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The VIX index is a measure of stock market volatility. When it goes up, it means investors are afraid that the market is likely to swing wildly and unpredictably. Thus its nickname: the fear index.

And, as you can see on the right, the market is plenty fearful these days. Not as fearful as late 2008, when the VIX index broke 80 for a couple of months — at least, not yet — but it’s heading there.

Why? Let us count the ways. Problems in the eurozone. Inflation fears in the U.S. The housing bubble in China. Persistent unemployment. The “flash crash” earlier this month that no one seems able to properly explain. Rising oil prices in the midst of flat economic conditions. Continuing global imbalances that are starting to seem nearly intractable. Mortgage delinquency rates in the U.S. that have risen to nearly 10%. Etc. And fear is the economy’s worst enemy. If it doesn’t abate, panic is next.

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PLEASE—BEFORE YOU CLICK AWAY!

“Lying.” “Disgusting.” “Scum.” “Slime.” “Corrupt.” “Enemy of the people.” Donald Trump has always made clear what he thinks of journalists. And it’s plain now that his administration intends to do everything it can to stop journalists from reporting things it doesn’t like—which is most things that are true.

We’ll say it loud and clear: At Mother Jones, no one gets to tell us what to publish or not publish, because no one owns our fiercely independent newsroom. But that also means we need to directly raise the resources it takes to keep our journalism alive. There’s only one way for that to happen, and it’s readers like you stepping up. Please do your part and help us reach our $150,000 membership goal by May 31.

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