is scheduled to release quarterly results after the market close, with consensus earnings of USD 0.82 per share, BloFin reports.
VIX price data for October 19, 2026
VIX was 18.07 points at 4:47 p.m. ET on October 19, 2026, according to Cboe. It fell 1.92 points or 9.6 percent from the 19.99-point previous close. The index opened at 18.37 points.
VIX by the numbers on October 19, 2026
- Index: VIX
- Home exchange: Cboe, United States
- Close on October 19, 2026: 18.07 points
- Change versus previous close of October 16, 2026: down 1.92 points (down 9.6 percent)
- Previous close: 19.99 points
- Open: 18.37 points
- Next scheduled event: October 20, 2026, 8:30 a.m. ET: September housing starts and building permits
