VIX Spike Signals Market Bottom? Here’s Why Bradford Thinks Panic Has Peaked

You ever watch the market freak out in real time?

Because that’s what just happened.

On April 15th, the VIX—the so-called "fear gauge" of the stock market—exploded. Up 68% in a single session, closing at 28.95. That’s not your average market wiggle. That’s a full-blown anxiety attack.

So... does this mean we’re heading for a repeat of 2008? Or 2020?

Bradford doesn’t think so. And honestly, the data backs him up.

Let’s break that down.

What’s the VIX Telling Us?

The VIX tracks market volatility expectations. When it surges, it means traders are pricing in chaos. Big chaos. Historically, major VIX spikes have coincided with market bottoms—not tops.

Check the chart:

• 2008? Massive VIX spike → market bottom followed shortly after.

• COVID crash? Same deal.

• Every smaller correction? Same pattern.

Once the VIX shoots up, it usually doesn’t spike again in the same cycle. It’s a one-shot panic.

And today? We just got that shot.

Why This Isn’t 2008 (Or Worse)

Could this be “the beginning of something bigger”? The VIX says... probably not.

In 2008, we were looking at a total system breakdown. Banks were imploding. Liquidity froze. In 2020, the world literally shut down. Those were events with real, sustained economic paralysis.

Today’s fears? Inflation noise. Geo-political tension. Maybe a soft landing that isn’t so soft. But there’s still earnings, employment, and liquidity in the system.

So if you’re looking at the VIX wondering, “is this the start of something worse?” — the historical data says no. It says this is what capitulation looks like.

What Comes After Panic

If Bradford’s right—and if history rhymes—the next move is up.

Markets tend to bottom not when things feel good, but when fear maxes out. And with the VIX surging nearly 70% in a day? That’s about as fearful as it gets.

So, what should you do?

You could wait for confirmation. You could hope to call the exact bottom (good luck). Or you could recognize that the panic may have already peaked—and position yourself accordingly.

Because if this was the flush… the rebound might not wait for you.

Need help turning panic into a plan?

That’s what we do at Rebellionaire. We don’t chase every headline—we study the cycles, track the signals, and help investors make moves when others are frozen.

If you're sitting in cash and afraid to get back in, maybe it’s time we talk.