CDXIG Index, VIX and the Swap Curve Slope : A Study in Cross-Market Statistical Arbitrage

This article tries to track the CDXIG index 5y spreads by studying the effect of Equity Index Volatility (by employing VIX levels) and 5/10 US swap curve slope (calculated as the difference between the 10yr and 5yr swap rates) on the index spreads by employing an OLS regression within the premise of a partial adjustment model. After a through examination of the interplay of the chosen variables with the Index spreads, an identification of major VIX level/Swap curve slope regimes is made to help identify/quantify a long-short statistical arbitrage trading strategy