The Options Insider Radio Network

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.

This episode of Options Boot Camp dives into one of the most significant shifts in the equity markets: the arrival of 0DTE (Zero Days to Expiration) options for single stocks like Nvidia, Tesla, and Apple. While the excitement is high, hosts Mark Longo and Dan Passarelli highlight a critical technical risk that many retail traders overlook—Contra-Exercise. Episode Summary The "0DTE era" has officially expanded beyond cash-settled indices like the SPX. With single-name equity options now listing for Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, traders face a new logistical hurdle: physical settlement. Unlike cash-settled indices, equity options result in the delivery of actual stock, making the after-hours window a potential minefield for "pin risk" and unexpected assignments. Key Discussion Points: The 0DTE Expansion: Why names like IBIT, NVDA, and TSLA are joining the zero-day fray and what it means for market volatility. Understanding Contra-Exercise: The mechanics of the "Do Not Exercise" (DNE) order and how to force the exercise of out-of-the-money options. The After-Hours Window: Why the 4:00 PM ET close isn't the end of your risk, and how news after the bell can trigger "ghost" assignments. Broker Deadlines: A breakdown of how different brokers handle the cutoff times for contra-instructions. Risk Management: Why the "best case scenario" is almost always closing your position before the closing bell. Go to tastytrade.com/podcasts and see why Investopedia named tastytrade the best broker for options in 2024. Genius loves company.

Tired of trying to find UNH cheese and just want out of the trap? In this episode, we break down a front spread, also known as a call ratio spread, built for traders who already own 100 shares of UNH and want options to, literally, get unstuck. By buying one 300 call and selling two 315 calls expiring Friday, March 6, 2026, the trade was placed for about a $1.00 net credit with UNH near 281.70. We explain the front spread logic, why it is considered covered, the payoff, and the fine print that matters. Listen in to hear how this escape plan unfolds. Link to the Strategy in OptionsPlaybook.com: https://www.optionsplaybook.com/option-strategies/call-ratio-vertical-spread

In this episode of the Hot Options Report, Mark Longo breaks down a wild Tuesday in the options pits where the "usual suspects" shared the stage with some massive earnings-driven volatility. While the broader market volume was steady, individual names like Micron (MU) and UnitedHealth (UNH) stole the spotlight with explosive moves and unusual paper. The Countdown Highlights: The Nvidia Standard: Even on a "light" day, Nvidia (NVDA) holds the #1 spot with 1.46 million contracts. We look at the $190 calls as traders bet on a return to the mid-session highs. UNH's Earnings Crater: The healthcare giant plummeted nearly 20% following a disappointing outlook. We dive into the massive open interest on the $600 calls—expiring in 2027—and ask: is this a bold recovery play or a massive hedge? Micron is "On Fire": Closing up another 5.4%, Micron's $420 calls are fetching nearly $10.00. How much gas is left in this AI-fueled tank? Tesla Tumbles (in Volume): In a rare twist, Tesla gets kicked to the #4 spot with volume levels roughly half of its daily average. Mark analyzes why the $440 calls are seeing "light" action. Deep Dive into the Tape: From Coreweave (CORW) continuing its repeat rally to Apple (AAPL) seeing rare meaty put action, we track the flow that actually impacts your P&L. Visit TheHotOptionsReport.com to get the data behind the show!

On this episode of The Crypto Rundown, Mark Longo is joined by Greg Magadini, Director of Derivatives at Amberdata, to break down a wild start to the year. As Bitcoin (BTC) slips back toward $88k and Ethereum (ETH) struggles to reclaim the $3,000 handle, the team explores why current market conditions are a prime setup for "strangling" volatility. Inside This Episode: The Bitcoin Breakdown: BTC is down nearly 4,000 handles since the last show. We analyze the $88k support level and the shift in the 30-day volatility complex. Gold vs. Bitcoin Volatility: Why is a $34T asset like Gold currently showing nearly the same volatility as the $1.7T Bitcoin market? Greg explains the "Digital Gold" underperformance and what it means for the tape. The Rise of IBIT Dailies: Big news for liquidity! We discuss the launch of Monday and Wednesday weeklies for the BlackRock IBIT ETF and how "Zero Day" (0DTE) culture is officially entering the Bitcoin space. MicroStrategy (MSTR/MSTU) Mechanics: Analyzing the "canary in the coal mine." Is there a "death spiral" risk if BTC continues to slip, or are we on the verge of a massive short squeeze? Strategic Playbook: Why Greg is eyeing wide synthetic strangles and the "right tail" explosion. We also look at the massive bearish shift in weekly skew and what it tells us about trader sentiment. Altcoin Universe: Quick hits on Solana (SOL) volatility, the XRP sub-$2 struggle, and why Circle (CRCL) equity might be the most "serious" altcoin on your radar. Key Resources & Links: Check the Data: Explore professional-grade crypto derivatives metrics at pro.amberdata.io . New AI Insights: Visit intelligence.amberdata.com for Amberdata's new AI-powered market intelligence platform. Follow the Network: Stay updated via X @Options and @Amberdataio .

We kick off the trading week by breaking down a "light" but high-impact session on the options tape. Despite a lower overall volume day, the big stories are in AI infrastructure and critical minerals. We dive into Nvidia's (NVDA) massive $2 billion investment in CoreWeave (CRWV) and the resulting volatility in the options chain. On the Countdown Today: #1 Nvidia (NVDA): We see light volume but heavy action in the $190 calls. #2 Tesla (TSLA): We track paper shifting from the $450s to the $440 calls—is overriding the play? #3 Apple (AAPL): We break down a massive May $285 call print suggesting a long-term bullish flyer. #9 CoreWeave (CRWV): We analyze the $110 call frenzy following the Nvidia news. #8 USA Rare Earth (USAR): We let the audience weigh in on the Feb $25 puts after a government-backed jump. Plus, we look ahead to a blockbuster earnings week featuring Meta, Microsoft, and the return of meme-king GameStop (GME) to the top 5. Access your own options data at TheHotOptionsReport.com .

Skeletor is lurking, the metals are screaming, and the earnings gauntlet has begun! In episode 1439 of The Option Block, Mark Longo and the All-Star panel—including "Uncle" Mike Tosaw and Andrew "The Rock Lobster" Giovinazzi—take a trip back to the 1980s. With the massive trailer launch for the new Masters of the Universe film, the team kicks things off with some MOTU trivia before breaking down a market that is getting "weird, wild, and funk-delicious." On the Docket: The Trading Block: A look at the "insane" run in Gold ($5k/oz!) and Silver ($100+/oz). Is it a meme, or is inflation finally catching up? Plus, a preview of the "Big Tech" earnings week featuring Meta, Apple, Microsoft, and Tesla. The Odd Block: Unusual activity in Papa John's (PZZA) puts, a massive upside play in Aero Copper Corp (ERO), and the "Trump Bump" fade in newcomer USA Rare Earth (USAR). The Strategy Block: Uncle Mike discusses the vital importance of choosing the right benchmarks (BXY, CLL, AGG) to measure your options performance accurately. Around the Block: The team debates whether the "Zero Day" index options will cannibalize the market and what to expect from the looming Apple and Tesla earnings prints. Key Market Levels & Tickers Mentioned: Indices: SPY, IWM, VIX (hovering at 16), VVIX (100) Equities: NVDA, TSLA, AAPL, INTC, MSFT, MAT, USAR Metals: GLD, SLV (up 12% in a single day)

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

Henry The Flowmaster Schwartz, options market analyst known for flow analytics and volume trends. He breaks down soaring options volume across single stocks, ETFs and indexes. Talks new Monday and Wednesday expirations for major names. Covers massive put activity in the MAG-10 and volatility swings that moved markets 100 handles each way.

Geopolitical tensions are back, impacting futures options markets. A staggering 57% surge in natural gas steals the spotlight, while precious metals see explosive volatility. Meanwhile, Bitcoin suffers a significant decline. The discussion heats up with the rotation from big tech to small caps influenced by shifting geopolitical headlines. A deep dive reveals heavy trading activity in zero-day Nasdaq contracts and interesting trends in put demand, particularly for March strikes. Volatility is definitely in the air!