The Options Insider Radio Network

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.

The markets are shot out of a cannon this Monday! Host Mark Longo is joined by Uncle Mike Tosaw and Andrew "The Rock Lobster" Giovanizzi to break down a wild "Bounce Back" session driven by shifting geopolitical headlines and "weekend risk" reversals. On this episode, the panel dives into: The Trading Block: A massive reversal in the S&P 500 and Nasdaq. Is the "Taco Trade" back in play? Plus, a look at VIX cash flirting with 26 and a surge in April 30 calls. Odd Block: Unusual activity in a newcomer—TetraTech (TTEK)–and a potential "rubber rebound" in Goodyear Tire (GT). Strategy Block: Uncle Mike shares a "tool for the toolbox" for covered call writers caught in a downtrend. Mail Block: The panel debates: Will the Fed actually cut rates again in 2026? Plus, find out if you know what a "somnambulist" is in our 80s Trivia Challenge!

On a "blood red" Friday in the markets, the Hot Options Report dives into the explosive allegations rocking the AI sector. Federal prosecutors have unsealed an indictment against a co-founder of Super Micro Computer (SMCI), alleging a massive $2.5 billion scheme to smuggle restricted NVIDIA (NVDA) AI chips to China. Mark Longo breaks down how this scandal sent SMCI shares plummeting over 33% and how the "options tape" reacted to the news. We also look at the Silver Sweep scan, tracking nearly $1 million in premium moving through the chains. In this episode, we cover: SMCI Meltdown: The details of the $2.5B smuggling case and the massive put volume targeting the $20 strike. NVIDIA (NVDA): How the SMCI news and broader sell-off impacted the king of AI chips. The Silver Sweep: Deep dives into huge institutional flows in SPY, IWM, and NVDA LEAPS. Market Countdown: Volatility updates for Intel (INTC), Meta (META), Microsoft (MSFT), Amazon (AMZN), SoFi, Micron (MU), Apple (AAPL), and Tesla (TSLA). Run your own scans: HotOptionsReport.com

In this episode of Volatility Views, the crew breaks down a week of intense market swings driven by escalating Middle East conflict and a stunning shift in the Fed's long-term rate outlook. We also pay tribute to the legendary Chuck Norris (1940–2026) and discuss why his passing—and the spirit of Lone Wolf McQuade—is the perfect metaphor for today's "fighting" markets. Key Topics Covered: The 2027 Pivot: Why the market is suddenly pricing in a "higher for much longer" regime, with the next potential rate move shifting toward late 2027. Geopolitical Volatility: How the Iran-Israel conflict and threats to oil supply chains are keeping the VIX term structure in a state of nervous backwardation. The Gretchen Bullseye: Russell Rhoads' model nails the VIX Cash settlement at 26.26. We look at the next prediction for the week ahead. The UVIX "Open-to-Open" Edge: A deep dive into Russell's new back-tested strategy for trading volatility ETPs over the weekend. VIX Option Flow: Analyzing the massive April 80 call interest and why the "May 47.5" trade just rolled to August. Featured Guests: Mark Longo (The Options Insider) Andrew Giovinazzi (Option Pit) Russell Rhoads (VIX Expert & Author) Links: Get more at TheOptionsInsider.com/Pro

In this episode, Mark Longo and Dan Gramza dive deep into the massive dislocations hitting the futures and options markets as Middle East tensions escalate. While WTI remains surprisingly range-bound, the Brent spread has widened to levels not seen in over a decade. Why isn't gold acting as a safe haven, and what is the "put bomb" currently dropping in the S&P 500? In this episode, we cover: Movers & Shakers: Heating Oil and Lumber lead the bulls, while Silver and Platinum take a massive hit. Energy: The 11-year high in the Brent/WTI spread, the impact of the Strait of Hormuz, and a look at the massive 1x3 vertical calls in Brent. Equities: Why the S&P 500 remains "orderly" despite the volatility, and a look at the heavy 6500 put activity. Metals: The missing "flight to quality"—why Gold is selling off during a geopolitical crisis and what the 35+ vol means for traders. Nat Gas: Assessing the damage to global LNG facilities and the neutral zone between $2.90 and $3.30.

The "Thursday Effect" strikes again as geopolitical tensions in the Middle East send markets tumbling and volatility spiking. Host Mark Longo is back in the Chicago studio to break down a "Blood-Red Thursday" alongside "Uncle" Mike Tosaw and Henry "The Flowmaster" Schwartz. The panel dives into the massive VIX rolls, the curious lack of a "flight to quality" in bonds and gold, and why the S&P 500 is struggling to hold the 6500 level. Plus, we look at why traders are suddenly piling into coal and spirits. In this episode, we discuss: The Trading Block: Market reaction to Middle East escalations, surging oil, and the VIX hitting 25. VIX Watch: A massive 250,000-contract roll in May/August 47.50 calls. The Odd Block: Unusual activity in Alliance Resource Partners (ARLP) and a speculative flurry in Brown-Forman (BF.B). Mail Block: What's keeping traders up at night? Geopolitical risk vs. sky-high valuations. Around the Block: What to watch as we head into the weekend, including FedEx earnings and the "Oil VIX" (OVX).

In this episode of The Hot Options Report, host Mark Longo breaks down a "weird and wild" Thursday session. As the broader markets feel the heat, the options tape is flashing some highly unusual signals—specifically a massive wave of deep in-the-money (ITM) puts across major tech and energy names. On the Docket Today: Micron Earnings Carnage: Did the "500-strike dream" for Micron (MU) turn into a nightmare? We analyze the post-earnings fallout and what those expiring calls mean for the tape. The Scan of the Day: We dive into the "Hidden Figure" scan, identifying stealthy, near-dated institutional flow in Nvidia (NVDA), Comcast (CMCSA), and Bank of America (BAC). The ITM Put Mystery: Why are traders flooding the tape with deep ITM puts in Meta, Amazon, and Apple? Is this a massive move to get long stock at specific levels, or a unique hedging regime? Energy on Fire: With oil markets literally heating up, we look at the newcomer to our Top 10, Canadian Natural Resources (CNQ). The Top 10 Countdown: From the "Monster" (MSTR) to Nvidia reclaiming the top spot, we track the volume leaders and the specific strikes moving the needle. Check out the tools mentioned in the show: Visit TheHotOptionsReport.com to explore the scans and data driving today's episode.

The futures markets are heating up, and energy is leading the charge. In this episode, host Mark Longo is joined by Jermal Chandler, Head of Options Strategy at tastytrade, to break down a wild "Fed Day" and explain why Crude Oil has become the "current VIX" of the marketplace. From the impact of global conflicts on the Strait of Hormuz to the surprising sell-off in Silver, we dive deep into the movers and shakers of the week. Are sky-high valuations keeping traders awake, or is the "buy the dip" mentality still reigning supreme? Inside this episode: The Trading Pit: Why WTI and Brent are dominating the volume charts. The Fed Factor: Analyzing the latest decision to sit on rates and what it means for the 10-year yield. Movers & Shakers: A look at the massive rallies in Heating Oil and RBOB Gasoline versus the slump in Cocoa and Crypto. Futures Free-for-All: We reveal the results of our listener poll—what is the #1 risk traders are actually worried about? Whether you're trading micros, ETFs, or large-cap futures, this rundown gives you the macro perspective you need to stay ahead of the curve. Contact the Show: Twitter/X: @Options Guest Info: Catch Jermal Chandler daily on the tastytrade network or follow him @JermalChandler.

On this episode of The Hot Options Report, host Mark Longo breaks down a "Fed Day" session where traders kept their powder dry, yet the options tape remained scorching. We dive into the Top 10 most active products, starting with a massive dividend play in Restaurant Brands International (QSR) and a wild ride in Micron (MU) ahead of their high-stakes earnings announcement. From Nvidia's post-showcase volume to Tesla's battle at the par strike, we analyze where the "smart money" was selling premium and where the zero-day buyers got burned. On the Docket Today: The Earnings Spotlight: Micron (MU) puts up 591,000 contracts as traders pile into the 500 calls—was it a repeat of the Microsoft "fade"? Dividend Play of the Day: Why QSR crashed the Top 10 party. Tech Fades: Breaking down the action in Nvidia (NVDA), Apple (AAPL), Microsoft (MSFT), and AMD. Zero-Day Drama: A look at the $615 puts in Meta and the $19 calls in SoFi. Check out the data for yourself at TheHotOptionsReport.com and stay ahead of the tape.

Fall in, recruits! Mark Longo is back in the Chi-Town studio, braving the cold to get you into peak options trading shape. With the energy markets in a state of high alert and WTI futures seeing massive volume, your drill instructors are here to break down the complex world of oil. In this week's Options Drills, Mark and Dan Passarelli explore: Going to the Source: The benefits of trading WTI and Brent futures for pure, one-to-one correlation. The USO Dilemma: A deep dive into the much-maligned US Oil Fund. We discuss the "Negative Oil" ghosts of 2020 and the impact of negative roll yield. Equity Surrogates: Using XLE (Energy Select Sector SPDR) and individual giants like Chevron (CVX) as portfolio proxies. The Volatility Play: How to view geopolitical crises through the lens of VIX, UVIX, and SVIX. Whether you're looking to generate income or hedge against $100+ crude, this is your tactical briefing.

The trading landscape for European rates has shifted violently in just a matter of weeks. In this episode of The European Market Brief, host Mark Longo sits down with two industry experts to dissect the sudden pivot from rate-cut expectations to a reality where rate hikes are back on the table. Joining the program are Dan Collins, Head of Futures and Options Rates at Aurel Partners, and Andreas Stillert, Vice President and Global Product Lead for Short-Term Interest Rate (STIR) Products at Eurex. Together, they break down the "dual system" of Euribor and ESTR, the dramatic flip in option skew from calls to puts, and how geopolitical turmoil in the Middle East is refueling inflation fears across the pond. In this episode, we explore: The ESTR vs. SOFR Dynamic: Understanding the nuances of the European risk-free rate versus its US counterpart. The Great Pivot: Why the market went from 100% certainty of rate cuts to pricing in potential hikes by year-end. Volatility & Skew: Analyzing the "unthinkable" shift in the options market over the last fortnight. Listener Q&A: We tackle "The Red Phone" questions regarding private credit risks in Europe and the mechanics of the ESTR/repo basis trade.

Bitcoin is back on the move, and the options market is telling a new story. Following the FIA Boca conference, we're digging into the data to see if this rally has legs. Topics discussed: Market Update: Bitcoin's run toward $75k. The Greeks: Weekly vs. Monthly volatility shifts. ETF Impact: Analyzing the massive IBIT options volume. Altcoin Rundown: Price action in ETH, SOL, Doge, and Shiba Inu. Brought to you by Amberdata. Visit amberdata.io to download the digital asset data guide.

Market volatility is feeling a bit like a Muppet Lab experiment gone wrong. In this episode, Mark Longo is broadcasting from the "Southern Studio" to join "Uncle" Mike Tosaw and Andrew "The Rock Lobster" Giovinazzi for a deep dive into a green Monday that still feels a bit shaky. On the Docket: The Trading Block: A look at the green start to the week, the S&P 500 vacillating around 6,700, and why the VIX is holding steady at 24. Plus, the panel discusses the impact of Middle East tensions and oil supply on the broader markets. The Odd Block: Why did someone bail on a massive long-term call position in KE Holdings (BEKE) after only two days? Also, a look back at a "cemented" winner in Cemex (CX). The Strategy Block: Uncle Mike discusses "Neutral-ish" strategies and how to get creative with strike selection and call spreads when your favorite stocks are underperforming. Around the Block: Predictions for Nvidia earnings, Fed speak, and the "lotto ticket" 30-strike VIX calls expiring this week.

It's a spooky Friday the 13th on the Options Insider Radio Network! This week, the panel gathers to dissect a market that is being haunted by more than just superstitions. From explosive moves in energy to a bond market that is sending shockwaves through the 60/40 portfolio, the "murderers' row" of vol experts covers it all. On the Docket: The Energy "Memification": Mark Sebastian breaks down the "algo madness" in Crude Oil and why the move to $120 was a mechanical outlier. The Bond Market Cracks: Dr. Russell Rhoads and Jim Carroll discuss why "9 Vol" in the 10-year Treasury is the equivalent of a 40 VIX and what it means for interest rate expectations. VIX as a Passenger: Why the VIX is "yawning" at 27 despite the red across the screens. The Weekly Rundown: Dr. Rhoads reviews a litany of "crappy trades" and highlights a massive 20,000-lot mystery trade in the VIX weeklies. Crystal Ball: Will next week bring a "Jalapeño" spike or a "Vanilla" retreat? The team places their bets on the next VIX settlement. Featuring: Host: Mark Longo, The Options Insider The Greasy Meatball: Mark Sebastian, Option Pit The Professor Dr. VIX: Dr. Russell Rhoads, IU Adjunct Professor The Vixologist: Jim Carroll, Ballast Rock Private Wealth

With the industry returning from the major futures and options conferences, the market is back to business—and the business of the day is deep in-the-money puts. Mark Longo breaks down a high-volume Thursday where several tech giants saw massive, meaty put flow that suggests traders are positioning for a shift. On today's report, we analyze the top 10 most active names, including: Nvidia (NVDA): The reigning king of the tape sees heavy action at the 185 strike. Are traders rolling the bones on a Friday recovery? Tesla (TSLA): A rough day for the bulls as Tesla breaks the psychological par strike ($400) to the downside. We look at the 100,000 contracts at the $400 level. The Tech Sell-off: Dissecting the heavy put volume in Microsoft (MSFT), Apple (AAPL), Amazon (AMZN), and Oracle (ORCL). The Long Game: A bizarre and massive trade in Ondas (ONDS) with an expiration nearly two years away. Speculative Moves: Checking the pulse on Palantir (PLTR) and MicroStrategy (MSTR) as they fight for footing. Wrap up your trading day with the data that matters. Explore more at: TheHotOptionsReport.com Upgrade your edge: TheOptionsInsider.com/Pro

This week, we aren't just talking about movers—we're witnessing a historic disruption in the energy markets. We dive deep into the explosive price action and triple-digit volatility in WTI Crude Oil, where mining in the Straits of Hormuz and tanker attacks have sent WTI and Brent soaring. Is the "par" level the new floor? We break down the massive volume in May 95 calls and the 120-strike volatility crush. In this episode, we cover: Movers & Shakers: Why the light side is dominating with double-digit gains in Energy and Platinum, while Financials lead the slide to the dark side. Equities: A "banger week" for the E-mini S&P 500. We analyze the massive 23% bid in put skew and the 6500/6400/6300 put fly lighting up the tape. Small Caps: Is the rotation dead? We look at the spike in Russell 2000 volume as it flirts with negative territory for the year. Energy Deep Dive: A "ridiculous" amount of volume in Crude. We look at the 95/Par vertical and what December 120 calls tell us about the geopolitical outlook. Don't miss this breakdown of the volatility swings, skew changes, and hot trades at CME Group.

Strap in for a high-octane episode of The Option Block as the All-Star panel breaks down a "day trader's paradise." Host Mark Longo is joined by "Uncle Mike" Tosaw (St. Charles Wealth Management) and "The Flowmaster" Henry Schwartz (Cboe Global Markets) to navigate a market defined by red screens, spiking crude oil, and the return of prediction markets. In this episode, we dive into: The Trading Block: A look at the "wild and wooly" week in the markets, from the S&P 500 hovering at 6,700 to VIX hitting 35. The Prediction Game: Why binary event contracts on XSP are the "new hotness" and how Cboe is simplifying the options landscape for new traders. The Odd Block: Unusual activity in Mosaic (MOS), Barclays (BCS), and a massive 50% jump in Lightwave Logic (LWLG). Mail Block: The panel answers your questions on the Iran conflict's market impact and whether VIX 70 calls are a genius hedge or "WTF" territory. Around the Block: Predictions for the week ahead, including earnings from Adobe and Beyond Meat, and why "the only source of unbiased news is the S&P 500 chart."

To maximize your reach, I've tailored these descriptions to how people actually find content on each platform. For Libsyn, the focus is on scannability for podcast apps and Google search. For YouTube, the focus is on "Watch Time" signals, Chapters, and keywords that trigger the video algorithm. 1. Libsyn Show Description (RSS & Podcast Apps) Focus: Clear summary, scannability, and high-value links. Options Boot Camp 381: We've Got Two Questions...One for Each of Ya! Is the "Wheel" turning against you? Are you obsessing over direction while the pros look elsewhere? In this episode of Options Boot Camp, your drill instructors Mark Longo and Dan Passarelli tackle a rapid-fire mail call to help you navigate the complexities of the options market. From the viability of the Ratio Stock Repair strategy to the psychological divide between beginner and veteran traders, we break down the tactics you need to survive and thrive. We also dive deep into the changing landscape of Crypto Options, specifically how the explosion of IBIT (BlackRock's Bitcoin ETF) has shifted market skew to look more like traditional equities—and what that means for your income-generating strategies. In This Episode: The Wheel Strategy: Is Ratio Stock Repair the best escape hatch for a losing wheel trade? Beginner vs. Pro: Why novices fixate on Delta while experts prioritize Volatility and Time. 0DTE Popularity: Analyzing the massive liquidity surge in equity zero-days. The 90% Myth: Debunking the classic "options expire worthless" statistic. Time Spreads (Calendars): The one thing most traders get wrong about Volatility Term Structure. Bitcoin Evolution: How IBIT has "democratized" Bitcoin options and changed the skew. Check out more from the Options Insider Radio Network: Pro Trading Crate: theoptionsinsider.com/pro Education & Brokerage: tastytrade.com/podcasts Advanced Training: markettaker.com

Volatility is back with a vengeance! In this special episode, Mark Longo reports live from the FIA Boca Conference 2026 while the markets take a nosedive. As the S&P 500 flirts with red for the year and the VIX threatens the 30-handle, the All-Star panel breaks down the chaos. Joining Mark to dissect the madness are Andrew "The Rock Lobster" Giovinazzi from OptionPit.com and "Uncle" Mike Tosaw from St. Charles Wealth Management. On This Episode: The Trading Block: A deep dive into the "Day Trader's Paradise." We discuss WTI breaking the $100 par strike, the resilience of the S&P 500, and why the small-caps (IWM) are turning back into a pumpkin. VIX Watch: Analyzing the massive paper hitting the tape, including heavy activity in the April 60 calls. The Odd Block: The Rock Lobster spots unusual activity in Wells Fargo (WFC), a massive closing trade in United Airlines (UAL), and the wild 38% surge in Hims & Hers (HIMS). Strategy Block: Uncle Mike schools us on Covered Call management in a falling market. Do you sit on your hands, buy a protective wing, or roll for time? Around the Block: Predictions for the rest of the week, including the "daily miasma" of oil prices and the "dark horse" potential of Silver and Gold. Featured Broker: Tastytrade.com/podcasts Go Pro: TheOptionsInsider.com/Pro

The market may be melting down, but the options tape is heating up! Join us for the Friday, March 6th edition of The Hot Options Report as we wrap up a volatile week. We're diving deep into the "1K Oddball Scan" to uncover massive spreads hidden outside the major indexes and breaking down the massive volume moving the needle in the top 10 most active symbols. In this episode, we cover: The 1K Oddball Scan: Why SM, SMCI, SILJ, ORCL, and SMR are lighting up the scanners with massive ratio spreads. Marvell's (MRVL) Earnings Banger: A nearly 18% rally despite a broader market sell-off—did the $90 calls pay off? The "Almost Index" Volume: Why SoFi (SOFI) is seeing massive 160k contract prints on the March 23 calls. Tech Under Pressure: Breaking down the late-day action and "worthless" sweeps in Nvidia (NVDA), Apple (AAPL), and AMD. Tesla (TSLA) & Amazon (AMZN): A look at the battle for the "Par" strikes as the week comes to a close. Whether you're tracking golden sweeps or hunting for stealthy badges, we have the flow you need to stay ahead. Visit TheHotOptionsReport.com for real-time scans and professional options data.

The VIX is screaming higher, hitting a 27 handle as the "Danger Zone" officially reopens. On this episode of Volatility Views, Mark Longo is joined by Russell Rhoads, Andrew Giovinazzi, and Matt Amberson to break down a chaotic week fueled by active conflict in the Middle East and a "charitably termed" terrible non-farm payrolls number. Plus, the legend himself, Kenny Loggins, returns to the program as volatility looks skyward. On this episode, the panel dives into: The Volatility Review: Analyzing the 6-point spike in VIX Cash and the massive 15-point jump in the VVIX. The Oracle of New Hampshire: Matt Amberson (ORATS) explains why things are spicy enough for him to start buying straight puts. Russell Rhoads' Weekly Rundown: A deep dive into VIX option flow, including the massive interest in the March 20 puts and the July 60 calls. The Return of the Loggins: Kenny Loggins joins the show as the market flirts with "panic" territory and the backwardation deepens. Stagflation Worries: Andrew Giovinazzi and the team discuss why $90 oil and bad employment data are a nightmare for the Fed. Crystal Ball: The team makes their bold (and high) VIX prognostications for next week.

The markets are anything but calm this week. Join host Mark Longo and special guest Erik Norland, Chief Economist at CME Group, as they break down a historic surge in volatility across every major asset class. From geopolitical tensions driving double-digit moves in crude oil to the "incoherent" signals between gold and treasury yields, we dive deep into the data you need to navigate this changing landscape. On this episode, we discuss: Energy: WTI Crude's 21%+ surge—is the market pricing in a long-term Middle East disruption, or is the move surprisingly muted? Metals: Why Gold and Silver are decoupling from the "flight to quality" narrative and what the 6,000 strike in Gold tells us about long-term sentiment. Crypto: The "Digital Gold" debate—Erik explains why the correlation between Bitcoin and Gold remains near zero despite the recent volatility. Rates & Credit Spreads: A look at the massive volume in 10-year notes and why narrowing credit spreads might be ignoring brewing risks in private credit. Equities: The rotation from large-caps to small-caps—is the Russell 2000 rally overdone, or is there more room to run?  

The markets are seeing red, and the "Flowmaster" Henry Schwartz is back to take the blame for another Thursday sell-off! Join Mark Longo, Uncle Mike Tosaw, and Henry Schwartz as they dissect a volatile session where the S&P 500 is testing key levels and the VIX is flirting with a 25 handle. In this episode, the panel explores the unusual correlation of "risk-off" sentiment—where even gold and silver are being dumped alongside equities—and whether crypto is actually acting as the new flight-to-safety asset. Key Topics Discussed: The Trading Block: A deep dive into the VIX spike, the S&P's magnet-like attraction to the 6845 level, and a breakdown of February's record-breaking trading volume (1.32 billion contracts!). Sector Analysis: Why industrials (XLI) are leading the decline while energy (XLE) remains a lone green shoot. The Odd Block: Unusual activity in StubHub (STUB) following a post-earnings puke, a predictable "jelly roll" in Hertz (HTZ), and a curious call buyer in Warner Music Group (WMG). Crypto vs. Metals: Analyzing the surprising resilience of Bitcoin earlier in the week versus the traditional flight to quality in gold. Mail Block: The panel reviews listener sentiment on cheap VIX puts and how long the current geopolitical conflict will impact market volatility.

In this episode of The Hot Options Report, Mark Longo breaks down the stocks dominating the options market and the trades lighting up the tape. Nvidia (NVDA) takes the top spot once again as options traders pile into short-dated calls following a sharp intraday recovery back above the $180 level. Meanwhile Broadcom (AVGO) surges nearly 5% after earnings, drawing heavy options activity as traders position around key levels. We also explore unusual and stealthy options trades from the 10K Club, including activity in VIX, Wells Fargo, Warner Bros. Discovery, and HYG, along with today's most active options names. Other major stocks driving options flow today include: Tesla (TSLA) recovering off earlier lows Microsoft (MSFT) pushing higher with heavy near-term call activity Amazon (AMZN) flirting with the $220 level Apple (AAPL) seeing large in-the-money put activity Palantir (PLTR) and SoFi (SOFI) attracting speculative options flows Tune in for a fast-paced breakdown of the Top 10 most active options stocks, key strikes traders are targeting, and the trades that could shape tomorrow's market action. If it's lighting up the options tape, you'll hear about it on The Hot Options Report. For more options data, go to TheHotOptionsReport.com.  

Ever wonder what separates the folks pricing options on a trading floor from you clicking "buy" on your phone? In this episode of Wide World of Options, host Mark Benzaquen welcomes market maker Wes Breton of Breton Holdings, LLC to help break down the surprisingly symbiotic relationship between market makers and retail traders. 

Energy is the "800-pound gorilla" in the markets this week. As geopolitical tensions escalate in the Middle East and the Strait of Hormuz becomes a critical flashpoint, products like crude oil, heating oil, and RBOB are dominating the tape. Is this a permanent shift or a temporary shock? In this episode, host Mark Longo is joined by Brian Pieri, founder of Energy Rogue, to break down the "geopolitical premium" currently baked into energy prices. We dive deep into why energy is truly inescapable for any futures trader and why one specific product—heating oil—is outperforming the rest of the complex by nearly 30% in a single week. In this episode, you'll learn: The Strait of Hormuz Crisis: Why 20-25 million barrels a day are at risk and what "naval escorts" actually mean for supply. Crude Oil Outlook: Brian's case for why WTI and Brent might actually head back to the $60s despite the headlines. The "Heating Oil" Phenomenon: Analyzing the massive spread between gasoline (RBOB) and distillates. The Trading Pit: Winners and losers in Silver, Palladium, and a surprising rally in Bitcoin futures. Resources: Analyze the markets with Brian: EnergyRogue.com Futures Brokerage: tastytrade.com/podcasts Join the Network: TheOptionsInsider.com/Pro

Fall in, recruits! Today, we're taking one of the most classic range-bound strategies and putting it through the 0DTE (Zero Days to Expiration) ringer. Is the Iron Condor the ultimate strategy for the current market environment, or a recipe for disaster? Mark Longo and Dan Passarelli break down the "Great Iron Condor Renaissance." We move past the basic definitions and get into the "drills," applying this strategy to the new Monday and Wednesday weekly options in the Mag 7. In this episode, we cover: The Iron Condor Refresher: A deep dive into the mechanics—selling strangles vs. selling spreads. 0DTE Strategy: Why these are getting hot again and how to pick your "danger zone." The Apple ($AAPL) and Nvidia ($NVDA) Experiments: We look at real-time 0DTE setups to see where the "juice" is hiding. Strike Selection: Why Dan prefers support and resistance over standard deviation in the 0DTE world. Pro Trader Crate: We announce this month's lucky winner! Check out more from the Options Insider Radio Network: Pro Membership: theoptionsinsider.com/pro Education & Brokerage: tastytrade.com/podcasts Dan's Training: markettaker.com/reg

Welcome to another high-octane episode of the Hot Options Report, your premier source for insight into the fast-moving options market. Today, we break down a "banger" session where it took over 514,000 contracts just to crack the Top 10. From massive overnight moves to aggressive pre-earnings positioning in semiconductors, we cover the names lighting up the tape. Badge of the Day: The Overnight Move Scan With global volatility on the rise, we look at symbols shifting at least 5% in after-hours trading. BW (Babcock & Wilcox): The energy tech play leading the pack, up nearly 50% intraday. Crypto Volatility: GLXU and COIA ride the digital frontier wave as crypto markets swing. Surprise Movers: EOLS (Evolus Inc) and KXHCF (Kay Xia Holdings) sneak into the top scans. The Top 10 Countdown We dive into the most active options chains of the day, including: Broadcom (AVGO): Analyzing the massive pre-earnings "swing for the fences" as 25k of the 350 calls trade ahead of the report. AMD: Mysterious downside activity continues with heavy volume in the 170 puts. The "Monster" (MSTR): MicroStrategy rallies over 10% as Bitcoin price action drives massive paper flow. Zero-Day Madness: High-stakes 0DTE action in Tesla (TSLA) and Nvidia (NVDA) as traders sweat the closing bell on over 5 million combined contracts. The Heavy Hitters: Updates on Apple (AAPL), Microsoft (MSFT), Amazon (AMZN), and Palantir (PLTR). Check out the full data and run your own custom scans at: TheHotOptionsReport.com

The Crypto Rundown 310: COIN Hysteria, Jane Street Algos, and Bitcoin Conspiracies Is Bitcoin being suppressed by institutional algorithms? This week on The Crypto Rundown, Mark Longo and Bill Olivar of Cenacle Capital Management dive into the "Jane Street Conspiracy" taking Crypto Twitter by storm. We analyze the allegations of 10:00 AM sell-clocks and whether authorized participants (APs) actually have the power to manipulate BTC price action. In this episode, we break down: The Bitcoin Breakdown: BTC nears $69k despite geopolitical madness in the Middle East. The Jane Street "Smoking Gun": Is it a tinfoil hat theory or a predictable market-making reality? COIN & USDC Hysteria: Why Coinbase (COIN) is decoupling from the broader market and surging toward $100. SEC Shift: The significance of Chainlink's (LINK) former counsel joining the SEC's crypto task force in February 2026. Derivatives Check: Analyzing the massive 1 million contract A DV in IBIT options and the shift in volatility skew. Connect with us:

Host Mark Longo returns to wrap up a fascinating trading day where macro trends took center stage, but the "Golden Sweeps" revealed massive institutional moves. While single-name volume was slightly muted, the tape was lit up by defense sector newcomers and the usual heavyweight suspects. In this episode, Mark breaks down: The Golden Sweep Scan: A deep dive into multi-exchange sweep orders over $1M, including high-conviction plays in MongoDB (MDB), Taiwan Semi (TSM), and the massive contract volume in IBIT. Defense Sector Alert: Why newcomer Anduril (ONDS) and Palantir (PLTR) are seeing a surge in call activity as defense stocks light up the tape. The Top 10 Countdown: Nvidia (NVDA): Still the undisputed #1 with 3.5M contracts—did the 185 calls leave buyers out in the cold? Meta (META): A look at the 645 weeklies and why the intraday high teased a massive payout that didn't quite hold. Netflix (NFLX): Chasing the "Par" strike as the post-deal momentum continues. Tesla (TSLA): Analyzing the heavy volume in the 400-strike puts. Tech Check: Brief looks at Microsoft (MSFT), Apple (AAPL), and Amazon (AMZN). Visit TheHotOptionsReport.com to run your own Golden Sweep or Retail Giant scans and get the data behind the trades.

Despite a weekend filled with geopolitical turmoil and the outbreak of open war in the Middle East, the markets opened Monday with a surprising amount of resilience. Join Mark Longo, "Uncle" Mike Tosaw, and Andrew "The Rock Lobster" Giovinazzi as they break down the "weekend risk" playbook and why the "fade the vol spike" strategy is winning the day. In this episode, the panel discusses: The Trading Block: A look at the S&P, NASDAQ, and VIX. Why did the market go from red to green so quickly? Plus, a deep dive into the massive call activity in VIX and SPY. The Odd Block: Unusual activity in Nokia (NOK) and the "luxury pawn shop" The RealReal (REAL). Is someone betting on a major tech resurgence? Strategy Block: Uncle Mike breaks down the nuances of Delta weighting with Covered Calls. Learn how to capture premium without capping all your upside. Around the Block: Predictions for the week ahead, including earnings to watch: Best Buy, Target, Costco, and the volatile ASKS Space Mobile. Plus: A special "80s Trivia Challenge" featuring a heated debate over the greatest tag team of all time and breaking WWE Hall of Fame news!

Puts Everywhere: Inside the 0DTE Index Scan & Nvidia's Earnings Aftershocks The options market didn't just walk into the weekend; it sprinted. On this Friday, February 27, 2026, edition of The Hot Options Report, Mark Longo breaks down a "blood red" session where heavy hitters like NVIDIA (NVDA), Tesla (TSLA), and Netflix (NFLX) dominated the tape with massive volume. We dive deep into the Hot Options Scan of the Day, focusing on 0DTE (Zero Days to Expiration) index trades in the SPX and Nasdaq. With over $50,000 in premium hitting single lines, find out where the "smart money" was hedging as the market faced significant downward pressure. Inside this episode: The Big Three: Why NVIDIA took the #1 spot with a staggering 5.51 million contracts. The Netflix Rebound: How walking away from the Warner Brothers Discovery (WBD) deal sent NFLX shares—and call options—soaring. Retail & Tech Hits: Analysis of the heavy selling in Apple (AAPL), Microsoft (MSFT), and the massive 18% slide in Core Weave. SoFi & Palantir: Is the sell-off overdone? We look at the "cheap swings" paper is taking on March upside. Check out the tools mentioned in the show: Visit TheHotOptionsReport.com to explore the 0DTE Trade Scan, the Front Runner Scan, and the Retail Giant badges.