Data Analytics and Indices

The first couple months of 2026 have been marked by continued geopolitical risks and renewed discussion of tariffs, impacting U.S. and global markets. U.S. equity indices, including the Russell 2000 Index (RUT), experienced their first daily loss greater than 1% of 2026 immediately following Martin Luther King Day. Market volatility further increased with the Cboe Russell 2000 Volatility Index (RVX) reaching a year-to-date high at the beginning of March, driven by renewed geopolitical tensions in the Middle East that drove oil prices higher and adding further headwinds for equities. With the return of these volatile market conditions, volatility reduction strategies, such as covered calls, are once again in high demand to help investors navigate the heightened market volatility.