VIX Closes at 19.99, Its Highest Level Since July, Pointing to "Extreme Fear" in Volatility

The VIX, Wall Street's measure of expected swings, closed at 19.99 on Friday. That's 28% above its 50-day average and its highest close since July.
The volatility gauge scores just 4 out of 100, the most fearful of all seven gauges.