Derivatives

What is Implied Volatility (IV)?

Implied volatility is the market's forecast of how much a stock's price will fluctuate — derived from option prices, it reflects the collective expectation of future uncertainty.

Formula

IV is back-calculated from option prices using the Black-Scholes model. India VIX measures Nifty's implied volatility.

How to Interpret

High IV = expensive options (market expects big moves). Low IV = cheap options (market expects calm). IV typically spikes before earnings and events, then collapses after (IV crush).

Typical Ranges

India VIX: 10-15 = calm, 15-20 = moderate, 20-30 = elevated, 30+ = fear/crisis.

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