John M Lund Photography Inc Stocks Selloff: Volatility Rises The S&P volatility index (VIX) soared to one of its highest levels in 2024 as equity markets grew more convinced the Fed may ease rapidly in the second half into a hard landing. The Dow Jones, S&P 500, and Nasdaq logged one of their worst sessions on Friday, since 2022, sliding 1.5%, 1.84%, and 2.43%, respectively. Weak jobs data and uncertainty over the timing and extent of interest rate cuts, anticipation of a recession, and election uncerta ...