GS Vol Views 19 Aug 2026
- **Volatility Compression**: SPX "avg stock" vol compressed from ~44v to ~33v (low volatility environment), necessitating SPX puts/lookback puts for protection despite strong 2Q earnings fundamentals.
- **Key Data & Hedging**: Strong 2Q earnings backdrop with FOMC minutes implying low rate move probability (0.70%); recommend hedging near SPX ATHs amid path of least resistance higher.
- **Gold Bullish Catalyst**: GLD rallied ~10% in August; GIR reaffirms $4,900/toz gold forecast (end-2026) with upside risks, signaling structural bullishness.
- **Sector Rotation & Skew**: SPX put-call skew steepened to 36th%ile (10-yr lookback), driving demand for upside convexity; clients tilted toward Financials (XLF, BAC, WFC) and Energy due to flat skew.