VIX Index
The Fear Gauge Awakens: VIX Hits 22.96 as AI ‘SaaSpocalypse’ Triggers Massive Growth-to-Value Rotation
Wall Street’s primary measure of market anxiety, the Cboe Volatility Index (VIX), surged to a fresh year-to-date high of 22.96 on Tuesday, February 17, 2026. The spike sent a clear signal through global markets: the period of relative calm enjoyed by technology-led indices is under serious threat. As