Volatility Term Structure
Also called: vol term structure, term structure of volatility
The volatility term structure is implied volatility plotted across expiries for a given strike. In calm markets it slopes upward, because uncertainty grows with horizon; in a panic it inverts, with near-dated vol spiking above long-dated as traders scramble for immediate protection. That inversion is one of the most reliable real-time stress indicators available, and it's what calendar spreads are ultimately trading.
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