The Options Insider Radio Network

In this high-voltage Friday edition of the Hot Options Report, Mark Longo breaks down a this day of trading with the Strait of Hormuz back in business, oil prices have plummeted 10%, sending the S&P 500 and the Dow to all-time highs. It took nearly a million contracts just to crack today's Top 10—find out where the "smart money" is moving as the geopolitical "House of Horrors" begins to fade. On today's report: Senate "YAY" Scan: We go deep into the latest Capitol Hill disclosures. What is Senator John Boozman buying? We track his moves in MSFT, NVDA, and VEA. The Tech Explosion: Massive volume in Intel (INTC), Meta (META), and Amazon (AMZN) as traders bet on the rally extending into next week. MSTR & The Monster Move: MicroStrategy surges nearly 12%! We analyze the 1.5 million contracts that hit the tape. Earnings Hangover: While the rest of the market flies, Netflix (NFLX) is feeling the pain. Is there a silver lining in the par strike activity? The Tesla Goliath: Nearly 5 million contracts traded in TSLA today. We break down the massive battle at the $400 level. Stay ahead of the tape with the latest from HotOptionsReport.com .  

Is it "opposite day" in the financial markets? In this episode of Volatility Views, Mark Longo is joined by Russell Rhoads (Dr. VIX), Andrew Giovinazzi from Option Pit, and Scott Nations from Nations Indexes to deconstruct a wild week where bad news for the world seemingly became fuel for a massive equity rally. The team dives deep into the "Bizarro" nature of the current landscape—where a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz resulted in a market surge and a ceasefire triggered explosive upside momentum. Key topics include: The Volatility Review: A look at VIX Cash levels, the collapse of VVIX, and the surprising lack of "flight to quality" in gold and treasuries. Bizarro Markets: How the S&P 500 reached new highs despite crude oil remaining significantly elevated. RMC Insights: Russell Rhoads shares his top-level takeaways from the latest Risk Management Conference (RMC), including the shift toward buffered ETFs and the latest research on VIX futures reactions to spot. VIX Options Flow: A breakdown of massive volume in May and June strikes, including a look at the "Scott Nations Special" deep out-of-the-money calls. The Crystal Ball: The team peers into the future to predict where the VIX and Volley will land next week. Check out tastytrade -  Named as the best broker for options in 2025 and 2026 by Investopedia and StockBrokers.com.

Is it time to give the markets the "Big Adios"? Host Mark Longo and guest Dan Gramza of Gramza Capital Management break down an explosive week in the futures options markets. From relief rallies in equities to the curious behavior of the "safe haven" play in gold, we're dissecting the top movers and the most aggressive options paper hitting the tape. In This Episode: Movers & Shakers: A heavy bias toward the light side this week. We analyze the 8% surge in Hard Red Wheat and the massive 4.7% climb in the NASDAQ 100. Equities Spotlight: S&P 500 (ES) is hitting new all-time highs. Is this the "mother of all relief rallies," or are new sellers preparing a trend change? Plus, a look at the heavy 0DTE action around the 7100 level. Metals (Copper & Gold): Dan explains why he's skeptical of the copper rally and shares a "Big Adios" level for the red metal. We also explore the broken traditional playbook for gold during Middle East conflicts and its relationship with the 10-year yield. Energy (WTI Crude Oil): Crude is vacillating near the $91 mark. We break down the June par calls, the $65 puts, and why the "hopium" regarding Middle East de-escalation is driving the current term structure. Check out the Movers & Shakers report and more at CMEGroup.com/TWIFO .

Is this the "Golden Age" of derivatives trading, or are we just off the rails? In this episode, Mark Longo and the "All-Star Panel" break down an explosive week that saw the S&P 500 rally nearly 700 handles off the lows. With the VIX coming back to earth and new all-time highs on the horizon, the team explores whether the market has finally exhausted the bears. On the Block: The Macro View: A look at the 10% gain in the S&P 500 since late March and why the "Dudes" (Big Tech names like Google, Amazon, and Microsoft) are leading the charge. RMC Recap: Henry "The Flowmaster" Schwartz returns from the Cboe Risk Management Conference with insights on the state of the industry and retail vs. RIA flow at Schwab. Zero DTE Debate: Is selling zero-day options becoming too crowded, or is there still a "free weekend" to be had? The Odd Block: Merlin, Inc. (MRLN): A newcomer specializing in AI-powered autonomous flight (drones). Why is the stock up 300% from its lows? Compass Therapeutics (CMPX): Massive volume in biotech. Is someone betting on a binary event? Lucid Group (LCID): While the rest of the market rallies, the EVs are getting shellacked. We look at the bearish flow and potential "line in the sand" puts.

Welcome to a wild Thursday edition of The Hot Options Report! Today, host Mark Longo dives deep into a massive day of volume where it took over 650,000 contracts just to break into the Top 10. We kick things off with a unique look at the "House Nay" Scan from TheHotOptionsReport.com, revealing the most recent stock sales disclosed by members of the House of Representatives, including a flurry of activity from New Jersey's Thomas H. Keen. On this episode, we break down the hottest options action in: The Semi Sector: Intel (INTC) continues its parabolic run, up nearly 50% this month, while AMD clocks an 8% gain. We analyze the aggressive call buying and "home run" trades hitting the tape. Earnings Watch: Netflix (NFLX) sees massive volume ahead of its after-hours report—is the "Widow Maker" living up to its name? The Big Tech Tape: Inside the flow for Microsoft (MSFT), Amazon (AMZN), and Apple (AAPL) as they battle key strikes heading into Friday's expiration. Market Leaders: High-stakes "rolls of the bones" in MicroStrategy (MSTR) and the battle for the "Par Strike" in Nvidia (NVDA) and Tesla (TSLA). Whether you're tracking Congressional trades or chasing the next monster rally, get the data you need to stay ahead of the tape. Check out more at: TheHotOptionsReport.com

On this episode of The Futures Rundown, Mark Longo breaks down a fascinating week where equities are hitting all-time highs and the VIX is facing a serious "bloodletting." We dive into the "Dark Side" to see what's crashing (looking at you, OJ and NatGas) and flip the script to find out why Silver and Cocoa are finally finding some love. In this episode, we explore: The Trading Pit: Why a 200k contract day feels like "watching paint dry" and what's leading the volume (hint: it's the Micros). Energy & Metals: Crude oil's threat to par, the Brent/WTI spread, and the "classy" move in Aluminium. Crypto Corner: Ether and Bitcoin's year-to-date struggle vs. this week's "inhale." The Leaderboard: Why Heating Oil is the king of the mountain (+75%) while Cocoa remains the year's biggest loser despite a weekly bounce. Check out tastytrade - THE brokerage for active traders

The options market is hitting a fever pitch as tech giants propel major indices to fresh record highs. In this episode of The Hot Options Report, host Mark Longo breaks down an absolute "banger" of a day where it took nearly 600,000 contracts just to crack the Top 10. We kick things off with a deep dive into the "Acts of Congress" scan, revealing the latest stock disclosures from Capitol Hill, including trades in Integris (IDYA), Amcor (AMCR), and Marriott (MAR). Mark discusses why these disclosures matter and the ongoing debate surrounding Congressional stock trading. The main event belongs to Tesla (TSLA). With Elon Musk doubling down on the "AI5" chip milestone, Tesla shares skyrocketed over 7.5%, triggering a massive surge of 6.26 million options contracts. Is this the start of a new AI-driven bull run for Musk's flagship, or a temporary spark? Also in this episode: Robinhood (HOOD): Why the SEC's repeal of the Pattern Day Trading (PDT) rule sent the stock up 10% and what it means for retail traders. Nvidia (NVDA): Chasing all-time highs with over 4.2 million contracts traded. Tech Rally: Analyzing the heavy flow in Oracle (ORCL), Palantir (PLTR), Meta (META), Microsoft (MSFT), and Apple (AAPL). Amazon (AMZN) & SoFi (SOFI): Contrasting the tech laggards with the breakout momentum in fintech. Join us for a high-velocity look at the trades dominating the tape and impacting your account. Visit TheHotOptionsReport.com for more options data.

It's Tax Day on the network! Mark Longo and Dan Passarelli tackle the most requested topic of the season: how to keep the IRS out of your options profit. From the simplicity of the IRA "end run" to the mathematical beauty of 60/40 tax treatment on Section 1256 contracts (like SPX), the drill instructors break down how to optimize your tax bill. In this episode, we cover: The IRA Advantage: Why tax-deferred accounts are an options trader's best friend. Section 1256 Contracts: How to get long-term tax rates on short-term trades. The Complexity of Basis: Why multi-leg spreads can become an accountant's nightmare. Double Calendars: Dan clarifies the "Friday-Monday" spread strategy discussed in previous episodes. Defending The Wheel: Dan responds to critics who call his favorite strategy "garbage." Listener Mail Call: Binging 13 years of options education and overcoming the "overwhelming" start. Check out tastytrade - named best broker for options trading. Genius loves Company.

The options tape is on fire! Despite geopolitical tensions in the Straits of Hormuz, the market staged a massive rally this Tuesday, April 14, 2026. On today's Hot Options Report, Mark Longo breaks down a wild session where over half a million contracts were required just to break into the Top 10. Inside This Episode: The MA 50+ Scan: We highlight the top movers breaking their 50-day moving average by over 5%, including IONQ, ARAI, and AAL. Intel (INTC): After a 40% monthly rally, Intel gives some back. Why are traders still piling into the May 70 calls? Nvidia (NVDA): Regaining its throne at the #1 spot with 3.16 million contracts as it inches closer to its all-time high. Big Tech Movers: Rapid-fire analysis of heavy volume in Oracle (ORCL), Meta (META), Micron (MU), and Microsoft (MSFT). The Weekly Outlook: A look at the "midweek" contracts for Meta and the aggressive July upside bets in Netflix (NFLX). Stop guessing and start scanning. Check out the tools mentioned in the show at TheHotOptionsReport.com .

Is the traditional geopolitical risk playbook dead? In this episode of The European Market Brief, Mark Longo is joined by Morad Askar, Founder of EdgeClear, and Matt Koren, Equity and Index Derivatives Sales and Global VSTOXX Lead at Eurex, to dissect the unprecedented market activity following recent escalations in the Middle East. While the "old playbook" suggests a flight to quality in gold and a spike in oil, the recent blockade of the Strait of Hormuz has sent the markets into a tailspin of "trade the tweet" volatility that defied standard expectations. The team explores why European derivatives—particularly VSTOXX and EURO STOXX 50—saw volumes surge to 2x their annual average, and why the "buy the dip" mentality is being tested like never before. Topics covered include: The Volatility Regime: Why VSTOXX hit levels near 35 while VIX lagged behind. The Transatlantic Spread: How energy dependency makes European markets more vulnerable to Middle East conflict than the US. Retail vs. Institutional Flow: The shift toward order book liquidity and the rise of daily options in Europe. Risk Management: Why "holding through the weekend" has become a dangerous game for professional traders in a 24/7 news cycle. Whether you're trading DAX, Bunds, or looking for cross-border volatility opportunities, this episode provides the "new" rules for an evolving, headline-driven market.

Is the volatility dream dead, or is Bitcoin just growing up? In this episode, host Mark Longo is joined by Mr. Bill Ulivieri of Cenacle Capital Management to break down a surprisingly "sleepy" couple of weeks in the digital asset space. As Bitcoin rallies toward the $72k mark, the crew explores why implied volatility (IV) is cratering and whether BTC has officially transitioned into a "risk-free" asset suitable only for "widows and orphans." In this episode, we dive into: The Bitcoin Breakdown: BTC's climb to $72,352 and why 30-day IV has dropped nearly 10 points. IBIT Analysis: How the flood of equity flow into Bitcoin ETFs is "killing the juice" for option traders. Altcoin Universe: A look at the Top 10 market caps, the persistence of Tron, and why Ethereum feels like the "next TLT." The "Degen" Corner: Introducing C-CUP (the T-Rex 2x Long Daily Target ETF) for those who find Circle too boring. Stacks (STX): Why Bill is eyeing this "forgotten" token as a massive AI + Bitcoin infrastructure play. Mainstream Adoption: The impact of the new Visa Bitcoin Rewards card and what it means for annual supply.

Markets are heating up this Monday as geopolitical tensions and massive tech rallies collide. In this episode of the Hot Options Report, Mark Longo breaks down a wild session where Tesla (TSLA) reclaimed its throne at the top of the options leaderboard with 2.84 million contracts traded. Despite whispers of a blockade in the Strait of Hormuz driving oil past $100, the equity options tape remained focused on high-growth tech and massive individual movers. We dive into the unusual activity fueling Oracle's (ORCL) 12% surge, the parabolic "rampage" in Intel (INTC), and the last-minute expirations that left some paper "sweating" in Nvidia (NVDA) and Microsoft (MSFT). Inside This Episode: The Lucky 7 Scan: A deep dive into PG&E (PCG), Repligen (REPL), and the SPDR S&P Bank ETF (KBE)—names where volume exploded to 7x their daily average. Tesla's Dominance: How the 355-strike calls became the hottest ticket in the market as TSLA pushed toward $353. Big Tech Breakdown: * Micron (MU): Why paper is betting on a run to $450 by the end of the week. Intel (INTC): With the stock up 65% year-to-date, are traders finally stepping in front of the freight train? Oracle (ORCL): Breaking down the 644,000 contracts that followed today's double-digit breakout. Ouchie of the Day: A look at the Meta (META) and Apple (AAPL) 0DTE (zero days to expiration) plays that went down to the wire. Stay Ahead of the Tape: Check out the full scan results and more data-driven insights at TheHotOptionsReport.com . Join the Conversation: Follow us on the Options Insider Radio Network and download our app on iTunes or Google Play to never miss a trade.

Markets shrug off geopolitical chaos yet again as the Option Block crew dives into stealthy U-boats, sneaky Finns, and surging stocks. Mark Longo, "Uncle" Mike Tosaw, and Andrew "The Rock Lobster" Giovinazzi break down the latest action in equities, volatility, earnings season, unusual options flow, and strategy in today's volatile environment. In this episode: U-Boat trivia sparks another heated 80s challenge battle Markets rally despite escalating Middle East tensions VIX slips below 20 while traders pile into downside puts Goldman Sachs earnings reaction and major financial earnings preview Unusual options activity in Coupang (CPNG) and Nokia (NOK) Intel, Tesla, Palantir, Oracle, and CoreWeave heating up Strategy Block: How to trade elevated volatility with covered calls and vertical spreads Around the Block: What to watch into the next session tastytrade — the brokerage built for active options traders, featuring low commissions, powerful analytics, and education for traders of all levels.

The options market waits for no one! Mark Longo wraps up a wild trading week for Friday, April 10, 2026, with a deep dive into the top 10 most active names lighting up the tape. From Intel's massive 33% monthly surge to a bizarre price-action swing in Palantir sparked by social media from the White House, we break down where the paper was flowing and who was sweating the Friday expirations. On this episode, we cover: NVIDIA's massive volume: Is index-level activity the new normal? Intel & Core Weave: The momentum names defying the sellers. Palantir's Rollercoaster: How a presidential tweet sent the 130 calls on a wild ride. The "Fruit Company" Shrug: Why Apple stayed flat despite a $3 intraday range. Tech Giants: Action in Meta, AMD, and the "Amazonians." Check out the full data at TheHotOptionsReport.com to kick the tires and light the fires on your own trades.

On this episode, Mark Longo, Russell Rhoads (the "Dr. VIX"), and Andrew Giovinazzi of Option Pit dive into a wild week in the vol markets. After a massive relief rally triggered by ceasefire headlines, the crew explores whether the "guns going silent" has permanently dampened the VIX or if we're just in a "hurry up and wait" market. In this episode, we cover: The Ceasefire Surge: How the S&P 500 roared back past 6,800 and what it meant for VIX cash and Volley. Volatility Review: A breakdown of the 10-point VIX drop in two weeks and the "spicy" CPI numbers hitting the tape. The Weekly Rundown: Russell breaks down a "Hall of Fame" trade—turning 9 cents into $1.60—and the rise of deep-in-the-money put spreads. Futures & Curves: Is the return of contango an opportunity or a trap? Plus, a look at the October "Midterm Vol" and the front-month April futures. The Crystal Ball: The team places their bets on where the VIX will land next week. Will we see a sub-20 handle or a weekend reversal? Check out more from the Options Insider Radio Network: * Pro Q&As and Exclusives: TheOptionsInsider.com/Pro Trading Tools: Tastytrade.com/podcasts

Here are two SEO-optimized show descriptions for TWIFO 492: Crude Slides and Stocks Soar on Iran Deal, tailored for Libsyn and YouTube. Is the energy rally finally running out of steam? In this high-octane episode of This Week in Futures Options, host Mark Longo is joined by Mike Tosaw of St. Charles Wealth Management. Together, they dissect a massive reversal in the markets as crude oil takes a double-digit tumble while equities stage an aggressive relief rally following headlines of a potential U.S.-Iran ceasefire. From the shifting volatility in WTI to the surprising resilience of small caps, we break down the institutional flow and retail sentiment across the CME Group complex. In this episode, we cover: The Movers & Shakers: A look at the "dark side" dominated by Energy (WTI, Brent, and Heating Oil) versus the "light side" led by Bitcoin and the Russell 2000. Equities (S&P 500 & Russell 2000): Analyzing the 24-hour market's reaction to geopolitical news and the aggressive rotation back into small caps. Energy Deep Dive: Why WTI volume is 2x the normal average and what the "par" strike (100) tells us about future price action. Plus, a look at the bizarre "volatility flip" between Crude and Natural Gas. Interest Rates: Examining the 10-year note, the disappearance of the inverted yield curve, and why puts are back on the menu for rates traders.

Is the market finally out of the woods, or is this just a massive relief rally? On this episode of The Option Block, Host Mark Longo is joined by "Uncle Mike" Tosaw of St. Charles Wealth Management for "Uncle Mike Spotlight Week." The panel breaks down a market that seems determined to buy every dip following the de-escalation of hostilities in the Persian Gulf. In this episode, we dive into: The Trading Block: The S&P 500 eyes the 6,845 level as it nears positive territory for the year. We analyze the "truth" found in the charts versus the news cycle and look at the VIX as it exhales toward the 20 handle. The Odd Block: A deep dive into unusual activity in Photronics (PLAB) with June 55 calls, a massive swing for the fences in Satellogic (SATL) April 9 calls, and a post-mortem on the heavy volume in Terawulf (WULF). Big Tech Breakdown: Momentum shifts in Amazon (AMZN) and Meta, a surge in Intel (INTC), and why Palantir (PLTR) is seeing red despite the broader market green. Mail Call: We review the "Question of the Week" regarding the long-term market impact of Middle East conflict and settle the debate: Microsoft (MSFT) vs. Micron (MU). Around the Block: What to watch for as we approach the weekend, including WD-40 (WDFC) earnings and the critical technical resistance levels for the major indices.

The closing bell on Thursday, April 9th, 2026, rings in a green session as geopolitical headlines trigger a massive relief rally across the equity markets. On today's Hot Options Report, we break down a high-volume session where over 617,000 contracts were required just to crack the Top 10. We dive deep into the massive 33% five-day run for Intel (INTC) and a potential "grand slam" exit in the June 40 calls. Meanwhile, Micron (MU) and AMD continue their wild journeys, and Tesla (TSLA) bulls finally find a foothold. On Today's Countdown: The Tech Titans: Deep dives into heavy flow for Microsoft (MSFT), Apple (AAPL), and Meta (META) ahead of tomorrow's weekly expiration. The Big Winner: Analyzing the massive profit-taking in INTC and the momentum in Amazon (AMZN). Nvidia & Tesla: Tracking the "at-the-money" battleground as paper hits the bid on TSLA puts and rolls the bones on NVDA calls. The Outlier: Why Palantir (PLTR) struggled to join the party, dropping 7% despite the broader market rally. Whether you're looking for the most active strikes or trying to decode institutional paper, we've got the tape covered. Get more at TheHotOptionsReport.com or become a Pro member at TheOptionsInsider.com/Pro .

Can you handle the Double Calendar? In this episode of Options Boot Camp, the drill instructors tackle a strategy never before discussed on the network. Mark Longo is joined by the "Calendar King of Chicago" himself, John Kmiecik from Market Taker Mentoring (MTM), to break down the Double Calendar Spread. John reveals how the addition of Monday and Wednesday expirations for heavy hitters like Nvidia, Apple, and Tesla has completely shifted the risk-reward profile of time spreads. The guys also dive into the "Viceroy Special"—the definitive answer to when you should stop trading options and just buy the stock. On the Drill Floor: The Double Calendar: How to trade two ranges at once with lower cost and risk. The Mid-Week Edge: Leveraging new Monday/Wednesday expirations to your advantage. Spicy Volatility: Strategies to lean into (and which to avoid) when the VIX hits 30. The Rate Cut Debate: Is the market pricing in a pivot or more pain? Whether you're looking to harvest premium or survive a market whipsaw, this episode turns complex concepts into actionable drills. Genius Loves Company: See why Investopedia named Tastytrade the best broker for options in 2024. Get low pricing, elite education, and a support team that actually gets how traders trade at tastytrade.com/podcasts .

In this episode of The Option Block, Host Mark Longo and "Uncle" Mike Tosaw from St. Charles Wealth Management dive into a wild Monday market. With "The Rock Lobster" hitting the slopes, the duo navigates a landscape filled with geopolitical headline risk, 80s sports trivia, and significant technical sell-offs. The Trading Block: The panel analyzes the "Monday Rally" following a weekend of geopolitical tension. We look at the VIX hanging near 24, the impact of non-farm payrolls on a closed market Friday, and the massive volume in Tesla (TSLA) as it dips below the $350 level. Plus, a breakdown of the top 10 most actives including Intel (INTC), Apple (AAPL), and Nvidia (NVDA). The Odd Block: It's a "blood-red" day for Veridian Therapeutics (VRDN). We examine the massive 22% drop and the suspicious put activity leading into May earnings. We also revisit Enovix Corp (ENVX) call buying and a "lose-lose" expiration scenario in Magna Corp (MAGN). Strategy & Mail Block: Uncle Mike discusses Strike Price Selection for covered calls in a high-volatility environment—should you go for the "juice" at-the-money or play it safe? We also reveal the results of our "Gun to your Head" poll: Microsoft (MSFT) vs. Micron (MU).

In this episode of This Week in Futures Options, Mark Longo dives into a wild week of trading dominated by headlines surrounding the Iran conflict. From massive moves in WTI Crude to a fascinating rotation in the Russell 2000, we break down the movers and shakers lighting up the tape at CME Group. In this episode, we cover: The Movers & Shakers: Why WTI Crude Oil topped the list with an 18% move while Natural Gas continued its slide to the "dark side." Safe Havens vs. Risk Assets: A look at Gold, Silver, and Platinum's performance during geopolitical uncertainty. Equities & Small Caps: A deep dive into the Russell 2000 (RTY), exploring the 2300 put spreads and why puts dominated the tape despite a late-week rally. Volatility & Skew: Analyzing the 7-point drop in small-cap volatility and how skew is shifting in the April contracts. Whether you're a veteran trader or a newcomer, tune in for the data-driven insights you need to navigate today's volatile futures options marketplace. This episode is brought to you by CME Group.

Market volatility is mirroring the spring weather—swinging from 80 degrees to 40 in a flash. Host Mark Longo is joined by "The Flowmaster" Henry Schwartz of Cboe and Uncle Mike Tosaw of St. Charles Wealth Management to break down a record-shattering month in the options market and find out why everyone is suddenly trading... soup? On this episode, the crew dives into: The Trading Block: A look at a massive "Red Thursday." We recap the overnight sell-off fueled by geopolitical tensions and the surprising intraday recovery. Volume Records: March was a "banger." We break down the OCC numbers showing over 1.5 billion contracts traded—the spiciest month in history. The Odd Block: * Campbell Soup (CPB): Why is there aggressive call buying in a stock the CEO allegedly caught on a hot mic disparaging? Marathon Digital (MARA): Deciphering the massive roll in the 8.5 calls as crypto miners pivot to AI data centers. Replimune Group (REPL): A 300% IV biotech play that has "wild" written all over it. Around the Block: Predictions on the long-term market impact of Middle East conflicts and what to watch for in a truncated holiday week.

In investing, we're often fixated on outcomes, where a stock starts and where it ends up. But how a stock gets from one price to another can matter just as much as the destination itself. In this latest episode of the Wide World of Options podcast, host Mark Benzaquen welcomes guest Jay Soloff of Investor's Alley to discuss Path Dependency and how it can shape risk, investor behavior, and real-world returns in ways that a simple beginning and ending price can never fully capture.

Is crude oil the new meme stock, or are we just witnessing a classic supply shock? In this episode of The Futures Rundown, Mark Longo is joined by Brett Friedman, Managing Partner at Winhall Risk Analytics, to dissect a wild week in the pits. As geopolitical tensions shift from Venezuela to Iran, the energy complex has reclaimed center stage. We break down why WTI and Brent are seeing "triple-digit" volatility levels—territory usually reserved for Natural Gas—and whether the current market madness truly is "unprecedented" or if history has a lesson for today's traders. In this episode, we explore: The Energy Surge: Why WTI and Brent are dominating the tape and what the extreme backwardation in the futures curve is telling us about the next three months. The Gold & Silver Flip: Why the "debasement trade" lost its luster just as conflict flared, and whether gold is still a "flight to quality" or just another risk asset. Volatility Reality Check: Brett compares today's markets to Gulf War I, Gulf War II, and the 2020 "negative crude" era. The Trading Pit: A countdown of the week's biggest gainers and losers, from Heating Oil's massive rally to the ongoing "bloodletting" in the Crypto complex. Equities & Correlation: How the S&P is reacting to headlines out of Washington and what rising correlation indexes mean for your strategy.

Happy April Fool's Day! In this special "Options Fool's Day" edition of Options Boot Camp, Mark Longo is joined by guest instructor John Kmiecik from Market Taker Mentoring (filling in for Dan Passarelli, who may or may not be riding donkeys in Santorini). While the spirit of the day is lighthearted, the lessons on what NOT to do are very real. The duo dives into a "too good to be true" scenario involving high-ratio spreads, exploring the seductive but dangerous world of "free lunch" trading. We also have a bit of fun with some "breaking" (and completely fabricated) OCC volume numbers to see if the golden goose of options trading is finally cooked. In this episode, we cover: The March Pro Trading Crate Giveaway: We crown our latest winner! The "Infinite Return" Myth: A deep dive into ratio spreads, 1x4 lopsided trades, and why "zero outlay" usually comes with a massive hidden price tag. Market Satire: Analyzing the (fake) cracks in options volume and what the real state of the industry looks like. Education vs. Pranks: Distinguishing between sound strategy and the "nonsense" that can lead a small account to ruin. Disclaimer: This episode contains April Fool's satire. Please do not attempt 1x4 net short ratio spreads at home unless you enjoy financial ruin!

Don't let the date fool you—the volatility in today's market is no joke! In this episode of The Hot Options Report, Mark Longo breaks down a high-energy Wednesday session where tech giants dominated the tape and a massive put bias swept through specific sectors. We start with a deep dive into the Put Bias Scan from TheHotOptionsReport.com , highlighting unusual activity in the Materials Sector (XLB) and Germany ETF (EWG), before revealing a staggering 747 put-call ratio in Service Properties Trust (SVC). Then, we countdown the Top 10 most active names on the tape, featuring: Nike (NKE): Getting "shellacked" with a 15% drop following earnings. Micron (MU): Riding a massive 9% rollercoaster move. The "M-Tech" Strip: Heavy volume in Meta, Microsoft, and Alphabet. Tesla (TSLA) & Nvidia (NVDA): Claiming the top spots as retail traders pile into zero-day (0DTE) April Fool's expiry contracts. Note: Due to the truncated holiday week, this is our final report until Monday. Trade safe and stay tuned to the Options Insider Radio Network!

In this episode of The European Market Brief, Mark Longo is joined by Dr. Russell Rhoads (IU Kelley School of Business), Steve Sosnick (Interactive Brokers), and Matt Riley (Eurex) to dissect a rapidly shifting landscape. With the Iran conflict crossing the one-month mark, the panel explores why the "shock and awe" expectations of a quick resolution have evaporated, replaced by fears of a lingering market impact through the end of the year. Key Topics Covered: The VSTOXX 30-Handle: We haven't seen these levels in a year. Is the current spike justified, or are traders "once bitten, twice shy" after the quick recoveries of 2025? The Great Divergence: Why the U.S. and Europe are splitting on rate expectations—from "endless cuts" to potential hikes. Free Data for the "Eurex-Curious": Steve Sosnick breaks down Interactive Brokers' new initiative providing free real-time Eurex data for retail and institutional traders. Rotation vs. Repatriation: Is the "Sell America" trade real? Why investors are looking at the STOXX 600 for value and diversification away from the Mag 7. The Red Phone: The team answers listener questions on the Brent/WTI spread and whether the U.S. Midterms are actually being priced into European vol. This episode is brought to you by Eurex—the home of Euro STOXX, VSTOXX, DAX, and European rates derivatives.

The bulls are back in town! On this Tuesday, March 31, 2026 edition of The Hot Options Report, Mark Longo breaks down a high-octane session where major indices surged over 2%. We're digging into the "Lucky Seven" scan results—including Kopin Corp (KOPN), Marriott, and STX50—before diving into the massive institutional flow hitting the top of the tape. From NVIDIA's relentless volume to Meta's massive $35 move, we analyze the specific strikes and expiries that defined the day. Whether it's the "April Fools" expirations in Microsoft or the heavy call buying in Micron, find out where the smart money is positioning for the start of the new month. In this episode, we discuss: Lucky Seven Scan: Why KOPN took the top spot today. The Big Four: How META, MU, TSLA, and NVDA are dominating the total market volume. Tech Recovery: Analyzing the $11 pop in Microsoft (MSFT) and Apple's (AAPL) Buffett-fueled rally. Retail Favorites: What's happening with the high-volume flows in SoFi, Palantir (PLTR), and AMD. Find more at TheOptionsInsider.com or HotOptionsReport.com .

Can you buy a home without selling your Bitcoin? On this episode of The Crypto Rundown, host Mark Longo welcomes Josip Rupena, CEO of Milo, to explain the world of crypto-backed mortgages. We dive into how BTC and ETH holders can bridge the gap between digital assets and real estate without triggering taxable events or losing out on future appreciation. What's Inside this Episode: The Crypto Hot Seat: Josip Rupena breaks down the mechanics of the world's first crypto mortgage and how $100M+ in transactions are changing the lending game. Risk vs. Reward: How do these loans handle 60%+ drawdowns in Bitcoin? We discuss LTV (Loan-to-Value) ratios, margin calls, and custody options. Bitcoin Breakdown: A deep dive into the latest data from Amber Data. We analyze the recent BTC sell-off to $66k, shifting volatility, and why the long-term upside premium seems to be disappearing. Altcoin Universe: Quick hits on ETH flirting with the $2k level, the massive 30% correction in Circle (CRCL), and whether Doge or Shiba Inu will ever buy you a house. Links & Resources: Learn more about Milo: milo.io Get Granular Data: intelligence.amberdata.com Join the Pro Community: theoptionsinsider.com/pro

Market volatility is back as the tech sector faces a "spicy" start to the week. In today's episode, Mark Longo breaks down the massive SPX 6465/6485 0-DTE call spread that dominated the tape with over 4,300 contracts. We also dive into a brutal day for the chip sector, led by a nearly 10% sell-off in Micron (MU) and significant pullbacks in Intel (INTC) and AMD. With a shortened holiday week ahead (no trading this Friday!), we analyze where the "smart money" is positioning in SoFi, Nvidia, and Tesla. Is the retail crowd catching the falling knife in tech, or is paper selling the bounce? Highlights include: SPX: A deep dive into the top 0-DTE spread scan. MU: The aggressive turnaround after its record-breaking rally to 500. INTC: Analyzing the unusual activity in April 70 calls. NVDA & TSLA: Breaking down the massive volume at the 165 and 360 put strikes. Visit TheHotOptionsReport.com to run your own scans and stay ahead of the tape.

Is the treasury market the new "war bond" front? As conflict-driven volatility continues to grip the markets, the Option Block panel gathers to break down a Monday session defined by crushing vol, shifting correlations, and a flight to safety. Mark Longo is joined by Uncle Mike Tosaw of St. Charles Wealth Management and Andrew "The Rock Lobster" Giovinazzi from Option Pit to discuss whether we've entered a "sell the rally" regime reminiscent of the 1990s. In this episode, the team dives into: The Trading Block: Why the "Grand Conciliatory Gesture" rally failed early, and why small caps are getting rotated into oblivion. The Odd Block: Unusual activity in Palantir (PLTR), a strange call play in Zoom Info (GTM), and a massive historical "home run" trade in Bilibili (BILI). The Strategy Block: How to play a 30 VIX using covered calls—should you sell at-the-money for premium or go further out-of-the-money for the eventual relief rally? Around the Block: Predictions on the "Strait of Hormuz" effect and whether the Fed has officially entered "punt mode" for the rest of 2026.

The trading week wraps up with a "blood red" screen, but high volatility means high volume on the options tape! In this episode of The Hot Options Report, Mark Longo breaks down a spicy session where it took over 577,000 contracts just to crack the Top 10. We dive deep into the massive activity across the M-Tech names and beyond, including: The Big Sell-Off: Why Meta, Amazon, and Microsoft are facing a rough slog year-to-date. The Nvidia Dominance: A look at the nearly 300,000 puts that lit up the #1 spot on our countdown. Tesla's Slide: With the 400 strike in the rearview mirror, we track the aggressive action in the 360 puts. Sweating the Premiums: Why sellers of Micron and Apple calls had to hold their breath through intraday spikes. Overnight Move Scan: A quick look at the top movers hitting the scanners at TheHotOptionsReport.com , including HWGG, RNMNS, and AGX. Don't miss the data-driven breakdown of where "Paper" was betting today and which trades went out worthless versus those that paid off at the wire.

The "warm turns" mid-week as the post-Iran conflict pattern continues to haunt the markets. In this episode, Mark Longo, Mark Sebastian, and Dr. Russell Rhoads break down why the VIX is finally showing its teeth and whether the 30 handle is the new normal. Inside this episode: The Volatility Review: A deep dive into the "Weekend Trade" dynamics, the spike in VVIX, and why the "bus drivers" of this market—Oil and Bonds—are screaming for attention. The Looming Specters: Analysis of the OECD's revised inflation forecasts and why the "R-word" (Recession) is starting to echo across Europe and the US. VIX Options Insight: Are the 15 puts dead? We look at the massive flow into April 20 and 19 puts, and the debut of some "psychologically relevant" strikes. Russell's Weekly Rundown: Dr. VIX explores the "most important election of our lifetime" trade and highlights a rare appearance of the April 39 calls. ETP Check-in: The shifting liquidity from UVXY to UVIX and how to manage the "ulcer index" in a backwardation environment. Download the Options Insider Mobile App today on iTunes and Google Play to stay ahead of the curve. Go to https//:tastytrade.com/podcasts to learn about tastytrade.

Volatility is back with a vengeance! In this episode of This Week in Futures Options, host Mark Longo and Carley Garner (DeCarley Trading) break down a "blood red" Thursday as equity indices struggle to hold their gains and the energy complex reaches a boiling point. From the "Queen of Crude" to the "Widow Maker," we dive deep into the massive volatility shifts hitting the CME Group markets. Is the stock market repeating last year's April pattern? Why is gold behaving like a risk asset instead of a safe haven? And what on earth is the "Oats Knows" indicator telling us about the grains? On the Dossier: Movers & Shakers: A 60/40 bias toward the dark side, led by a massive drop in Oats and Silver. Equities: Analyzing the "orderly" sell-off in the S&P and Nasdaq—and why the elevated VIX has us nervous about hidden leverage. Energy: WTI crude enters triple-digit volatility. Carley explains why "it all ends in tears" and offers a clever way to play the energy trade through the Japanese Yen. Metals: Gold breaks its traditional playbook. We look at the 4,100 "line in the sand" and why silver speculators have officially left the building. Agricultural: A flip in corn skew and how to use the grains to play the war without the "triple-digit" volatility of crude oil.

Markets are seeing "blood red" across the board as the tech giants give up the ghost. On today's episode, Mark Longo breaks down a high-velocity day in the options pits, where over half a million contracts was the baseline just to break into the top ten. We dive deep into our Call Pump Scan of the Day, highlighting unusual bullish flow in names like WisdomTree (WT), Steve Madden (SHOO), and CalVista Pharmaceuticals (KALV). Meanwhile, the "Magnificent Seven" are facing a reckoning: from Nvidia's $7.50 slide to Meta's massive 8% drop. Key Highlights: Meta's Intriguing Fly: Is the sell-off overdone? We dissect a massive 100k x 200k x 100k long-term call butterfly (700/750/800) in Meta. Tesla's "Penny" Protection: Why someone just bought 100,000 of the 680 calls for next week. Semiconductor Slump: Checking the wreckage in AMD and Micron as they plummet from recent highs. Apple & Alphabet: Analyzing the short-term put action as traders bet on further downside for tomorrow's expiration. Get the data behind the trades at TheHotOptionsReport.com .

The markets are seeing red this Thursday, but the action in the pits is heating up. Join Mark Longo, Henry "The Flowmaster" Schwartz, and "Uncle Mike" Tosaw as they break down a wild session dominated by geopolitical tension, spiking energy prices, and some very curious "unusual activity." In this episode, the panel dives into: The Trading Block: A look at the "Blood Red Thursday" playbook. With the S&P, Dow, and Nasdaq all sliding, why are VIX puts seeing massive volume? Plus, a look at the "Mag 10" and why small caps are finally feeling the heat. Suspicious Paper: The team revisits last week's look at Brown-Forman (BF.B). Was it luck, or did someone know something? The stock exploded 15% on merger rumors exactly as the unusual call activity predicted. Odd Block: Henry highlights unusual bullish flow in Momo (MOMO) and the high-juice world of Bit Deer (BTDR). Is it time to sell covered calls on crypto miners? Earnings Insight: Why "Love Sack" (LOVE) is the surprise winner of the day and what's expected for Nike's upcoming move. Mail Block: The listeners weigh in—will the Fed actually cut rates this year? The results are closer than you think.

The global energy landscape is shifting, and WTI isn't the only story in town. In this episode of The Futures Rundown, host Mark Longo breaks down the massive divergence in the energy complex as the Brent-to-WTI spread hits its widest level in over 11 years. With Middle East tensions impacting the Strait of Hormuz, we move beyond the headlines to analyze the contract specs, volume trends, and risk profiles that every futures trader needs to understand in 2026. Inside the Trading Pit: Energy Dominance: Why Brent Crude and Heating Oil are leading the year-to-date leaderboard (up 68% and 85%, respectively). The "Shiny Stuff" Slump: Analyzing the surprising 6-7% weekly sell-off in Gold, Silver, and Palladium. Equity Rotation: Small caps (Russell 2000) finally turn green for the year—is the move out of large-cap tech permanent? Contract Specs 101: A deep dive into ICE Brent Crude—contract sizes, tick values ($10 vs. $5), and the reality of cash settlement vs. physical delivery. Futures Free-for-All: We tackle your questions on Crypto futures (BTC/ETH pullbacks) and the big debate: Will the Fed actually cut rates in 2026? Resources & Links: Analyze markets with tastytrade: tastytrade.com/podcasts Get more options and futures insight: TheOptionsInsider.com/Pro Follow the network on X: @Options

Host Mark Longo breaks down the massive institutional flows for Wednesday, March 25, 2026. We dive into the big money moving in Alphabet (GOOGL), heavy volatility in Micron (MU), and the massive momentum shift in AMD. Today's Market Heat Map: AMD Spotlight: Breaking down the 785,000 contracts as AMD rallies over 7%. Alphabet Analysis: Inside the Wednesday weekly action as GOOGL hits the top ten volume list. Whale Trades: The "Million Plus" badge scans for Micron (MU) and big premium in Cadence. The Volume Leaders: A look at the millions of contracts in Tesla (TSLA) and Nvidia (NVDA). Get the Data: TheHotOptionsReport.com

Is the "Wheel Strategy" making you nervous in a high-volatility market? In this episode, Mark Longo and Dan Passarelli field listener questions about navigating black swan fears, the "Greeks" you should watch when the market moves fast, and whether the AI narrative in Nvidia still has legs. Dan also prepares for his upcoming trip to Greece by getting some questionable advice from Mark about riding donkeys in Santorini and ordering "Euros" at the local taverna. Key topics covered in this episode: The Wheel Strategy vs. Credit Spreads: Is it time to cap your downside when the VIX hits 22? Vega and Gamma Focus: How your attention should shift between Greeks in a fast-moving market. Nvidia (NVDA) Outlook: Dealing with underwater bull call spreads after the GTC conference. 0DTE Expansion: Will we see more zero-day contracts added to the roster this year? UVIX vs. SVIX: A deep dive into leveraged and inverse VIX products and how to use them to hedge "weekend risk."

On today's episode of The Hot Options Report, Mark Longo breaks down a surprisingly quiet Tuesday in the options market. While total volume hit "dog days of summer" levels at just 362,000 contracts to break the Top 10, the 5K Club scanner was lighting up with significant institutional activity. Inside this episode: The 5K Club: A deep dive into massive block trades in the VIX, EWZ (Brazil), and NVIDIA ($NVDA). The Top 10 Countdown: Why Tesla ($TSLA) and NVIDIA held the top spots despite lighter-than-usual overall volume. Retail & Tech Movers: Analyzing the options tape for SoFi, Amazon ($AMZN), Alphabet ($GOOGL), and Meta. Semiconductor Volatility: A look at the "wild" action in Micron ($MU) and Palantir ($PLTR) as paper looks to overwrite positions. Whether you're tracking the "Power Strike" in Meta or looking for the next big move in the Fruit Company ($AAPL), we have the data you need to stay ahead of the tape. Check out the full scans at TheHotOptionsReport.com .

Join Mark Longo for the Monday, March 23, 2026, edition of The Hot Options Report. It was a "respectable" day on the tape with over half a million contracts needed just to break into the top 10. We start the week by looking at the Call Bias Scan from TheHotOptionsReport.com, featuring WFRD, KANE, and DNTH as the top names where the bulls are showing their hand. The Top 10 Deep Dive: Tesla (TSLA): Reclaims the #1 spot with 2.92M contracts. We break down the nail-biting action in the 380 puts. Nvidia (NVDA): 2.6M contracts traded. Was the 180 call a smart "lottery ticket" or a total washout? Apple (AAPL): Unusual size (72k contracts) hitting the June 280 calls. SMCI: Defending the 20 strike once again as volatility remains high. The Tech Stack: Rapid-fire analysis of MSFT, AMZN, PLTR, MU, META, and SOFI. Get the full breakdown of the strikes that matter and the "paper" that moved them. Full Scans & Badges: www.TheHotOptionsReport.com Pro Insight: www.TheOptionsInsider.com/Pro

Is Bitcoin finally decoupling from Gold as a flight-to-quality asset? Join Mark Longo and Greg Magadini from Amberdata as they break down the 75K "magnet" level and the surge of "Hype" in the top 10. Full Description: In this episode, we dive deep into the shifting dynamics of the crypto derivatives market amidst global volatility. As the Middle East conflict influences traditional assets, we examine why Bitcoin is showing relative strength against Gold and what dealer positioning at the $75,000 strike tells us about the next move. Key topics include: The Bitcoin Breakdown: Analyzing the $65K–$75K consolidation range and the impact of extreme backwardation. Dealer Positioning: Why the 75K calls are acting as a "magnet" for price action. Altcoin Universe: The rise of Hyper Liquid (HYPE) into the Top 10 and why Solana (SOL) remains a favorite for "responsible yield." The Volatility Surface: Exploring the negative spot-vol correlation and the impact of IBIT options on the skew. Stablecoin Velocity: A deep dive into USDC (Circle) vs. Tether and the future of 24/7 blockchain settlement. Featured Guest: Greg Magadini, Director of Derivatives at Amberdata.