VIX Pullback from Highs Adds to Investor Unease over Growth and Rates Outlook
• The VIX volatility index has pulled back recently but remains above late December lows, contributing to stock market pressure
• The VIX is still well below its long-term average near 20, cheering some investors but worrying others about complacency
• Stocks are on track to snap a 9-week winning stretch, the longest since 2004
• Concerns remain that investors have priced in a Fed pivot and soft economic landing that may not materialize
• With the VIX so low, markets may be overly confident and risk disappointment if data doesn't fit the narrative of rate cuts