Volatility Views

Happy New Year, Vol Maniacs! Mark Longo kicks off 2026 by welcoming Jim Carroll (The Vixologist) to the first Volatility Views of the year. Jim helps us close the books on 2025. From the "Tariff Tantrum" to the birth of the proprietary "VIX Mix," we break down the trends, trades, and traps that defined the volatility landscape over the last 12 months. Volatility Review: The 2025 Autopsy The Tariff Tantrum: Why April 2025 became the apex of volatility for the year, sending VIX cash to an intraday high near 60. VIX Cash Highlights: A look back at the 17.93 start in January and the contentiousness of the year-end 14.95 close. The "VIX Mix" Debrief: Jim Carroll breaks down the first full year of his 17-component composite indicator. Realized Volatility: Why 2025 saw a wider range of realized vol than 2024, yet remained "well-behaved" compared to 2022 or 2020. Credit Market Canaries: Why the Move Index and corporate bond behavior were the secret drummers for equity volatility this year. Trades & Trends: Where Money Lived (And Died) The 15 Put Trap: Why the VIX 15 put strike was the ultimate "scratch-off ticket" that never paid off for retail traders. The 47.5 Call Mystery: Analyzing the massive, recurring upside rolls that dominated the tape all year. Capital Efficiency: A look at the bizarre VIX 200 put spreads and the shifting of institutional volume from futures into options. The Vol Fade Game: Performance reviews of SVXY, VXX, and the opportunity to scoop SVX during the April dip. The Crystal Ball: Predictions for 2026 The team kicks off the new year's prediction game. Will 2026 be the year of the 23.00 VIX?   Resources & Links Follow Jim Carroll: Twitter/X: @vixologist Brokerage Spotlight: tastytrade.com/podcasts Connect with the Network Twitter/X: @Options Web: TheOptionsInsider.com Questions: questions@theoptionsinsider.com

In the final Volatility Views of 2025, host Mark Longo is joined by Russell Rhoads (Dr. VIX) and Michael Listman (UVXY Trader) to dissect a wild year in the markets. From the "Santa Claus Rally" to the crushing of the VIX, we break down what traders need to know heading into 2026. In This Episode: Volatility Review: A look at the S&P 500 hitting all-time highs and the recent "volatility execution." Why did the Santa Rally take so long to arrive? UVXY Deep Dive: Michael Listman breaks down the UVXY reverse split mechanics. We discuss why liquidity is the best argument for UVXY and how to manage the "beta slippage" game. The Pairs Trade: Exploring the strategy of pairing UVXY vs. SVXY (or SVIX) to capture slippage while managing directional exposure. VIX Term Structure: Why the current curve is "steep" and what a 5-point premium in February futures says about 2026 market expectations. VIX Options Flow: Analyzing the "Jan 17 Puts" and the mysterious ongoing activity in the VIX 200 strike puts. The Crystal Ball: The team places their final VIX cash predictions for the first week of January 2026. Key Discussion Points: The "VIX Wizard": Why volatility arrives precisely when it means to (and how to monetize puts before they expire). Reverse Split Strategies: Does a 1-for-5 or 1-for-10 split actually change the trade? The "Weekend Trade": Russell's strategy for holding UVIX/UVXY over the weekend to catch volatility events. Resources & Links: Russell Rhoads (Dr. VIX): Follow him on X/Twitter @RussellRhoads . Michael Listman: Follow him on X @UVXYTrader or visit UVXY.pro . Options Insider Pro: Get the Pro Trading Crate and join the Vol Death Match at TheOptionsInsider.com/Pro . TastyTrade: Check out advanced tools for options and futures at TastyTrade.com/podcasts .

In this episode of Volatility Views on the Options Insider Radio Network, Mark Longo and Dr. Russell Rhoads dive into the shifting landscape of volatility as the final full trading week of 2025 comes to a close. While much of the market is heading into holiday "hibernation," geopolitical tensions are lighting up the commodity space. The team breaks down why Energy CVOL is pinning the needle to the upside while Treasury and FX volatility are being "taken to the woodshed." Key Topics Covered: The Venezuela "Brouhaha": How intensified pressure and crude embargoes are reviving Energy CVOL (WTI) and driving it to weekly highs. Commodity Volatility Split: A deep dive into the aggregate CVOL levels for Metals, Ags, and the broader Commodities complex vs. the dying volatility in Fixed Income. The VIX Term Structure: Analyzing the current curve and what the "post-Fed" environment means for the remainder of 2025. Vol Products in Focus: Performance updates and trade analysis for SVXY, UVXY, and VIX futures. Looking Ahead to 2026: Anticipated market movers and volatility catalysts for the new year. Listener Mailbag: Russell and Mark answer your questions regarding volatility products and specific trading strategies.  

In this episode of Volatility Views, Mark Longo (The Options Insider), Russell Rhoads (Kelley School of Business at Indiana University), and Andrew Giovinazzi (The Option Pit) dive deep into the week's market volatility. They begin with an in-depth analysis of the notable Fed cut announcement and its immediate market implications. Key Volatility Trading Insights: VIX Products & Options: Detailed breakdown of VIX options behavior, volatility spikes, and significant trades. Fed Reaction: Analyzing insights from Fed officials and the overall market reaction to the rate decision. ETPs Explored: Intricacies of volatility ETPs, including $SVIX and $UVXY performance and strategy. Strategies & Predictions: In-depth trading strategies and predictions for the upcoming week in the volatility market.

In this episode of 'Volatility Views,' the market's premier volatility podcast, we tackle the biggest questions for volatility traders: Are anticipated interest rate cuts about to crush the entire VIX term structure? This episode is hosted by Mark Longo (The Options Insider) and joined by Mark Sebastian (The Option Pit) and Dr. Russell Rhoads (Indiana University Kelley School of Business). We break down recent VIX options flow, examine crucial shifts in the volatility curve, and offer a forward-looking forecast for the Cboe VIX Index in the coming week. 📈 Episode Highlights & Volatility Trading Strategy VIX Curve Alert: Dissecting the major shifts in the VIX term structure and how short-term contracts are reacting to forward-looking interest rate expectations. VIX Weekly Options: A detailed breakdown of notable and unusual flow in VIX weekly options and their impact on daily volatility. Inverse Volatility Risks: Updates and analysis of inverse volatility ETPs and VIX ETPs, with a deep dive into the trading behavior and volume patterns of UVXY following its recent reverse split. The VIX Forecast: The panelists' final VIX market prediction for the upcoming week and actionable strategies for VIX traders.

HOST: Mark Longo, The Options Insider CO-HOST: Dr. Russell Rhoads, Indiana University Kelley School of Business In this episode, the hosts dive into the current state of volatility in the market, providing in-depth analysis and trading strategies. The discussion includes the recent movements in VIX futures, the impact of economic announcements, and unconventional strategies like weekly put sales. They also cover notable VIX options trades and the potential effects of upcoming events on market volatility. Plus, they end the show guessing where VIX will be in two weeks in our crystal ball segment.

HOST: Mark Longo, The Options Insider CO-HOST: Russell Rhoads, Indiana University Kelley School of Business CO-HOST: Mark Sebastian, The Option Pit GUEST: Jeff Nguyen, Cboe Global Markets On this episode, we explore the latest in the world of volatility trading. Jeff Nguyen joins us to explain the Cboe's newly launched VIX Decomposition Tool that analyzes VIX moves through various contributing factors. The show also delves into the past week's volatility trends, notable options trades, and the impact of zero DTE strategies on the current market. The team discusses the state of volatility ETPs and how they are performing under current market conditions.

HOST: Mark Longo, The Options Insider CO-HOST: Russell Rhoads, Indiana University Kelley School of Business CO-HOST: Andrew Giovinazzi, The Option Pit GUEST: Bill Luby, @VIXandMore   On this episode, the discussion revolves around the recent spike in volatility and its implications for traders. They also explore AI's role in market valuation, with differing opinions on its long-term impact. Other highlights include analysis of the VIX term structure, the surge in VIX futures trading, and notable VIX options trades. Additionally, Bill Luby shares insights into trading VXX, and listeners get the latest updates on other popular volatility ETPs. The episode concludes with the panelists' predictions for VIX levels in the upcoming week.

HOST: Mark Longo, The Options Insider Media Group CO-HOST: Mark Sebastian, The Option Pit CO-HOST: Russell Rhoads, Indiana University Kelley School of Business With an appearance by Brian Overby, Options Playbook Radio!   In this Halloween-themed episode of Volatility Views, host Mark Longo is joined by regular contributors Mark Sebastian and Russell Rhoads, as well as a special guest appearance by Brian Overby. The discussion focuses on the nuances of volatility trading, touching on the performance and volume of vol-related ETFs like UVIX and SVXY, the impact of lofty P/E ratios on market sentiment, and the effects of the latest Fed actions. The show also delves into listener questions, weekly reviews of significant volatility trades, and the dynamics of overwriting trades. The episode concludes with predictions for VIX levels for the upcoming week.  

HOST: Mark Longo, The Options Insider Media Group CO-HOST: Russell Rhoads, Indiana University Kelley School of Business CO-HOST: Mark Sebastian, The Option Pit GUEST: Scott Nations, Nations Indexes In this episode, we discuss the significant movements in volatility over the past week, including the aggressive sell-off in volatility and its causes. We also talk about the behavior of zero-DTE options and the influence of trading strategies on the market. The episode also covers the latest in VIX options trading, with a special segment on unusual trades, the current state of volatility ETPs, and predictions for the next week's volatility landscape.   

Host: Mark Longo, The Options Insider Media Group Co-Host: Mark Sebastian, The Option Pit Co-Host: Russell Rhoads, Indiana University Kelley School of Business In this episode, the team dives deep into the recent surge in market volatility, analyzing the influx in VIX trading activity and discussing the potential for significant market shifts. Key highlights include a detailed look at massive trades in the VIX options space, the potential introduction of highly leveraged ETPs such as 3x VIX ETPs, and the possible implications of a 'crypto doom loop' triggered by a Bitcoin crash. The episode also features a breakdown of the recent trading behavior in vol ETPs like SVIX, UVIX, and UVXY, and a lively discussion forecasting future volatility levels. 

Host: Mark Longo, The Options Insider Media Group Co-Host: Russell Rhoads, Indiana University Kelley School of Business Co-Host: Mark Sebastian, The Option Pit In this episode of Volatility Views, we dive deep into the world of volatility with a specific focus on the recent VIX activity, options trading, and market reactions. Discussions include the sudden spike in VIX, significant call option trading, especially around the October 35 strikes, and strategies for monetizing these moves. We also cover the impact of recent tweets by Trump on market volatility and provide a comprehensive analysis of the VIX futures term structure. Additionally, there is significant trading volume noted in UVXY, illustrating a broader market reaction to the volatility spike. The episode wraps up with predictions and considerations for the next week's volatility.  

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: 1:00 Welcome  3:50 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: The Volatility Review 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