Research Frontiers Incorporated (REFR) 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.
Research Frontiers Incorporated (REFR) operates in the Technology sector, specifically the Hardware, Equipment & Parts industry, with a market capitalization near $27.5M, listed on NASDAQ, employing roughly 6 people, carrying a beta of 0.54 to the broader market. Research Frontiers Incorporated develops and markets technology and devices to control the flow of light worldwide. Led by Joseph Harary, public since 1986-07-08.
Snapshot as of May 15, 2026.
- Spot Price
- $0.81
- ATM IV
- 26.7%
- HV 20-Day
- 65.0%
- HV 60-Day
- 67.1%
- IV Rank
- 2.1%
- IV Percentile
- 11.1%
As of May 15, 2026, Research Frontiers Incorporated (REFR) ATM implied volatility is 26.7%. 20-day realized volatility is 65.0%, producing an IV-HV spread of -38.3 vol points. Realized volatility currently exceeds implied, an inversion that can signal a pending IV expansion. IV rank is 2.1%.
How REFR iv/hv history Data Feeds Strategy Selection
Strategy selection on Research Frontiers Incorporated 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 26.7% and dealer gamma exposure is positive, so dealer hedging is mechanically mean-reverting. 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 REFR iv/hv history questions
- Is REFR options pricing rich or cheap right now?
- As of May 15, 2026, Research Frontiers Incorporated (REFR) ATM IV is 26.7% against 20-day realized volatility of 65.0%. IV rank is 2.1%. Realized volatility currently exceeds implied: an inversion of the typical equity volatility risk premium that often precedes IV expansion.
- What is the REFR 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. REFR 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 REFR 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. REFR's current rank of 2.1% 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.