Episodes

  • Volatility Views 623: Flirting with the Danger Zone

    Volatility Views 623: Flirting with the Danger Zone
    Mar 7 2025
    This episode of Volatility Views dives into the current state of the volatility market, with insights from hosts Mark Longo, Mark Sebastian, and Russell Rhodes. The discussion kicks off with the latest developments in VIX futures and options trading, highlighting notable market activities and trends, such as the overwhelming volume of VIX trading and the specifics of some substantial trades. The panel addresses the rise in volatility, characterized by increased daily market movements and backwardation in the VIX futures curve. Special emphasis is placed on volatility strategies and the continued importance of monitoring geopolitical and macroeconomic factors. The episode also delves into related volatility products like S-VIX and U-VIX, offering insights into the challenges and opportunities they present. The show concludes with the Crystal Ball segment, where the hosts predict future volatility levels, providing a comprehensive overview for volatility traders and enthusiasts. 01:05 Welcome to Volatility Views 02:32 Deep Dive into Volatility 02:48 Market Analysis and Guest Introductions 05:56 Volatility Review 11:44 Intraday Market Movements 23:11 VIX Futures and Options Activity 33:39 Managing Risk with Open Interest 34:31 Tuesday's Exit Trade Analysis 36:42 Wednesday's March 12th Options Activity 38:37 Thursday's VIX Trades and Strategies 39:59 VIX Options Volume and and Market Trends 46:01 SVIX and UVIX Market Dynamics 52:05 Volatility ETPs and Trading Strategies 54:52 Crystal Ball Predictions and Market Insights 01:01:46 Conclusion and Upcoming Events
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    1 hr and 3 mins
  • TWIFO 440: Revenge of the Metals & The Sum of All Fears in Equities

    TWIFO 440: Revenge of the Metals & The Sum of All Fears in Equities
    Mar 7 2025
    Host Mark Longo and guest Uncle Mike Tosaw discuss a variety of topics in the world of futures options. The main discussion focuses on precious metals, specifically silver and gold, where Uncle Mike rebuts recent criticisms suggesting that trading these is unwise. The episode also delves into the movers and shakers report featuring commodities, such as Kansas City wheat and class III milk futures, to highlight significant market changes. The conversation extends to a detailed look at equity indices, where the recent sell-off and market volatility are scrutinized, and then moves on to interest rates, particularly the 10-year note. The episode ends with listener questions, prominently addressing strategies like leveraging longer-term collars in precious metals trading. 01:22 Welcome to This Week in Futures Options 02:30 Showtime: Latest Futures Options Trading Activity 04:19 Movers and Shakers Report 09:43 Volatility Breakdown 13:11 Debate on Silver: Hopes and Dreams or Good Trades? 25:37 Gold's Meteoric Rise and Market Reactions 26:14 Gold Options Activity and Market Sentiment 27:00 Unusual Flat Skew in Gold Options 29:37 Gold Puts and Market Movements 32:12 Equities Market Turbulence 36:17 NASDAQ's Volatility and Trading Activity 41:35 Interest Rates and the 10-Year Note 47:38 Futures Options Feedback and Q&A
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    55 mins
  • The Option Block 1360: The Flowmaster Unleashed!!!!

    The Option Block 1360: The Flowmaster Unleashed!!!!
    Mar 6 2025
    In this episode, the hosts, led by Mark Longo, delve into the current market volatility, the dynamics of the options market, and strategies for navigating today's financial landscape. Joined by guests like Uncle Mike Tosaw and Flowmaster Henry Schwartz, they discuss the influence of tariffs, unusual options activity, and the state of various financial indices. They also explore specific trades and positions, such as in Birkenstock and Deutsche Bank, and engage with listener questions on topics like the need for a strategic crypto reserve. The show combines expert insights, market analysis, and a lively discussion on where the VIX might be headed by the end of the month. 03:08 Market Overview and Analysis 04:15 Deep Dive into Market Movements 07:31 Trading Block Insights 11:14 Options Trading Strategies and Opportunities 15:46 Impact of Tariffs on the Market 24:31 Single Stock Analysis and Trends 32:09 Retail Earnings Recap 32:51 Kroger's Earnings Breakdown 33:37 Marvell's Market Reaction 33:55 Macy's Earnings Analysis 34:38 Costco's Performance Post-Earnings 35:22 Oracle's Earnings Preview 35:53 Earnings Season Overview 36:19 Unusual Options Activity: The Odd Block 36:55 Birkenstock's Volatility 42:27 Deutsche Bank's Strong Performance 46:45 Listener Questions and Poll Results 49:16 Market Predictions and Crypto Debate 52:32 VIX Trading Insights 54:53 Around the Block: Market Watch
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    1 hr and 3 mins
  • Wide World of Options: Volatility: Turning Chaos into Potential Opportunities

    Wide World of Options: Volatility: Turning Chaos into Potential Opportunities
    Mar 6 2025

    In this episode, show host Mark Benzaquen welcomes Brian Overby of OptionsPlaybook.com to discuss the downfalls and potential opportunities for profits in the wake of volatile markets.
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    30 mins
  • The Futures Rundown 24: Buy the Dip and Sell the Rip!

    The Futures Rundown 24: Buy the Dip and Sell the Rip!
    Mar 6 2025
    This episode of the Futures Rundown dives into the latest movements in the futures markets, exploring top gainers like VIX, Nat Gas, and Coffee, as well as the biggest losers including Ether and OJ. Host Mark Longo and guest Jermal Chandler from Tasty Live analyze the impact of geopolitical factors on commodities, discuss the current state of equity futures, and the broader implications of tariffs. Key topics include crypto volatility, the performance of various ag products, and the enduring debate around buying market dips. 01:07 Introduction to The Futures Rundown 04:04 Meet the Guest: Jermal Chandler 05:40 Market Analysis and Trading Strategies 23:06 Year-to-Date Market Trends 27:31 Conclusion and Upcoming Events
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    32 mins
  • Options Boot Camp 328: Riding the Trading Wave and Mastering Covered Calls

    Options Boot Camp 328: Riding the Trading Wave and Mastering Covered Calls
    Mar 5 2025
    In this episode, hosts Mark Longo and Dan Passarelli discuss the explosive growth in options trading, particularly single name equity options, which have seen a significant rise. They delve into the role of retail traders, the impact of the pandemic, and the rise of zero-day options. The episode features insights into options trading metrics, strategies like covered calls, cash-secured puts, and market volatility influenced by economic events such as tariffs. Also discussed are listener questions and opinions on market trends, 24-hour trading, and the concept of a strategic crypto reserve. 01:09 Welcome to Options Bootcamp 01:38 TastyTrade: Tools for Traders 02:53 Options Bootcamp: Education and Resources 05:49 Options Market Trends and Analysis 14:39 Mail Call: Listener Questions 16:03 Market Taker Question of the Week 19:53 Market Volatility and Predictions 23:08 Crypto Market Insights 30:18 Final Thoughts and Substack Promotion
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    34 mins
  • The Crypto Rundown 268: Strategic Reserve Meltdown

    The Crypto Rundown 268: Strategic Reserve Meltdown
    Mar 4 2025
    In this episode of the Crypto Rundown, Mark Longo and guest Mr. Bill Ulivieri from Cenacle Capital dive into the latest developments in the ever-volatile world of crypto. They discuss the wild trading activity of Bitcoin and altcoins like Ethereum, Solana, and XRP, particularly in light of recent news about a U.S. strategic crypto reserve. Discussions also cover the performance and strategic roles of various cryptocurrencies in both individual and institutional portfolios. 01:23 Welcome to the Crypto Rundown 03:37 Guest Introduction: Mr. Bill Returns 04:21 Bitcoin Breakdown: Market Trends and Analysis 06:32 Strategic Crypto Reserve: Market Reactions 15:04 Bitcoin Volatility and Skew Analysis 26:06 Altcoin Universe: Beyond Bitcoin 27:21 Crypto Market Overview 27:32 Top 10 Cryptocurrencies This Week 28:50 Strategic Reserve and Altcoins 31:46 ETH's Wild Ride 32:34 Volatility and Skew Analysis 36:31 Altcoin Performance Review 43:05 Crypto Questions and Poll Results 45:40 Future of Crypto and Final Thoughts
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    53 mins
  • The Option Block 1359: Spicy Long Straddles And Back-Door IRAs

    The Option Block 1359: Spicy Long Straddles And Back-Door IRAs
    Mar 3 2025
    In this episode of Options Insider Radio Network, host Mark Longo is joined by Dan Passarelli and Mike Tosaw to discuss the latest options market trends. They delve into recent market volatility, VIX activity, and specific trades in stocks like Carnival Cruise Lines and McCormick & Company. The team also explores growing trends in the options market, such as the effectiveness of long straddles and covered calls. Uncle Mike shares valuable insights on Roth IRAs and backdoor Roth IRAs, highlighting their potential tax advantages. Throughout the episode, the hosts interact with listener questions and poll results, providing a deep dive into various trading strategies and market analyses. 01:25 Meet the Hosts and Co-Hosts 02:51 Kicking Off the Option Block 05:10 80s Trivia Challenge 10:32 Market Analysis and Trading Insights 29:00 Micro Market Movements 29:18 Tech Giants in Focus 34:11 Retail Earnings Preview 37:02 Spicy Options Activity 48:08 Strategy Block: IRA Season Insights 52:24 Around the Block: Market Watch
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    1 hr and 1 min