The Options Insider Radio Network

The Council of Elders Reconvenes: The Greenland Siege and the Power of Gamma In this episode of Volatility Views, the Council of Elders—Mark Longo, Russell Rhoads, and Mark Sebastian—gather at the Hall of Wisdom to break down a week of market madness that would make Skeletor blush. From VIX spikes driven by "Greenland Siege" headlines to the massive $100 breakout in Silver, the team analyzes the forces reshaping the volatility landscape. Inside the Hall of Wisdom: The Volatility Review: The team breaks down the "Greenland Whipsaw." We look at the VIX Cash flirting with a 20 handle before "deal" headlines sent vol crashing back to the Pit of Peril. Attack of the Zero DTEs: Huge news from NASDAQ! The Elders discuss the launch of daily options on individual equities. Is this a boon for traders or a "Snake Mountain" trap of contra-exercise risk? VIX Term Structure & Tactical Flow: Russell and Mark dive into the Feb/March roll and the staggering volume in Feb 25 and 35 calls. Plus, a look at the "Hero's Journey" for Silver as it hits the par strike. Vol Death Match 2.0: Get ready for the ultimate showdown between the Flow Master and Scott Nations. Two men enter, one man emerges—you decide the victor at theoptionsinsider.com/pro . Eternia Nostalgia: The crew is "unreasonably excited" for the new Masters of the Universe movie. We discuss the teaser for the teaser, the lack of "CGI roids" on the new He-Man, and why a Snake Mountain popcorn bucket is a mandatory purchase. The Council of Elders: Mark Longo: The Options Insider  Russell Rhoads: Indiana University Mark Sebastian: Option Pit

The Option Block goes on the road! This week, Mark Longo is coming to you live from the Securities Traders Association (STA) 100th Anniversary event in Chicago. Joined in person by Henry "The Flowmaster" Schwartz, the team breaks down the biggest highlights from the conference and the massive volatility shifts hitting the equity markets. On This Episode: Live from the Floor: Mark and Henry discuss the 100-year legacy of the STA and the evolution of the options industry from the birth of the CBOE in 1973 to today's high-volume digital environment. The State of the Industry: Henry shares key takeaways from his panel, including the explosion of volume in Single Stock, ETF, and Index options. Plus, a look at how Robinhood has reshaped retail education and reduced friction for a new generation of traders. Volume Predictions for 2026: With the market currently averaging 66-67 million contracts a day, are we on track for a record-shattering 17 billion contracts this year? Monday & Wednesday Expirations: It's a done deal! The team discusses the upcoming listing of Monday and Wednesday daily expirations for major names like Tesla, Nvidia, and Apple, and what this means for after-hours risk management. The "Greenland Trade": Navigating a week where the market swung 100 handles down and 100 handles back up on geopolitical volatility. The Odd Block: The Flowmaster provides an update on ARDX and CWEN, plus a deep dive into the Mag 10 (Magnificent 10 Index) where put volume is currently lighting up the tape at record levels. Get More from The Options Insider: Visit the Website: TheOptionsInsider.com Check out the App: Available on iTunes and Google Play. Follow the Crew: Join the conversation on Twitter/X @Options, Facebook, and StockTwits. This episode of The Option Block is brought to you by Cboe Global Markets. To learn more about the suite of S&P 500 Index Options (SPX) and Mini S&P 500 (XSP) options, visit https:// cboe.com/spx

Geopolitical drama is back on the menu, and the futures options markets are feeling the heat. In this episode of This Week in Futures Options (TWIFO), Mark Longo breaks down a wild week where nearly every complex saw a volatility explosion. From potential trade wars to "Greenland drama," we explore how the tape is reacting at CME Group. On today's episode, we dive into: The Movers & Shakers Report The Volatility Spike: A look at the CVOL (CME Volatility Index) across the board. Why Treasury vol is roaring back to life (up 10 points) and Energy is pining the needle at 69.35. Natural Gas Mania: Nat Gas jumps a staggering 57% as the polar vortex hits. Metals & FX: Precious metals explode in both price and vol, while FX vol gains a full point on trade war chatter. The Dark Side: Bitcoin slides over 8%, leading the losers alongside Palladium and Copper. Equities: The Big Tech Rotation Nasdaq vs. Small Caps: We analyze the pronounced rotation out of large-cap tech and into small caps. Zero-DTE Action: A deep dive into the massive paper hitting the Nasdaq-100 (NQ), where 0-DTE contracts dominated 43% of the weekly flow. The March Skew: Why traders are paying a premium for March 24,000 puts in the Nasdaq and what it means for the next 60 days of market risk. Call Discounts: Is the 13.5% discount on March calls a buying opportunity or a warning sign? Market Intelligence Geopolitical Impact: How the "Greenland deal" headlines and Middle East tensions are impacting WTI and precious metals.

In this episode of The Hot Options Report, Mark Longo breaks down a respectable day on the options tape, where it took over 522,000 contracts just to break into the Top 10. We dive deep into the massive retail and institutional flow hitting the tape for Tesla (TSLA) as robo-taxi hype sends shares soaring toward the key $450 level. We also analyze the fallout from Intel (INTC) earnings—why the stock is sliding in the after-hours despite a recent massive run—and look at the long-term "winner winner chicken dinner" bets being placed on Netflix (NFLX). On today's report, we cover: Tesla (TSLA): The battle for the 450 strike and the massive volume leading the tape. Intel (INTC): Post-earnings breakdown—why the Jan 60 calls are feeling the pain. Netflix (NFLX): Huge size moving in the September 100 calls. Is paper betting on a long-term recovery? Meta (META): A massive $34 rally—is the "bargain" hunt officially on? Nvidia (NVDA) & AMD: Tracking the semiconductor giants as they navigate pre-earnings positioning. Micron (MU) & Apple (AAPL): Checking the pulse of the tech heavyweights as they fight for gains. Whether you're tracking the VIX or hunting for the next big move in Mag 7 options, get the data you need to "kick the tires and light the fires" in your trading account. Get more at TheHotOptionsReport.com for the best free options data in the game.

Mark Longo breaks down a tumultuous week 3 of 2026 as geopolitical tensions over Greenland drive massive futures volume. The first three weeks of 2026 have been a geopolitical whirlwind. From "snatch and grab" maneuvers in Venezuela to carrier strike fleets moving toward Iran, and now a brewing trade war over Greenland, the futures markets are lighting up with volatility. Mark Longo takes you into the trading pit for a breakdown of what's limit up and what's crashing. Inside the Trading Pit: The Metals Super-Cycle: Silver continues its rampage, up another 7.6% this week after a 25% gain last week. Is it unstoppable? Energy Update: An arctic polar vortex is sending Natural Gas soaring over 21% this week. Meanwhile, Heating Oil jumps 6.25% as the cold snap hits the Midwest. Lithium's Wild Ride: Up nearly 11% this week and a staggering 42.4% year-to-date. Mark explores what's driving this electric move. The Crypto Slide: Bitcoin and Ether futures both outpaced the downside this week, dropping 6% and 9% respectively. Ag & Softs: Cocoa continues to get cheaper for your breakfast table, down nearly 15% this week and 26% for the year. Volume King: The Nasdaq 100 Micro steals the throne with over 2.1 million contracts on the tape. Watch the Year-to-Date Leaders: We analyze the rotation out of large-cap tech and the surprising strength in commodities like Palladium and Platinum. 0:00 – Introduction: 19 Years of the Network! 1:30 – Geopolitical Update: Venezuela, Iran, and Greenland 3:45 – Top 5 Gainers: Silver, Nat Gas, and the "Shiny Stuff" 6:10 – Top 5 Losers: The Crypto Pain & Cocoa's Collapse 9:20 – Volume Report: Nasdaq Micros vs. The 10-Year Note 11:50 – Year-to-Date Movers: Lithium's 42% Rampage 14:00 – Closing Remarks: Join us for This Week in Futures Options Brought to you by tastytrade.com/podcasts

The options tape was lighting up on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, as the market clawed back from a bruising session. Tech roared back to life, led by a historic run in Intel (INTC) and a massive upside move in AMD. Mark Longo breaks down the top 10 most active names and the "Hot Options" driving the flow. On Today's Report: The Semiconductor Warpath: Micron (MU) continues its rampage, closing up 6.6% as traders pile into the 400 calls. Intel's Epic Run: INTC surges nearly 12% to close at $54.25. We look at the "outlandish" March 60 calls that aren't looking so crazy anymore. AMD Rocking: Up nearly 8% today, AMD put up 1.1 million contracts. Are the 250 calls too rich for your blood? The Tesla Appropriate Strike: TSLA climbs back over $430 on the heels of Greenland headlines. We look at the massive paper in the 420 calls. Nvidia Retakes the Crown: NVDA is back at #1 with 2.38 million contracts. Will the 185s hold through the end of the week? Plus: Analysis of flow in Amazon (AMZN), Microsoft (MSFT), Palantir (PLTR), Apple (AAPL), and Netflix (NFLX). Get the Data: Don't just listen to the report—see the data yourself at HotOptionsReport.com . Kick the tires and light the fires on your own trading account.

In this episode, Mark Longo and Dan Passarelli take a nostalgic trip back to the 80s to become the Masters of the Volatility Universe. Whether you're a "Prince Adam" of the markets or just starting your basic training, this episode is a comprehensive refresher on the most important force in options pricing: Volatility. The Drill Instructors break down: Volatility as the Speedometer: Why direction matters less than velocity when measuring vol. Realized vs. Historical Volatility: Understanding the concrete, backward-looking data of price swings. Implied Volatility (IV): Why Mark calls it the "Fudge Factor" of the options market and how it acts as a forward-looking forecast. The Volatility Risk Premium (VRP): Why options are often "overpriced" and how premium sellers harvest that edge. Supply and Demand: Dan's take on why IV is often more about market noise than actual future predictions. 2026 VIX Prognostications: Where will the "Fear Gauge" end the year? Dan puts his official number on the record.

The "Greenland Effect" took hold of the tape this Tuesday as geopolitical friction sent the markets into a sea of red. In this episode of The Hot Options Report, host Mark Longo analyzes a high-stakes session where safe-haven scrambles and tariff threats dominated the flow. While the top 10 required nearly half a million contracts just to break in, the real story was the massive retreat in semi-conductors and tech giants. Inside the Top 10 Options Breakdown: Nvidia (NVDA): The undisputed king puts up exactly 2.00 million contracts as trade war fears drive a 4.5% slide. Are traders loading up on the $180 calls for a late-week bounce? Netflix (NFLX): "Rolling the bones" ahead of earnings. We track the massive 100-strike call volume and the immediate $4 after-hours drop following the bell. Tesla (TSLA): A rough 4.2% haircut. We analyze the heavy activity in the now-in-the-money 425 puts as the 500 level fades into the rearview. The "Greenland" Laggards: Why Apple (AAPL) and Amazon (AMZN) faced a straight drumming, while Micron (MU) and AMD briefly managed to find some green on the screen. Intel (INTC): A surprise move in the March $55 calls—is paper looking for a long-term overwrite or a massive recovery breakout? Resources: Get more options data: TheHotOptionsReport.com

Join Mark Longo for the Friday, January 16th edition of the Hot Options Report as he breaks down a "banger" of a day in the options market. On a day where it took a massive 779,000 contracts just to break into the Top 10, the tape was dominated by explosive moves in semiconductors and some truly wild corporate "shenanigans." Today's Top Options Trading Stories: The Wolf Speed Phenomenon: Ticker WOLF shocks the market by kicking Nvidia and Tesla to the curb for the #1 spot. With 3.44 million contracts traded, the action was fueled by corporate restructuring fallout and a massive 1.14 million block of Jan 2 Puts. * The Semiconductor Surge: It was a banner day for chips. Micron (MU) popped nearly 8%, SMCI rallied 11%, and AMD saw heavy volume despite a late-day fade. We look at the strikes that paid off and the ones that left traders sweating. Tech Titan Tumble: Major names like Apple (AAPL) and Palantir (PLTR) came under pressure, leading to heavy premium-selling activity in near-term weekly options. Tesla & Nvidia Update: Even with massive volume, these perennial leaders fell to #2 and #3. We analyze the heavy interest in Nvidia's 190 calls and Tesla's 440 strike as traders fought for position. Hot Trade Insights: Micron (MU): A happy day for the 360 call buyers who caught the $26 surge. SMCI: High-velocity trading in the 30.5 calls as the stock cleared $32. Intel (INTC): A deep dive into the 50 strike that paper has been watching for weeks. For even more deep-dive data into today's options tape, visit TheHotOptionsReport.com .

In this episode, Mark Longo is joined by Dr VIX Russell Rhoads and Andrew Giovinazzi (The Rock Lobster) to conduct a "post-mortem" on 2025 and break down the surprising trends defining the start of 2026. The team dives deep into the VIX/SPX correlation breakdown, exploring why the traditional inverse relationship failed many traders last year. Russell brings the hard data, revealing how 2025 nearly set a record for the highest inverse correlation—making diversification more difficult than ever. Topics covered in this episode: Volatility Review: A look at the "yo-yo" week in the S&P and the recent firmness in VIX Cash. The Correlation Myth: Why "buying the dip" worked but "shorting vol" was a losing battle in 2025. VIX Term Structure: Analysis of the Jan/Feb futures and the 100% premium to realized volatility. VIX Options Flow: Breaking down the massive activity in Jan 17 calls and the persistent "magic" of the 15 puts. The Crystal Ball: The team places their bets for next week's VIX close and debuts their 2026 year-end predictions.

Is Silver the new meme stock? Are Small Caps finally ready to lead the pack? Join Mark Longo of The Options Insider and special guest Rich Excell from the University of Illinois (and the Stay Vigilant Substack) as they break down a historic week in the futures options markets. From parabolic moves in metals to a massive rotation within the equity space, the guys analyze the data you can't find anywhere else. Inside This Episode: The Great Equity Rotation: Why tech is taking a backseat as the Russell 2000 (RUT) explodes. Is this the "mean reversion" trade of the decade? Silver's Parabolic Run: Silver is up over 20% in a week. We look at the "price insensitive" buying and the wild 120/125 call spreads hitting the tape. Treasury Volatility Collapse: With Treasury price vol hitting anemic lows, Rich explains why he's looking at asymmetric put butterflies to hedge against a yield backup. Movers & Shakers: A 70/30 split to the green side at CME Group this week. We analyze the carnage in Nat Gas versus the "heater" in Platinum and Soybean Oil. Crypto Divergence: Why the tech use cases for Ethereum and Solana are starting to outpace Bitcoin in the eyes of the market. Technical Deep Dives: Skew Analysis: Why silver calls remain bid despite the massive price surge. RUT Options: Analyzing the heavy flow in the March 2500/2400 put spreads. CVOL Insights: Tracking the surge in Metals vol versus the "nothing burger" in Treasury yield vol. Connect with the Show: Follow Rich Excell: @ExcellRichard or his Substack, Stay Vigilant . Track the Data: CME Group QuikStrike/TWIFO Go Pro: TheOptionsInsider.com/Pro

The markets are showing a splash of green as we break down a wild week in trading with The Flowmaster Henry Schwartz (Cboe Global Markets) and Uncle Mike Tosaw (St. Charles Wealth Management). From the unprecedented 20% weekly surge in Silver to the aggressive rotation out of Mag 7 tech and into Biotechs and Small Caps, this episode covers the critical moves every options trader needs to know. Plus, we look ahead to a heavy earnings week and reveal the panel's official 2026 VIX Crystal Ball predictions. On This Episode: The Trading Block: The "Meme-ification" of Silver The Silver Surge: Why Uncle Mike thinks Silver has officially entered "meme stock" territory after a staggering 20% move in one week. Market Rotation: Is the Mag 7 reign over? We discuss the rotation into the Russell 2000 (IWM) and the energy sector. Volatility Check: VIX comes back to earth toward the 15 handle, but the VVX remains "frothy" at 98. The Odd Block: Unusual Activity in Small-Cap Tech and Bio Ardelyx (ARDX): Aggressive call buying in this biotech after a legal dismissal. Is there a clinical catalyst on the horizon? T1 Energy (TE): A massive sweep in the February 10 calls. Why Henry is keeping a "steely gaze" on alternative energy. Clearway Energy (CWEN): Unusual March 40 call buyers as the clean energy sector sees a resurgence. The Mail Block: The 2026 VIX Crystal Ball The panel places their official bets on where the VIX will close on December 31st, 2026. Around the Block: Earnings & Geopolitics Earnings Watch: Initial results from Goldman Sachs, Wells Fargo, and Taiwan Semi (TSM). Looking Ahead: Previewing moves for Netflix (NFLX), United Airlines (UAL), Intel (INTC), and Charles Schwab (SCHW). The Global Picture: Keeping an eye on Venezuela, Iran, and the upcoming STA Conference in Chicago.  

It's a massive Thursday on the Hot Options Report (THOR) as host Mark Longo breaks down one of the most active trading sessions of 2026 so far. With nearly 800,000 contracts required just to break into the Top 10, the tape was on fire. We dive into the "on-again, off-again" dance between Nvidia and China, Intel's wild 25% year-to-date run, and a strange wave of deep-in-the-money and out-of-the-money puts dominating the tape in Apple, Microsoft, and Netflix ahead of Friday's expiration. The Top 10 Breakdown #1: NVIDIA (NVDA): Still the undisputed king with 2.76M contracts. Rallying 2% on China export optimism, traders are eyeing the $190 strike for tomorrow's close. #2: Tesla (TSLA): A tug-of-war at $438. Over 100k contracts traded at the $450 strike. Can the bulls reclaim that level by the bell? #3: Netflix (NFLX): "The Widowmaker" puts up 1.3M contracts. Significant interest in the $105 OTM puts expiring tomorrow. #4: AMD: Substantial volume in the $235 calls despite a close below $228. Are traders "rolling the bones" or getting trapped? #5: Apple (AAPL): 1.08M contracts. Unusual activity in the $270 ITM puts as the "Fruit Company" sells off. #6: Meta (META): Bucking the "tech wreck" to rally back to $620. Funky paper hitting the $650 OTM puts. #7: Microsoft (MSFT): A rough start to the year continues. We analyze 75,000 contracts of the deep-in-the-money $495 puts. #8: MicroStrategy (MSTR): "The Monster" gives back some gains. 875,000 contracts on the tape with heavy action in the $175 calls. #9: Intel (INTC): Up 25% YTD but cooling off today. Is the "closing paper" at the Jan $50 strike a sign of a local top? #10: AbbVie (ABBV): Breaking into the Top 10 on X-Div action with 171k contracts in the Jan $210 calls. Key Takeaways & Market Intel Semiconductor Sentiment: Between Nvidia's China news and Intel's massive YTD surge, chips continue to drive the lion's share of options volume. Expiration Fever: A recurring theme of massive put volume across Big Tech (Apple, Microsoft, Netflix) suggests high-stakes positioning ahead of the Friday options expiration. Market Heat: Why 800k contracts is the "new normal" for the Top 10 in 2026. Resources & Links Get the Data: TheHotOptionsReport.com Go Pro: TheOptionsInsider.com/Pro (Join us for Vol Death Match 2.0!) Follow on Twitter: @Options

Is the "Silver Rampage" the start of a massive new commodity super cycle? On this episode of The Futures Rundown, Mark Longo is joined by the newly minted VIX Crystal Ball Hall of Famer, Rich Excel, to break down one of the wildest weeks in commodity history. While the "Tech Wreck" pulls down equities, the metals are lighting up the tape with silver posting a massive 19% gain in a single week. We dive deep into why "price insensitive buyers" are driving spot prices higher and what it means for your trailing stops. Inside This Episode: 0:00 - Intro & The VIX Hall of Fame Induction 3:45 - Metals Dominance: Why Gold led and Silver is finally catching up with abandon. 7:15 - The Energy Flare-Up: WTI, Brent, and Heating Oil's 10%+ weekly surge. 11:00 - Silver Squeeze 2026: Are we looking at $100 Silver? Analyzing the 100+ IV. 16:30 - Ag Markets & The Breakfast Table: Why OJ and Cocoa are cratering while everything else pops. 21:10 - VIX Crystal Ball 2026: Rich Excel gives his official "Revolutionary" year-end prediction. 26:45 - Hogwarts for Traders: How the derivatives experts are positioned for Q1. Resources for Traders: Brought to you by Tastytrade: tastytrade.com/podcasts Join the Pro Team: TheOptionsInsider.com/Pro #FuturesTrading #SilverShortSqueeze #GoldPrice #Commodities #VIX #MacroInvesting #SilverPrice #EnergyFutures #Tastytrade #FuturesRundown

Is the tech wreck just beginning, or are these "power puts" in Microsoft a sign of a short-term bottom? On today's Hot Options Report, Mark Longo breaks down a high-velocity Wednesday where the "Fruit Company" saw heavy opening flow and MicroStrategy (MSTR) continues to be the primary lightning rod for crypto volatility. In this episode, we slice through the tape to look at: The Top 10 Countdown: From Microsoft (MSFT) giving back to the market gods to Nvidia (NVDA) holding the #1 spot despite lighter volume. The Big Tech Sell-Off: Analyzing the massive opening flow in the Meta 670 Puts and the "Power Puts" in MSFT. Bucking the Trend: Why AMD and Intel (INTC) managed to rally while the rest of the sector saw red. The Apple Play: A deep dive into the AAPL $260 At-The-Money calls—was this a bold bet or a massive mistake? MicroStrategy (MSTR) Madness: How MSTR briefly hit the $190 strike and what it means for the crypto-option correlation in 2026. Dividend Plays: Why Freeport-McMoRan (FCX) exploded for 1.37 million contracts. Data Highlight: Want to see the flow we didn't have time to cover? Slice and dice the entire market yourself at TheHotOptionsReport.com . High-fidelity data at a price you can't beat. Contact Information: Visit the Network: TheOptionsInsider.com Get the App: Available on iTunes and Google Play. Follow the Data: TheHotOptionsReport.com

Options Boot Camp Episode 373 explores two major themes shaping today's options market: the rapid rise of IBIT options volume and the most misunderstood options trading strategies. Hosts Mark Longo and Dan Passarelli break down why strategies like cash-secured puts, long puts, straddles, butterflies, and iron condors are frequently misused by traders, often due to poor education and unrealistic expectations. The discussion explains why "being okay with assignment" is not the same as wanting assignment, and how that distinction can dramatically change trading outcomes. The episode also examines how IBIT options rivaling VIX in volume has reshaped Bitcoin options trading, altered volatility skew, and attracted institutional and premium-selling participants to crypto markets. Designed for traders of all experience levels, Options Boot Camp delivers practical options education, real-world examples, and clear explanations of complex strategies. Produced by the Options Insider Radio Network.

The Hot Options Report for January 13, 2026 delivers a daily breakdown of the most active stocks in the options market, highlighting where traders are placing the biggest bets across calls and puts. Hosted by Mark Longo of the Options Insider Radio Network, this episode analyzes unusual options activity and high-volume trades in Nvidia (NVDA), Tesla (TSLA), Intel (INTC), AMD (AMD), Meta Platforms (META), Apple (AAPL), Microsoft (MSFT), Netflix (NFLX), Alphabet / Google (GOOGL), and Stride Inc. (ASST). Listeners get insight into: The most active options contracts of the day Opening vs. closing options flow In-the-money calls and deep ITM puts Short-term market sentiment and volatility How institutional traders may be positioning If you trade stock options, follow options flow, or track unusual options activity, The Hot Options Report provides actionable insight into what's moving the market after the closing bell. Explore the full data set and run your own reports at TheHotOptionsReport.com. Produced by the Options Insider Radio Network.

The tape is active, but is it explosive? Join Mark Longo on the Hot Options Report as we tear through the Top 10 most active names for Monday, January 12th. We're deep into the second full week of 2026, and the institutional paper is starting to show its hand. From Nvidia's massive Feb call overriding to Tesla's relentless tug-of-war at the 450 strike, we're breaking down the flow you need to know. On the Tape Today: The Big Two: Nvidia ($NVDA) and Tesla ($TSLA) battle for the #1 spot—see where the "smart money" is placing bets. The Comeback Kids: Alibaba ($BABA) explodes 10%—is the 170 call flow a sign of more to come? Plus, Oracle ($ORCL) regains its luster. Tech Check: We're tracking the paper in Apple ($AAPL), Amazon ($AMZN), and Netflix ($NFLX). Is that "closing paper" or a fresh volatility play? The Underdogs: Why Intel ($INTC) and SMCI are sneaking back into the Top 10. Don't trade in the dark. Get the institutional data that lighting up the options chains. Get More Heat: Full Data: TheHotOptionsReport.com Go Pro: TheOptionsInsider.com/Pro

Is Bitcoin losing its "Digital Gold" status to traditional metals? Host Mark Longo and Bill Ulivieri of Cenacle Capital Management kick off 2026 by breaking down a frustratingly quiet crypto market. While BTC and ETH move like "widows and orphans" stocks, a new institutional player—The Canton Network—is appearing on the horizon. In this episode, we dive into: The BTC Breakdown: Analyzing the massive gap between Bitcoin and Gold performance. Volatility Shifts: How IBIT and TradFi are killing the legendary "crypto upside skew." Altcoin Universe: Why Ethereum is "sleeping" and what's next for Solana and Circle (CRCL). The "Drumroll" Moment: Bill introduces the Canton Network—the institutional play for US Treasuries on the blockchain. The 2026 Crystal Ball: Mark and Bill place their bets on where the VIX ends the year. This episode is brought to you by Amberdata. Eliminate infrastructure headaches and access granular digital asset data today at www.amberdata.io .

Kick off the second full trading week of 2026 with Mark Longo (The Options Insider Media Group) and Uncle Mike Tosaw (St. Charles Wealth Management) as they navigate a market that seemingly "doesn't give an F" about geopolitical turmoil. From potential military interventions to the Fed chair vs. the President, the panel breaks down why the S&P 500 continues to climb a wall of worry while the VIX remains suppressed. In this episode, we break down: The Trading Block: A look at the "Mad New Year" so far. Why is the VIX ignoring the headlines? Plus, a deep dive into the massive volume in Tesla ($TSLA), Nvidia ($NVDA), and the return of the Feb 15 VIX puts. The Odd Block: Unusual activity in newcomers Standard Lithium ($SLI) and Amprius Technologies ($AMPX). Is someone getting "AMP'd" up for a breakout? Smurfette Returns: We revisit the corrugated packaging play Smurfit WestRock ($SMURF). Is the Feb 50 call a smart overwrite or a speculative gamble ahead of earnings? Strategy Block: Uncle Mike discusses the current bond environment and why it might finally be time to look at covered calls on $IEF or $TLT for extra yield. Around the Block: What to expect from the official kickoff of earnings season with the big banks (JPM, WFC, BAC) reporting later this week.

Is the energy market preparing for a $20 crude oil "washout"? In this episode, we tackle the geopolitical chaos in Venezuela and why the energy tape isn't reacting the way the headlines suggested it would. Join host Mark Longo along with Dan Gramza (Gramza Capital Management) and Carley Garner (DeCarley Trading) for a deep dive into the energy complex. We break down the reality of Venezuela's deteriorating infrastructure, the "capitulation" patterns in WTI crude oil, and Dan Gramza's incredible victory in our 2025 VIX Crystal Ball contest. The Venezuela "Oil Spigot" Myth: Why Dan Gramza believes it will take 5–7 years to rebuild Venezuela's energy infrastructure despite the current political shift. Crude Oil Capitulation: Carley Garner explains why WTI crude never bottoms out quietly and why the $55 support level is the "danger zone" for a potential plunge into the $40s or $20s. WTI Options Analysis: Tracking the massive flow in the Feb contract—specifically the 55-strike "double puts" and the disappearance of the geopolitical call skew. Energy Skew & Volatility: Why the initial "tariff tantrum" and supply headlines have left the energy market in a state of neutral indecision.  

Is the "Turnaround Trade" finally here for Intel? Host Mark Longo breaks down a massive day in the options market as we close out the first full trading week of 2026. From Intel's 11% rocket ship to Tesla's battle at the $445 strike, we're tracking the institutional paper and retail frenzy dominating the tape. What was lighting up the tape today? We dive into the Top 10 most active names, including a dense day of volume for Alphabet (GOOGL), Palantir (PLTR), and Amazon (AMZN). Plus, we look at the unusual long-term August paper hitting Netflix (NFLX) and why MicroStrategy (MSTR) bulls might be sweating after a 6% slide. Episode Highlights: Intel ($INTC) Fever: The stock that was $20 just months ago hits $45.55. We break down the winning 45-strike calls. Tesla ($TSLA) Tug-of-War: With over 3.2 million contracts traded, we look at the 445-strike action and why put buyers are feeling the pain. Nvidia ($NVDA) Check-in: A quarter-million contracts on the 185 strike—did the sellers win the day? The "Widow Maker" Returns: Analyzing the massive August 110 call buys in Netflix. Penny Sweaters: Why paper was hitting the bid on Open ($OPEN) and Apple ($AAPL) calls. Don't miss a beat! Get all the data used in today's show and more at TheHotOptionsReport.com . Kick the tires and light the fires on your trading for 2026.

It is a New Year in the volatility markets! Host Mark Longo is joined by "Dr. VIX" Russell Rhoads and Mark Sebastian of Option Pit to break down a wild 2025 and peer into the crystal ball for 2026. From the "tariff tantrums" and "taper tantrums" of last year to the rise of 0DTE options and the recent "face ripper" ratio spreads, the team analyzes why the VIX median stayed elevated even without major explosive events. Plus, the moment you've been waiting for: we crown the 2025 Crystal Ball Hall of Fame winners and launch the official 2026 contest! What's Inside this Episode: The Volatility Review: A deep dive into the 2025 "Mad Vol Year." Why was the median VIX so much higher than normal? The 0DTE Impact: How zero-day options are reshaping the term structure and long-dated premium. VIX Face Rippers: Russell breaks down the bizarre ratio call spreads hitting the tape and what they signal for January and April volatility. The Crystal Ball Hall of Fame: We announce the four winners who nailed the 14.95 year-end VIX close within 0.1pt. 2026 Predictions: The crew places their bets for the coming year. Can we see a sub-10 VIX, or will the midterms push us toward 17.76? Key Timestamps: [00:00] Introduction and "Happy New Year" Cutoff Debate [07:15] 2025 Year-in-Review: The high of 60 and the 14-handle reality [15:40] The "Tariff Tantrum" and Fixed Income Volatility [22:10] Term Structure Analysis: Why the current curve is "poison" for ETP longs [31:45] Russell's Weekly Rundown: Explaining the "Face Ripper" trades [45:10] Crystal Ball 2025 Winners Revealed [52:30] 2026 Official Predictions & Closing Levels Connect with the Guest Experts: Russell Rhoads: Follow on X @RussellRhoads Mark Sebastian: Visit OptionPit.com or follow on X @OptionPit Support the Network: This episode is brought to you by Tastytrade. See why Investopedia named them the best broker for options in 2024. Visit tastytrade.com/podcasts to learn more.

The first "January Lion" of 2026 has arrived. Join Mark Longo and Carley Garner of DeCarley Trading as they kick off the new year with a high-octane look at the futures options landscape. From the aftermath of a historic 2025 to the geopolitical shocks of the first week of January, this episode breaks down why the "old rules" of the commodity markets are being rewritten. In This Episode: The 2025 Retrospective: A look back at a "once-in-50-year" event in the metals complex. Carley provides a candid "humbling" on the massive surge in gold and silver, and why 2025 was the year of the devoted trend follower. The Silver Beast: Silver dominated last year with a 140%+ gain. Carley and Mark discuss the "Reverse 2020" effect, the impact of triple-leveraged ETFs, and why trading Silver options right now requires nerves of steel and a massive margin account. Movers & Shakers: * The Light Side: A continuation of the metals rally (Silver, Platinum, Palladium) and a surprising 5% YTD surge in the Russell 2000 ($RUT). The Dark Side: Energy struggles as WTI and Brent lead the losers, while Natural Gas faces a "trap door" at the $3.60 pivot. Equity Index Analysis: Why the "Mag 7" dominance is yielding to a Small-Cap catch-up play in the Russell. Plus, a strategy for "tail-risk nibbling" using deep out-of-the-money March and June puts. Energy & Geopolitics: The team breaks down the "Maduro effect" and why Venezuela's supply won't be a quick fix for the crude markets. Carley explores the possibility of a capitulation move in oil toward the low $40s. Viewer Q&A: The blurring lines between "trading" and "betting" as CME and FanDuel move closer together. Market Volatility Snapshot (CVOL) Treasury Yield Vol: Pinning the needle at 78.9 (High for the week). Energy CVOL: Popping to 60.6 as geopolitical tensions rise. Metals CVOL: Easing slightly to 31.0 despite massive moves in the underlying.

The first full trading week of 2026 continues to serve up a wild divergence in equity flow. In this episode, Mark Longo breaks down the top 10 most active names on the tape, revealing a market that is aggressively testing lines in the sand. While the "Monster" (MicroStrategy) claws its way back, the AI darlings are facing a stiff reality check. In This Episode: The Top 10 Countdown: We analyze the massive volume hitting the tape, with over half a million contracts required just to break into today's rankings. The AI Hangover: Nvidia ($NVDA) takes the #1 spot with 2.75M contracts, but it's not all bullish. We look at the 187.50 calls and whether sellers are finally taking control. Apple's $AAPL Rough Start: The fruit company continues its lackluster start to the year. We break down the massive deep-in-the-money put verticals clogging the tape. The "Monster" Lives: MicroStrategy ($MSTR) sees nearly 1M contracts as crypto bulls attempt to reclaim the $170 handle. Amazon's $AMZN Rally: One of the few bright spots in Big Tech today—we track the 62,000 in-the-money calls leading the dance. Aggressive Puts in AMD: Someone is drawing a serious line in the sand with nearly 88,000 of the Jan monthly $250 puts. Get more options data at TheHotOptionsReport.com.  

The first Thursday of the new trading year is here, and the panel is back to break down a wild start to 2026. From record-breaking volume milestones to unusual activity in AI beauty tech and defense drones, the team dives deep into the forces shaping the market this week. In This Episode: The Trading Block: Mark Longo (The Options Insider), Uncle Mike Tosaw (St. Charles Wealth Management), and the Flowmaster Henry Schwartz (Cboe) review a mixed start to the session. While the S&P 500 struggles for direction ahead of the jobs number, small caps (IWM) are off to the races—up 5% year-to-date. 2025 Year in Review: Henry Schwartz provides an exclusive data deep dive into the sixth straight record-breaking year for options. Average Daily Volume (ADV): Nearly 61 million contracts. The 15 Billionth Contract: Henry reveals he tracked down the exact moment the milestone occurred—a spread in CoreWeave on the day after Christmas. Strike Proliferation: The industry has officially topped 2 million individual strikes available for trade. Odd Block: Things get weird with unusual activity in: Caesars Entertainment (CZR): Heavy put volume and long-dated March 33 calls. Oddity Tech (ODD): A massive $640k bet on April 50 calls for this AI-driven beauty company. Vision-Wave (VWA): Bullish drone play with volume 16x the norm following geopolitical defense headlines. Mail Block: The team discusses how to track the growth of new retail accounts and why "buying the dip" continues to be a dominant, albeit debated, strategy. Around the Block: Predictions for the upcoming Supreme Court tariff decision, a preview of financial earnings (JPM, BAC, GS), and why the "Mag 10" equal-weighted index is the new one to watch.

Happy New Year! We are kicking off 2026 on The Futures Rundown by giving the "Big Adios" to the wild, untamed year that was 2025. Mark Longo and Dan Gramza of Gramza Capital Management reunite to break down the final ledger of a year that was anything but boring in the pits. From the absolute explosion in Silver (+140%) and Platinum to the brutal sell-off in Orange Juice and Rough Rice, we count down the Top 10 movers of the year. We also dive into the recent geopolitical shifts in Venezuela and why the crude oil market isn't reacting the way many expected. In this episode, we explore: The Precious Metals Clean Sweep: Why Silver was the late-bloomer that ended the year up a staggering 140%. The 2025 Leaderboard: Deep dives into the winners like Lithium, Copper, and the surprising strength of the Brazilian Real. The "Big Adios" Losers: Breaking down the 50% drop in OJ and the continued struggles for the Widowmaker (Natural Gas). Energy Outlook 2026: Dan Gramza explains the infrastructure and political hurdles facing Venezuela's oil production and what it means for WTI and Brent prices. The Crypto Futures Flip: Analyzing the volatile year for Bitcoin and Ether futures and why spot vs. futures performance varied so widely. Resources Mentioned in this Episode: Dan Gramza's Daily Videos: DanGramza.com Join the Pro Community: TheOptionsInsider.com/Pro Episode Sponsor: Tastytrade.com/podcasts

Kick off the new year with a fresh set of options trading resolutions on this episode of Options Boot Camp. Hosts Mark Longo and Dan Passarelli dive into what traders should be focusing on in 2026 — from expanding your options strategy toolbox to managing risk, sizing trades properly, and knowing when not to trade at all. With many traders coming off years of strong equity performance, the hosts explore whether it's time to rethink long-only strategies, reduce concentration risk, or introduce new approaches like stock substitution, LEAPS, downside hedging with puts, and portfolio diversification through options strategies. The conversation also covers why relying on a single options strategy can be dangerous, how to diversify your Greeks, and what newer traders often overlook when markets change. This episode also looks ahead to potential options market trends in 2026, including zero-DTE options, 24-hour trading, prediction markets, crypto volatility, and global market opportunities. Along the way, Mark and Dan reference past Options Boot Camp episodes to help listeners build a deeper understanding of puts, volatility, and long-term strategy planning.

It's the first full trading week of 2026, and the options tape is heating up! In this episode of the Hot Options Report, Mark Longo breaks down the top 10 most active names lighting up the chains. While Nvidia continues its dominance as the volume king, a massive 8% jump in Intel (INTC) stole the show following its CES 2026 manufacturing breakthroughs. We dive into the order flow for the "Double-Digit Million" club and the names struggling to hold their ground, including a deep dive into Tesla (TSLA) and AMD sell-offs. On this episode, we break down: The Volume Leader: Nvidia (NVDA) hits nearly 2M contracts—are the 190 calls a trap or a target? The CES Catalyst: Intel (INTC) rallies 6.5% on "18A" tech news with heavy call action at the 46 strike. Big Tech Fade: Why Apple (AAPL) and AMD are seeing opening paper hit the bid. The Long Game: Someone is betting big on Alphabet (GOOGL) with massive June 430 calls. Crypto Proxy: MicroStrategy (MSTR) stays hot as it flirts with the 170 level. Top 10 Tickers Covered Today: Nvidia (NVDA) Tesla (TSLA) Intel (INTC) Amazon (AMZN) Apple (AAPL) MicroStrategy (MSTR) Palantir (PLTR) Alphabet (GOOGL) AMD Microsoft (MSFT) Check out the data for yourself: Visit The HotOptionsReport.com for more options data.

The trading day doesn't start when the opening bell rings. In this inaugural episode of 2026, Mark Longo is joined by a powerhouse panel to dissect a wild 2025 and forecast the trends shaping the European derivatives landscape in the year ahead. Inside This Episode: 2025 Retrospective: Why European financials and defense sectors outperformed the US mega-cap tech narrative. The Defense Boom: A look at the unprecedented returns in European defense indices (some up nearly 100%) and whether the momentum can survive potential geopolitical shifts. Banking on Europe: Why the STOXX Europe 600 Banks index returned a staggering 76% in 2025 and how the diversification of European mega-caps offers a unique play compared to US financials. Volatility Outlook: Russell Rhoads breaks down the VIX vs. VSTOXX and explains why the US remains the primary source of global "anticipatory" volatility. New Product Alert: Sophie Granchi (Eurex) discusses the shift toward Industry Futures and the demand for thematic trading in a de-globalizing world. The Red Phone: Listener Q&A The panel answers your burning questions on: Relative Value Trades: How to play the narrow calendar spreads in VSTOXX vs. the wider spreads in VIX. Institutional Rotation: Is the heavy volume in European Bank futures a "higher for longer" play or a flight from US markets? The Divergence Myth: Is the gap between the S&P 500 and STOXX cyclical or a permanent shift in global equity performance? Featured Guests: Mark Longo: Founder & CEO, The Options Insider Media Group Russell Rhoads: Kelly School of Business, Indiana University (a.k.a. Dr. VSTOXX) Sophie Granchi Head of Equity & Index Sales (EMEA), Eurex Arun Singhal: Global Head of Index Product Management, STOXX

Kick off the first full week of 2026 with a deep dive into a wild day on the options tape. In this episode of the Hot Options Report, Mark Longo breaks down the top 10 most active products, headlined by a massive breakout in Micron (MU) and a significant "dark side" shift in Tesla (TSLA). While the broader market saw mixed action, the semiconductor space stole the show. We analyze why Micron popped 10% to close near $344 and what the heavy activity in the 350 calls suggests for the rest of the week. Meanwhile, Tesla bulls took a breather as volume flooded into the 430 puts following a 4% sell-off. In this episode, we cover: The Semiconductor Slugfest: Nvidia vs. Tesla for the #1 spot. Micron's Moonshot: Breaking down the 619,000 contracts and the $350 call interest. Tesla Sentiment Shift: From $500 calls to $430 puts—is the "dark side" taking over? The Tech Round-up: Unusual activity in Palantir (PLTR), AMD, Apple (AAPL), and Amazon (AMZN). SoFi's Slump: Analyzing the 8% drop and the volume at the $27 strike. Check out more from The Options Insider: Get Pro Insights: theoptionsinsider.com/pro Daily Data & Tools: TheH otOptionsReport.com

Welcome to the first full trading week of 2026! While the major averages surged to kick off the new year, the options tape is telling a much more nuanced story. Mark Longo breaks down the top 10 most active names, highlighting a strange divergence where the broader market rallied while tech titans like Apple and Nvidia faced early-year selling pressure. The Top 10 Countdown: #10: AMD (AMD) – Bucking the green trend, AMD sold off over 1% to close at $221.08. Traders focused on the Jan 230 calls expiring this Friday. #9: SoFi (SOFI) – Roaring back with a 6.6% pop, SoFi reclaimed nearly all its recent dilution losses. The Jan 30 calls were the hot strike of the day. #8: Palantir (PLTR) – Rallying over 3.6%, Palantir bulls are looking toward the moon with heavy volume on the Jan 190 calls. #7: MicroStrategy (MSTR) – "The Monster" saw wild opening flow, specifically a nearly 25,000-contract block of March 160 calls. #6: Amazon (AMZN) – The Amazonians joined the rally, gaining nearly 3%. Buyers stepped into the Jan 235 calls for Friday expiration. #5: Apple (AAPL) – A rare red day for the fruit company amidst a market rally. Over 44,000 of the Jan 270 calls traded, likely as overwrites. #4: Nu Holdings (NU) – The Brazilian banking giant popped over 5% on 15x its average daily volume. #3: JPMorgan (JPM) – Financials are leading the charge, but JPM's 1.28 million contract volume was heavily skewed by Ex-Dividend (X-Div) activity in the January pars. #2: Tesla (TSLA) – Back in the silver medal spot, Tesla jumped 3.1% to $451.67. The Jan 460 calls saw aggressive action. #1: Nvidia (NVDA) – Taking the crown once again, but finishing slightly in the red. Massive interest remains at the Jan 195 calls for the end of the week. In This Episode: Why Apple and Nvidia are struggling while the Dow and S&P climb. Understanding the impact of Ex-Dividend flow on JPMorgan's massive volume. Breaking down opening vs. closing flow in MicroStrategy and Nu Holdings. Get the Full Data: Visit TheHotOptionsReport.com to see the daily options data that didn't make it into the show. Join the Pro Community: Go to theoptionsinsider.com/pro for access to the upcoming Vol Death Match 2.0 and exclusive Q&A sessions.

Bitcoin is back north of $90k and the crypto markets are firing on all cylinders to kick off 2026! Mark Longo returns for the first Bitcoin Breakdown of the year to analyze the massive "love fest" in digital assets and what the data tells us about the months ahead. In This Episode: The Bitcoin Breakdown: Bitcoin surges nearly $7,000 in a single week. We compare the current $94k levels to the start of 2025 and discuss whether BTC is truly acting as "digital gold". Volatility & Skew Analysis: Using Amberdata metrics, we look at the spike in weekly and monthly vol, and the shifting skew that suggests the "yield-seekers" are changing the derivatives landscape. The IBIT Story: BlackRock's IBIT continues its dominance. We break down the massive open interest in the Jan 43 puts and what it means for institutional sentiment. Altcoin Universe: A resurgence across the board! From ETH regaining the $3,200 level to double-digit pops in Solana and XRP, we rank the Top 10 by market cap. Yield Generation in Circle: Analyzing a massive stock repair/ratio spread in Circle options and what it reveals about current risk-reward profiles. Crypto Question of the Week: Will the major crypto assets end 2026 higher or lower? We reveal the early poll results. Resources Mentioned: Amberdata: Granular on-chain and market data for institutions. amberdata.io Options Insider Pro: Get access to exclusive Q&A sessions and Vol Deathmatch 2.0. theoptionsinsider.com/pro

The 2026 trading year is officially underway! Mark Longo, Uncle Mike Tosaw, and Andrew "The Rock Lobster" Giovinazzi gather for the first full trading week of the year to break down a massive 2025 and look ahead to the new market landscape. In This Episode: The 2025 Trivia Champion Revealed: After a grueling year of 1980s Trivial Pursuit, we finally crown the winner of the 2025 Trivia Challenge. Who took home the title between Uncle Mike, The Rock Lobster, and previous guest Dan Passarelli? The Trading Block: A robust start to 2026! The team analyzes the S&P 500's push toward all-time highs, the sudden surge in Financials (XLF) and Energy (XLE), and why Big Tech (Apple and Nvidia) is showing some early-year weakness. Record-Breaking Volume: We dive into the final 2025 numbers from the OCC. With over 15.26 billion contracts traded last year, we discuss what this explosive growth means for retail traders. The Odd Block: Unusual activity returns with a deep dive into Peloton (PTON) and a massive January 2027 call trade, plus some aggressive short-term upside speculation in Enovix Corp (ENVX). Strategy Block: Uncle Mike explains the "Time Non-Linear Time Decay Differential" and why calendar or diagonal spreads might be your best bet if you expect volatility to rise from these lows. Around the Block: Predictions for the year ahead, the impact of geopolitical headlines on the energy sector, and a look at the upcoming VIX expiration. Get More Options Insider: Pro Analysis: theoptionsinsider.com/pro The Network: Search "Options Insider Radio Network" on your favorite podcast app. TastyTrade: Visit tastytrade.com/podcasts to see why they were named the Best Broker for Options in 2024.

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

Welcome to the first Hot Options Report of 2026! Mark Longo kicks off the new trading year by breaking down a high-volume session where "opening paper" dominated the tape. Despite a respectable 678,000 contracts needed to break the Top 10, the action was concentrated in zero-day expirations (0DTE) and a major shakeup in the EV sector. Market Highlights & The Top 10 Countdown The year started with a bang for semiconductors like Intel and Micron, while Tesla faced a rocky road following disappointing Q4 delivery numbers. We dive deep into the most active options contracts for the following movers: Tesla (TSLA): The undisputed #1. Following soft Q4 delivery data, the stock slipped 2.6%. The tape was lit up by 179,000 of the $440 Puts expiring today. Nvidia (NVDA): Claiming the #2 spot with 2.85M contracts. Investors focused heavily on the $190 Calls, with 347,000 contracts trading as the stock gained 1.25%. Palantir (PLTR): A rough start for PLTR, dropping 5.5%. Unlike the rest of the 0DTE crowd, the hot action here was in the $180 Calls expiring next week. The Semi Surge (INTC, MU, AMD): Intel rallied 6.75%, Micron gained a massive 10.5%, and AMD climbed 4.3%. We break down the heavy call activity in all three. Big Tech (AAPL, AMZN, NFLX): A mixed bag for the giants. Netflix saw a 3% sell-off, while Amazon and Apple both struggled to stay green. Data: TheHotOptionsReport.com Twitter/X: @Options

It's time for our 2025 Year-End Spectacular! Join us as we look back on everything that lit up our tape in 2025 including: Wild options trades, spicy VIX prints, Metals madness, tariff tantrums and crypto craziness plus we take your pulse on hot topics like Prediction Markets, Strategic Crypto Reserves and...cranberry sauce?

It is said that "history repeats itself", but does that go for the options markets, as well? Join show host Mark Benzaquen as he is joined by Jessica Inskip of StockBrokers.com to recap 2025, discuss 2026 predictions, and the best ways to get started on your New Year's resolutions (assuming they entail learning about options!)

What a year it was for the options market! From the "unprecedented" volatility of April to a record-breaking 15 billion contracts traded, 2025 was anything but boring. In this special year-end extravaganza, your drill instructors Mark Longo and Dan Passarelli (Market Taker Mentoring) look back at the Top 10 Episodes of 2025 to see what resonated most with traders during this historic year. Mark and Dan dive into the data to reveal the most downloaded topics of the year, spanning everything from high-intensity hedging strategies to the surprising winner of the #1 spot. Whether you are a veteran of "Liberation Day" or a newcomer looking to get into peak options trading shape, this countdown is the ultimate refresher on the strategies that defined the market this year. In this episode, the "Dynamic Duo" discusses: The Top 10 Countdown: Which episodes took the crown? (Hint: Leaps and Covered Calls were heavy hitters). Volatility Redefined: Revisiting the historic spikes of April and the role of inverse volatility products like SVXY. Retail Power: How the 15-billion-contract milestone changed the landscape for retail traders. Strategy Deep Dives: Reflections on Gamma Scalping, Iron Condors, and the enduring popularity of "The Poor Man's Covered Call." The VIX Average: Dan breaks down the long-term average of the VIX and how anomalies skew the data. Holiday Fun: The definitive (and divisive) ranking of the best Christmas movies. Support for this Episode Special thanks to Tastytrade—named the best broker for options in 2024 by Investopedia. See why at tastytrade.com/podcasts .

Welcome to the final full trading day of 2025! On this episode of the Hot Options Report, host Mark Longo breaks down a surprisingly active market for a holiday week. From massive dividend capture plays in the REIT sector to "hope springs eternal" bullish bets in the Magnificent Seven, we cover everything lighting up the tape as we head into the new year. In this episode, we analyze the top 10 most active names on the options tape, including: The Big Two: Tesla (TSLA) and Nvidia (NVDA) dominate the volume again. We look at the heavy paper in the NVDA 190 calls and why Tesla traders are sweating the $460 strike. Dividend Plays: Why did Agency Investment Corp (AGNC) and Annaly Capital Management (NLY) suddenly crash the top 10? We break down the ex-dividend activity driving massive volume in the Jan 10 and Jan 22 calls. The AI Ecosystem: Analyzing the "coin flip" sentiment in Palantir (PLTR) puts and the "opening paper" selling 40 calls in Intel (INTC). The "Monster" Moves: MicroStrategy (MSTR) continues its wild ride—is the $160 call a trap or a breakout play for the week? Big Tech Highlights: A look at the "Number of the Beast" close for Meta and the last-minute lottery tickets in Apple (AAPL) and Netflix (NFLX). Check the Data for Free:  TheHotOptionsReport.com.

As we enter the final trading week of 2025, Mark Longo breaks down a high-stakes, holiday-shortened Monday session. While the broader markets saw thin liquidity and red screens, several heavy hitters lit up the tape with unusual activity—including a rare top-tier appearance from British American Tobacco. Inside This Episode: The Holiday Volume Slump: Why it only took 265,000 contracts to break into the Top 10 today—the lightest volume since the "dog days of summer." Tesla's Bearish Shift? Tesla takes the #1 spot, but for once, it's the $465 puts dominating the tape as the stock slides over 3%. The "Monster" Monthly Spread: A massive $350/$300 put spread in MicroStrategy (MSTR) captured the attention of volatility hunters. The BTI Dividend Play: Why a sleepy tobacco name saw nearly 200x its average daily volume and what the Jan $50 in-the-money calls tell us about the ex-dividend date. NVDA & Near-Term Upside: Analyzing the heavy retail interest in the Nvidia $190 calls expiring this week. Today's Hot Options Top 10 Countdown: Rank Symbol Last Price Volume Hot Option Contract #1 TSLA $459.64 1.77M **$465 Puts** (Jan 2 Exp) #2 NVDA $188.22 1.63M **$190 Calls** (Jan 2 Exp) #3 BTI $52.00 609K **$50 Calls** (Jan Monthly) #4 PLTR $184.18 478K **$195 Calls** (Jan 2 Exp) #5 AAPL $273.76 370K **$275 Calls** (Jan 2 Exp) #6 MSTR $155.38 338K **$350/$300 Put Spread** #7 AMZN $232.07 282K **$232.5 Calls** (Jan 2 Exp) #8 AMD $215.61 276K **$215 Calls** (Jan 2 Exp) #9 META $658.69 272K **$660 Calls** (Jan 2 Exp) #10 VALE $12.92 265K Jan 2027 $8 Puts Resources & Links: QuikOptions / The Hot Options Report: Access professional-grade data at TheHotOptionsReport.com . Options Insider Pro: Join the community and prepare for the upcoming Vol Death Match 2.0 at TheOptionsInsider.com/Pro . Mobile App: Access the full Radio Network on iTunes and Google Play.

The 2025 Crypto Year in Review | Bitcoin Breakdown & The IBIT Revolution As we close the books on an insane 2025, Mark Longo and Greg Magadini from Amberdata sit down for the final episode of The Crypto Rundown of the year. It has been a year of massive adoption, regulatory shifts, and the definitive "IPO moment" for Bitcoin. From the explosion of IBIT options to the wild rollercoaster of Ethereum and the rise of digital asset treasuries, we break down the data that defined the last 12 months. Inside This Episode: The 2025 Bitcoin Retrospective: Bitcoin started the year in the mid-90s, hit an all-time high of $126,000 in October, and weathered the "Tariff Tantrum" lows of $76,000. The IBIT Story: Why the IBIT ETF was the story of the year, bringing traditional US investors into the crypto vol space and shifting the vol surface from the offshore "whales" to Wall Street. Ethereum's Multiple Lives: ETH went from being "dead" in Q1 to hitting nearly $5,000 in August, before finishing the year back under $3,000. The Changing Vol Landscape: A deep dive into why crypto skew has turned negative, looking more like traditional equity markets than the "call-heavy" markets of years past. Altcoin Universe Wrap-up: Analyzing the 2025 performance of Solana, XRP, Doge, and the "Netflix of stablecoins," Circle. Digital Asset Treasuries: The struggle of MicroStrategy (MSTR) and MSTU as momentum shifted at the tail end of the year. Notable Quotes: "The spot ETF was the IPO moment for Bitcoin. It was the time for big-time whales to finally get liquidity and distribute shares like a corporate listing." — Greg Magadini Resources & Links: Amberdata: Access granular on-chain and market data at Amberdata.io . Options Insider Pro: Join the community and get the Pro Trading Crate at TheOptionsInsider.com/Pro . Follow the Network: Stay updated on Twitter @Options and @Amberdataio.