Volatility Views

Volatility Views 675: Did the Ceasefire Kill Volatility?

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

Volatility Views 674: The Looming Specters of War, Recession and Private Credit Risk

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

Volatility Views 673: Geopolitical Risk and the Death of Lone Wolf McQuade

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

Volatility Views 672: Crude vs Bonds vs VIX vs Friday the 13th

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

Volatility Views 671: Revenge of the Loggins?

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