The Options Insider Radio Network

In this episode of Volatility Views, Mark Longo, Russell Rhoads (Kelley School of Business - Indiana University), and Andrew Giovinazzi (The Option Pit) return after the July 4th holiday to delve into recent market volatility. The discussion covers the impact of tariff announcements on Brazil and Canada, leading to increased volume in VIX futures and options. Key highlights include significant trades like the Aug 25/35 vertical spread, the activity in the July 17 puts, and the unusual million-contract VIX options day amid dropping volatility. They also discuss the term structure of VIX futures, significant contango, and volatility ETPs such as SVIX, VXX, and UVXY. The episode wraps up with predictions for the VIX index for the coming week.   01:05 Welcome to Volatility Views 01:54 Post-July 4th Market Recap 05:46 Volatility Review 06:58 Market Reactions and Trade War Impact 09:35 VIX Analysis and Predictions 18:06 Historical VIX Patterns and Future Projections 27:58 Russell's Weekly Rundown 32:57 Analyzing R

This episode delves into a range of topics with host Mark Longo and guest Mike Tosaw from St. Charles Wealth Management. They discuss navigating the futures options market, highlighting the significant trades, volatility, and key products such as gold, crude oil, corn, and soybeans. They focus on market movers, noting increased volatility in various segments. Mike shares insights into the S&P 500 hitting new all-time highs and offers strategies for rolling up hedges. Discussions extend to the 10-year note, silver, and the dynamics of precious metals in 2023.    01:22 Welcome to This Week in Futures Options 04:33 Movers and Shakers Report 12:11 Exploring Market Volatility 15:09 Equities and Strategic Hedging 22:54 S&P 500 Trading Insights 23:38 Exploring Skew Perspectives 25:31 Diving into the 10-Year Note 33:12 Metals Market Analysis 42:42 Wrapping Up and Final Thoughts  

This episode of The Option Block, is hosted by Mark Longo from the Options Insider Media Group, and features guest hosts, including Uncle Mike Tosaw from St. Charles Wealth Management and Henry 'The Flowmaster' Schwartz from Cboe. The hosts dive into various trending topics in the options market, such as unusual activity alerts, market analysis, strategy overviews, listener questions, and more. The session includes insights on major trades in VIX, SPY, small caps, and the hot tech stocks like Netflix, Nvidia, and Palantir. Special attention is given to companies such as Unity Software Inc. (U), Redwire Corporation (RDW), and Olin Corp. (OLN), exploring their recent unusual options activities. Uncle Mike also makes a notable announcement on the S&P 500 hitting an all-time high during the episode. The show closes with game insights and communal debates over intriguing questions like the appropriateness of ketchup on hot dogs.   01:18 Meet the Hosts  03:15 Market Recap and Recent Events 07:21 Trading Block:

This episode dives deep into the German derivatives markets, particularly focusing on the DAX index. Hosts and guests discuss the composition of the DAX, trading opportunities, and its significance to the European economy. The discussion includes insights from Tobias Inger of Eurex, who elaborates on the total return index and margin requirements. Morad Askar of Edge Clear shares his experiences and observations on trading the DAX, highlighting interest trends among US traders. Russell Rhodes provides comparative analysis with US markets, shedding light on near-dated options performance and market volatility. The episode also addresses listener questions about the impact of the Euro on FX trading and explores the implications for both European and global markets.   03:54 Meet the Guests 10:05 Continental Conversations: Focus on Germany and the DAX 12:09 DAX Market Insights and Trading Opportunities 22:16 DAX Futures and Options: Trading Strategies 28:30 DAX Margin Insights 31:07 Opportunities in the German M

In this episode of the Futures Rundown, listeners are welcomed back to explore the complexities of the futures markets with host Mark and guest Rich Excel from the University of Illinois Gies School of Business. The discussion kicks off with a recap of past episodes and recent market trends, including a notable dive into uranium and the latest in the futures market activities such as the performance of commodities, metals, and major indices. Rich discusses his recent educational trip to Europe, where he expanded the horizons of derivative students, covering key spots like Frankfurt, Zurich, and Vienna. The episode goes further into dissecting the top upside and downside movers in the futures market for the year and delves into Rich’s insights on global bond market attractiveness, especially focusing on Japan. The show wraps up with a playful yet divisive debate on the controversial issue of ketchup on hot dogs, reflecting listener sentiments and sparking lively interaction among the audience.   02:59 Welcome

In this episode of Options Bootcamp, hosts Mark Longo and Dan Passarelli delve into a series of forgotten trading terms submitted by listeners. Topics include terms from the movie "Boiler Room," scalping, stockbroker, SOES bandits, stock certificates, and more. They also discuss recent trading activities, such as the VIX July 17 puts and IBIT straddle trades. Listener questions about deep in-the-money options and thoughts on the new Pope from Dan’s neighborhood add a touch of humor and relatability.   01:04 Welcome to Options Bootcamp 02:31 Pro Trading Crate Giveaway 04:41 Listener Questions: Forgotten Trading Terms 20:01 The Nostalgia of Physical Stock Certificates 21:47 Forgotten Trading Terms: Round Turn 25:07 Listener Questions: Straddles and VIX Puts 30:43 Asset Class Predictions for the Second Half of the Year 35:30 Deep in the Money Options: Use Cases 37:55 The New Pope and Hot Dog Toppings 40:37 Closing Remarks and Upcoming Shows  

In this episode, Mark Longo and Greg Magadini from Amberdata explore the rapidly evolving world of cryptocurrency and digital assets. The show begins with a recap of the latest market trends, including a structural decline in Bitcoin volatility and the notable trading activities in ETH and MSTU. The discussion highlights intriguing trading strategies, such as selling volatility, cash-secured puts, and delta-neutral trades, particularly focusing on ETH and the newly IPO'd Circle. Greg provides in-depth analysis on the crypto equities market and offers insights into leveraging Amberdata's advanced tools for research, trading, and compliance. Throughout the show, there is interaction with the audience through polls and questions, exploring diverse viewpoints on various trading strategies and market sentiments.   01:05 Welcome to The Crypto Rundown 03:59 Bitcoin Breakdown: Market Trends and Volatility 16:44 Exploring Altcoin Universe 25:54 Circle IPO and Market Insights 32:30 Crypto Questions and Audience Intera

In this episode, Mark Longo, Andrew Giovinazzi (The Option Pit) and Mike Tosaw (St. Charles Wealth Management) delve into the latest happenings in the options market. The show covers a variety of segments including unusual options activity, such as the sizable trades in Clover Health Investments and Bit Digital. The discussion spans market trends, notably the recent market pullback likely influenced by tariff news and possible market reactions to political maneuvers. Uncle Mike shares a strategy block focused on the careful selection of covered calls. The episode also touches on listener polls and questions, including opinions on assets with the most upside potential in the second half of 2025.    03:08 Show Kickoff and Recent Updates 05:36 80s Trivia Challenge 07:43 Market Analysis and Trading Block 12:20 Political Commentary and Market Reactions 20:57 VIX and Single Stock Analysis 27:36 Tesla's Market Impact  28:29 June's Hot Numbers from OCC 30:58 Unusual Options Activity: Clover Health 35:59 Unusual Opti

In this episode, Mark Longo provides a comprehensive midyear analysis of Google Trends data related to the options market. The discussion covers key terms like 'options trading', 'call options', 'covered calls', 'cash secured puts', and 'put options'. Surprising insights include the peak interest times for these terms, the top states showing interest, and notable spikes and declines. Key dates discussed include April 8th and June 8th. The episode concludes with an invitation for listeners to suggest other search terms for future analyses.   01:03 Midyear Checkup on Google Trends for Options Market 01:26 Interest in Options Trading Over the Past Year 02:49 Top Regions for Options Trading Interest 03:29 Interest in Call Options 04:57 Interest in Volatility 06:04 Interest in Covered Calls 07:43 Interest in Cash Secured Puts 08:35 Interest in Put Options 10:40 Conclusion and Call for Listener Input  

This episode provides a comprehensive midyear update on various trading topics and audience polls from 2024 through mid-2025. The discussions include insights into asset classes with potential upside in 2025, audience preferences on trading volatility, crypto, equities, and fixed income. The episode also covers detailed poll results on various specific trade setups involving VIX, specific stocks like Palantir, Nvidia, Apple, and some niche trades in lesser-known stocks. The episode explores the impact of geopolitical events on volatility and audience sentiment about market trends, along with some fun questions and polls about popular culture and unconventional assets. Additionally, the episode invites the audience to follow, interact, and ask questions on multiple platforms like Twitter, StockTwits, and Facebook.   01:01 Midyear Update: 2025 Asset Class Predictions 01:44 VIX and Crypto: Year-to-Date Performance 02:43 Listener Polls: VIX Options and Market Sentiment 05:22 February Market Insights: VIX and Pal

Join the Wide World of Options show on the road as host Mark Benzaquen welcomes JJ Kinahan and Jermal Chandler of IG North America (better known to investors as TastyTrade) as they talk about key challenges and opportunities for the retail trader and how technology is driving market growth. 

This episode explores the challenges and intricacies of trading uranium futures. Mark Longo and Dan Gramza discuss a listener question about the viability and current status of uranium futures listed on CME, revealing the lack of volume, industrial participation, and official dissemination. They suggest alternatives such as trading uranium-related ETFs, stocks, and even blockchain options. The hosts emphasize the importance of liquidity and risk management, providing listeners with insights into the broader implications of trading in esoteric and illiquid markets.   01:07 Introduction to Futures Markets 02:10 Exploring Uranium Futures 03:47 Challenges in Trading Uranium Futures 08:15 Alternative Uranium Investment Options 16:21 Final Thoughts and Resources  

In this episode, hosts Mark Longo and Dan Passarelli (Market Taker Mentoring) delve into various aspects of options trading, starting with a discussion on the current conflicts in the Middle East and their potential impact on volatility indices like the VIX. Listener questions are addressed on topics ranging from early call assignments to the appropriate time to venture into calendar spreads. The hosts also explain the concept of risk premium and the importance of liquidity when trading options. Useful advice is given for enhancing options trading strategies, emphasizing the significance of understanding market conditions and the nuances of different trading instruments.   01:04 Welcome to Options Bootcamp 02:40 Listener Mail Call 06:41 Market Taker Question of the Week 09:37 Understanding Risk Premium 13:12 Transitioning to Calendar Spreads 17:27 Handling Early Option Exercises 21:10 Midpoint Order Execution Challenges 25:07 Conclusion and Future Content  

On this episode we are joined in the Southern Studio during the Options Industry Conference by: Jim Toes, President & CEO, Securities Traders Association Jim and Mark discuss: The nuances involved in deslisting foreign companies in the name of national security.  His thoughts on the 0DTE Mag 7 proposal - does it make sense for the options markets? Do we have to worry about transaction taxes making a comeback? What's on the docket for the STA National Convention in D.C.? and much more...

In this episode, Mark Longo and his guests, Russell Rhodes (Kelley School of Business - Indiana University), Andrew Giovinazzi (The Option Pit), and Matt Amberson (ORATS) delve into a week characterized by remarkable market movements and surprising fluidity in volatility levels. The panel discusses specific options trades, the broader economic implications of recent events, and their own strategic trading insights. Punctuated by sharp analyses on macroeconomic indicators and a look-ahead towards earnings season, the hosts engage in rich discussions encapsulating the volatile yet intriguing landscape of the current trading environment.   01:05 Welcome to Volatility Views 01:52 Market Recap and Volatility Insights 03:24 Special Guests and Discussions 06:18 Volatility Review 21:42 Earnings Volatility Report 25:24 Volatility Surface Analysis 32:33 VIX Options Activity Overview 33:02 VIX Top 10 Contracts 35:22 Russell's Weekly Rundown 35:44 Monday's Block Trades 37:37 Tuesday's VIX Trades 39:18 Wednesday and Thur

In this episode Mark Longo dives deep into the ever-changing futures options landscape. Key topics include the performance analysis of tradable products such as gold, crude oil, and soybeans, with an emphasis on the volatility and top trades in these markets. Additionally, the episode features a special guest, Catherine Yoshimoto from FTSE Russell, who discusses the upcoming Russell Reconstitution. She provides insights into the changes in the market cap breakpoint, the shift of some 'Mag Seven' stocks partially into the value category, and the move to semi-annual reconstitution in 2024. The podcast also touches on various aspects of the Russell 2000 index, including recent trading trends, volatility movements, and notable trading activity. The episode concludes with a detailed explanation of the scheduling and methodology changes coming to the Russell indices.   01:03 Welcome to This Week in Futures Options 04:24 Movers and Shakers Report 12:45 Deep Dive into Equities with Catherine Yoshimoto 13:45 Russell

In this episode, the hosts dive deep into various market activities and the options landscape. They kick off discussing VIX trends, with Uncle Mike Tosaw (St. Charles Wealth Management) anxiously monitoring for an all-time high in the S&P 500. Flowmaster Henry Schwartz (Cboe) analyzes unusual options activity in Rocket Labs, Sunrun, and Citi, giving insights into recent call buying patterns and market movements. Listener polls on VIX options and market reactions to the Middle East conflict are dissected, revealing diverse audience perspectives. The show wraps up with a look ahead to upcoming market events and strategies. 00:00 Introduction to Options Insider Radio Network 01:04 Meet the Hosts and Special Guests 03:15 Market Updates and Trading Insights 04:39 Uncle Mike's Market Analysis 05:51 Flowmaster's Market Data Insights 06:44 Trading Block: Latest Trends and Trades 22:48 Single Name Volume and Earnings Highlights 29:42 Unusual Options Activity 30:26 Welcome to The Odd Block 31:05 Rocket Labs' Wild

This episode of 'The European Market Brief' introduces listeners to the European derivatives and fixed income markets. Hosted by Mark Longo from the Options Insider Radio Network, the show delves into trading strategies, liquidity, and market trends specific to European rates, comparing them with US counterparts. Guests Russell Rhodes (Indiana University), Rex Jones (Eurex), and James Sewell (Marex) offer valuable insights into products like BUN, BOBL, and SCHATZ futures, and discuss recent market activities, including the impact of potential massive fiscal spending in Germany and ongoing global geopolitical tensions. The episode also covers the transition from LIBOR to alternatives like EUROSTR, providing listeners with a comprehensive understanding of current opportunities and challenges in the European trading landscape.   01:22 Welcome to the European Market Brief 02:32 Episode 4 Kickoff and Listener Appreciation 03:53 Guest Introductions: Russell Rhodes and Rex Jones 07:06 Guest Introduction: James Sewe

This episode of The Futures Rundown, hosted by Mark Longo and featuring guest Dan Gramza from Gramza Capital Management, delves into the intricacies of the futures markets. Discussions include the volatility in energy markets prompted by Middle Eastern conflicts, with a focus on crude oil and natural gas price fluctuations. The episode covers performance trends in various futures assets, including significant movements in soybean oil, platinum, copper, and precious metals. The hosts also address user questions about the impacts of geopolitical events on market behavior and provide insights on specific commodity trends like coffee and silver.    02:09 Welcome to the Futures Rundown 03:24 Market Analysis with Dan Gramza 06:19 Impact of Mideast Conflict on Markets 12:13 Crude Oil and Natural Gas Insights 18:13 Upside Movers in the Futures Market 21:12 Downside Movers in the Futures Market 21:23 Energy Market Highlights 22:55 Coffee Market Analysis 25:48 Futures Market Activity 29:59 Year-to-Date Market Trends 3

In this episode of Options Bootcamp, Mark Longo and Dan Passarelli dive deep into the world of options trading terminology that has largely been lost to time. They discuss legacy trading concepts like the 'Texas Hedge,' 'price improvement auctions,' and the 'penny pilot program.' They also reminisce about old order types like 'fill or kill' and explore terms like 'screen trader' and 'spot' in pricing. This episode provides a reflective look at how trading practices and slang have evolved over the years, all while engaging the audience with some light-hearted banter and nostalgia. 00:00 Introduction to Options Insider Radio Network 01:36 Meet the Hosts: Mark Longo and Dan Passarelli 03:49 Forgotten Options Terminology 06:48 Exploring the Penny Pilot Program 12:10 Price Improvement Auctions Explained 15:25 The Texas Hedge Explained 18:03 Fill or Kill Orders: A Blast from the Past 21:42 The Evolution of Screen Trading 23:06 Spot Pricing and Old School Lingo 25:12 Remembering Ticket Charges 26:54 Conclusion and