Volatility Views

Host: Mark Longo, The Options Insider Radio Network Co-Host: Russell "Dr. Vix" Rhoads, Indiana University Kelley School of Business Co-Host: Andrew "The Rock Lobster" Giovinazzi, The Option Pit VIX Stays Muted: Why the VIX is stuck at 16 while the S&P hits new highs during the ongoing U.S. government shutdown. Gold vs. VIX: Listeners weigh in on the better gauge of market fear. Inside the Quants: Dr. Vix's discusses noteworthy highlights from several recent volatility and trading conferences, including exclusive takeaways on "Beta Vega" and the future of vol research. Volume Explosion: 1.4 BILLION options contracts traded in September. Crystal Ball: Our VIX predictions for next week

In this episode, Mark, Andrew Giovinazzi (The Option Pit) and Russell Rhoads (Indiana University) delve into the current state of market volatility, discussing the impact of an anticipated government shutdown, the fluctuating volumes in VIX options trading, and the contrasting signals from gold and VIX as indicators of market sentiment. The episode explores the latest developments in the volatility trading world, including compelling options strategies and a sneak peek at a quantitative model predicting future VIX levels. 01:03 Welcome to Volatility Views 02:24 Market Updates and Analysis 17:44 VIX and Gold as Market Sentiment Gauges 22:13 VIX Futures Term Structure 34:42 Top 10 VIX Trades of the Week 36:28 Russell's Weekly Rundown 52:08 VIX ETPs and Market Sentiment 54:25 Crystal Ball Predictions 01:00:18 Closing Remarks and Resources

Mark Longo, Scott Nations (Nations Indexes) and Andrew Giovinazzi (The Option Pit), provide comprehensive analyses on recent volatility developments, including the Federal Reserve's rate decisions and their market impacts. They discuss various volatility indices, trading strategies, and notable market movements. 01:03 Welcome to Volatility Views 02:23 Market Analysis 07:46 Volatility Review and Analysis 17:12 VIX Futures and Options Insights 33:26 Top VIX Options of the Week 37:02 Unusual VIX Trades and Strategies 42:22 Inverse Volatility Products 46:20 Volatility ETP Landscape 49:56 Listener Questions and Insights 53:14 VIX Predictions for Next Week 01:00:03 Closing Remarks and Resources

In this episode, hosts Mark Longo from The Options Insider, Mark Sebastian from Option Pit, and Russell Rhoads from the University of Indiana dive deep into the latest developments in the volatility market. The trio discusses bond volatility, VIX options, and the curious behavior of the VIX ahead of a highly anticipated Federal Reserve meeting. They also look at VIX-related ETPs and make their weekly predictions for the VIX. Timestamps [0:00] Introduction [3:20] The volatility review: market performance and VIX analysis. [7:15] Discussion on bond volatility and the surprising calm before the Fed meeting. [12:30] VIX term structure and futures analysis. [16:45] Russell's Weekly Rundown: analysis of specific VIX options trades. [25:00] VIX options paper and trade activity. [29:00] Inverse volatility and VIX ETPs. [32:15] Discussion on a potential Fed surprise and its market impact. [36:00] The Crystal Ball: VIX predictions for the upcoming week. [40:15] Final thoughts and how to follow the hosts.

This episode of Volatility Views discusses the recent market volatility, particularly in response to the non-farm payrolls report. Mark Longo and Russell Rhoads (Indiana University Kelley School of Business) analyze the impact of the economic data on VIX cash and futures, highlighting the surprising downturn after an initial market rally. They examine the VIX futures curve, noting the significant spread between the September and October contracts. The episode also delves into a discussion about the explosive growth of options trading volume and whether the options market has become so large that it is now "wagging the dog" of the underlying stock market. They also review VIX option volume for the week, pointing out a high number of contracts traded, including some unusual trades and large spreads. The show concludes with their weekly VIX predictions for the following week. Show Notes: 1:003:50 Volatility Review: Non-farm Payrolls Report 6:30 Discussion on Market Reaction and Fed Rate Cuts 9:50 VIX Futures and Volatility Surface Analysis 12:40 Conversation about Options Volume Growth and the "Tail Wagging the Dog" 16:40 Discussion on Jane Street in India and Single Stock Futures 18:50 VIX Options Volume Review (Top 10) 21:05 Russell Rhoads' Weekly Rundown (Unusual Trades) 27:50 Host's Breakdown of Daily VIX Volume 30:00 VIX ETPs and Inverse Volatility Products 33:30 The Crystal Ball: Weekly VIX Predictions 36:30 Closing Remarks

In this episode of Volatility Views, hosts Mark Longo, Russell Rhoads, and Mark Sebastian discuss the unusual market behavior of a Friday sell-off after a week of bullish momentum. They analyze the reasons behind the market's sudden shift to the red, including a surprising reaction to recent Fed commentary and pre-holiday weekend risk management. The show delves into the VIX and VIX futures curve, highlighting unusual calendar spreads and a large-volume trade in out-of-the-money October calls. The hosts also review volatility ETPs like SVIX, UVIX, and UVXY, noting the "air pocket" between futures and cash that benefits inverse volatility products. The show concludes with their "Crystal Ball" predictions for the following week's VIX level. Timestamps 2:02:2:15: Market sell-off and VIX pop 3:50: Mark Sebastian's market commentary 7:46: Russell Rhoads market commentary 11:59: VIX futures curve analysis 13:58: Russell Rhoads analysis of the back end of the curve 16:30: VIX options trading 18:50: Russell's Weekly Rundown of specific trades 22:56: Discussion of the "I Can't Drive 55" trades (wild out-of-the-money calls) 24:28: Most active VIX options for the week 30:57: Mark Sebastian's key takeaways from VIX options activity 32:00: Inverse Volatility ETFs (SVIX and VYLD) 34:55: UVIX and UVXY analysis 37:25: The Crystal Ball segment (VIX predictions) 40:50: Russell and Mark's final thoughts

This is a special birthday holiday edition of Volatility Views, providing a rundown of the VIX options market from the past week. The episode breaks down the most active VIX options, open for size positions, and day-by-day highlights of trading activity. Time Stamps 0:00 Welcome to Volatility Views 2:16 Top 10 VIX Open for Size 5:14 Thursday's VIX Activity 6:58 Wednesday's VIX Activity 8:00 Tuesday's VIX Activity 9:05 Monday's VIX Activity 10:07 Conclusion

In this episode of Volatility Views, Mark Longo is joined by Russell Rhoads (Kelley School of Business - Indiana University), Mark Sebastian (The Option Pit) and Euan Sinclair (Hull Tactical) to discuss the latest trends and market activity in the world of volatility trading. The show dives into specific topics such as current market volatility, the VIX options market, and how different volatility ETPs (Exchange Traded Products) are performing. They provide insights into the volatility surface, market maker activities, and potential impacts from geopolitical and economic events. Detailed analysis and predictions for the upcoming week's volatility levels are provided, along with discussions on specific trades and strategies observed in the market. The episode closes with a look at unusual options activity and the usefulness of different inverse volatility products. 01:05 Welcome to Volatility Views 01:53 Meet the panel 04:14 Volatility Review: Market Recap 06:51 Fed Fund Rates and Market Movements 16:27 Crypto Volatility Insights 26:19 VIX Options Analysis 32:07 Unexpected VIX Trades and Market Reactions 33:32 Analyzing a Bizarre VIX Trade 36:34 Weekly VIX Options Activity 42:42 Inverse Volatility Products Performance 48:36 Predicting VIX Movements 52:39 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode, Mark Longo, Russell Rhoads (Kelley School of Business - Indiana University), and Matt Amberson (Orats) analyze the significant surge in VIX, evidenced by the current VIX cash at 21 and the heavy trading volume exceeding one million contracts. They discuss how this translates to increased option activity, with substantial trades noted in August and September futures. Matt and Russell elaborate on the week's significant options trades and their implications, including a deep dive into earnings volatility with Matt noting an exceptionally hot earnings season, seeing over 50% returns on straddles. The episode also features insights into the vol ETP landscape, highlighting products like UVXY, SVXY, and VXX and their respective trading activities. Lastly, the hosts provide predictions for the next week, discussing potential market moves in the context of current volatility. 01:05 Welcome to Volatility Views 01:55 Market Overview and Recent Additions 05:28 Volatility Review 14:19 Earnings Volatility Report 21:14 Volatility Surface Analysis 30:38 Weekly Options Analysis 33:27 Analyzing Recent VIX Trades 34:41 Questionable Trade Strategies 36:06 VIX Options Activity Breakdown 43:24 Inverse Volatility and Liquidity Challenges 46:00 Volatility ETPs and Trading Strategies 50:23 Predicting VIX Movements 54:14 Conclusion and Upcoming Events

The latest episode of Volatility Views covers a wide range of volatility trading topics with Mark Longo and Russell Rhoads. The show covers the term structure of VIX futures, recent trades in VIX options, and the seasonality of volatility, especially as it relates to earnings season and its impact on the markets. Key trades in VIX options from the week are highlighted and analyzed. Additionally, the episode features listener questions, including strategies for trading VIX calls and dealing with the challenge of finding favorable trading conditions. The show concludes with predictions for VIX prices in the coming week. 01:08 Welcome to Volatility Views 04:59 Market Overview and Volatility Trends 11:39 Earnings Season Insights 15:44 VIX Futures and Options Analysis 25:52 Russell's Weekly Rundown 33:47 VIX Options Tsunami 34:03 Hot Options of the Day 34:24 Jan 20 Threes Analysis 36:23 AUG 16 Puts and Ratio Spreads 41:12 Inverse Volatility Products 45:01 Volatility Voicemail 45:47 Listener Questions and Flash Polls 54:28 Crystal Ball Predictions 57:14 Show Wrap-Up and Announcements

On this episode of Volatility Views, the hosts dive deep into various volatility trading strategies and notable market developments. Mark Longo is joined by 'Dr. Vix' Russell Rhodes and Andrew 'Rock Lobster' Giovinazzi as they discuss the enduring interest in deep put spreads, including a perplexing trade involving December 200 puts, which leaves the hosts questioning the trader's rationale. The show includes a review of weekly volatility trading activities, analysis of the volatility surface, and a discussion on upcoming events that could affect the vol space. They also engage with listener questions and poll results about premium harvesting and future outlooks for various assets. The panelists share insights into their trading strategies, with Russell revisiting his UVXY versus SVXY weekend play and Andrew providing market scenarios involving VXX erosion. The episode wraps up with predictions for next week's volatility. 01:05 Welcome to Volatility Views 01:52 Current Market Overview 02:08 New Shows and Hot Options Report 05:18 Volatility Review 15:35 Volatility Surface Analysis 25:11 Weekly Trades and Notable Moves 33:01 Evaluating the VIX Trade 34:40 Unpacking the Ratio Spread 35:29 VIX Options Activity Breakdown 41:33 Volatility ETPs Update 46:40 Listener Questions and Insights 51:05 Crystal Ball Predictions

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 Recent Trades 34:28 VIX Options Activity Breakdown 36:34 High Volume Day Analysis 46:14 Mentorship and Market Reactions 50:55 Volatility ETPs Overview 54:42 Crystal Ball Predictions 01:01:17 Closing Remarks and Resources

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 Thursday VIX Trades 46:14 VIX ETPs and Market Analysis 51:38 Crystal Ball Predictions 55:39 Show Wrap-Up and Announcements

In this episode of Volatility Views, the show kicks off with a recap of the Volatility Death Match, discussing the dynamics, competitors, and outcomes of the event. With Mark Longo hosting, the episode features contributions from Jim Carroll, Andrew Giovinazzi, and Russell Rhoads, who analyze recent VIX movements, the impact of geopolitical events, and market trends. They discuss the landscape of VIX options, shifting trading strategies, and the implications of recent market behavior, including a look at ETPs like SVXY and UVXY. This comprehensive discussion provides listeners with valuable insights into volatility trading strategies and market forecasts. 01:05 Welcome to Volatility Views 02:18 Volatility Death Match Recap 10:01 Volatility Review 31:42 VIX Options Overview 32:59 Top 10 VIX Positions Breakdown 35:14 Russell's Weekly Rundown 37:30 Bearish and Bullish VIX Trades 49:16 Inverse Volatility Products Discussion 55:16 Crystal Ball Predictions 01:00:36 Closing Remarks and Contact Information

There can be only one! Two men will enter the cage...but only one will emerge victorious. Who will it be? Tune in to find out as Dr. VIX battles the Vixologist to the death on your favorite volatility topics including:

In this episode of Volatility Views, Mark Longo and Russell Rhodes delve into the recent shifts in the volatility landscape. With geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, the VIX spiking to new levels, and market reactions to recent economic events, this episode is a crucial listen for anyone in the volatility trading scene. The discussion also touches on notable trades in VIX options, the peculiarities of the VIX term structure, and the impact of these events on various volatility ETFs. Russell shares his insights on current market activities and to provide an in-depth analysis of recent significant trades. This episode also revisits the heated and recently held VIX Death Match, offering an engaging mix of expert analysis and lively debate. 01:05 Welcome to Volatility Views 02:23 Volatility Death Match Recap 07:50 Volatility Review: Market Analysis 22:17 VIX Options and Futures Rundown 29:19 Analyzing Weekly Futures and Roll Trades 30:23 Deep Dive into VIX Options Strategies 32:42 Evaluating Trade Decisions and Market Impact 35:19 Personal Trading Strategies and Market Observations 37:32 Big VIX Options and Market Activity 43:44 Inverse Volatility Products and Trading Insights 49:41 Crystal Ball Predictions and Market Speculations

This episode of Volatility Views dives deep into the world of volatility trading. Hosted by Mark Longo of Options Insider, the show features guests Russell Rhodes, aka Dr. Vix, and Andrew Giovinazzi, aka the Rock Lobster. The episode covers various aspects including VIX futures, VIX Options trading activities, and the current state of volatility markets. They discuss the current trading week, the performance of inverse volatility products like SVXY and UVXY, and detailed trade analyses. A notable segment involves Russell and Andrew debating the outlooks and trends in the volatility landscape. The episode also sets the stage for an upcoming special battle royale episode between Russell and the renowned Vixologist, Jim Carroll, on a special podcast next week, adding an exciting twist for the listeners. 00:00 Introduction to Options Insider Radio Network 02:05 Meet the Hosts 04:49 Volatility Review 07:15 Market Analysis and Trends 14:40 VIX Futures and Options Discussion 30:50 Standard Expiration and Weekly Trades 31:48 Holiday Week Trading Strategies 32:23 VIX Settlement and Trade Analysis 33:28 Bullish Trades and Risk Assessments 35:20 VIX Options Activity Rundown 44:23 Inverse Volatility Products Discussion 51:58 Volatility ETPs and Trading Strategies 53:06 Crystal Ball Predictions and Closing Remarks

In this episode of Volatility Views, Mark Longo, Andrew Giovinazzi & Russell Rhoads dive deep into the current state of the volatility market. They discuss the day's market movements influenced by unpredictable tweets from Trump and their impact on volatility indices like VIX. The episode covers the rare occurrence of contango in VIX futures above a 20 handle, current VIX call and put positions, and weekly VIX options activity. The hosts also explore the performance and strategies involving inverse volatility products like SVIX. Listener engagement includes a debate on zero-day options and popular TV shows like 'Breaking Bad' vs. 'The Sopranos.' 01:05 Welcome to Volatility Views 02:02 Meet the Hosts 04:24 Volatility Review 04:57 Market Reactions and Analysis 13:02 Volatility Futures Discussion 26:26 VIX Options and Trading Strategies 31:17 Top VIX Strikes and Market Sentiment 32:01 Russell's Weekly Rundown 32:24 Weekly VIX Options Analysis 41:09 Inverse Volatility Products Discussion 52:59 Listener Polls and Questions 55:37 Crystal Ball Predictions 58:36 Show Wrap-Up and Contact Information

In this episode of Volatility Views, Mark Longo and Russell Rhoads discuss the latest movements in VIX, including a surprising spike and its impact on VIX options. They delve into the performance of the secret UVIX weekend trade, revealing an impressive average profit that defies its expectations. Listener questions about the potential introduction of zero-day options in the MAG 7 stocks are addressed, along with the audience's mixed response. The show concludes with crystal ball predictions for the upcoming week and an exploration of intriguing market trades. 01:05 Welcome to Volatility Views 03:54 Market and Volatility Analysis 09:49 VIX Futures and Options Insights 16:48 Weekly Rundown and Trade Highlights 33:28 Inverse V Strategies and Market Sentiments 34:57 Put Spreads and Risk Management 36:42 UVIX Weekend Strategy Insights 45:00 VXX and Volatility ETPs Analysis 50:12 Listener Polls and Zero-Day Options Discussion 58:50 Volatility Predictions and Closing Remarks

In this episode of Volatility Views, the hosts Mark Longo, Andrew Giovinazzi (The Option Pit), Russell Rhoads (Indiana University), and Matt Koren (Eurex) discuss fluctuations in the VIX and VSTOXX futures, along with a look into new volatility ETPs. The episode begins with an overview of the VIX term structures — highlighting the recent flatness in the term structure and its implications. The conversation also explores the significant volatility movement on Monday and its influences. Other discussions include the re-emergence of VIX ETPs and their complexities, how geopolitical events like the potential resolution of the Ukraine war are affecting volatility indices, and a listener's question regarding the relevance of VYLT. The show concludes with the Crystal Ball segment, where the hosts predict the VIX and VSTOXX levels for the upcoming week. 01:05 Welcome to Volatility Views 01:35 Deep Dive into Volatility 02:09 Host Introduction and Pro Membership Benefits 03:13 Guest Introduction: Russell Rhodes 04:37 Guest Introduction: Andrew Giovinazzi 05:25 Guest Introduction: Matt Koren 05:48 Volatility Review 06:34 Market Trends and Analysis 13:36 International Volatility Review 19:35 VIX Futures and Term Structure 27:41 VIX Options Activity 30:18 Russell's Weekly Rundown 33:51 Reflecting on Past Trades 34:05 Volatility and VIX Trades 36:14 Weekly Trade Highlights 37:36 Analyzing Market Activity 39:04 Top Contracts and Market Trends 44:40 Inverse Volatility and ETPs 53:08 Predicting Future Volatility