Vanguard Utilities ETF (VPU) IV/HV History
Comparing implied volatility to historical (realized) volatility reveals whether options are priced rich or cheap relative to actual price movement. Persistent gaps can signal trading opportunities.
Vanguard Utilities ETF (VPU) operates in the Financial Services sector, specifically the Asset Management industry, with a market capitalization near $11.07B, listed on AMEX, carrying a beta of 0.59 to the broader market. Seeks to track the performance of a benchmark index that measures the investment return of stocks in the utilities sector. public since 2004-01-30.
Snapshot as of May 15, 2026.
- Spot Price
- $190.35
- ATM IV
- 16.7%
- HV 20-Day
- 19.9%
- HV 60-Day
- 17.5%
- IV Rank
- 35.0%
- IV Percentile
- 47.2%
As of May 15, 2026, Vanguard Utilities ETF (VPU) ATM implied volatility is 16.7%. 20-day realized volatility is 19.9%, producing an IV-HV spread of -3.2 vol points. Realized volatility currently exceeds implied, an inversion that can signal a pending IV expansion. IV rank is 35.0%.
How VPU iv/hv history Data Feeds Strategy Selection
Strategy selection on Vanguard Utilities ETF options does not derive from any single metric in isolation. The iv/hv history view above sits inside a broader read: ATM IV currently sits at 16.7% and dealer gamma exposure is negative, so dealer hedging amplifies directional moves. Combine the iv/hv history data here with the volatility-skew surface, dealer-gamma exposure, max-pain level, and upcoming-events calendar to build a positioning thesis. Risk-defined structures (credit spreads, debit spreads, iron condors) are usually safer than naked positions while the regime is uncertain; the data on this page anchors the inputs but does not by itself constitute a trade thesis.
Learn how implied vs realized volatility is reported and how to read the data →
Frequently asked VPU iv/hv history questions
- Is VPU options pricing rich or cheap right now?
- As of May 15, 2026, Vanguard Utilities ETF (VPU) ATM IV is 16.7% against 20-day realized volatility of 19.9%. IV rank is 35.0%. Realized volatility currently exceeds implied: an inversion of the typical equity volatility risk premium that often precedes IV expansion.
- What is the VPU variance risk premium?
- The variance risk premium is the persistent gap between implied and subsequently realized volatility. In equity markets it averages positive because option sellers demand compensation for bearing variance shocks. VPU is currently pricing inverted to the historical pattern, which is one input to whether short-vol or long-vol structures carry their typical edge.
- What does VPU IV rank mean for strategy selection?
- IV rank normalizes the current ATM IV to its 1-year range: 0% is the low, 100% is the high. VPU's current rank of 35.0% signals where current pricing sits in its own 1-year history. High-rank regimes typically favor premium-selling structures (credit spreads, condors, covered calls); low-rank regimes typically favor premium-buying or long-volatility structures.