Volatility Views 201: Revenge of the VIX 1x2

Volatility Review: The VIX has traded below 20 for 37 straight days, the longest such streak in 13 months. The gauge slid 2.2 percent to 13.64 at 9:48 a.m. in New York.

Russells Weekly Rundown:

• VIX Options: A strong volume week - particularly Wednesday. Total 6.83m (5.32m Calls, 1.51m Puts)
• SEC extends test period to curb U.S. market volatility
• Big Earnings Week: GOOG, Goldman, INTC, IBM, MSFT, NFLX, SBUX, Southwest, United Airlines, YHOO.
• Crude Oil: OIV/OVX - 43.50, almost touched 80 back in mid-February.
• Gold: GVZ 17.90 - well off recent highs.

Crystal Ball: What are the VIX predictions? To review, last week:

• Mark L. - 15.5
• Mark S. - 14
• Russell - 17

This week:

• Mark S. - 13.50
• Russell - 16
• Mark L. - 14.5