VIX jumps 1.7 points ahead of the open as Brent rises

VIX closed at 16.68 points on October 21, down 0.63 points or 3.6 percent. Technology gains led by artificial-intelligence stocks reduced volatility after Super Micro Computer raised its outlook, Reuters reported.

Before Thursday's open, Cboe showed VIX at 18.38 points at 7:51 a.m. ET, up 1.70 points or 10.2 percent from the previous close. Brent crude rose 1.6 percent to USD 110.5 as attacks in Saudi Arabia increased concerns about energy supply, HDFC Sky reported.

Why is the VIX rising before the open?

Overnight futures pointed lower by 0.8 percent, while Brent crude held above USD 111 and WTI crude traded near USD 99. The combination of weaker futures and higher oil prices challenged the optimism from Wednesday's earnings-led stock rally, Cannon Trading said.

Meta's revenue beat and Super Micro's stronger outlook had supported Wednesday's technology advance. Netflix fell 5.3 percent after a weaker profit forecast, while communication services declined 1.3 percent, according to Reuters via Fidelity.

VIX cues from Wednesday's S&P 500 session

Super Micro Computer led the gainers after its quarterly revenue and margin outlook exceeded estimates. AT&T and Netflix led the losers, while T-Mobile also declined as investors assessed competition from satellite services.

Winners and losers at the October 21 close, with reasons where reported, were compiled by Investopedia:

• Super Micro Computer up 9.6 percent: stronger preliminary revenue and margin guidance
• United Airlines up 4.0 percent: higher quarterly and full-year guidance
• Thermo Fisher Scientific up 1.0 percent
• AT&T down 6.5 percent: pressure from satellite-service competition
• Netflix down 5.3 percent: weaker fourth-quarter profit outlook
• T-Mobile down 2.5 percent: concern about direct-to-cell competition

What comes next for the VIX

• October 22, 2026, 8:30 a.m. ET: Initial jobless claims, with 200,000 expected versus 199,000 previously, Investing.com reports.
• October 22, 2026, 10:00 a.m. ET: The leading index is expected to fall 0.2 percent after a 0.1 percent decline, Investing.com reports.
• October 22, 2026, after the close: Western Digital and Newmont are scheduled to release earnings, with estimates of USD 4.08 and USD 1.95 per share, respectively, Investing.com reports.

VIX price data for October 21, 2026

VIX closed at 16.68 points on October 21, down 0.63 points or 3.6 percent from the previous close of 17.31 points. Cboe showed a pre-market indication of 18.38 points at 7:51 a.m. ET on October 22, Cboe reports.

More market reports and analysis on the VIX