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.

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!

This episode of the Options Insider Radio Network dives into recent options trading activity, covering notable stocks such as Northern Dynasty Minerals (NAK), Truist Financial Corp (TFC), and Wolverine Worldwide (WWW). Hosts Mark Longo, "Uncle" Mike Tosaw (St. Charles Wealth Management), and Andrew "The Rock Lobster" Giovinazzi (The Option Pit) analyze various market trends and trading strategies, including a detailed look at the collar strategy. The show also features lighthearted moments with an 80s trivia challenge and updates on upcoming earnings for companies like GameStop and Lululemon.   01:28 Meet the Hosts and Co-Hosts 02:46 Kickoff with 80s Trivia Challenge 05:37 Trading Block: Market Analysis and Trends 17:58 Options Trading Insights and Strategies 28:22 Earnings Season Highlights 28:44 GameStop and Meme Stocks 30:06 Lululemon and Other Earnings Reports 31:02 Odd Block: Unusual Options Activity 31:44 Northern Dynasty Minerals: The Knack 38:26 Truist Financial Corp: Bank Calls 43:57 Wolverine Worldwide: Footwear Upside 48:02 Strategy Block: The Year of the Collar 52:18 Around the Block: Market Watch 54:50 Show Wrap-Up and Upcoming Content  

In this episode, Mark Longo, Henry Schwartz from Cboe, and Mike Tosaw from St. Charles Wealth Management discuss the latest trends and activities in the options market. Highlights include a rundown of volume and activity in VIX, SPY, SPX, RUT, and QQQ, as well as specific stocks like BABA, AMD, META, TESLA, and NVIDIA. The episode also dives into unusual call buying activity in SNAP, options trading in the new CBOE Mini Bitcoin ETF Index (MBTX), and updates on recent trades in Southwest Airlines (LUV). Additionally, a listener's question about SPX calendars and the behavior of VIX is addressed, offering educational insight into the complexities of volatility trading. The show concludes with a look at what the hosts will be monitoring in the coming days.   03:18 Market Analysis and Recent Trends 06:05 Trading Block: Latest Topics and Trades 09:01 Market Reactions and Volatility 23:27 Single Stock Highlights 31:29 Earnings Reports: Nike and FedEx 32:22 Micron and GameStop: Upcoming Highlights 32:38 Micron's Market Moves 33:17 The Odd Block: Unusual Options Activity 33:58 Snap Inc: Social Media or Tech? 38:42 Crypto Corner: Cboe Mini Bitcoin ETF 43:11 Southwest Airlines: Upside in Love 45:46 VIX Super Stupid: A Risky Bet 46:31 Mail Block: Listener Questions 54:31 Around the Block: Market Watch  

In this episode, host Mark Longo is back in the Chicago studio after attending the Futures Industry Association conference. The team, including Uncle Mike Tosaw and Andrew Giovinazzi, discuss the mixed market activity and the upcoming Fed meeting, where a rate pause is highly anticipated. The show delves into unusual options activities, focusing on large trades in Vodafone and HUYA. Uncle Mike provides insights on active versus passive hedging strategies, and the episode concludes with 'Around the Block' highlighting what to watch for the rest of the trading week. The listeners are also engaged through a poll on whether to buy or sell Vodafone calls.   01:59 Mark Longo's Return and FIA Insights 03:45 80's Trivia Challenge 07:19 Market Analysis and Trading Block 10:01 Uncle Mike's Market Observations 16:53 Rock Lobster's Market Insights 27:25 VIX and SPY Trading Activity 30:19 Market Overview: Small Caps and QQQ 30:59 Single Names: Top Ten Contracts 31:36 Spotlight on Quantum Straddles 33:34 Amazon and Palantir Performance 34:52 Alibaba and AMD Insights 35:47 Apple and Intel Analysis 37:08 Tesla and NVIDIA Trends 37:49 Odd Block: Unusual Options Activity 49:11 Strategy Block: Hedging Techniques 53:01 Around the Block: Market Watch 55:39 Conclusion and Upcoming Content  

In this episode, the hosts, led by Mark Longo, delve into the current market volatility, the dynamics of the options market, and strategies for navigating today's financial landscape. Joined by guests like Uncle Mike Tosaw and Flowmaster Henry Schwartz, they discuss the influence of tariffs, unusual options activity, and the state of various financial indices. They also explore specific trades and positions, such as in LUV, XRX and NFE. They also engage with listener questions on topics like whether the BTFD trade is dead and whether this spice in the market has legs. The show combines expert insights, market analysis, and a lively discussion on who is everyone's favorite Spice Girl.

In this episode, the hosts, led by Mark Longo, delve into the current market volatility, the dynamics of the options market, and strategies for navigating today's financial landscape. Joined by guests like Uncle Mike Tosaw and Flowmaster Henry Schwartz, they discuss the influence of tariffs, unusual options activity, and the state of various financial indices. They also explore specific trades and positions, such as in Birkenstock and Deutsche Bank, and engage with listener questions on topics like the need for a strategic crypto reserve. The show combines expert insights, market analysis, and a lively discussion on where the VIX might be headed by the end of the month.   03:08 Market Overview and Analysis 04:15 Deep Dive into Market Movements 07:31 Trading Block Insights 11:14 Options Trading Strategies and Opportunities 15:46 Impact of Tariffs on the Market 24:31 Single Stock Analysis and Trends 32:09 Retail Earnings Recap 32:51 Kroger's Earnings Breakdown 33:37 Marvell's Market Reaction 33:55 Macy's Earnings Analysis 34:38 Costco's Performance Post-Earnings 35:22 Oracle's Earnings Preview 35:53 Earnings Season Overview 36:19 Unusual Options Activity: The Odd Block 36:55 Birkenstock's Volatility 42:27 Deutsche Bank's Strong Performance 46:45 Listener Questions and Poll Results 49:16 Market Predictions and Crypto Debate 52:32 VIX Trading Insights 54:53 Around the Block: Market Watch  

In this episode of Options Insider Radio Network, host Mark Longo is joined by Dan Passarelli and Mike Tosaw to discuss the latest options market trends. They delve into recent market volatility, VIX activity, and specific trades in stocks like Carnival Cruise Lines and McCormick & Company. The team also explores growing trends in the options market, such as the effectiveness of long straddles and covered calls. Uncle Mike shares valuable insights on Roth IRAs and backdoor Roth IRAs, highlighting their potential tax advantages. Throughout the episode, the hosts interact with listener questions and poll results, providing a deep dive into various trading strategies and market analyses.   01:25 Meet the Hosts and Co-Hosts 02:51 Kicking Off the Option Block 05:10 80s Trivia Challenge 10:32 Market Analysis and Trading Insights 29:00 Micro Market Movements 29:18 Tech Giants in Focus 34:11 Retail Earnings Preview 37:02 Spicy Options Activity 48:08 Strategy Block: IRA Season Insights 52:24 Around the Block: Market Watch  

This episode of The Option Block, hosted by Mark Longo from the Options Insider Media Group with Henry Schwartz from Cboe Global Markets and Mike Tosaw from St. Charles Wealth Management dives into multiple engaging topics about the current state of the options market. The show covers updates on NVIDIA's recent earnings announcement and the subsequent market reaction, along with the impact on various sectors. The hosts discuss the potential for 24-hour options trading, with mixed opinions on its feasibility. They also highlight intriguing trades, including a massive VIX call straddle and activity in lesser-known names like International Game Technology and Lyft. Listener questions and recent poll results about crypto asset preferences and 24-hour trading wrap up this informative session.   01:21 Meet the Hosts and Sponsors 03:08 Market Overview and Recent Trends 05:52 Trading Block: Market Movements and Analysis 08:27 NVIDIA Earnings and Market Impact 18:58 VIX and Volatility Insights 32:01 WWE's Wild Ride and Corporate Actions 32:35 Snowflake's Hot Streak 33:03 Marathon Digital's Performance 33:38 Salesforce and Nvidia Earnings 34:41 Papa John's Earnings and Market Trends 35:37 Odd Block: Unusual Options Activity 36:20 International Game Technology's Big Trade 41:48 Nvidia and Lyft Options Insights 46:44 Mail Block: Listener Questions and Polls 54:54 Around the Block: Market Watch  

We’re back with another episode of The Option Block. On this episode, we: Discuss the latest in the markets Review the most active equity options for the day including SMCI Examine the latest unusual options activity in BAX, GDRX Talk about 2025 as the year of collar 24-hour trading And much more With your hosts: Mark Longo, The Options Insider Media Group "Uncle" Mike Tosaw, St. Charles Wealth Management Andrew "The Rock Lobster" Giovinazzi, The Option Pit  

We’re back with another episode of The Option Block brought to you by Cboe Global Markets. On this episode, we: Discuss the latest in the markets including silver Talk about the most active equity options for the day including WMT, SMCI Examine the latest unusual options activity in QTBS, BABA, COMP  Look at Feb25 28th PLTR puts trading this morning Comment on how wild it is that spy 0dte does much more than IWM 0dte Talk about VIX options on futures Share what we are looking at for the end of the week/going into next week And much more With your hosts: Mark Longo,  The Options Insider Media Group Kevin Carter, Cboe Global Markets “Uncle” Mike Tosaw, St. Charles Wealth Management Check out the Trade of the Day Insights Newsletter from Trade Alert - Request access to admin@trade-alert.com

We’re back with another episode of The Option Block brought to you by Cboe Global Markets. On this episode, we: Discuss the latest in the markets  Talk about the most active equity options for the day including HOOD Examine the latest unusual options activity in GRAB, OMC, MAG, PTON  Ask if the magical letters “AI” trump the other two letters known as “PE” in the modern market Share what we are looking at for the end of the week/going into next week And much more With your hosts: Mark Longo,  The Options Insider Media Group "The Flowmaster" Henry Schwartz, Cboe Global Markets “Uncle” Mike Tosaw, St. Charles Wealth Management Check out the Trade of the Day Insights Newsletter from Trade Alert - Request access to admin@trade-alert.com

We’re back with another episode of The Option Block. On this episode, we: Discuss the latest in the markets including tariffs Talk about the most active equity options for the day including UBER Review earning volatility in MNDY, MCD, LYFT, DASH, HOOD, DKNG Examine the latest unusual options activity in BBAI, IBN Look at shifting your risk using options And much more With your hosts: Mark Longo, The Options Insider Media Group "Uncle" Mike Tosaw, St. Charles Wealth Management Andrew "The Rock Lobster" Giovinazzi, The Option Pit  

We’re back with another episode of The Option Block brought to you by Cboe Global Markets. On this episode, we: Discuss the latest in the markets  Talk about the most active equity options for the day including PLTR Review the January options volume numbers from OCC Look at earnings season volatility  Examine the latest unusual options activity in F, LAES, BMBL  Check out our latest polls about F and tariffs affecting the markets Share what we are looking at for the end of the week/going into next week And much more With your hosts: Mark Longo,  The Options Insider Media Group "The Flowmaster" Henry Schwartz, Cboe Global Markets “Uncle” Mike Tosaw, St. Charles Wealth Management Check out the Trade of the Day Insights Newsletter from Trade Alert - Request access to admin@trade-alert.com

On this episode Mark, Uncle Mike and the Rock Lobster get into a Royal Rumble over: Tariffs/ Trade Wars VIX PLTR NVDA two-year collars SOUN TIGR and more. 

We’re back with another episode of The Option Block brought to you by Cboe Global Markets. On this episode, we: Discuss the latest in the markets including the Fed, AI, and earnings  Talk about the most active equity options for the day including INTC Look at earnings volatility in AAPL and INTC Examine the latest unusual options activity in PDD, BKR, and TKO Check out our latest polls about AI, SPX/SPY, NVDA and PDD Share what we are looking at for the end of the week/going into next week And much more With your hosts: Mark Longo,  The Options Insider Media Group "The Flowmaster" Henry Schwartz, Cboe Global Markets “Uncle” Mike Tosaw, St. Charles Wealth Management Check out the Trade of the Day Insights Newsletter from Trade Alert - Request access to admin@trade-alert.com

We’re back with another episode of The Option Block. On this episode, we: Discuss the latest in the markets including VIX, PTLO Talk about the most active equity options for the day including NVDA Examine the latest unusual options activity in IVZ, MPLX, BMBL Look at selling puts when the market is down Ask if DeepSeek is the canary in the coalmine for the end of the AI boom And much more With your hosts: Mark Longo, The Options Insider Media Group "Uncle" Mike Tosaw, St. Charles Wealth Management Andrew "The Rock Lobster" Giovinazzi, The Option Pit  

We’re back with another episode of The Option Block brought to you by Cboe Global Markets. On this episode, we: Discuss the latest in the markets Talk about the most active equity options for the day including MSTR Look at earnings volatility in GE, AAL, AA, SOFI, BA, META, MSFT, TSLA Examine the latest unusual options activity in VALE, AKAM, MIR Share what we are looking at for the end of the week/going into next week And much more With your hosts: Mark Longo,  The Options Insider Media Group Nishank Modi, Cboe Global Markets “Uncle” Mike Tosaw, St. Charles Wealth Management Check out the Trade of the Day Insights Newsletter from Trade Alert - Request access to admin@trade-alert.com

We’re back with another episode of The Option Block brought to you by Cboe Global Markets. On this episode, we: Discuss the latest in the markets including TK, AAPL Talk about the most active equity options for the day including BAC, SOFI, AAPL  Look at earnings volatility in BAC, JPM, C Examine the latest unusual options activity in TK, RGTI, GME Share what we are looking at for the end of the week/going into next week And much more With your hosts: Mark Longo,  The Options Insider Media Group Henry "The Flowmaster" Schwartz, Cboe Global Markets “Uncle” Mike Tosaw, St. Charles Wealth Management Dan "The Black Hatted" Passarelli, Market Taker Mentoring Check out the Trade of the Day Insights Newsletter from Trade Alert - Request access to admin@trade-alert.com

We’re back with another episode of The Option Block. On this episode, we: Discuss the latest in the markets including VIX Talk about the most active equity options for the day including DJT, AAPL Examine the latest unusual options activity in PTON Hedging strategies And much more With your hosts: Mark Longo, The Options Insider Media Group "Uncle" Mike Tosaw, St. Charles Wealth Management Andrew "The Rock Lobster" Giovinazzi, The Option Pit