Traders increase hedge against volatility, VIX index call option demand rises to highest level this year BlockBeats news, on June 23rd, according to Bloomberg, investors are increasing their bets on increased market volatility, with demand for VIX call options, a measure of panic in the US stock market, rising to its highest level this year. Although tensions between the United States and Iran have eased and US stocks continue to rise, the market remains concerned that stubborn inflationary pressures and the hawkish stance of the Federal Reserve may push interest rates further up. As the S&P 500 approaches historical highs, more and more investors are choosing to hedge their risks by purchasing volatility products to prevent market downturns. In other words, although the current market maintains optimistic sentiment, institutional funds are quietly purchasing "insurance" in advance for potential severe fluctuations.