The Option Block

The Trading Block: SQ and QCOM dominating the options charts today. Looks like QCOM activity is actually a dividend play. Light on earnings this week. Goldman execs cash out decade-old options just days before they expire. The Odd Block: TSLA tracker; Weird house-money put roll in WDC; Tons of Dec 26 puts in DKS; Size near-term call love in NEM. The Mail Block: Options question of the week SPY always dominates the #options volume charts. But what do you think people are actually trading in SPY? Take a guess at the top OI position in SPY right now. No cheating (or checking with your broker) - use your grey matter and your "gut" to pick the right one. Jan 262 call Dec 2019 150 put Dec 280 call Jan 240 put Listener questions and comments Question from PBiggers‏: how will the market react if the tax bill fails to pass in the senate on Thursday? Bullish, modest correction or major correction? Comment from Robert Baker: in response to your questions regarding TSLA catastrophe puts Jan 19 $50; I believe that they are insurance policies for model 3 depositors to recover their $5000 deposit in the event that Tesla goes bankrupt. After all, it's the cheapest form of insurance because the $50 put will be worth $5000 if TSLA goes to zero. Keep up with your show - it's fun.

What better way to celebrate the options "Day of Days" than to look back on the inaugural episode of The Crypto Rundown? Enjoy!

Best Of The Option Block: Back To The Beginning The markets are closed for President's day so the All-Star Panel gets a day off. But that doesn't mean you don't get a show! Join us for a trip down memory lane to the very first "sneak preview" episode of The Option Block from September 2010. Enjoy!

Mark Longo, Uncle Mike Tosaw (St. Charles Wealth Management), and Andrew 'The Rock Lobster' Giovinazzi (The Option Pit) break down the final full trading week of 2025. This high-stakes episode covers the shocking conclusion to the '80s Trivia Challenge, explosive VIX and index flow, and a crucial year-end Tax Strategy discussion. The '80s Trivia Challenge: A Consequential Loss The dramatic conclusion of the year-long contest: Uncle Mike vs. The Rock Lobster. The hosts sweat it out in a high-pressure round of Sports & Leisure trivia. Find out who claims the point and if the "Chicago Politics" conspiracy theories hold up! The Trading Block: End-of-Year Market Breakdown The VIX Cash index is rallying off recent lows. Is this December different from years past? The Rock Lobster confesses his VIX Puts strategy was his "worst product" of the year due to being a "Greedy Pig" and not monetizing the downside swings. The panel also looks at key single-name movers like Apple (AAPL), Broadcom (AVGO), and a roaring Tesla (TSLA). Hot Options Report: VIX Puts & SPY Zero Day Flow Detailed analysis of today's hottest option: The dirt-cheap Dec 15th VIX Puts for $0.04. Plus, a look at the massive flow in SPY (SPY) and SPX (SPX) index options, confirming the zero-day trend, alongside surprising upside action in the QQQ (QQQ) Calls. Strategy Block: Crucial Year-End Tax Planning Uncle Mike provides essential guidance on year-end tax strategies. He details how to use Tax Loss Harvesting to offset gains and reminds traders about the Wash Sale rules. A must-listen segment covers the Mark-to-Market rule for 1256 Contracts (like SPX options) before the December 31st deadline. Around the Block: Silver (SLV) Poll & All-Time Highs The team forecasts whether Silver (SLV) can continue its historic run into 2026. Plus, predictions on if the SPX can hit new All-Time Highs before the new year.

On this crucial post-Fed episode, hosts Mark Longo, Uncle Mike Tosaw (St. Charles Wealth Management) and Henry 'The Flowmaster' Schwartz (Cboe) deliver expert options trading analysis and strategy. The team breaks down the dramatic Oracle (ORCL) plunge, the latest VIX and index (SPX, SPY, QQQ) volatility, and Henry Schwartz's insights into unusual options flow. Plus, a deep dive into the newly launched Cboe MAG 10 index options and market predictions for the highly anticipated Santa Claus Rally. The hosts also investigate unexpected options activity in names like Sentinel One (S), Rocket Labs (RKLB), and Honda Motor Corp (HMC). Tune in for essential year-end market strategy!

Today, The Option Block dives into the most important topics for active traders: options trading strategies and detailed market analysis. Host Mark Longo, joined by co-hosts Uncle Mike Tosaw (St. Charles Wealth Management) and Andrew Giovinazzi (The Option Pit), focuses on VIX trends and how to profit from a changing volatility landscape. We break down the anticipation for the upcoming Federal Reserve announcements and provide key insights into their potential impact on the options market. Plus, get an in-depth analysis of unusual options activity in stocks like Warner Brothers Discovery (WBD) and TMC. Market Analysis: Intricate trends in the VIX and strategies for dealing with general market volatility. Trade Breakdown: Unusual activity in WBD and TMC options flow. Upcoming Earnings: Key insights and options trading strategies for major reports from Oracle and Broadcom. Forward Look: A final roundtable on what to watch for in the trading days ahead, especially concerning Fed decisions. Don't miss this essential guide to navigating the current options market landscape.

In this episode of The Option Block, host Mark Longo (The Options Insider Media Group) and our expert panel deliver a crucial breakdown of the current options market trends. We dive deep into analyzing unusual options activity, dissecting key index volumes across VIX, SPX, IWM, and QQQ. Our discussion features insights from Uncle Mike Tosaw (St. Charles Wealth Management) and Henry Schwartz (Cboe Global Markets). We cover volatility signals and the explosive growth of binary and prediction markets, debating their future on major exchanges. Plus, we get an exclusive look at new CBOE products and market events. Don't miss our detailed options analysis on individual stocks, including Meta, Gap, United States Antimony Corp, and Intuitive Machines Inc. ⏱️ Episode Timestamps & Key Topics 02:15 | Market Sentiment & VIX Activity Analysis 08:40 | Index Options Volume Breakdown (SPX, IWM, QQQ) 14:55 | Individual Stock Deep Dive: Meta, Gap, United States Antimony Corp, Intuitive Machines Inc. 23:10 | The Binary Markets Debate: Should they be listed on everything? 32:00 | Focus on New CBOE Products and Upcoming Market Events 🔗 Connect & Subscribe Follow The Option Block for weekly options trading insights!

In this episode of the Option Block, the hosts bring you deep into the world of options markets, analyzing recent unusual trading activities and examining how these moves might play out. Mark Longo and co-hosts Uncle Mike Tosaw from St. Charles Wealth Management and Andrew Giovinazzi from The Option Pit discuss significant movements in the VIX, SPY, and other major indices. They analyze specific stock activities, from Knight Swift Transportation Holdings to iRobot, and speculate on the future of these stocks. The show also offers strategic advice on hedging strategies and a glimpse into upcoming earnings reports. The episode wraps up with a focus on how current economic indicators, such as precious metals prices and bond market moves, impact the options market.

HOST: Mark Longo, The Options Insider CO-HOST: Mike Tosaw, St. Charles Wealth Management CO-HOST: Andrew Giovinazzi, The Option Pit In this episode, we cover a wide range of topics, including unusual activities in the options market, such as trades in JBS NV (a Brazilian meat processing company), B2Gold Corp, and Ecopetrol. Additionally, we discuss the market's current dynamics, particularly focusing on the recent rally in tech stocks and precious metals. The episode also features a lively segment of 80s trivia and ends with Uncle Mike Tosaw's annual Thanksgiving advice along with forward-looking market strategies.

HOST: Mark Longo, The Options Insider CO-HOST: Henry Schwartz, Cboe Global Markets CO-HOST: Mike Tosaw, St. Charles Wealth Management In this episode, the hosts tackle volatile market movements, significant options trades, and market strategies. The discussion spans from fresh options activity in under-the-radar stocks like Garrett Motion and Topgolf to the broader implications of major movements in indices and popular stocks such as Nvidia, Tesla, and Amazon. The hosts also explore the regulation and impact of sports betting on financial markets, the introduction of new indexes like the Mag 10, and predictions for market behavior heading toward 2026.

HOST: Mark Longo, The Options Insider CO-HOST: Mike Tosaw, St. Charles Wealth Management CO-HOST: Andrew Giovinazzi, The Option Pit In this episode, the panel discusses the current state of the options market. They also look at unusual options activity in CMC and QGEN. Uncle Mike Tosaw provides a Strategy Block focusing on the importance of responsible options trading and knowing when to exit a position. Market conditions, including significant whipsaw action in the S&P 500 and notable upcoming earnings reports from major retailers like Home Depot, Lowe's, and Target, are analyzed. The episode concludes with insights on what the hosts are watching in the market for the upcoming week.

HOST: Mark Longo, The Options Insider CO-HOST: Henry Schwartz, Cboe Global Markets CO-HOST: Mike Tosaw, St. Charles Wealth Management Topics discussed on this episode include unusual market activity in Bitdeer, Lucid, and RGTI and the impact of recent earnings reports on market movements. The episode also covers the new VIX decomposition tool from Cboe, listener questions, and strategies for trading in the current market environment. Additionally, the weekly poll focusing on precious metals like GLD and SLV reveals interesting perspectives from the audience. The show wraps up with a look at upcoming market events and strategies to watch.

HOST: Mark Longo, The Options Insider CO-HOST: Mike Tosaw, St. Charles Wealth Management CO-HOST: Andrew Giovinazzi, The Option Pit   In this episode, the hosts discuss a variety of topics impacting the options market. Key discussions include the government shutdown and its effects, market analysis, strategy insights, listener questions, and notable trades of the day. They also highlight unusual activity in Comcast and VIP Shop Holdings, earnings previews, and strategic tips for managing options. The show provides a deep dive into the market dynamics, trading strategies, and options education, all while engaging listeners with trivia and light-hearted banter.  

HOST: Mark Longo, The Options Insider CO-HOST: Henry Schwartz, Cboe CO-HOST: Mike Tosaw, St. Charles Wealth Management This episode covers the impact of current market conditions, the continued rise in options trading volume, and specific case studies on individual stocks like Gap, Inc. and Aida Inc. Special attention is given to trading strategies, the influence of market events such as government shutdowns, and the role of zero-DTE options.

HOST: Mark Longo, The Options Insider Media Group CO-HOST: Mike Tosaw, St. Charles Wealth Management CO-HOST: Andrew Giovinazzi, The Option Pit   This week, the All-Star panel is stunned by the Big Tech and AI momentum that's pushing stocks to absurd levels. Andrew "Rock Lobster" Giovinazzi uses an analogy from The Producers to describe the ridiculous, runaway success of the "Mag 7" and the OpenAI frenzy. Is this a guaranteed flop, or are investors destined to be unexpectedly rich? Inside the Block: The Big Tech/AI Metaphor: Why the surprising, explosive rally in tech reminds us of a famous, satirical Broadway flop. Shocking Moves: "Uncle" Mike Tosaw details why he has sold 95% of his long-held silver exposure—a truly historic moment! Odd Block: We break down the unusual order flow in a few newcomers, including high-flying biotech KNSA and semi-related AMKR. Earnings Blitz: A massive week ahead with Uber, Spotify, AMD, and more—plus, a look at the wild vol priced into HIMS and PLTR.

HOST: Mark Longo, The Options Insider Media Group CO-HOST: Henry Schwartz, Cboe Global Markets CO-HOST: Mike Tosaw, St. Charles Wealth Management This episode dives into the latest trends and activities in the options market, featuring key discussions on AI spending by companies like Meta and Microsoft and its effects on their stock prices. The hosts analyze market movements, unusual trading activities, and speculate on the potential impact of upcoming earnings from major companies like Apple and Amazon. The show also covers listener opinions on whether current market valuations are sustainable, given the lofty PE ratios and potential bubble-like conditions. Additionally, the episode features some tips for monitoring market events in the coming days.  

HOST: Mark Longo, The Options Insider Media Group CO-HOST: Andrew Giovinazzi, The Option  Pit CO-HOST: Mike Tosaw, St. Charles Wealth Management In this episode of The Option Block, host Mark Longo and his co-hosts discuss the current market rally and the impact of AI announcements, especially Qualcomm's recent surge. The team dives into unusual options activity, focusing on stocks like Huntsman Corp and the new Bitcoin treasury name, Strive Inc. They also analyze the role of volatility and discuss strategic adjustments made due to recent market conditions. The episode wraps up with a look at what to expect in the coming trading week, including key tech earnings and potential market movements.    

HOST: Mark Longo, The Options Insider Media Group CO-HOST: Henry Schwartz, Cboe Global Markets CO-HOST: Mike Tosaw, St. Charles Wealth Management   In this episode, host Mark Longo and his co-hosts, including "Uncle" Mike Tosaw and Henry "The Flowmaster" Schwartz explore the latest trends and trades in the options market. The show covers everything from the performance of VIX and SPX to notable unusual activities in names like Beyond Meat, Energy Fuels Inc., and Stone Co. Limited. The team also dives into broader market themes, such as potential impacts of government shutdowns, macroeconomic factors, and the Fed's role in economic independence. Listener engagement features include an audience poll on Fed independence and a lively discussion on fantasy football. 

Host: Mark Longo, The Options Insider Media Group Co-Host: "Uncle" Mike Tosaw, St. Charles Wealth Management Co-Host: Andrew "The Rock Lobster" Giovinazzi, The Option Pit   This episode covers various options trading strategies, including discussions on unusual options activity in stocks like Canan Inc. and American Battery Technology Company. The hosts explore the market dynamics, including the impact of current events on volatility and stock performance. They also share insights on rebalancing portfolios, the importance of covered calls, and offer personal anecdotes, including Uncle Mike's unique healthcare sharing arrangement. With an engaging trivia challenge and discussions on maintaining the independence of the Federal Reserve, this episode blends financial education with lively commentary.  

Host: Mark Longo, The Options Insider Media Group Co-Host: Henry Schwartz, Cboe Global Markets Co-Host: Mike Tosaw, St. Charles Wealth Management   This episode discusses the upsurge in options trading volume driven by current market volatility and significant movements in metals like silver and gold. The hosts analyze unusual options activity in AMD and Flagstar Financial, with noted trends of increased put buying. They also touch on the ongoing earnings season, focusing on financial sector reports and their impact on the market. The episode wraps up with a live poll discussing current VIX trades and a reminder for traders to stay cautious in these volatile times.