VIX points to increased volatility ahead

Fasten your seatbelts. CBOE Volatility Index has biggest percentage jump in a year

http://www.reuters.com/article/marketsNews/idCNN3043425420091030?rpc=44

What is VIX?

VIX is the ticker symbol for the Chicago Board Options Exchange Volatility Index, a popular measure of the implied volatility of S&P 500 index options. A high value corresponds to a more volatile market and therefore more costly options, which can be used to defray risk from this volatility by selling options. Often referred to as the fear index, it represents one measure of the market's expectation of volatility over the next 30 day period.

http://www.cboe.com/micro/VIX/pricecharts.aspx

http://www.indexindicators.com/charts/sp500-vs-vix-5d-sma-params-3y-x-x/