<div id="readability-page-1">Volatility stays elevated: Despite a recent drop, the VIX remains significantly higher this year, reflecting ongoing market unease tied to geopolitical and macroeconomic risks. Oil fuels inflation: Crude above $100 per barrel is stoking inflation fears and shifting market expectations toward a possible Fed rate hike instead of cuts. Hedging strategies rise: Investors are increasingly using volatility ETFs proactively to guard against market downturns and capitalize on uncertainty.</div>

.VIX

UVXY

<p>The VIX has dipped recently but remains elevated year-to-date, indicating ongoing market unease due to geopolitical and macroeconomic risks. Crude oil prices above $100 per barrel are raising inflation concerns and altering expectations for Federal Reserve rate hikes. Investors are increasingly utilizing volatility ETFs to hedge against potential market downturns and leverage uncertainty.</p>

Cboe Volatility Index

Occidental Petroleum

Pro Ultr Cvix Shrt Futures

iShares US Oil Equip & Svcs

VG Energy

ISHRS S&P Glb Engy

-1x Short VIX Futures ETF

SPDR O&G Equip

Pro Vix Mid Fut

United States Oil Fund LP

VanEck Oil Services ETF

iShares US Oil & Gas Expl & Prod

SPDR O&G Ex & Prd

Invesco DB Multi Sector Comm TR Oil Fd ETF

Pro Vix Shrt Fut

Pro Shrt Vix Shrt Future

Us Brent Oil

VanEck Oil Refiners ETF

SPDR Energy Select

Pro Ultr Bloomberg Crude Oil

Simplify Volatility Premium ETF

VIX dips but year-to-date gains signal persistent caution