The VIX is often referred to as the fear index.  When VIX levels are relatively high, that often suggests fear and uncertainty among market participants.  Relative highs can be measured a number of ways.  Often I will show VIX levels compared to short-term moving averages.  But an interesting study from yesterday’s Quantifinder looked at 100-day VIX highs that occurred when the SPX was not making 100-day lows.  In other words, relatively extreme fear in a market that is not making long-term lows.  The study was last seen in the 3/16/11 Subscriber Letter (click here for a free trial). I have updated it below.

The stats seem to suggest a bullish edge that persists for at least three weeks. Much of that edge is realized over the first 1-7 days.

And not only has this setup been followed by bullish inclinations over the time frames shown here, but it has also been a compelling overnight setup.  For details on the overnight implications check out today’s post on Overnight Edges.

Lastly, I also noticed this morning that Woodshedder posted a study based on the short-term VIX action last night which also appears to suggest a bullish edge.