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When it comes to investors fearing the stock market, this year won't set any records for “excess fear.” The above table highlights annual averages for the VIX (Fear Index) over the past 24 years. The VIX index has hovered (on average) at low levels this year, the lowest average since 2006.
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VIX/Fear levels remained low in 2005 & 2006 (see top table). The S&P continued higher for a while, as it remained inside of a rising wedge pattern for a couple of years. At this time yearly average fear levels remain low and the S&P remains inside of a rising wedge pattern.
