Volatility Views 638: Paying the Iron Price for VIX Futures

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: Do after-hours VIX prints obscure what's really happening in the marketplace? Should you ignore them when trading VIX? How should you use constant-maturity futures in your VIX trading? What is the TRUE over/under level for VIX that you need to pay attention to in your trading? What levels really matter and which are just marketing hype? Can you use technical analysis in your VIX trading? Should you? What is the point of VYLD? How should you incorporate VIX 9D into your volatility trading? and much more...

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  

In this episode of Volatility Views, Russell Rhoads takes over hosting duties for Mark Longo. He is joined by Hans Albrecht from Option Pit. The discussion delves into the current state of the VIX, with insights into trading strategies, gamma, and the importance of understanding volatility products. Hans shares his experience with trading on the floor in Toronto and Montreal, comparing it to the trading environment in the U.S. The episode also covers various trades and positions in VIX options and ETPs, including strategies like call spreads and the challenges of trading in a high-volatility environment. The show concludes with predictions for the VIX in the coming week and a reflection on the late Alex Jacobson's contributions to the options trading community.   01:01 Welcome to Volatility Views 02:49 Hans' Background and Market Experience 08:42 Discussion on Volatility and Market Trends 10:33 VIX and Futures Curve Analysis 14:12 Market Sentiment and Economic Indicators 29:11 Market Overview and Options Activity 31:05 Weekly VIX Options Recap 31:56 Top VIX Positions Analysis 35:29 Weekly Rundown and Trade Insights 45:32 VIX ETPs Discussion 51:17 Volatility Voicemail and Predictions 56:45 Conclusion and Final Thoughts  

This episode delves into the recent volatility trends and provides an in-depth analysis of the current earnings season. The hosts Mark Longo, Andrew Giovinazzi (The Option Pit) and Russell Rhoads (Kelley School of Business, Indiana University) discuss the significant moves in VIX and related options, the impact of trade talks and jobs numbers, and the performance of various vol ETPs. Special guest Matt Amberson from ORATS joins to provide insights into earnings volatility and market expectations. Key discussions include the downturn in option-buying benefits during this earnings season and what to expect next in the volatility landscape.   01:05 Welcome to Volatility Views 03:21 Meet the Guests: Russell Rhodes and Andrew Azi 06:06 Volatility Review: Market Trends and Analysis 15:56 Earnings Volatility Report 24:41 VIX Futures and Market Indicators 32:30 Opening Banter and Market Commentary 32:41 Analyzing Recent Trades and Market Movements 33:24 Discussion on Rolling Trades and Market Sentiment 34:59 Unusual Trading Activity and Market Reactions 35:59 Volatility Products and Trading Strategies 38:33 VIX Options and Market Trends 44:01 Inverse Volatility Products and Market Outlook 52:23 Concluding Thoughts and Predictions