Volatility Views

Epizode

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  Volatility Views 694: Surprising Vol Action! Shocking Bullseyes! 11.09.2026 57min

  Volatility wakes up from its late-summer slumber on this episode of Volatility Views as Mark Longo and Russell Rhoads break down a surprisingly active stretch across the volatility markets. VIX briefly pushed above 18 before retreating, VIX options volume came roaring back, traders targeted everything from near-term puts to triple-digit VIX calls, and the volatility futures curve offered some interesting clues about what the market expects next. Plus, Russell breaks down some fascinating VIX weekly trades, including one that landed almost perfectly at settlement, we examine the latest action in SVIX, UVIX, UVXY and VXX, and Mark celebrates a rare two-week Crystal Ball bullseye after nearly nailing the VIX level from the previous episode.
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  Volatility Views 693: The Theta Clock Ticks for You! 28.08.2026 58min

  The theta clock is ticking on the volatility markets! On this episode of Volatility Views, Mark Longo is joined by Brian Overby from OptionsPlaybook.com and Henry Schwartz from Cboe for a deep dive into a surprisingly quiet volatility landscape. With VIX dipping into the 14 handle and VVIX hovering near unusually low levels, has volatility simply gone to sleep for the dog days of summer—or is premium getting too cheap to ignore? The crew discusses whether this is an attractive time to buy volatility, why VIX spikes have become increasingly difficult to monetize, and how traders can potentially take advantage when those brief volatility explosions finally arrive. They also break down the VIX futures term structure, some massive VIX options positions and intriguing upside trades, plus the latest action in SVIX, UVIX, UVXY and VXX. Brian also shares an interesting options strategy in SpaceX before the crew heads into the Crystal Ball to forecast where VIX might be headed next. And somewhere along the way, Henry introduces what may be the next must-have accessory for every options trader—the Theta Clock.
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  Volatility Views 692: We Dare You to Sell Vol 21.08.2026 1h

  On this episode of Volatility Views, host Mark Longo is joined by Russell Rhoads, Mark Sebastian, and Jim Carroll to ask whether the volatility market is practically daring traders to sell vol. The crew breaks down a wild week featuring Treasury intervention, Scott Bessent's message to the bond market, and the growing debate over whether a "Bessent put" is helping keep volatility contained. With VIX struggling to gain much traction and the VIX futures curve sitting in healthy contango, is the market signaling that short vol is still the place to be—or is complacency setting traders up for a surprise? They also dig into the latest VIX options activity, including massive VIX rolls, heavy upside call trading, the continuing fascination with cheap VIX puts, and some unusual trades way out on the volatility curve. Plus, the team checks in on SVIX, UVIX, UVXY and VXX, examine an earnings season where realized moves have finally fallen short of expectations, and look ahead to Nvidia and the potential volatility catalysts waiting around the corner.
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  Volatility Views 691: Volatility Survivors 14.08.2026 59min

  The volatility survivors are back! After surviving tornado sirens, wild weather and another relentless week of declining volatility, Mark Longo is joined by Russell Rhoads, Mark Sebastian and special guest Rich Excell to break down everything happening across the volatility landscape. On this episode, the crew discusses the continued grind higher in equities and lower in VIX, why the bond and stock markets appear to be watching two very different movies, and whether volatility could completely melt down as we head deeper into the dog days of summer. They also dig into the growing fascination with VIX puts, including the suddenly popular 15 strike, unusual activity across the VIX options market, a massive September-to-October/November VIX call roll, the latest action in SVIX, UVIX, UVXY and VXX, Russell's intriguing weekly VIX trades, and much more. Plus, could VIX actually trade with a 12 handle before Jackson Hole? And what are our volatility survivors forecasting for next week?
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  Volatility Views 690: VIX Put Mysteries Solved and More SPCX Madness 07.08.2026 55min

  The VIX put mystery may finally be solved! On this episode of Volatility Views with Russell Rhoads and Mark Sebastian, we dig into the unusual deep-in-the-money VIX put spreads that have been puzzling us and uncover the margin dynamics that could help explain why traders keep putting them on. We also break down a wild week in volatility, including the plunge in VIX, the latest VIX futures term structure, notable VIX options flow, and the continuing fallout from reverse splits in the volatility ETP space. Plus, the SPCX madness continues. We examine the massive activity in far out-of-the-money SPCX calls, discuss the inverse ETF apparently behind the trades, and explore whether there could be a method to this options madness. All that plus single-stock futures, unusual Rocket Lab options activity, our latest volatility predictions, and much more.
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  Volatility Views 689: Return of the Volatility Nomad 31.07.2026 55min

  The Volatility Nomad returns! On this episode of Volatility Views, Mark Longo and Dr. Russell Rhoads welcome back Michael Listman, aka UVXY Trader, who joins the show from the UK after months of trading his way across Europe. The crew breaks down another wild week for the volatility markets, including the brief VIX spike above 20, the post-Fed volatility collapse, a surprisingly subdued VIX futures curve, and whether the market is becoming a little too comfortable heading into the fall. Michael also takes us inside life as a traveling volatility trader and explains how being a "volatility nomad" has changed his approach to risk and position management. We dig into his current strategies involving UVXY, SVIX and VXX, seasonality in volatility ETPs, longer-dated positions, pair trades, short straddles and more. Plus, we examine the latest unusual VIX options activity, including some truly extreme upside strikes, revisit Russell's Microsoft earnings trade, and peer into the Crystal Ball for where VIX could be headed next.
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  Volatility Views 688: Another Strange Week in Volatility 24.07.2026 1h

  Volatility finally showed signs of life this week—but as traders have come to expect, the spike didn't last. On this episode of Volatility Views, Mark Longo is joined by Dr. Russell Rhoads to dissect another unusual week in the volatility markets. The hosts examine why VIX briefly pushed toward 20 before quickly retreating, despite geopolitical tensions, AI spending concerns, and a sharp selloff in technology stocks. They also break down the latest VIX futures term structure, analyze the week's most intriguing VIX options trades, discuss whether markets are underpricing geopolitical risk, and explain why Microsoft's upcoming earnings could be one of the biggest volatility events of the summer. In this episode: Why VIX couldn't sustain its move toward 20 AI spending concerns from Google and Tesla shake the market What the VIX futures curve is signaling Dr. Russell Rhoads' Weekly Rundown of unusual VIX options trades Is the market ignoring geopolitical risk? Why Microsoft earnings could be the next major volatility catalyst Crystal Ball predictions for next week's VIX
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  Volatility Views 687: Semi Shocks and Volatility Haircuts 17.07.2026 58min

  In this episode of Volatility Views, host Mark Longo is joined by "Muscle" Rhoads (Dr. Russell Rhoads), Mark Sebastian from Option Pit, and the long-awaited return of the Thompson Twins (Matt and Mike Thompson of Thompson Capital). Together, the crew unpacks a wild week of violent market rotations, earnings season anxieties, and the localized panic ripping through semiconductor and AI stocks. The team takes a deep dive into the vol surface to analyze why the equal-weighted VIX EQ is surging past 50 while index-level vol remains relatively contained. Are we looking at a localized tech overreaction, or the brink of a massive correlation-one sell-off? Plus, they break down a bizarre, head-scratching 100-strike VIX put trade, structural "mullet" vs. "tulum" strategies, and the latest reverse splits shaking up the vol ETP space (SVIX, UVXY, and UVIX). What's inside this episode: The Volatility Review: Deconstructing the Taiwan Semi fallout, Nvidia's wild swings, and how money is rotating between tech hyperscalers and broader indices. The New VIX Order: Why geopolitical and event-driven vol spikes are mean-reverting faster than ever in the modern market ecosystem. Term Structure & Haircuts: Moving long and short on the curve—the team explains why they are leaning into the traditional "mullet" style. VIX Options Flow: Breaking down the massive volume behind the August 26 calls, the shift toward the 17 puts, and another round of mocking high-risk, low-reward institutional trades. ETP & Levered Vol Update: Dealing with the liquidity drain post-reverse splits in UVXY and UVIX, and why tracking seasonality matters right now. The Crystal Ball: The guys put their reputations on the line with their weekly VIX and Volley predictions for next week.
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  Volatility Views 686: The Great VIX Striptease 10.07.2026 1h 1min

  In this episode, Mark Longo, Russell Rhoads (Dr. VIX), and Scott Nations dive deep into a massive divergence brewing under the surface of the equity indexes. While S&P 500 volatility is sitting quietly at seasonal lows, Nasdaq 100 volatility tells a completely different story as tech and AI anticipation ramps up ahead of Microsoft's pivotal earnings report. Key Topics Covered: The Volatility Review: Breaking down a massive two-week crush that dragged VIX cash down nearly 4 points, alongside drops in VOLY and the VVIX. The Nasdaq vs. S&P Divergence: Scott explains how VolDex measures show completely different volatility regimes for tech vs. broad market index options. The Tech "Canary": Why Russell has Microsoft's upcoming July 29th year-end earnings report circled as the ultimate reality check for the AI boom. VIX Futures & The Return of Volume: June options volume just put up a historic 1.6 billion contracts. Why are traders suddenly piling back into VIX futures? The "Dark Web" of Vol Trades: Analyzing a bizarre, deep-in-the-money August put spread and a massive November VIX call strip paired with a 1x6 put ratio spread. Crystal Ball: Predictions for where VIX and VOLI land by next week.
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  Volatility Views 685: Entertainment Capital 26.06.2026 53min

  The vol market might be caught in a midsummer lull between truncated holiday weeks, but underneath the surface, there is plenty of drama to slice and dice. In this episode, host Mark Longo welcomes back "Dr. Vix" Russell Rhoads (Indiana University) and Bill Luby (Luby Assessment Management) to dissect a market that seems to be trapped in an anticipatory holding pattern. The guys dive deep into: The Volatility Review: A look at a celebratory but hair-trigger market as VIX cash flirts with the 19 handle. The Geopolitical Risk Horizon: Why the market chose to look right past recent Middle East turmoil and what a sub-$70 crude environment means for tech and macro hedging. The AI CapEx Arms Race: Tech earnings showdowns, Micron's blockbuster numbers, and why Microsoft's upcoming year-end earnings report could be the ultimate summer volatility catalyst. "Someone has to flinch" on tech spending—who will it be? Deep-in-the-Money VIX Puts: Analyzing the massive rise in ultra-deep VIX put spreads. Is it a smart margin play, or just a fun deployment of "entertainment capital"? Russell's Weekly Rundown: Breaking down the wild weekly options flows, short call spread ouchies, and drawing lines in the sand at the 17 and 19 strikes. Crystal Ball: The crew looks ahead past the America 250 holiday to make their two-week volatility predictions.
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  Volatility Views 684: SpaceX Caps Off a Wild Week in Volatility 12.06.2026 54min

  A truly wild week in the markets culminated in the historic SpaceX IPO, sending shockwaves through the trading landscape. In this episode, host Mark Longo is joined by special guest Henry Schwartz (The Flow Master, Cboe) and Mark Sebastian (OptionPit) to break down a massive week of intraday swings and shifting volatility structures. The panel dives deep into the market mechanics behind the $75B SpaceX debut, exploring its staggering $2.2 trillion valuation, retail distribution frenzy, and what to expect when SpaceX options officially launch next Tuesday. Will implied volatility open 20–25% too rich? Could risk reversals yield massive credits for long holders? Plus, they analyze the macro picture: a potential Middle East peace deal, plummeting oil prices, shifting bond allocations, and why VIX cash flirted with a 22 handle before settling back down. The episode wraps up with a breakdown of VIX options flow (including heavy action on the June 18 puts) and a highly contested two-week Crystal Ball prediction that sees the panel split by over six points.
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  Volatility Views 683: Revenge of Dr. VIX 06.06.2026 56min

  After months of warning that volatility was being ignored, Dr. VIX finally gets a little revenge. With the Nasdaq suffering its worst selloff of the year, VIX surging back toward the 20 handle, and volatility returning to the market, Mark Longo and Russell Rhoads break down what sparked the move and whether this is just another dip-buying opportunity or the beginning of a larger shift in sentiment. The hosts explore the impact of stronger-than-expected jobs data, shifting interest rate expectations, rising concerns about massive AI infrastructure spending, and why companies may soon have less cash available for stock buybacks. They also examine what these developments could mean for equity valuations and volatility traders heading into the summer months. In this episode: VIX surges toward the 20 level Nasdaq suffers its worst decline of the year Is the AI spending boom becoming a problem? Why buybacks may be slowing down VIX futures and volatility term structure analysis Unusual activity in VIX options UVIX, UVXY and VXX trading activity Russell's Weekly Rundown Crystal Ball predictions for next week Is this finally the comeback Dr. VIX has been waiting for, or will the bulls once again ride to the rescue?
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  Volatility Views 682: Stupid VIX Trades and SVIX Outrage 29.05.2026 1h 6min

  Volatility continued its retreat this week as equities marched higher and the VIX flirted with the 15 handle. On this episode, Mark Longo, Russell Rhoads, and Mark Sebastian break down the latest volatility landscape, including unusual VIX weekly trades, the ongoing debate around SVIX options liquidity, heavy put buying in semiconductor ETFs, Robinhood's AI-fueled rally, and what changing day-trading rules could mean for options volume. The crew also examines VIX term structure, volatility ETP opportunities, and whether a billion-contract options week is closer than many traders think. Plus, another round of Russell's Weekly Rundown and the Crystal Ball. Looking for a new brokerage? Volatility Views listeners can earn a double commission rebate of up to $3,000 on stock and ETF option trades for 30 days. Learn more at tastytrade.com/insider.  
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  Volatility Views 681: Urban Legends and Sexy Volatility 22.05.2026 56min

  The markets keep rallying, volatility keeps fading, and traders keep asking the same question: what could possibly go wrong? This week on Volatility Views, Mark Longo, Russell Rhoads (Dr. VIX), and Jim Carroll of Ballast Rock Private Wealth dive into the "don't worry, be happy" market regime, VIX refusing to break higher, massive VIX weekly call activity, surprising market resilience in the face of geopolitical risk, and whether traders are underpricing uncertainty. Plus: • The rise of "Sexy Volatility" (VSXY) • Urban legends, Bobby McFerrin, and market complacency • Historic VIX weekly options activity • Spot-up / vol-up behavior • SVIX vs UVIX performance • Crystal Ball forecasts and more Brought to you by tastytrade: Open an account today and earn a double commission rebate up to $3,000 total on stock & ETF options trades for 30 days. Visit tastytrade.com/insider. Offer expires May 31, 2026. Terms apply.
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  Volatility Views 680: Wet, Hot Volatility Summer! 15.05.2026 1h 1min

  Summer has officially arrived in the vol markets. In this episode, Mark Longo and Russell Rhoads break down a week where the markets seemed to ignore everything from Middle East conflict to hot inflation numbers—until a Friday sell-off finally brought a splash of red to the screen. The guys dive deep into the curious case of the "Unchanged Universe," where SVIX, UVIX, and VXX are sitting almost exactly where they were a week ago. Is this the start of a long, quiet "Volatility Summer," or is the market underestimating the impact of a new Fed regime? Inside This Episode: The Volatility Review: A look at the VIX cash spike to 18.50 and the rare "smile" skew appearing in the NASDAQ and Russell 2000. China Sojourns & Tech Skew: Was there front-running ahead of the tech CEO trip to China? VIX Option Flow: Analyzing massive positions in the June 65 calls and an intriguing August 1x2 ratio spread. The "Unched" Report: Why SVIX and UVIX haven't moved in two weeks and what that means for your overriding strategies. Crystal Ball: Mark and Russell place their bets on where vol heads as we approach the Memorial Day holiday. PROMO: Join Tastytrade today and earn a double commission rebate up to $3,000 total on your stock and ETF option trades for 30 days. Visit tastytrade.com/insider for more info. Offer expires May 31st, 2026.
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  Volatility Views 679: OIC Surprises, Upside Crashes and Evil Hanses 09.05.2026 1h

  In this episode of Volatility Views, host Mark Longo checks in from the road at the Options Industry Conference (OIC) to break down a week of relentless market rallies and "upside crashes." Joining the show is Hans Albrecht from Option Pit, who steps into the hot seat to discuss why volatility isn't dropping despite the S&P 500 blowing past 7,300. The duo explores the shifting market structure—from the rise of 0DTE (Zero Days to Expiration) options to the looming world of 24-hour options trading and AI-powered brokers. Plus, a look at the "Evil Hans" trope in fiction and why giving yourself "time to be wrong before you're right" is the ultimate trading edge. Key Highlights Include: The OIC Briefing: Predictions for 18 billion contracts in 2024 and the legal battle over "trades vs. bets" in prediction markets. The Upside Crash: Why the VIX is staying bid even as markets hit all-time highs—and the parabolic moves in names like Micron. Market Structure Shifts: The impact of CTAs, vol-targeting funds, and leveraged ETFs on daily closing imbalances. Volatility Term Structure: A deep dive into the contango/slope and why the October "midterm" futures are worth watching. VIX Options Flow: Analyzing the massive activity in June 65 calls and the unwinding of May upside verticals. Special Offer: Join TastyTrade today and earn a double commission rebate up to $3,000 total on your stock and ETF option trades for 30 days. Visit tastytrade.com/insider for more info.
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  Volatility Views 678: Damn The Vol Torpedoes...Full Speed Ahead! 02.05.2026 59min

  The bulls are charging, and volatility is getting "taken to the woodshed." Join Mark Longo, Russell Rhoads (the "Volatility Closet" resident), and Mark Sebastian (the "Greasy Meatball") as they break down a massive week in the markets. From the "mother of all tech earnings weeks" to the generational spending on AI, the crew explores why the VIX remains under pressure despite global geopolitical turmoil and a hawkish-leaning Fed. In this episode, the team dives into: The Volatility Review: A post-mortem of the April markets, the impact of the FOMC meeting, and how mega-cap tech earnings are reshaping the volatility landscape. VIX vs. VVIX: Russell analyzes the relationship between the VIX and the "Vol of Vol," and whether the current divergence is the ultimate fade signal. Russell's Weekly Rundown: A look at the weird and wild trades hitting the tape, including a "penny" VIX binary and a 21-19-17 put fly. The Crystal Ball: The guys place their bets on where the VIX cash will settle next week. Pro Trading Crate: Announcing the April winner and the debut of Dan Passarelli's brand-new book. Ready to trade the vol? Join tastytrade today and earn a double commission rebate up to $3,000 total on your stock and ETF option trades for 30 days! Visit tastytrade.com/insider for more info. (All applicable regulatory exchange and clearing fees still apply. Options involve risks and are not suitable for all investors. Offer expires May 31st, 2026. Tastytrade, Inc. is a registered broker-dealer and member of FINRA, NFA, and SIPC.)
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  Volatility Views 677: Geopolitical Turmoil and the Death of Vol Conferences 24.04.2026 1h 1min

  Is the traditional volatility conference a dying breed? This week on Volatility Views, host Mark Longo and the "Once, Future, and Present Dr. VIX," Russell Rhoads, dive into the shifting landscape of institutional trading events—from the legendary "swag mazes" of the CBOE Risk Management Conference (RMC) to the distinct lack of retail-friendly education in the space. The duo breaks down a week of head-scratching market action where the S&P 500 hits new all-time highs while the VIX remains surprisingly "spicy" due to geopolitical uncertainty and ceasefire extensions. Highlights include: The RMC Swag Report: Russell reviews the high-end gear at this year's conference and the curious absence of electronic swag. The VVIX/VIX Ratio: A deep dive into using this relationship as a hard trading indicator. VIX Options Flow: Analysis of massive prints in the May and June cycles, including a rare 15,000-lot weekly trade that caught Russell's eye. The "Hair Dryer" Hedge: A wild look at betting markets and a Polymarket trader who allegedly rigged a weather-based bet. Crystal Ball: Mark and Russell place their bets on the VIX handle for next week. "Genius Loves Company—visit tastytrade.com/podcasts to see why Investopedia named them the best broker for options for the past three years."
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  Volatility Views 676: Are these Bizarro Markets? 17.04.2026 1h 4min

  Is it "opposite day" in the financial markets? In this episode of Volatility Views, Mark Longo is joined by Russell Rhoads (Dr. VIX), Andrew Giovinazzi from Option Pit, and Scott Nations from Nations Indexes to deconstruct a wild week where bad news for the world seemingly became fuel for a massive equity rally. The team dives deep into the "Bizarro" nature of the current landscape—where a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz resulted in a market surge and a ceasefire triggered explosive upside momentum. Key topics include: The Volatility Review: A look at VIX Cash levels, the collapse of VVIX, and the surprising lack of "flight to quality" in gold and treasuries. Bizarro Markets: How the S&P 500 reached new highs despite crude oil remaining significantly elevated. RMC Insights: Russell Rhoads shares his top-level takeaways from the latest Risk Management Conference (RMC), including the shift toward buffered ETFs and the latest research on VIX futures reactions to spot. VIX Options Flow: A breakdown of massive volume in May and June strikes, including a look at the "Scott Nations Special" deep out-of-the-money calls. The Crystal Ball: The team peers into the future to predict where the VIX and Volley will land next week. Check out tastytrade -  Named as the best broker for options in 2025 and 2026 by Investopedia and StockBrokers.com.
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  Volatility Views 675: Did the Ceasefire Kill Volatility? 10.04.2026 57min

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