As the US stock market experienced a sell-off, investors' risk aversion clearly heated up. The S&P 500 Volatility Index rose 3 points to 20.17. At one point in the intraday period, it hit 22.31, hitting a recent high. The VIX Index rose above the 20 mark again, indicating a marked increase in market concerns about short-term stock market fluctuations.

As the US stock market experienced a sell-off, investors' risk aversion clearly heated up. The S&P 500 Volatility Index rose 3 points to 20.17. At one point in the intraday period, it hit 22.31, hitting a recent high. The VIX Index rose above the 20 mark again, indicating a marked increase in market concerns about short-term stock market fluctuations.