The Options Insider Radio Network

The Options Insider Radio Network
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Feb 25, 2026 • 1h 4min

The European Market Brief 19: Rocking & Rolling in Rates

The trading day doesn't start at the bell—it starts with the data. In this episode of The European Market Brief, Mark Longo heads across the pond to dive deep into the mechanics of the European rates market. He is joined by an expert panel featuring Dr. Russell Rhoads (Indiana University), Rex Jones (Eurex), and Mingyue Xin (Deutsche Bank) to break down one of the most critical yet misunderstood periods in the derivatives calendar: The Roll. Inside this episode: The "Jelly Roll" Debate: Why the transition from March to June is a "subculture" unto itself in the rates market. The Art & Science of the Roll: Finding the "sweet spot" for execution and avoiding the pitfalls of being a late roller. US vs. EU Rates: Structural differences in delivery dates and how they impact your portfolio. Basis Trading 101: Why hedge funds are fixated on the basis trade and how to understand "Net Basis." Cheapest to Deliver (CTD): Understanding the delivery basket and the conversion factor for Bund, Bobl, and Schatz. Whether you're a seasoned pro or new to the rates complex, learn how to navigate the cross-border volatility and innovation that makes the European marketplace so fascinating.
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Feb 24, 2026 • 13min

The Hot Options Report: 02-24-26

Is the AI chip war shifting? On today's Hot Options Report, Mark Longo breaks down a wild Tuesday on the tape where AMD stole the spotlight with a massive 9% rampage following a blockbuster deal with Meta (META). While the "Golden Sweeps" at The HotOptionsReport.com flagged seven-figure bets in Nvidia (NVDA) and the SPX, all eyes were on the dramatic recovery in Hims & Hers (HIMS). We dive into the Top 10 most active options chains to see who is buying the dip and who is fading the rip: HIMS Post-Earnings: After a "sweaty" morning drop to $13.75, HIMS battled back. We analyze the 25,000 $16 calls expiring Friday. AMD's Meta Moment: A $17.25 gain in a single day. Was the paper buying or selling the 187.5 puts? The Tech Giants: Exploring the "freight train" momentum in Apple (AAPL) and the struggle for Palantir (PLTR). Tesla (TSLA) at #1: Traders pile into the 400-strike "par" puts as Tesla reclaims the top spot. The Golden Sweep Newcomer: Why is someone dropping over $1M on EWY (South Korea ETF) puts? Get the edge at: Pro Analysis: theoptionsinsider.com/pro Live Scans: the hotoptionsreport.com
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Feb 23, 2026 • 12min

The Hot Options Report: 02-23-26

Market volatility took center stage this Monday as traders pivoted their focus toward macro indexes, leaving single-name options volume fighting for the spotlight. Join Mark Longo of the Options Insider Radio Network as he breaks down the top 10 most active names on the tape. From Tesla's battle at the $400 level to Microsoft's continued struggle and Nvidia's defiance of the broader sell-off, we analyze the specific strikes and paper flow dominating the day. Discover where the "smart money" was overriding calls in Alphabet and why Netflix bulls are taking a speculative flyer on a recovery. In this episode, we cover: The surprise volume leader outshining Nvidia. Tech heavyweights: Meta, Amazon, and Apple's intraday swings. The "Token Dividend Play" making a splash in J&J. Deep dives into Palantir and the impact of new Monday weeklies. Get the data you need to "kick the tires and light the fire" on your trading strategy. Check out more at: TheHotOptionsReport.com Upgrade your trading game: TheOptionsInsider.com/Pro
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Feb 23, 2026 • 33min

The Crypto Rundown 309: Is Skew Showing the Sky is Falling?

Is the crypto "retail wave" finally drying up? This week on The Crypto Rundown, Mark Longo and Greg Magadini (Amberdata) dive into a "blood-red" market as Bitcoin slips below $65k and Ethereum struggles to hold key support levels. We break down the dramatic shift in Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) skew, analyzing why the 25-delta risk reversal is hitting extreme negative levels not seen since the FTX or Terra Luna collapses. Key Topics Covered: The "Incremental Buyer" Problem: With VCs and ETFs already positioned, who is left to buy the dip? Volatility Analysis: Why implied volatility (IV) remains "hunched" while skew is screaming "danger." Ibit Options Impact: Analyzing the 1 million contracts per day milestone and the heavy flow on 35-strike puts. Altcoin Universe: Deep dives into Solana, Dogecoin, and the "wreckage" in Ethereum (ETH). MSTR & MSTU Strategies: Managing "lottery trades" when the underlying goes underwater. Resources: Get granular on-chain data: Amberdata Follow the network: @Options on Twitter/X
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Feb 23, 2026 • 58min

The Option Block 1446: Easy Rice, Bloody Markets and Looming Canadian Invasions

The sea of green has officially evaporated. On this episode of The Option Block, the All-Star Panel breaks down a brutal Monday as markets leak oil and geopolitical risks shift from the Middle East to Mexico. From the "0DTE-ification" of the major indices to unusual moves in the real estate sector, we're breaking down all the action from the pits to the screen. The Trading Block: Weekend Risk Realized: Market bloodletting in the S&P, Dow, and NASDAQ. Is this a "buy the dip" opportunity or the start of a volatility regime shift? VIX & Vol: Analyzing the VIX cash surge to 21.5 and the backwardation in the front-end term structure. Tech Churn: Why AI has become a "millstone" around the neck of the Mag Seven. Earnings Intel: Pricing the "Pizza Vol" for Domino's ($DPZ) and the drama in Himms ($HIMS). The Odd Block: Compass ($COMP): A familiar face returns with a massive 16,000-contract put buy. Are they hedging or bracing for a real estate wreck? PayPal ($PYPL): Takeover rumors swirl as the stock gets a rare shot in the arm. Strategy Block: Perfectionism is the Enemy: Uncle Mike breaks down why rigid adherence to strikes is impossible and how a JP Morgan ($JPM) covered call turned into a 4.5% "gift." Around the Block: State of the Union Preview: Will Tuesday night's address spark a tariff-driven frenzy? Canadian Invasions: Why the US victory in hockey might have the Rock Lobster checking his northern border.
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Feb 20, 2026 • 12min

The Hot Options Report: 02-20-26

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.
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Feb 20, 2026 • 57min

Volatility Views 669: Flashing Warning Signals?

Is the market teetering on the edge of a "seminal collapse"? On this episode of Volatility Views, Mark Longo, Mark Sebastian (the "Meatball"), and Russell Rhoads (Dr. VIX) break down a chaotic week in the vol markets. From the aftermath of a legendary "V-Death Match" on the Pro network to the Supreme Court's ruling on tariffs, the team explores why the VIX is hovering near 20 despite indices sitting near all-time highs. Inside This Episode: The Volatility Review: A deep dive into the "weird" market reaction following the Supreme Court tariff ruling, spicy PCE data, and the decoupling of the Mag Seven from the rest of the market. The Private Credit Fiasco: Mark Sebastian sounds the alarm on cross-asset margining, Bitcoin's "teetering" state, and the potential for a Michael Saylor "apology tour." The VIX Mothership: Analysis of the massive call buying in March, April, and even May 70/80 strikes. Is someone hedging for a black swan? Russell's Weekly Rundown: Breaking down the "best option trade ever seen" using July 100 calls to finance downside protection. The Weekend Trade: With carrier groups moving in the Gulf and geopolitical tensions rising, is it time to load up on UVIX?
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Feb 20, 2026 • 51min

TWIFO 485: From the Equity Put Spread Craze to Meme Stock Metals & Crude's Inflection Point

In this action-packed episode, Mark Longo and Scott Bauer of Prosper Trading Academy dissect a market where standard playbooks are being thrown out the window. From "meme-style" moves in Silver to heavy hedging in the S&P 500, we break down the institutional flow and retail frenzy. The Equity Craze: Why everyone has put spreads on the brain. We analyze the heavy volume in the E-mini S&P 500 March 6600/6500 vertical and the "frothy" volatility return to the Russell 2000. Energy Inflection: WTI Crude is at a crossroads. We discuss the $5-$10 move potential based on geopolitical headlines and the "Grand Slam" reversal in Natural Gas. Meme Stock Metals: Triple-digit volatility in Silver has transformed it into a meme-trader's paradise. Are the April 125 calls a total YOLO, or is there method to the madness?
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Feb 19, 2026 • 10min

The Hot Options Report: 02-19-26

On today's episode of The Hot Options Report, Mark Longo breaks down a unique session where volume wasn't "explosive," but the nature of the flow was certainly "weird and wild." From a massive influx of deep-in-the-money (ITM) puts to the "Petroleum Div Day" dominating the energy sector, we're dissecting the tape to see where the big money is moving. On the Docket Today: The Dividend Play: Why Shell (SHEL) and BP hit the top 10 with massive in-the-money call action. Crypto & MSTR: MicroStrategy catches a bid—is the $4.00 premium for the 130 calls a smart play or a sacrifice to the crypto gods? The Deep ITM Put Mystery: Unusual heavy put flow in AMD, Palantir (PLTR), and Amazon (AMZN). The Big Three: Breaking down the late-session fades in Apple (AAPL), Microsoft (MSFT), and Tesla (TSLA). Nvidia (NVDA): Sitting at the #1 spot on light volume—can it threaten the 190 strike before the week is out?
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Feb 19, 2026 • 58min

The Option Block 1445: FIG's Post-IPO Rollercoaster & The Silver Magnet

In this episode of The Option Block, Mark Longo, Mike Tosaw (St. Charles Wealth Management) and Kevin Nichols (Cboe Global Markets) to step into the arena. With the VIX flirting with the 21 level, the panel explores whether the bullish run is finally hitting a wall and if it's time to embrace the "dark side" of the markets. On the Docket: The Trading Block: A look at the S&P 500, Nasdaq, and Russell 2000. Plus, why everyone—from the pros to the "amateurs"—is suddenly obsessed with Gold and Silver. The Odd Block: Unusual activity in Figma (FIG) following earnings and a look at the massive flow in Newmont (NEM). The Mail Block: Mike Tosaw faces the heat from the Pro Chat: Will he ever buy SLV again, or is he waiting for the 30-handle? Around the Block: Predictions for Tesla (TSLA) as it gets squeezed between moving averages and what to watch for the rest of the week. Go to https://tastytrade.com/podcasts

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