BAJAJ BROKING

Notification close image
No new Notification messages
card image
Anondita Medicare IPO is Open!
Apply for the Anondita Medicare IPO through UPI in just minutes.
delete image
card image
Start your SIP with just ₹100
Choose from 4,000+ Mutual Funds on Bajaj Broking
delete image
card image
Open a Free Demat Account
Pay ZERO maintenance charges for the first year, get free stock picks daily, and more.
delete image
card image
Trade Now, Pay Later with up to 4x
Never miss a good trading opportunity due to low funds with our MTF feature.
delete image
card image
Track Market Movers Instantly
Stay updated with real-time data. Get insights at your fingertips.
delete image

What is the Implied Correlation Index?

The Implied Correlation Index is a market tool published by the Cboe Options Exchange. This index measures how closely the implied volatilities of index options match the implied volatilities of the individual stock options in that particular index.

In simpler terms, it compares the implied volatility of a broad index like the S&P 500 index to the average volatility of the stocks within it. If the index volatility is close to the stock average, traders expect stocks to move together — this shows high implied correlation. If there’s a big gap, the market expects stocks to behave differently — a sign of low implied correlation.

This index helps you understand whether stocks in an index will move in sync or independently. It’s useful if you’re into trading, hedging, at the money options, or option pricing.

Example of Implied Correlation

Say you’re tracking the S&P 500 index. Suppose its implied volatility is 14%. If the top 50 stocks in the index have an average volatility of 22%, there’s a clear gap. This means the Implied Correlation Index is low. The market expects those stocks to move on their own, likely due to company news or sector updates.

Now flip the scenario. If both the index and its stocks show similar implied volatility — say around 18% — the correlation is high. Traders expect the stocks to move together. This can happen during big events like policy changes or global shocks.

If you’re trading, this information matters. When all assets move together, hedging is harder. When they don’t, you can plan better and more focused strategies. The Implied Correlation Index helps you spot these trends early.

How the Implied Correlation Index is Calculated

The Implied Correlation Index is built using two key inputs:

  • The implied volatility of the full index (like the S&P 500 index) from its at the money options

  • The implied volatilities of the individual stocks in that index, also from their at the money options

If the index’s volatility is lower than the average stock volatility, the stocks are expected to act independently — showing low correlation.

If the index and stock volatilities are similar, then stocks are likely to move together, meaning high correlation.

This index gives you a market-wide view of expected movement patterns. It helps you decide if movements will be broad or specific. This affects how you set up option pricing, hedging, and risk-balanced trading.

Importance of the Implied Correlation Index in Trading

  • Helps you read market mood: A high Implied Correlation Index shows traders expect stocks to move together — often during big news or global events. A low value suggests traders are focused on individual companies or sectors.

  • Improves hedging strategies: High correlation means different assets may move the same way, which reduces diversification benefits. A low index helps you build a better hedge using unrelated sectors.

  • Supports option pricing: If you’re dealing with at the money options, knowing how assets move together helps in setting accurate option prices.

  • Useful across trader types: Whether you’re a retail trader, hedge fund analyst, or portfolio manager, this index offers helpful insight for smarter trading and hedging decisions.

Implied vs. Realised Correlation: Key Differences

Parameter

Implied Correlation Index

Realised Correlation

Based on

Market expectations from option pricing

Actual historical price movements

Timeframe

Forward-looking

Backward-looking

Use in Trading

Used for planning, hedging, strategy

Used to assess past performance

Response to Change

Adjusts with market sentiment

Updates only with new price data

Link to Option Pricing

Direct effect on option pricing

Limited impact on current pricing

Both are important. Use implied correlation to shape future trades. Use realised correlation to evaluate past market behaviour.

Strategies Utilising the Implied Correlation Index

1. Dispersion Trading

If the Implied Correlation Index is low, you might short index options and buy stock options. You’re betting on individual stock moves rather than group moves.

2. Volatility Arbitrage

Compare the implied correlation with historical data. A gap may show an opportunity. You can use that for trades to manage risk or exposure.

3. Sector-based Hedging

High index correlation means broad moves — tough for sector hedges. Low correlation supports hedging across sectors, since stocks behave differently.

4. Timing Option Trades

A sharp rise in the index may signal bigger market shifts. You can delay or rework your at the money options to enter at better points.

5. Portfolio Risk Forecasting

Managers use this index to test if their portfolios are well-diversified. A low value shows different stocks are reacting to their own factors — a good sign for managing risk.

Conclusion

The Implied Correlation Index helps you understand if stocks in an index will move together or not. This insight is key for trading, hedging, and option pricing — especially when you use at the money options.

By checking this index, you can build smarter strategies, better manage risk, and prepare for how the market might behave next.

Disclaimer: Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks. This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Please read all related documents carefully before investing.

Share this article: 

Frequently Asked Questions

No result found

search icon
investment-card-icon

Gold vs Silver Investment: Comparison for Your Portfolio

Compare gold and silver as investment options by evaluating risk, returns, liquidity, and long-term performance to align with your personal financial goals.

investment-card-icon

What is Pledge Margin and How to Use it for MTF?

Learn how to use Pledge Margin on Bajaj Broking to trade without liquidating your holdings. Boost your buying power using stocks as collateral. Step-by-step guide inside.

investment-card-icon

What is Commodity Arbitrage and How Does it Work

Learn about commodity arbitrage - a strategy used in financial markets to profit from commodity price differences. Discover how it works and get started with it.

investment-card-icon

What is Percentage Gain and How is it Calculated.

Percentage gain helps you understand how much your investment has increased in value, with respect to the original value.

investment-card-icon

What is Share Capital- Types, Working & Examples

Share capital is the amount raised by a company through issuing shares to investors. Know its types, importance, and how it impacts business growth and funding.

investment-card-icon

Types of Share Capital with Key Facts Investors Must Know

Confused about share capital types? Know the key differences between equity, preference, authorised, and issued share capital with practical, real-world examples.

investment-card-icon

What are The Oldest Mutual Funds: Advantages & Performance

Oldest mutual funds in India are those by companies that have operated for decades and were pioneers in the country’s mutual fund industry.

investment-card-icon

How to Change Name in EPF Account: Step By Step Guide

Learn how to change your name in EPF account online or offline to avoid claim delays and ensure smooth e-KYC processing with updated Aadhaar records.

investment-card-icon

Foreign Exchange Control Meaning, Rules & Country Examples

Foreign exchange controls impact trade, currency flow, and policy. Get detailed insights into their goals, effects, practices, and global enforcement patterns.

investment-card-icon

Advantages of SIPs in ETFs: Start Small, Grow Your Wealth

SIPs in ETFs let you invest small amounts easily while benefiting from cost-effective diversification, liquidity, and compounding returns over time.

Disclaimer :

The information on this website is provided on "AS IS" basis. Bajaj Broking (BFSL) does not warrant the accuracy of the information given herein, either expressly or impliedly, for any particular purpose and expressly disclaims any warranties of merchantability or suitability for any particular purpose. While BFSL strives to ensure accuracy, it does not guarantee the completeness, reliability, or timeliness of the information. Users are advised to independently verify details and stay updated with any changes.

The information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only and is subject to change without prior notice. BFSL shall not be responsible for any consequences arising from reliance on the information provided herein and shall not be held responsible for all or any actions that may subsequently result in any loss, damage and or liability. Interest rates, fees, and charges etc., are revised from time to time, for the latest details please refer to our Pricing page.

Neither the information, nor any opinion contained in this website constitutes a solicitation or offer by BFSL or its affiliates to buy or sell any securities, futures, options or other financial instruments or provide any investment advice or service.

BFSL is acting as distributor for non-broking products/ services such as IPO, Mutual Fund, Insurance, PMS, and NPS. These are not Exchange Traded Products. For more details on risk factors, terms and conditions please read the sales brochure carefully before investing.

Investments in the securities market are subject to market risk, read all related documents carefully before investing. This content is for educational purposes only. Securities quoted are exemplary and not recommendatory.

[ Read More ]

For more disclaimer, check here : https://www.bajajbroking.in/disclaimer

Our Secure Trading Platforms

Level up your stock market experience: Download the Bajaj Broking App for effortless investing and trading

Bajaj Broking App Download

10 lakh+ Users

icon-with-text

4.4 App Rating

icon-with-text

4 Languages

icon-with-text

₹5600+ Cr MTF Book

icon-with-text
banner-icon

Open Your Free Demat Account

Enjoy low brokerage on delivery trades

+91

|

Please Enter Mobile Number

Open Your Free Demat Account

Enjoy low brokerage on delivery trades

+91

|