It is not possible to buy a VIX stock as it does not exist. The VIX or Cboe Volatility Index is an index and cannot be purchased directly like a stock. However, VIX-based ETFs and ETNs can be traded as stocks.
How to trade the VIX Index?
It is possible to trade the VIX Index indirectly through derivative products and ETF’s. These financial products allow investors to gain exposure to the VIX, but they do not represent a direct investment in the VIX itself.
- VIX Futures began trading on March 26, 2004.
They trade on the Cboe Futures Exchange (CFE).
Learn more about VIX Futures - VIX Options began trading on February 24, 2006.
They trade on the Cboe Options Exchange.
Learn more about VIX Options - VIX ETFs (exchange-traded funds) & VIX ETNs (exchange-traded notes) are tied to VIX Index itself. These exchange-traded products (ETPs) can be traded as a stock.
One of the largest and most successful VIX ETF is the VXX which is the ticker symbol for the iPath Series B S&P 500 VIX Short-Term Futures ETN.
Learn more about VIX ETFs & ETNs
Notice that trading the VIX is very risky because the VIX is more volatile than the S&P500 Index (SPX) and can change direction very rapidly.