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A massive wave of market red triggered absolute 0DTE options carnage across the tape today, with same-day expiring contracts wiping out premium left and right. Host Mark Longo breaks down today's featured "1K Oddball Scan," highlighting unusual action in names like Moderna (MRNA), Amplify Junior Silver Miners (SILJ), and Nvidia. Plus, we count down the top 10 most active equity options of the day. From the relentless hunt for $1000 calls in Micron to Robinhood's cannon-shot intraday rally, we dive into the data. We also analyze Oracle's rich pre-earnings trading, Meta's expiring premium, SMCI's staggering 28% drop, and how Tesla ultimately beat out Nvidia to steal the number one spot on our daily countdown. Head straight to www.TheHotOptionsReport.com to kick the tires and light the fires on today's scans.
By the power of volatility! The markets unleashed their inner Skeletor this week as traders grappled with a sharp Friday selloff, renewed Middle East tensions, surging volatility, and another furious round of AI-fueled stock action. Host Mark Longo welcomes Mike Tosaw (St. Charles Wealth Management) and Andrew Giovinazzi (The Option Pit) for a wide-ranging discussion covering everything from He-Man trivia and Masters of the Universe nostalgia to Broadcom, Micron, Nvidia, Intel, Apple, SpaceX, VIX, and the relentless AI trade. The panel debates whether Friday's selloff was simply a healthy pullback after a historic rally, examines the latest volatility action, breaks down unusual options activity in Equinox Gold (EQX) and American Battery Technology (ABAT), and explores how traders may use options to approach the highly anticipated SpaceX IPO. In this episode: Skeletor's impact on modern markets Friday's selloff and Monday's rebound VIX, volatility, and market sentiment AI valuations and the semiconductor trade SpaceX IPO expectations Unusual options activity in EQX and ABAT Nvidia, Tesla, Apple, Intel, Micron, and more Listener favorites and market outlook Can the bulls reclaim all-time highs, or is Skeletor just getting started? Tune in and find out.
By the power of volatility! The markets unleashed their inner Skeletor this week as traders grappled with a sharp Friday selloff, renewed Middle East tensions, surging volatility, and another furious round of AI-fueled stock action. Host Mark Longo welcomes Mike Tosaw (St. Charles Wealth Management) and Andrew Giovinazzi (The Option Pit) for a wide-ranging discussion covering everything from He-Man trivia and Masters of the Universe nostalgia to Broadcom, Micron, Nvidia, Intel, Apple, SpaceX, VIX, and the relentless AI trade. The panel debates whether Friday's selloff was simply a healthy pullback after a historic rally, examines the latest volatility action, breaks down unusual options activity in Equinox Gold (EQX) and American Battery Technology (ABAT), and explores how traders may use options to approach the highly anticipated SpaceX IPO. In this episode: Skeletor's impact on modern markets Friday's selloff and Monday's rebound VIX, volatility, and market sentiment AI valuations and the semiconductor trade SpaceX IPO expectations Unusual options activity in EQX and ABAT Nvidia, Tesla, Apple, Intel, Micron, and more Listener favorites and market outlook Can the bulls reclaim all-time highs, or is Skeletor just getting started? Tune in and find out.
The markets are seeing a sea of green this week, and the bulls are showing no signs of slowing down. Host Mark Longo is joined by Scott Bauer of Prosper Trading Academy to break down a "meteoric" rally in the S&P 500 and a surprising surge in commodities that's defying the traditional geopolitical playbook. In this episode, we dive into: Equities Spotlight: The S&P 500 breaks through the psychological 7500 barrier. Scott explains why this is one of the "most hated rallies" in memory and how he's using Iron Condors to navigate high volatility. Energy Update: Crude oil (WTI) threatens the par strike once again. We analyze the narrowing volatility gap between Crude and Natural Gas and what the July 80 puts tell us about market sentiment. Metals Movers: Copper is stealing the spotlight from Silver, threatening all-time highs. We break down the massive vertical spreads hitting the tape in the September contracts. Agricultural Surprises: Why conflict in the Middle East led to an unexpected 11% explosion in SRW Wheat. Zero-Day Madness: A look at the "insatiable appetite" for 0DTE options and why traders are paying a nickel for outlandish strikes. Get the Data: Follow along with the reports featured in this episode at cmegroup.com/twifo .
The markets are seeing a sea of green this week, and the bulls are showing no signs of slowing down. Host Mark Longo is joined by Scott Bauer of Prosper Trading Academy to break down a "meteoric" rally in the S&P 500 and a surprising surge in commodities that's defying the traditional geopolitical playbook. In this episode, we dive into: Equities Spotlight: The S&P 500 breaks through the psychological 7500 barrier. Scott explains why this is one of the "most hated rallies" in memory and how he's using Iron Condors to navigate high volatility. Energy Update: Crude oil (WTI) threatens the par strike once again. We analyze the narrowing volatility gap between Crude and Natural Gas and what the July 80 puts tell us about market sentiment. Metals Movers: Copper is stealing the spotlight from Silver, threatening all-time highs. We break down the massive vertical spreads hitting the tape in the September contracts. Agricultural Surprises: Why conflict in the Middle East led to an unexpected 11% explosion in SRW Wheat. Zero-Day Madness: A look at the "insatiable appetite" for 0DTE options and why traders are paying a nickel for outlandish strikes. Get the Data: Follow along with the reports featured in this episode at cmegroup.com/twifo .
The drill instructors are going mobile! This week, Options Boot Camp is reporting for duty live from the 2026 Options Industry Conference (OIC). Host Mark Longo is joined on-site by the "black-hatted one" himself, Dan Passarelli of Market Taker Mentoring, to break down the hottest trends and most controversial topics buzzing on the conference floor. From the rapid evolution of 0DTE (Zero Days to Expiration) options in single names to the looming reality of 24/7 equity and options trading, Mark and Dan pull back the curtain on where the industry is headed. They also dive into the "everything old is new again" trend of event contracts and prediction markets, the potential pitfalls of tokenizing Apple shares, and whether AI chatbots will soon be the ones recommending your next iron condor. In this episode, we cover: The 0DTE Explosion: A look at how single-name zero-day options became a reality despite industry skepticism. The 24-Hour Market Push: Is 24/7 trading an inevitability, and what does it mean for liquidity and "circuit breaker" rest? The "Wheel" Strategy: Dan discusses the ROI metrics you need for the Wheel and why brokers still struggle to track this strategy holistically. AI and the Virtual Pit: Can a registered chatbot truly understand your personal risk tolerance? Event Contracts & Litigation: Why the next big boom in binary options might lead to a billion-dollar battle between states and exchanges.
The drill instructors are going mobile! This week, Options Boot Camp is reporting for duty live from the 2026 Options Industry Conference (OIC). Host Mark Longo is joined on-site by the "black-hatted one" himself, Dan Passarelli of Market Taker Mentoring, to break down the hottest trends and most controversial topics buzzing on the conference floor. From the rapid evolution of 0DTE (Zero Days to Expiration) options in single names to the looming reality of 24/7 equity and options trading, Mark and Dan pull back the curtain on where the industry is headed. They also dive into the "everything old is new again" trend of event contracts and prediction markets, the potential pitfalls of tokenizing Apple shares, and whether AI chatbots will soon be the ones recommending your next iron condor. In this episode, we cover: The 0DTE Explosion: A look at how single-name zero-day options became a reality despite industry skepticism. The 24-Hour Market Push: Is 24/7 trading an inevitability, and what does it mean for liquidity and "circuit breaker" rest? The "Wheel" Strategy: Dan discusses the ROI metrics you need for the Wheel and why brokers still struggle to track this strategy holistically. AI and the Virtual Pit: Can a registered chatbot truly understand your personal risk tolerance? Event Contracts & Litigation: Why the next big boom in binary options might lead to a billion-dollar battle between states and exchanges.
Is the market pricing in a "Peace Dividend" before the peace actually arrives? Host Mark Longo is joined by "Uncle" Mike Tosaw of St. Charles Wealth Management and Andrew "The Rock Lobster" Giovinazzi of Option Pit to break down a market that refuses to quit. Despite geopolitical tensions, the S&P 500 is flirting with all-time highs—is this a "Peace Dividend" or just aggressive momentum? In this episode, the panel dives into: The Trading Block: A look at the "drifting" market, VIX cash levels, and the massive rally in tech. Why are algos and retail traders buying the dip with both hands? Earnings Palooza: Preparing for the "mother of all earnings weeks" with Meta, Amazon, Microsoft, Alphabet, and Intel on deck. Plus, a look at the wild volatility haircut in Amazon's straddle. The Odd Block: Unusual activity in Vila Silver Corp (VZLA), a massive pre-earnings play in NOV Inc (NOV), and the explosion (and subsequent implosion) of Poet Technologies (POET). Strategy Block: Uncle Mike shares a "low-risk entry" strategy using SPY call diagonals to capture double leverage with limited downside. 80s Trivia: A heated battle over science and geography that leaves the panel questioning everything (including the color of a Chow Chow's tongue). tastytrade, named the Best Broker for Options by Investopedia. See for yourself at: tastytrade.com/podcasts
Is the market pricing in a "Peace Dividend" before the peace actually arrives? Host Mark Longo is joined by "Uncle" Mike Tosaw of St. Charles Wealth Management and Andrew "The Rock Lobster" Giovinazzi of Option Pit to break down a market that refuses to quit. Despite geopolitical tensions, the S&P 500 is flirting with all-time highs—is this a "Peace Dividend" or just aggressive momentum? In this episode, the panel dives into: The Trading Block: A look at the "drifting" market, VIX cash levels, and the massive rally in tech. Why are algos and retail traders buying the dip with both hands? Earnings Palooza: Preparing for the "mother of all earnings weeks" with Meta, Amazon, Microsoft, Alphabet, and Intel on deck. Plus, a look at the wild volatility haircut in Amazon's straddle. The Odd Block: Unusual activity in Vila Silver Corp (VZLA), a massive pre-earnings play in NOV Inc (NOV), and the explosion (and subsequent implosion) of Poet Technologies (POET). Strategy Block: Uncle Mike shares a "low-risk entry" strategy using SPY call diagonals to capture double leverage with limited downside. 80s Trivia: A heated battle over science and geography that leaves the panel questioning everything (including the color of a Chow Chow's tongue). tastytrade, named the Best Broker for Options by Investopedia. See for yourself at: tastytrade.com/podcasts
The options tape was on fire today as the market digested a major reversal in Tesla (TSLA) and braced for Intel (INTC) earnings. Host Mark Longo breaks down the massive volume shifts across the top 10 most active names, including nearly 3.6 million contracts in TSLA alone. We also dive into the "Death Cross" scan from HotOptionsReport.com, identifying bearish technical signals in names like A.O. Smith (AOS) and Adamas (ADAMI). Plus, we analyze the heavy flow in Nvidia (NVDA), Microsoft (MSFT), and the "Monster" strategy that dominated the tape. On Today's Menu: The Death Cross Scan: Tracking the top bearish signals in the current market. Tesla's Turn to the Dark Side: Why the post-earnings rally faded and what the 370 puts are signaling. Intel's Massive Beat: Analyzing the 19% after-hours surge and the "kiss of death" for put buyers. Big Tech Breakdown: Unusual activity and price action in NVDA, AAPL, AMZN, and AMD. Get more options data at TheHotOptionsReport.com.
Is it time to give the markets the "Big Adios"? Host Mark Longo and guest Dan Gramza of Gramza Capital Management break down an explosive week in the futures options markets. From relief rallies in equities to the curious behavior of the "safe haven" play in gold, we're dissecting the top movers and the most aggressive options paper hitting the tape. In This Episode: Movers & Shakers: A heavy bias toward the light side this week. We analyze the 8% surge in Hard Red Wheat and the massive 4.7% climb in the NASDAQ 100. Equities Spotlight: S&P 500 (ES) is hitting new all-time highs. Is this the "mother of all relief rallies," or are new sellers preparing a trend change? Plus, a look at the heavy 0DTE action around the 7100 level. Metals (Copper & Gold): Dan explains why he's skeptical of the copper rally and shares a "Big Adios" level for the red metal. We also explore the broken traditional playbook for gold during Middle East conflicts and its relationship with the 10-year yield. Energy (WTI Crude Oil): Crude is vacillating near the $91 mark. We break down the June par calls, the $65 puts, and why the "hopium" regarding Middle East de-escalation is driving the current term structure. Check out the Movers & Shakers report and more at CMEGroup.com/TWIFO .
Is it time to give the markets the "Big Adios"? Host Mark Longo and guest Dan Gramza of Gramza Capital Management break down an explosive week in the futures options markets. From relief rallies in equities to the curious behavior of the "safe haven" play in gold, we're dissecting the top movers and the most aggressive options paper hitting the tape. In This Episode: Movers & Shakers: A heavy bias toward the light side this week. We analyze the 8% surge in Hard Red Wheat and the massive 4.7% climb in the NASDAQ 100. Equities Spotlight: S&P 500 (ES) is hitting new all-time highs. Is this the "mother of all relief rallies," or are new sellers preparing a trend change? Plus, a look at the heavy 0DTE action around the 7100 level. Metals (Copper & Gold): Dan explains why he's skeptical of the copper rally and shares a "Big Adios" level for the red metal. We also explore the broken traditional playbook for gold during Middle East conflicts and its relationship with the 10-year yield. Energy (WTI Crude Oil): Crude is vacillating near the $91 mark. We break down the June par calls, the $65 puts, and why the "hopium" regarding Middle East de-escalation is driving the current term structure. Check out the Movers & Shakers report and more at CMEGroup.com/TWIFO .
Is the market finally out of the woods, or is this just a massive relief rally? On this episode of The Option Block, Host Mark Longo is joined by "Uncle Mike" Tosaw of St. Charles Wealth Management for "Uncle Mike Spotlight Week." The panel breaks down a market that seems determined to buy every dip following the de-escalation of hostilities in the Persian Gulf. In this episode, we dive into: The Trading Block: The S&P 500 eyes the 6,845 level as it nears positive territory for the year. We analyze the "truth" found in the charts versus the news cycle and look at the VIX as it exhales toward the 20 handle. The Odd Block: A deep dive into unusual activity in Photronics (PLAB) with June 55 calls, a massive swing for the fences in Satellogic (SATL) April 9 calls, and a post-mortem on the heavy volume in Terawulf (WULF). Big Tech Breakdown: Momentum shifts in Amazon (AMZN) and Meta, a surge in Intel (INTC), and why Palantir (PLTR) is seeing red despite the broader market green. Mail Call: We review the "Question of the Week" regarding the long-term market impact of Middle East conflict and settle the debate: Microsoft (MSFT) vs. Micron (MU). Around the Block: What to watch for as we approach the weekend, including WD-40 (WDFC) earnings and the critical technical resistance levels for the major indices.
Is the market finally out of the woods, or is this just a massive relief rally? On this episode of The Option Block, Host Mark Longo is joined by "Uncle Mike" Tosaw of St. Charles Wealth Management for "Uncle Mike Spotlight Week." The panel breaks down a market that seems determined to buy every dip following the de-escalation of hostilities in the Persian Gulf. In this episode, we dive into: The Trading Block: The S&P 500 eyes the 6,845 level as it nears positive territory for the year. We analyze the "truth" found in the charts versus the news cycle and look at the VIX as it exhales toward the 20 handle. The Odd Block: A deep dive into unusual activity in Photronics (PLAB) with June 55 calls, a massive swing for the fences in Satellogic (SATL) April 9 calls, and a post-mortem on the heavy volume in Terawulf (WULF). Big Tech Breakdown: Momentum shifts in Amazon (AMZN) and Meta, a surge in Intel (INTC), and why Palantir (PLTR) is seeing red despite the broader market green. Mail Call: We review the "Question of the Week" regarding the long-term market impact of Middle East conflict and settle the debate: Microsoft (MSFT) vs. Micron (MU). Around the Block: What to watch for as we approach the weekend, including WD-40 (WDFC) earnings and the critical technical resistance levels for the major indices.
In this episode of The Option Block, Host Mark Longo and "Uncle" Mike Tosaw from St. Charles Wealth Management dive into a wild Monday market. With "The Rock Lobster" hitting the slopes, the duo navigates a landscape filled with geopolitical headline risk, 80s sports trivia, and significant technical sell-offs. The Trading Block: The panel analyzes the "Monday Rally" following a weekend of geopolitical tension. We look at the VIX hanging near 24, the impact of non-farm payrolls on a closed market Friday, and the massive volume in Tesla (TSLA) as it dips below the $350 level. Plus, a breakdown of the top 10 most actives including Intel (INTC), Apple (AAPL), and Nvidia (NVDA). The Odd Block: It's a "blood-red" day for Veridian Therapeutics (VRDN). We examine the massive 22% drop and the suspicious put activity leading into May earnings. We also revisit Enovix Corp (ENVX) call buying and a "lose-lose" expiration scenario in Magna Corp (MAGN). Strategy & Mail Block: Uncle Mike discusses Strike Price Selection for covered calls in a high-volatility environment—should you go for the "juice" at-the-money or play it safe? We also reveal the results of our "Gun to your Head" poll: Microsoft (MSFT) vs. Micron (MU).
In this episode of The Option Block, Host Mark Longo and "Uncle" Mike Tosaw from St. Charles Wealth Management dive into a wild Monday market. With "The Rock Lobster" hitting the slopes, the duo navigates a landscape filled with geopolitical headline risk, 80s sports trivia, and significant technical sell-offs. The Trading Block: The panel analyzes the "Monday Rally" following a weekend of geopolitical tension. We look at the VIX hanging near 24, the impact of non-farm payrolls on a closed market Friday, and the massive volume in Tesla (TSLA) as it dips below the $350 level. Plus, a breakdown of the top 10 most actives including Intel (INTC), Apple (AAPL), and Nvidia (NVDA). The Odd Block: It's a "blood-red" day for Veridian Therapeutics (VRDN). We examine the massive 22% drop and the suspicious put activity leading into May earnings. We also revisit Enovix Corp (ENVX) call buying and a "lose-lose" expiration scenario in Magna Corp (MAGN). Strategy & Mail Block: Uncle Mike discusses Strike Price Selection for covered calls in a high-volatility environment—should you go for the "juice" at-the-money or play it safe? We also reveal the results of our "Gun to your Head" poll: Microsoft (MSFT) vs. Micron (MU).
Market volatility is mirroring the spring weather—swinging from 80 degrees to 40 in a flash. Host Mark Longo is joined by "The Flowmaster" Henry Schwartz of Cboe and Uncle Mike Tosaw of St. Charles Wealth Management to break down a record-shattering month in the options market and find out why everyone is suddenly trading... soup? On this episode, the crew dives into: The Trading Block: A look at a massive "Red Thursday." We recap the overnight sell-off fueled by geopolitical tensions and the surprising intraday recovery. Volume Records: March was a "banger." We break down the OCC numbers showing over 1.5 billion contracts traded—the spiciest month in history. The Odd Block: * Campbell Soup (CPB): Why is there aggressive call buying in a stock the CEO allegedly caught on a hot mic disparaging? Marathon Digital (MARA): Deciphering the massive roll in the 8.5 calls as crypto miners pivot to AI data centers. Replimune Group (REPL): A 300% IV biotech play that has "wild" written all over it. Around the Block: Predictions on the long-term market impact of Middle East conflicts and what to watch for in a truncated holiday week.
Market volatility is mirroring the spring weather—swinging from 80 degrees to 40 in a flash. Host Mark Longo is joined by "The Flowmaster" Henry Schwartz of Cboe and Uncle Mike Tosaw of St. Charles Wealth Management to break down a record-shattering month in the options market and find out why everyone is suddenly trading... soup? On this episode, the crew dives into: The Trading Block: A look at a massive "Red Thursday." We recap the overnight sell-off fueled by geopolitical tensions and the surprising intraday recovery. Volume Records: March was a "banger." We break down the OCC numbers showing over 1.5 billion contracts traded—the spiciest month in history. The Odd Block: * Campbell Soup (CPB): Why is there aggressive call buying in a stock the CEO allegedly caught on a hot mic disparaging? Marathon Digital (MARA): Deciphering the massive roll in the 8.5 calls as crypto miners pivot to AI data centers. Replimune Group (REPL): A 300% IV biotech play that has "wild" written all over it. Around the Block: Predictions on the long-term market impact of Middle East conflicts and what to watch for in a truncated holiday week.
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
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!
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!
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).
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).
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."
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."
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.
Host Mark Longo breaks down today's "Retail Giant" scan, highlighting high-volume retail activity in Sony (SONY) and Unilever (UL). We dive into the massive 8% rally in MicroStrategy (MSTR), volatility shifts in AMD and Meta, and the high-stakes positioning in Nvidia (NVDA) ahead of their major earnings announcement. Key Highlights: Retail Scans: Sony, Unilever, and MercadoLibre. The Monster: Analyzing the MSTR $130 call surge. Earnings Watch: Breaking down the NVDA $200 par strike. Visit TheOptionsInsider.com for more.
The options tape was scorching this Friday as we wrap up a dense week of trading. Host Mark Longo breaks down a massive session where it took over 714,000 contracts just to crack the Top 10. From Nvidia's staggering volume at the $190 strike to Alphabet's 4% rally that erased its yearly losses, we analyze the biggest movers in the game. We dive deep into the intraday volatility of Micron, the "untamed beast" of 2026, and track the heavy flow in Tesla's $415 calls. Whether you're tracking Palantir, AMD, or Microsoft, we highlight where the smart money was sweating and where the premium buyers got burned at the close. In this episode: The Top 10 Countdown: A breakdown of the most active underlying products today. Winner of the Day: How Alphabet (GOOGL) bulls capitalized on the $310 calls. The Nvidia Monster: Analyzing the 515,000 contracts traded at the $190 strike. Weekly Recap: Insights from the Volatility Death Match and what's next for the crypto and equity markets.
The "Buy the Dip" mentality was put to the test this week. Host Mark Longo is joined by Dr. Russell Rhoads (the "Once, Future, and Present Dr. VIX") and Andrew Giovinazzi (The Rock Lobster) to break down a wild week that saw the VIX touch the 22 handle before a massive intraday reversal. In this episode, the crew dives into: The Volatility Review: Analyzing the impact of the rare midweek non-farm payrolls and the latest CPI data on market sentiment. AI Narrative Shift: Is the "AI is good for everything" bubble finally bursting? A look at multiple compression in the Mag Seven and the "Grizzly Adams" view of the market. Russell's Weekly Rundown: Dr. Russell Rhoads breaks down the "clown show" trades in the weeklies, the impact of the VIX bid-ask spread on morning spikes, and why the current correlation data suggests 2026 is behaving like a different beast. Crystal Ball: The team places their bets on where the VIX will settle next week as we head into a holiday-shortened trading session. Plus: A massive announcement regarding Vol Death Match 2.0: The Flow Master vs. Scott Nations. Find out how you can submit topics and judge the victor at TheOptionsInsider.com/pro . Check out Tastytrade: https://www.tastytrade.com/podcasts
The "Buy the Dip" mentality was put to the test this week. Host Mark Longo is joined by Dr. Russell Rhoads (the "Once, Future, and Present Dr. VIX") and Andrew Giovinazzi (The Rock Lobster) to break down a wild week that saw the VIX touch the 22 handle before a massive intraday reversal. In this episode, the crew dives into: The Volatility Review: Analyzing the impact of the rare midweek non-farm payrolls and the latest CPI data on market sentiment. AI Narrative Shift: Is the "AI is good for everything" bubble finally bursting? A look at multiple compression in the Mag Seven and the "Grizzly Adams" view of the market. Russell's Weekly Rundown: Dr. Russell Rhoads breaks down the "clown show" trades in the weeklies, the impact of the VIX bid-ask spread on morning spikes, and why the current correlation data suggests 2026 is behaving like a different beast. Crystal Ball: The team places their bets on where the VIX will settle next week as we head into a holiday-shortened trading session. Plus: A massive announcement regarding Vol Death Match 2.0: The Flow Master vs. Scott Nations. Find out how you can submit topics and judge the victor at TheOptionsInsider.com/pro . Check out Tastytrade: https://www.tastytrade.com/podcasts
Is the "Zero Day" infection spreading across the pond? In this episode, we dive deep into the heart of the Eurozone to see how record levels in the DAX and the explosion of 0DTE options are reshaping the landscape for retail and institutional traders alike. Host Mark Longo is joined by a powerhouse panel to break down the macroeconomic shifts, sector rotations, and the structural innovations making European derivatives more accessible than ever. In This Episode: The 0DTE Contagion: Lex Luthringshausen (Tradier) explains why European traders are beaming into US markets to sling intraday iron condors and how that behavior is translating to cash-settled European indices. DAX to the Max: Eugen Mohr (Eurex) breaks down the "Conservative Shift" in German politics under the new Chancellor and how government spending in the defense and industrial sectors is driving the DAX 40 to record heights. The Economic Cycle: Dr. VSTOXX himself, Russell Rhoads, analyzes why the DAX might offer more "juice" than the S&P 500 in 2026 and why the "Potholes" in the US economy might make European exposure a smoother ride. German Engineering vs. Italian Style: A heated debate on the automotive sector—from BMW and Mercedes to the "Poster Car" aesthetics of Italian design. Micro-Sizing the Market: Why notional size matters and how the Micro-DAX (at just 1 Euro per point) is becoming the ultimate tool for retail risk management. The Red Phone: The panel tackles listener questions on Eurex 0DTE liquidity, "Weekend Risk" trades using V-Stocks, and Tradier's unique "All You Can Trade" subscription model. The Panel: Mark Longo: Founder, The Options Insider Media Group Dr. Russell Rhoads: Clinical Professor at the Kelley School of Business, Indiana University Eugen Mohr: Product & Business Development Specialist at Eurex Lex Luthringshausen: SVP of Business Development at Tradier Resources Mentioned: The Leap Trading Competition: Join over 50,000 traders in the Eurex/TradingView paper trading challenge. Visit eurex.com/competition . Learn More About Eurex: eurex.com
The crypto markets are in the midst of absolute madness, and this episode of The Crypto Rundown breaks down every twist and turn of this high-stakes soap opera. Host Mark Longo is joined by Bill Ulivieri of Cenacle Capital Management to dissect a week that saw Bitcoin plunge to $60K only to stage a dramatic turnaround. In this episode, we dive deep into the "MSTR Effect"—has MicroStrategy officially stolen the throne from Coinbase as the crypto market's primary bellwether? We explore the massive volatility spikes, the impact of "vibe coding" on market analysis, and the surprising resilience of the IBIT ETF during a period of intense capitulation. In This Episode: Bitcoin Breakdown: Analyzing the 10,000-point swing from $60K back to $75K and the "widows and orphans" state of BTC volatility compared to equity proxies. The MSTR Drama: A look at Michael Saylor's relentless buying and why MicroStrategy might be the "amplified" crypto play of the decade. Altcoin Universe: Why Ethereum (ETH) found a "perfect trend line" at $1,700 and why Bill is eyeing the Canton Network (CC) as a hidden institutional gem. 0DTE in IBIT: How the addition of intra-week expirations is changing the game for premium harvesters. Circle (CRCL) & Beyond: Analyzing the wreckage in Solana, XRP, and Doge, and finding the deals hidden in the firestorm.
This episode of This Week in Futures Options (TWIFO) captures a high-stakes, "all-red" day across the global markets. Host Mark Longo and veteran analyst Dan Gramza break down a massive sell-off hitting everything from equities and crypto to metals, providing actionable insights into whether this is a "big adios" or a buying opportunity. Episode Overview: The "Big Adios" Sell-Off The markets are seeing a sea of red as equities, metals, and crypto face intense selling pressure. Mark and Dan navigate the wreckage to find where the volatility is exploding and where the smart money is positioning itself amidst the carnage. Key Highlights from the Show: Metals Meltdown: A deep dive into the "Silver Madness." With Silver down over 34% this week, the team discusses triple-digit volatility levels and whether the market has finally reached a "double bottom" or if there's more pain to come. Equities Rotation: Is the AI trade finally over? Analysis of the aggressive unwind in the S&P 500 and the rotation into small caps (Russell 2000), including the impact of the newly launched zero-day (0DTE) options on major individual components like Tesla and Nvidia. Crypto Carnage: Bitcoin takes a 22% hit since Monday. Dan explores the correlation between the NASDAQ and Bitcoin, identifying the $60,000 level as the next crucial psychological floor. Movers & Shakers: A breakdown of the rare "Light Side" winners (Milk and Soybeans) versus the "Dark Side" losers (Silver, Bitcoin, and Natural Gas). Energy & Ags: Why the geopolitical tension between the US and Iran is the "X-factor" for Crude Oil and why Natural Gas continues its downward slide despite cold temperatures. Inside the Options Flow: S&P 500 (ES): Analysis of a massive 30,000-contract put spread trade (6,600/6,650) and what it signals for market sentiment over the next 15 days. Silver (SI): High-volume activity in the March 70 puts and the surprising demand for "lottery ticket" March par (100) calls. Bitcoin (BTC): Institutional vs. Retail flow, including a look at the "stock repair" strategies appearing in the March cycle.
This episode of This Week in Futures Options (TWIFO) captures a high-stakes, "all-red" day across the global markets. Host Mark Longo and veteran analyst Dan Gramza break down a massive sell-off hitting everything from equities and crypto to metals, providing actionable insights into whether this is a "big adios" or a buying opportunity. Episode Overview: The "Big Adios" Sell-Off The markets are seeing a sea of red as equities, metals, and crypto face intense selling pressure. Mark and Dan navigate the wreckage to find where the volatility is exploding and where the smart money is positioning itself amidst the carnage. Key Highlights from the Show: Metals Meltdown: A deep dive into the "Silver Madness." With Silver down over 34% this week, the team discusses triple-digit volatility levels and whether the market has finally reached a "double bottom" or if there's more pain to come. Equities Rotation: Is the AI trade finally over? Analysis of the aggressive unwind in the S&P 500 and the rotation into small caps (Russell 2000), including the impact of the newly launched zero-day (0DTE) options on major individual components like Tesla and Nvidia. Crypto Carnage: Bitcoin takes a 22% hit since Monday. Dan explores the correlation between the NASDAQ and Bitcoin, identifying the $60,000 level as the next crucial psychological floor. Movers & Shakers: A breakdown of the rare "Light Side" winners (Milk and Soybeans) versus the "Dark Side" losers (Silver, Bitcoin, and Natural Gas). Energy & Ags: Why the geopolitical tension between the US and Iran is the "X-factor" for Crude Oil and why Natural Gas continues its downward slide despite cold temperatures. Inside the Options Flow: S&P 500 (ES): Analysis of a massive 30,000-contract put spread trade (6,600/6,650) and what it signals for market sentiment over the next 15 days. Silver (SI): High-volume activity in the March 70 puts and the surprising demand for "lottery ticket" March par (100) calls. Bitcoin (BTC): Institutional vs. Retail flow, including a look at the "stock repair" strategies appearing in the March cycle.
The metals markets are reeling after a historic "Metals Apocalypse," and The Futures Rundown is here to pick up the pieces. Host Mark Longo is joined by Jermal Chandler, Head of Options Strategy at tastytrade, to break down the massive volatility crushing Silver and Bitcoin while an unlikely sector—Dairy—dominates the leaderboard. In this episode, we dive into: The Trading Pit: A post-mortem on the Silver route and why the "90 handle" is the new psychological battleground. The Crypto Slide: Bitcoin and ETH are breaking key technical levels—is this a "risk-off" moment or something deeper? The Dairy Palooza: Why Cash-Settled Cheese, Butter, and Non-fat Dry Milk are the surprise winners of 2026. Top 10 Most Active: Rates and Equities continue to lead the tape, with the Micro Nasdaq 100 taking the crown. Futures Free-for-All: We answer listener questions on whether Silver or Bitcoin hits the 100 handle first and how to trade Silver volatility using strangles. Go to https://tastytrade.com/podcasts for more information.
Episode Summary Earnings season is in full swing, and the options tape is absolutely on fire. Host Mark Longo breaks down a massive day of paper, where it took over 671,000 contracts just to crack the Top 10. From Meta's massive post-earnings "lottery ticket" winners to Microsoft's tumble into the "dark side," we examine the strikes and flows defining the market on this action-packed Thursday. Plus, a look at Apple's after-hours movement following its Q1 revenue beat and why Tesla is back in the #1 spot despite a rough day for shareholders. Inside the Hot Options Tape Tesla (TSLA): Reclaims the #1 spot with 2.79M contracts. We dive into the $420 puts as the stock slips nearly 3.5% post-earnings. Nvidia (NVDA): A rare drop to #2 despite 2.54M contracts. Is the $192.50 call paper looking for a Friday payday? Microsoft (MSFT): The "dark side" prevails after earnings, with a 10% sell-off. We track a massive 100,000-lot butterfly spread targeting December. Meta (META): A spectacular win for the bulls. Those $700 "lottery ticket" calls paid off big as the stock surged toward $740. Apple (AAPL): Breaking down the $260 calls as the stock trends higher in the after-hours following a $143.8B revenue report. Palantir (PLTR): Returning to levels not seen since last summer. Are the $150 puts signaling more pain ahead? MicroStrategy (MSTR): Taking it on the chin with a 10% drop. Was the $167.50 call flow a brave rebound play or just lighting money on fire? Market Breakdown by the Numbers Rank Symbol Volume The "Hot" Option Price/Context 1 TSLA 2.79M $420 Puts Nearly 100k contracts; price ~$4.93 2 NVDA 2.54M $192.50 Calls 211k contracts; eyes on tomorrow's close 3 MSFT 2.34M $575 Calls Part of a massive Dec. butterfly spread 4 META 1.42M $750.50 Calls Bulls sweating as stock hits $744 high 5 PLTR 1.14M $150 Puts 53k contracts; stock hit low of $147.12 Resources & Links Generate Your Own Reports: TheHotOptionsReport.com Go Pro: Get exclusive insights at TheOptionsInsider.com/Pro
This episode of The Futures Rundown explores the explosive, and frankly "crazy," price action currently dominating the metals complex. Host Mark Longo is joined by Brett Friedman, Managing Partner at Winhall Risk Analytics, to dissect the unprecedented surge in silver, the "tail of two tapes" on Fed Day, and the lurking geopolitical wild cards that could upend the markets in early 2026. Inside This Episode: The Silver "Freight Train" Silver has officially decoupled from reality, outperforming the S&P 500 by eight times in 2025 and starting 2026 with a staggering 61% year-to-date gain. Brett Friedman breaks down why this move is the most intense silver "craziness" he's seen in a career spanning multiple decades. Key Discussion Points: What is Driving Silver? We move beyond the standard supply deficit narrative to look at momentum trading, social media frenzy (Google Trends), and why implied volatility is hitting triple digits. The "Bubble" Checklist: Is silver in a bubble? Brett explains the "constant feeding" requirement and why the metal is currently thriving on global uncertainty. Fed Day Reality Check: A look at the top 10 most active futures products. While metals dominate the headlines, the volume remains concentrated in NASDAQ Micros (MNQ) and 10-Year Notes. Lurking Wild Cards: Why the upcoming Supreme Court decision on tariffs and a potential government shutdown are the "uncertainty triggers" the market is ignoring. Energy Complex Update: Why crude oil is stuck in a sideways band despite tensions in Iran and Ukraine, and the "demand destruction" currently hitting the cocoa and orange juice markets.
This episode of The Hot Options Report tackles a high-stakes "Fed Day" session as the market navigates a steady policy hold and a massive wave of "Mag 7" earnings. Host Mark Longo breaks down the top 10 most active names, tracking the wild after-hours divergence between Meta's moonshot and Microsoft's retreat, as well as the parabolic move in Micron and Intel's roaring recovery. Fed Day & Earnings Chaos: The Tale of Two Tapes Despite a light start to the session as traders kept their "powder dry" for the FOMC announcement, the afternoon transformed into an earnings battleground. The Fed maintained interest rates at 3.50% to 3.75%, but the real volatility was found in the tech sector's after-hours reactions. The Top 10 Options Breakdown Rank Ticker Volume Key "Hot Option" Notable Move 1 NVDA 1.92M 192.5 Calls (Exp. Friday) Gained $3.00 to close at $191.52. 2 INTC 1.37M 50 Calls Surged 11% ($4.85) to close at $48.78. 3 TSLA 1.21M 450 Calls Rallying $13.60 after-hours to $444. 4 PLTR 641K 170 Calls Sold off 5% ($8.35) to close at $157.33. 5 AMZN 593K 245 Calls Dipped $1.67 to close at $243.00. 6 MU 570K 450 Calls Exploded 6% ($25.00) to close at $435.28. 7 MSFT 524K 500 Calls Dropping $23.00 after-hours to $458. 8 META 521K 700 Calls Surging $62.00 after-hours to $731. 9 AAPL 461K 270 Calls Slipped $1.83 to close at $256.44. 10 NFLX 433K 86 Calls Fell 1% ($0.84) to close at $84.64. Highlights from the Tape Meta vs. Microsoft: A dramatic split in AI sentiment. Meta is soaring over $730 in the after-hours, making those $11 premium 700 calls look like a steal. Meanwhile, Microsoft is "circling the bowl" despite beating estimates, dropping nearly $23 after-hours as investors weigh heavy AI capex. Micron's Moonshot: MU continues an absolute tear, up 38% year-to-date and another $25 today. The 450 calls are the target for those betting the AI hardware frenzy isn't over. Intel's Revenge: After a brutal post-earnings drubbing, INTC roared back with an 11% gain, fueled by reports of foundry partnerships with Nvidia and Apple. Nvidia Holds the Crown: NVDA remains the volume king with nearly 2 million contracts. Traders were heavy in the 192.5 calls, looking for a break of the intraday highs.
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 .
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.
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.
Welcome to today's episode of The Hot Options Report—your essential guide to options trading and stock market analysis as we head into the holiday break. Host Mark Longo breaks down the day's market volatility, concentrating on the top options trades and key stock movements driving the tape before the holiday. In this episode, we dive into the massive trading volumes and unusual activity seen across the leaderboard, including a historic day for Novo Nordisk (NVO) and the continued dominance of Tesla (TSLA) and Nvidia (NVDA). On This Episode, We Discuss: The NVO "Pill" Pop: Novo Nordisk shares surged following the landmark FDA approval of the oral version of Wegovy. We analyze the explosion in call volume and what this fundamental shift means for the GLP-1 "Weight Loss War" heading into 2026. Tesla (TSLA) Sentiment: Tesla remains the undisputed king of the tape as it pushes toward key psychological levels. We break down the massive open interest and the "Santa Rally" positioning ahead of the highly anticipated January delivery report. Nvidia (NVDA) & The China Pivot: With reports circulating about a green light for specific AI chip shipments to China, Nvidia is seeing a massive influx of aggressive call buying. Is the "AI Trade" finding a second wind for the new year? Broad Market Check: Is the market gift-wrapped for a year-end surge? We look at the sentiment reflected in the major index options chains amidst thin holiday liquidity and record highs for the S&P 500. Unusual Activity Spotlight: We track the "Hot Trades" of the day, including surprising volume in names like MicroStrategy (MSTR) and Robinhood (HOOD). Year-End Positioning: A look at why traders are rolling positions and selling premium to capture holiday decay. Tune in for detailed insights into each options trade, the macro drivers behind today's tape, and the vital implications for active traders. Get more options data, charts, and analysis at: TheHotOptionsReport.com
The Option Block: Holiday Havoc, iRobot Reversals, and Year-End RMDs The All-Star Panel is back to wrap up the year! Host Mark Longo, Uncle Mike Tosaw, and The Rock Lobster Andrew Giovinazzi dive into a festive but frantic market to break down the latest unusual activity and essential year-end strategies. The Trading Block: Market Sentiment: How the holiday season is warping typical market movements and what to expect from the "Santa Claus Rally." Unusual Activity in iRobot ($IRBT): Breaking down the latest heavy flow in the robotics space. Gap ($GPS) Check-in: Analyzing the recent retail trades as the year comes to a close. The Strategy Block: Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs): Uncle Mike breaks down the critical deadlines and pitfalls for traditional IRAs. Don't let the IRS take a bigger cut than necessary. Holiday Trading Hours: Insights on the best (and worst) times to put on trades when liquidity is thin. Around the Block: Favorite Christmas Movies: The team debates the holiday greats. Is A Christmas Story still the king, or does Elf take the crown? Plus, thoughts on the stop-motion nostalgia of Rudolph. Check out more from The Options Insider: TheOptionsInsider.com Follow us on Twitter: @Options
Holiday Whipsaws & The $90k Bitcoin Battle Episode Summary: Bitcoin is entering the holiday stretch with a fight for the $90,000 handle following the Fed's final interest rate cut of 2025. Host Mark Longo breaks down the high-stakes leverage building in the crypto markets. We analyze the "sell-the-open" pattern hitting U.S. sessions, the massive open interest in Bitcoin futures, and why the $85,000 floor remains the most critical support level for the end-of-year "Santa Rally."
The Option Block: Silver Thieves, Options Records & Suspicious DJT Trades The All-Star Panel convenes for the final Thursday of 2025! Host Mark Longo is joined by Henry "The Flowmaster" Schwartz (Cboe) and "Uncle" Mike Tosaw (St. Charles Wealth Management) to break down a wild year-end session. The Trading Block The 15 Billion Milestone: Henry Schwartz predicts when the 15,000,000,000th options contract of 2025 will trade. Silver's Historic Run: Mike Tosaw discusses the "thief in the night" move in SLV as it hits new highs, and why he's finally fading the metal. Market Rotation: A look at the aggressive move back into tech (XLK, Micron, Palantir) following cooler CPI data. The Odd Block DJT "Skullduggery": We analyze suspicious call buying in DJT (Trump Media) immediately preceding a 40% jump on fusion merger news. Leslie's Inc (LESL): Why is someone grabbing thousands of calls in a stock that has dropped 95% this year? Ticker Autopsy: A look back at the failed $210k bet on IPA (now HYFT).
The options market was on fire! Host Mark Longo breaks down the Top 10 Most Active Single Name Equity Options for Friday, November 12th on the Hot Options Report. Find out which stocks saw heavy options volume following the post-Fed whipsaw action. This episode is packed with options trading insights, including key volume, average prices, and market trends for: Tesla (TSLA): The day's Number 1 spot, blowing through 4.5 million contracts and closing with a winner on the 455 calls. Nvidia (NVDA): Putting up nearly 4 million contracts amid AI spending concerns. Broadcom (AVGO): The massive sell-off after earnings and the high-volume 365 calls. Oracle (ORCL): Selling off hard, but with high call volume for the 195 strike. Apple (AAPL): Bucking the overall market sell-off and climbing into the close. High-Volume Names: Analysis of Netflix (NFLX), Merck (MRK), Monster (MNST), the wild ride of Rivian (RIVN), and Palantir (PLTR). Go to TheHotOptionsReport.com for more options data.
Options Traders, this is your closing bell recap! The Hot Options Report breaks down the wild options market volume seen on a critical post-Federal Reserve trading day. Host Mark Longo delivers crucial options flow analysis across the most active tickers. Top Options Flow Analysis: Mark Longo dives into the closing volume across the most active tickers, including the Oracle ($ORCL) plunge, Nvidia ($NVDA), Tesla ($TSLA), Apple ($AAPL), and MSTR. Deep-Dive into Hot Trades: Get key insights on today's largest option transactions, specifically the massive interest in Robinhood ($HOOD) 125 Calls and the Vale ($VALE) Jan 12 Calls, plus activity in Palantir ($PLTR) and AMD ($AMD). Don't miss this essential look at market movements and price actions after the closing bell on 12-11-2025. For more options data and insights, visit thehotoptionsreport.com.
Welcome to today's episode of The Hot Options Report—your essential guide to options trading and stock market analysis on Fed Day, December 10th, 2025. Host Mark Longo breaks down the day's market volatility, concentrating on the top options trades and key stock movements driven by the day's events. This detailed market analysis highlights massive trading volumes across Microsoft (MSFT), Warner Brothers Discovery (WBD), Apple (AAPL), Amazon (AMZN), Oracle (ORCL), Palantir (PLTR), Taiwan Semi (TSM), Netflix (NFLX), Nvidia (NVDA), and Tesla (TSLA). Tune in for detailed insights into each options trade, what precisely drove the stock market on this crucial Fed Day, and the vital implications for active traders. Don't miss out on the unique opportunities and expert market commentary provided in this episode! For comprehensive options data, real-time reports, and exclusive analysis, visit TheHotOptionsReport.com. Don't miss out!
In this episode of the European Market Brief, the discussion centers on navigating the European derivatives markets and managing market risk. Host Mark Longo is joined by experts Matt Koren (Eurex), Mark Wator (Barchart), and Russell Rhoads (Kelley School of Business at Indiana University) to provide in-depth volatility trading analysis. Key topics include the nuances and trading opportunities within the V-STOXX index (Europe's leading volatility index), its direct comparison to the VIX, and the evolving analytic tools and derivatives market data provided by Barchart. Other highlights cover insights into real-time trading activities, the influence of major European market events, and future plans for new financial products, particularly in options and volatility trading. The episode wraps up with answering listener queries about V-STOXX data sources and proven trading strategies.