VIX is:
Source:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/VIX
I know there are VIX futures but not all brokers offer them so some people may have to trade ETFs instead.
I've seen the following:
VXX (S&P500 short-term futures)
IVO (inverse)
XXV (inverse S&P500)
2x:
SVXY (ProShares short...