The Market’s Fear Gauge Finally Woke Up. It’s Still at Normal Levels.

The latest tariff and jobs headlines sent the stock market’s fear gauge out of its midsummer lull.

The VIX was up about 3 points to 19.75 on Friday, spiking as high as 21.69, which is its highest level since June 23.

While a reading around 20 is viewed as normal volatility in the market, the VIX has been subdued for much of July as markets cruised to multiple record closing highs.