VIX retreats from March peak as Iran deal progress and AI earnings compress hedging demand

The CBOE Volatility Index declined from a 31.05 late-March high as oil prices fell 6-7% on U.S.-Iran deal optimism and AMD surged 18% on record AI earnings. S&P 500 corporate profits are up 28.2% YoY. Lower VIX signals reduced fear premium; traders may see compressed options premiums and steadier equity trends, though geopolitical reversals could reignite volatility spikes.