Is the VIX a leading indicator of volatility, i.e. does it also includes expectations how volatility will evolve in the near-term?
One can only guess that towards some big events like Results, Bonus announcements, Take-overs, Central banks major announcements, wars, etc - the Vix or volatility may increase in the underlined instruments like stock, indices, currencies, commodities like metals , crude etc.
If market participents think that everything is calm and good feeling in the market - THEN Vix may decrease which boost INVESTOR's confidence to buy / invest !