You cannot buy the VIX index itself like a stock or a standard mutual fund. Because it is a calculation rather than a tangible basket of assets, you can only gain exposure through derivative-linked products. Review: Trading the VIX
Trading the VIX: Strategies for the Fear Index - Charles Schwab can you buy the vix
The , often called the "Fear Gauge," measures the market's expectation of 30-day volatility based on S&P 500 index options. Can You Buy the VIX Directly? You cannot buy the VIX index itself like