Apple shares did little today, but the Apple VIX made a significant move, and that was to the downside. VXAPL, the ticker for Apple VIX, fell 10.2% to 32.71.
http://www.bloomberg.com/quote/VXAPL:IND/chart
During the last several weeks as the sell-off in Apple shares picked up steam, the CBOE’s index of Apple volatility rose from 25 in early September, to over 44 in late October as the puts on Apple were bid high and skew developed in puts versus calls. The only higher measure was 48 in April, when Apple topped and began a $640 to $530 correction that lasted about six weeks.
Since VXAPL was created by the CBOE as a measure of Apple volatility structured similar to the VIX formula, the historical average is 32.52, almost precisely today’s close. In 2012, VXAPL has averaged 31.82. By either measure, it is apparent that Apple volatility has mean reverted.
This may indicate the steep sell-off in AAPL is nearly through. The CBOE has filed with the SEC for options on the Apple VIX, similar to options on the VIX, as well as for several other stocks and ETF’s, like ones holding gold and oil.
