The Option Block: Recent Episodes

The Options Insider Radio Network

The Option Block All-Star Panel breaks down the latest developments in the options market, analyzes unusual options activity, explains cutting-edge options strategies, answers listener questions and much more. Whether you're an active options trader or just getting started in the options market, The Option Block will keep you informed and entertained.

What's the deal with this market?

On this episode, Mark Longo is joined by Mike Tosaw of St. Charles Wealth Management and Andrew Giovinazzi of Option Pit.

We break down a relatively quiet day for the major indexes while individual stocks and options activity continue to make plenty of noise.

The crew discusses the latest moves in SpaceX, Microsoft, NVIDIA, Palantir, Apple, Tesla and more, along with what the latest economic data and geopolitical uncertainty could mean for volatility and the broader market.

Then it's off to The Odd Block for unusual options activity in Borr Drilling (BORR), Lloyds Banking Group (LYG) and Archer Aviation (ACHR), including the intriguing options action surrounding Archer's latest deal with Boeing.

Plus, Uncle Mike breaks down why investors who want to buy near market highs may want to consider a married put rather than simply selling puts to establish a position.

On this episode of The Option Block, we break down the latest action in the options market, including what's driving the major indices, the latest moves in VIX, another big month for options volume, and activity in some of the market's most-watched names.

Then it's time to get weird in the Odd Block with unusual options activity in Compass Pathways (CMPS), Hinge Health (HNGE), and POET Technologies (POET). We dig into psychedelic options flow, a Hinge trade that wasn't quite what it first appeared to be, and a sea of short-dated POET calls lighting up the tape. Plus, we revisit a previous Chime (CHYM) trade after the stock's huge earnings move.

We also discuss the latest action in AMD, AMZN, PLTR, INTC, MSFT, MU, TSLA, AAPL, SpaceX, NVDA and more.

Featuring: Mark Longo, Henry "The Flowmaster" Schwartz and "Uncle" Mike Tosaw.

Markets roared back to start the week as earnings optimism, cooling oil prices, and renewed geopolitical hopes sent stocks sharply higher while volatility took another hit.

On this episode of The Option Block, Mark Longo is joined by Uncle Mike Tosaw and Andrew "The Rock Lobster" Giovinazzi to break down the biggest stories shaping the options market.

This episode includes:

A rally fueled by Microsoft, Amazon, Alphabet and the broader AI trade
Is the "Lag Seven" becoming the "Mag Seven" again?
Why VIX plunged back into the 15-handle
What traders should watch ahead of SpaceX's first earnings report
The latest unusual options activity in Hartford Financial (HIG)
Speculative call buying returns to Virgin Galactic (SPCE)
Strategy Block: Momentum trading versus buying the dip—which style fits you?
Around the Block: SpaceX earnings, AI spending, rates and what could drive markets next

Plus, the panel debates AI capital spending, volatility, market leadership, and whether investors are simply "putting lipstick on SPCE pigs."

Markets are whipsawing, tech stocks are making monster moves, and The Option Block crew is back to break down all the action.

On this episode of The Option Block, Mark Longo is joined by "Uncle" Mike Tosaw from St. Charles Wealth Management and Henry "The Flowmaster" Schwartz from Cboe — fresh from giving blood at Grand Central — to discuss another wild stretch for the options market.

The crew breaks down the sharp post-Fed reversal, the market's ongoing battle around key levels, elevated dispersion across stocks and sectors, and the incredible post-earnings surge in Microsoft. They also dig into the latest options activity in NVIDIA, Micron, Meta, Tesla, AMD, Intel, Apple and more.

Then it's time to get weird in the Odd Block as Henry highlights unusual options activity in Firefly Aerospace (FLY), Bit Digital (BTBT) and T1 Energy (TE), including some intriguing upside call activity and a few trades that leave the crew wondering why traders didn't just buy the stock.

Plus, we look ahead to Apple and Amazon earnings, discuss the latest action in VIX and the major index ETFs, and explore what could shake up the markets next.

It's another packed episode of The Option Block — with a little blood donation and dollar scalping thrown in for good measure.

Mick Jagger may have studied economics, but this week the panel tackles the market's biggest economic questions. Is Apple becoming the new AI winner while the rest of the Mag 7 struggles under massive capital spending? Are AI infrastructure costs finally catching up with Big Tech? And could the return of single-stock futures actually matter this time?

Mark Longo is joined by Andrew "The Rock Lobster" Giovinazzi and Uncle Mike Tosaw to break down another busy week in the options markets, including:

Why Apple continues making new highs while many AI leaders stumble
The growing debate over massive AI spending by Microsoft, Meta, NVIDIA, OpenAI and others
Whether the "Magnificent Seven" are becoming the "Lag Seven"
The launch of CME's new single-stock futures contracts
Key earnings to watch from Apple, Amazon, Microsoft, Meta and more
Unusual options activity in CoStar Group and Trimble
Strategy Block: Using synthetic covered calls versus cash-secured puts
Around the Block: The panel's outlook heading into a pivotal Fed and earnings week

A brutal selloff swept through the markets as concerns over AI spending, earnings, and geopolitical uncertainty rattled investors. Mark Longo is joined by Henry "The Flowmaster" Schwartz from Cboe and special guest "The Black Hatted" Dan Passarelli from Market Taker Mentoring to break down the biggest stories driving the options market.

This episode explores the market reaction to disappointing earnings from Tesla and Alphabet, rising volatility as the VIX climbs back toward 20, unusual options activity in Micron, Universal Technical Institute (UTI), LSB Industries (LXU), and Nokia, plus the ongoing debate over whether markets are finally beginning to price geopolitical risk.

You'll also hear:

Tesla and Alphabet earnings reactions
AI infrastructure spending and CapEx concerns
VIX, SPY, QQQ, and Russell 2000 options activity
Massive unusual options flow in Micron
Bullish call buying in UTI and LXU
Nokia earnings and post-earnings options trading
Earnings season strategies and time spreads with Dan Passarelli
Around the Block: what the panel is watching next

On today's episode, Mark Longo, Andrew Giovinazzi and Mike Tosaw dive into another wild mix of market analysis, unusual options activity, earnings season, volatility, and plenty of laughs.

The show kicks off with memorable trivia ranging from W.C. Fields' famous "bathroom library" to a surprising piece of World War II history before shifting into the biggest stories driving the options market.

This episode covers:

Why markets continue to shrug off geopolitical headlines
The coming wave of Big Tech earnings and why Alphabet could set the tone for AI stocks
Oracle's collapse and what it may signal for AI spending
Apple, NVIDIA, Microsoft, Tesla, Netflix, SpaceX and Palantir
VIX activity and whether volatility is finally finding support
Unusual options trades in ONON, NOV and CLYM
Covered call management after expiration
Rolling winners, adjusting losing positions and avoiding perfectionism
Earnings previews for Alphabet, Tesla, Intel, American Airlines and more

Is the tech correction finally giving options traders a bargain hunter's paradise? On this episode of The Option Block, host Mark Longo is joined by Uncle Mike Tosaw of St. Charles Wealth Management and Cboe's Henry Schwartz (The Flowmaster) to dissect a choppy, red-tinged market. Together, the panel searches for deals, analyzes massive unusual blocks, and discusses whether the AI/chip trade has finally peaked.

On The Trading Block * Market Round-up: Mark Longo guides the team through the SPX flirts with the 7,600 magnet, a slipping Nasdaq, and VIX cash vacillating around the 16 handle. * The Chip Sell-Off: Mike Tosaw breaks down why blockbuster earnings from Taiwan Semiconductor (TSM) triggered a massive wave of "sold to you" across AMD, Nvidia, and Micron. * SpaceX Breakdown: Trading well below its IPO price, Henry Schwartz details the bizarre 330 call options activity and explains how double-levered ETFs use these deep out-of-the-money options for risk management. * The New Number Three: Apple solidifies its lock on the #3 spot in options volume. Plus, a preview of earnings for Netflix and Alcoa.

The Odd Block (Unusual Options Activity) * Papa John's (PZZA): A massive roll-up in the August 40/45 vertical call spreads. Is someone picking the bottom in pizza volatility? Henry Schwartz dives deep into the Cboe data. * Cerebras Systems (CBRS): Mark Longo points out heavy volume in the July 31st 360 calls for this newly listed AI/semi player. * DNOW Inc (DNOW): A customer unloads over 5,900 of the September 14 calls. Why writing these juicy calls might be a genius "line in the sand" play.

The Mail Block & Around the Block * Extended Options Hours: Henry Schwartz gives an exclusive update on the pending rollout of pre-market single-name options trading. * Mike Tosaw shares what he's keeping on his trading radar for the rest of the week, from bank earnings reactions to the next wave of mega-cap tech reports.

In this Monday edition of The Option Block, Mark Longo, Uncle Mike Tosaw, and Andrew Giovinazzi break down the lighter-than-expected market reaction to escalating headlines, China's mysterious domestic oil consumption cuts, and the massive wave of bank earnings hitting the tape this week.

The crew dives deep into the options tape to track surging volume in the VIX July and October cycles, alongside heavy single-name trading in NVIDIA (NVDA), Tesla (TSLA), Apple (AAPL), and the post-IPO fire sale in SpaceX. Plus, unusual activity lights up biotech name Agenus (AGEN) after securing a $340M colon cancer trial, and a short-term pop hits Shake Shack (SHAK).

In the Strategy Block, Uncle Mike breaks down an educational, risk-managed way to scale into SpaceX using an August 1x2 ratio put spread—buying the 110 put and selling two of the 100 puts to create a heavily discounted entry point.

What's inside this episode:

The Trading Block: Market reaction to Persian Gulf tensions, oil hitting 1-week highs, and VIX volume surges.
The Odd Block: Frenzied call buying in Agenus Inc. (AGEN) and short-term weekly targets in Shake Shack (SHAK).
The Strategy Block: How to use a 1x2 ratio put spread to lower your break-even point on highly volatile stocks.
Around the Block: Pre-earnings straddle pricing for JPMorgan (JPM), Citi (C), Bank of America (BAC), and Goldman Sachs (GS).

Mark Longo, Uncle Mike Tosaw, and Henry Schwartz (The Flow Master) dive right into the record-breaking June options volume and dissect some highly unusual trading activity across VIX and biotech sectors.

In this episode, the panel covers:

The Trading Block: A look at the market shrugging off geopolitical tensions in Iran. Plus, analyzing the mind-boggling 1.6 billion contract volume from June 2026, driven by massive surges in ETF, equity, and index options.
Wild VIX Action: Breaking down an extraordinary, massive November VIX put spread (1x6 trade) and a massive November call strip (strikes ranging from 65 to 95). What are the big portfolio hedgers bracing for?
The Odd Block: Spotting unusual options activity in under-the-radar biotechs and tech names, including heavy call volume in Iovance Biotherapeutics (IOVA), October call sweeps in urban air mobility player EHang (EH), and aggressive layering into Aug 20 calls for Sotera Health Company (SHC).
Around the Block: Predictions for the S&P 500 as it sits just 75 points away from all-time highs, what to watch for over the weekend, and a look at Cboe's new XSP prediction/binary contracts.

host Mark Longo is joined by Henry Schwartz from Cboe and Mike Tosaw from St. Charles Wealth Management to break down the wildest trends shaking up the options market as we wrap up the first half of 2026.

The crew dives headfirst into the massive tech market crosscurrents following Micron's blockbuster earnings release. Is the tech wreck fading, or are single-name equity options setting up for a major fade? Plus, the team analyzes a surprising spike in the VIX driven entirely by SPX upside FOMO positioning.

In this episode's Trading Block and Odd Block segments, the panel uncovers questionable, high-volume flow in some very unusual names:

Bumble (BMBL): Checking back in on the land of ladies looking for love. Why are traders suddenly buying up the August $3 calls on this beaten-down name?
Klarna (KLAR): A massive institutional call-selling sweep hits this buy-now-pay-later fintech giant. Is it delta hedging or a short-term volatility play?
Chime Financial (CHYM): A deep look into a massive, wide-collar strategy using low-delta puts and calls ahead of August earnings.
The Silver Saga: Mike Tosaw addresses the live chat backlash after hesitating to pull the trigger on his famous $40 SLV put claim.

Around the Block: The team previews what to expect from market volume, oil prices, and crypto/MSTR volatility heading into the upcoming America 250 holiday week.

On today's episode, host Mark Longo and the all-star panel break down a fascinating "ho-hum" macro day that is hiding massive, wild swings under the surface of individual single-name equities.

First, the crew tests their wits with an official geography question from a 1980s Trivial Pursuit deck that leaves everyone questioning the data. Then, Mike Tosaw and Andrew Giovinazzi dive deep into the trading floor to look at the massive rotation into small caps (IWM), unusual vertical action in September VIX options, and why the tech giants (MSFT, GOOGL, AMZN) are shedding serious weight from their recent all-time highs while AI chip darlings like SanDisk (WDC) and Micron (MU) steal all the oxygen in the room.

On the Trading Block & Odd Block: * SpaceX Tears: Andrew's mama, Mama Lobster, is in mourning as SpaceX plunges roughly 11% in a single session. Is the air coming out of the IPO bubble, or is the premium vastly underpriced for single-leg buyers? * Biotech Calls (ERAS): Heavy upside call buying hits the October 20 lines for Erasca Inc. Andrew breaks down why this early-stage oncology player is seeing big institutional accumulation. * Pizza Puts (PZZA): Massive volume hits the August 25 puts for Papa John's. The panel breaks down why the entire restaurant and fast-food sector is getting squeezed eight ways from Sunday. * Fiserv (FI): The continuation of the massive July 40 put saga. Is paper finally getting assigned on this "stair-step" downward trend?

The Strategy Block: Mike Tosaw breaks his own golden rule of spreading to discuss why the extreme volatility and massive price extensions in SpaceX make a rare, compelling case for buying single-leg options instead of spreads.

On this truncated holiday edition of The Option Block, host Mark Longo is joined by panelists Mike Tosaw of St. Charles Wealth Management and Henry Schwartz of Cboe to break down a wild, high-volume week in the options market.

The crew dives deep into the absolute blockbuster debut of SpaceX options, putting up a staggering 1.8 million contracts on day one—roughly 5X the historic 2012 Meta IPO record. The panel adjusts those numbers for "options inflation" compared to 2012's average daily volume (ADV) and analyzes the extreme upside skew, crashing implied volatility, and how retail traders are playing the action. Plus, Mike Tosaw gives his take on the new Fed chair's shift in guidance policy and details why he's keeping an eye on silver (SLV) put options. Finally, the team breaks down unusual activity in Butterfly Network (BFLY), Allot Limited (ALLT), and QuantumScape (QS).

The market is throwing a massive party following a surprise Middle East deal and Elon Musk's highly anticipated SpaceX IPO. The major indices are ripping higher, and the VIX is crashing hard—briefly touching a 15 handle.

But is this explosive rally a "done deal," or are the markets setting up for a sharp reversal? In this episode, Mark Longo, "Uncle" Mike Tosaw, and Andrew "the Rock Lobster" Giovinazzi kick things off with a bizarre 1980s history trivia challenge before diving headfirst into the madness across the equities and options landscape.

On the Block: * The Trading Block: Breaking down a wild 2% surge in the S&P and a massive 3% rip in the Nasdaq. Plus, a look at crashing crude, collapsing volatility (VIX & VVIX), and Mama Lobster's exclusive allocation of SpaceX shares. * The Odd Block: Bizarre, questionable, and "no-bid" options activity in Fiserv Inc. (FISV) after their CEO abruptly jumps ship, and massive call buyers loading the boat on a seemingly impossible weekly strike for Morgan Stanley (MS). * The Strategy Block: Uncle Mike breaks down a comprehensive case study using a 1-by-2 ratio spread as a powerful stock repair and risk-management strategy for skyrocketing AI plays like AMD. * Around the Block: What to watch during a truncated holiday week, upcoming FOMC minutes, and what the future holds for the new Fed Chair.

On this episode of The Option Block, Mark Longo is joined by "Uncle" Mike Tosaw (St. Charles Wealth Management) and Henry "The Flowmaster" Schwartz (Cboe) for a lively discussion covering the biggest stories driving the options world.

This episode dives into:

Why SPCX could rock the options market
The enormous anticipation surrounding the SpaceX listing and its upcoming options launch
Whether selling volatility after hot IPOs is actually a winning strategy
Massive SPX intraday swings and what they mean in historical context
VIX hovering above 20 and what elevated volatility means for traders
Record-breaking options volume across SPY, SPX and QQQ
Oracle's post-earnings collapse and continued AI spending concerns
Big moves in Apple, Nvidia, Intel and Micron
Unusual options activity in UNIT and LifeZone Metals
Cboe's upcoming XSP binary options launch
Plus plenty of classic Option Block banter, market insights and listener questions.

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.

Zombie phone brands are back from the grave.

This episode of The Option Block dives into the surprising resurgence of Nokia and BlackBerry as traders chase AI-fueled momentum, while Broadcom suffers one of the largest market-cap wipeouts in history. Mark Longo, Henry Schwartz (Cboe), and Uncle Mike Tosaw (St. Charles Wealth Management) break down the latest options activity, unusual trades, market rotation, volatility trends, and the continuing explosion in options volume.

You'll also hear discussion on:

Broadcom's post-earnings collapse
Nvidia's latest rally
Micron's wild ride above 1,000
Nokia and BlackBerry's AI-fueled comeback
Record-setting options volume in May
Small-cap and Russell 2000 strength
The end of the Pattern Day Trader rule
Unusual activity in NextNav, BlackBerry and 10X Genomics
SpaceX IPO excitement and what it could mean for options traders

The S&P 500 hits fresh all-time highs while options traders unleash record-setting volume across the market. On this episode of The Option Block, Mark "The Voice of Options" Longo, Andrew "The Rock Lobster" Giovinazzi and "Uncle" Mike Tosaw examine the resurgence in software stocks, the speculative boom in space-related names, massive moves in Micron, Oracle, Microsoft, Palantir and Nvidia, plus unusual options activity in Virgin Galactic and Taseko Mines.

The team also discusses VIX below 16, new highs in the market, earnings season, copper demand, AI-driven rallies and the elimination of the Pattern Day Trader rule. Other topics in this episode included:

🔹 Record options volume 🔹 Space stock speculation 🔹 AI and software resurgence 🔹 Micron options frenzy 🔹 Virgin Galactic unusual activity 🔹 VIX analysis 🔹 Earnings preview 🔹 Strategy Block with Uncle Mike

The market is hitting brand new all-time highs, but the options landscape is flashing some highly unusual signals. In this episode of The Option Block, Mark Longo, Uncle Mike Tosaw, and Henry "The Flowmaster" Schwartz break down the wild, speculative environment driving the latest sea of green.

The panel dives deep into the upcoming, historic SpaceX IPO—discussing what traders can expect from its highly anticipated options debut, potential volume records, and the structural listing criteria. Plus, the team breaks down a massive, inexplicable 1.55 million contract open interest anomaly in the Global X Defense Tech ETF (SHLD), and a massive post-earnings call option explosion in Snowflake (SNOW).

On the Docket: * The Trading Block: The market pushes north of 7,500 while VIX and VVIX get their legs cut out from under them. What does an inverted put/call skew in 55% of tech names tell us about current market frothiness? * The SpaceX Countdown: Anticipating the June IPO. Will SpaceX options instantly usurp Tesla and Nvidia at the top of the volume charts? * The Odd Block: Massive call buying and vertical spreads in Snowflake (SNOW) ahead of its monster 40% post-earnings move. * Weird OI Anomalies: Breaking down a multi-million contract data glitch in the Global X Defense Tech ETF (SHLD) and heavy bullish rolls in ASP Isotopes (ASPI). * Around the Block: Flatlining put demand in the SPX, a look at silver (SLV) channeling at the 70 level, and why Mike is keeping a close eye on his massive Palantir (PLTR) holdings.

NVDA earnings are in the books… and the market barely blinked. The crew breaks down the post-earnings reaction, volatility collapse, VIX drifting lower, bond market swings, fuel cell madness, Hyperliquid upside, and unusual options activity lighting up names like PURR, BLDP, UTZ and more.

Plus: Is the market still running on AI hype… or has the great pivot to cheese balls officially begun?

The indices might be flashing red, but the Option Block crew is bringing the heat. In this episode, Mark Longo, Uncle Mike Tosaw, and Andrew "The Rock Lobster" Giovinazzi dive into market weekend head-fakes, the tech vs. energy sector tug-of-war, and why a certain famous swimsuit issue used to flood the trading floors like clockwork.

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The guys break down massive volume spikes in the QQQs, an explosive earnings season sitting at a 130% straddle outperformance, and unusual activity cooking in some wild single-name tickers.

On The Docket: * The Trading Block: Analyzing a volatile Monday open, VIX hovering near 18, and how the markets are digesting the ongoing Middle East tensions. * The Hot Seat: Massive volume in the tech space—tracking giant movement in NVIDIA, Tesla, Apple, and Alphabet, plus a look at Micron's massive whipsaws. * The Earnings Block: Sneak peeks at what to expect from upcoming prints including Home Depot, Lowe's, Target, Walmart, and the highly anticipated NVIDIA report. * The Odd Block: Pulling back the curtain on unusual option activity in AmpliTech Group (AMPG), Petrobras (PBR), and newcomer T1 Energy (TE). * The Strategy Block: Uncle Mike revisits the underrated power of utilizing put spreads to neutralize vega, manage theta, and efficiently hedge your portfolio.

Market volatility remains stubbornly persistent even as the S&P 500 blows past 7500 and the Dow hits 50K. In this episode, Mark Longo and the all-star panel break down why the "Thursday Curse" has officially become a "Thursday Blessing."

The team dives deep into a massive day for single-name options, including a jaw-dropping pivot from Aramark (ARMK) into the AI data center space. Plus, Henry "The Flowmaster" Schwartz breaks down the unusual upside call kinks, "Uncle" Mike Tosaw discusses the isolated nature of this rally, and the panel analyzes the "dumpster fire" that is Ford finally finding a new spark.

On this episode, the panel discusses:

The Trading Block: S&P 7500, Dow 50K, and the curious resilience of the VIX despite all-time highs.
Flowmaster Insights: Henry Schwartz explains why 44% of liquid stocks are showing inverted call skew.
The Odd Block: Why is Aramark (the cafeteria people) suddenly an AI play? Plus, a look at Hyperliquid (PURR) and FIRMI.
Portfolio Strategy: Mike Tosaw on managing covered calls during an explosive bull run.
Earnings Watch: Previewing the heavy hitters still on the deck, including the big NVIDIA print.

Is "Old Tech" the new shiny toy? Mark, Uncle Mike Tosaw, and Andrew "The Rock Lobster" Giovinazzi break down a market where legacy names are exploding and the "magical letters" of AI are breathing new life into forgotten tickers. From all-time highs in the S&P 500 to volcanic eruptions in semiconductor names, the panel navigates the latest trends, unusual activity, and protective strategies for this high-flying environment.

On this episode, the team discusses:

The Trading Block: A look at the S&P 500 hitting north of 7,400, VIX hovering near 18, and the "Everything Old is New Again" theme driving Apple, Intel, and Qualcomm.
Single Name Surge: Breaking down the massive volume and price action in Nvidia, Tesla, Intel, Micron, and AMD. Plus, what's behind the resurgence of Nokia?
The Odd Block: Unusual options activity in Sony Group (SONY), the minerals and geosciences play Ivanhoe Electric (IE), and the earnings-driven flow in Plug Power (PLUG).
The Strategy Block: Uncle Mike explains how to use a 1x2 ratio put spread to get paid for buying stocks you want at a lower price while hedging for a potential pullback.
Around the Block: Predictions for the rest of the week, the upcoming Nvidia earnings, and why now might be the time to look at protective puts.

The All-Star Panel is back together—mostly in person! Mark Longo and Henry "The Flowmaster" Schwartz are reporting live from the floor of the Options Industry Conference (OIC) 2026. Joining them from the (slightly) quieter confines of St. Charles is Uncle Mike Tosaw.

In this special episode, the crew breaks down a blistering week in the markets where all-time highs are becoming the daily norm. Henry Schwartz shares exclusive insights from his "State of the Industry" presentation, revealing a massive surge in contract volume and the future of the options exchange landscape.

On the Docket:

The Trading Block: S&P 500 hitting 73.5? The panel discusses the "madness" of the current bull run, the Middle East geopolitical impact, and why Apple is being rewarded for its AI patience.
State of the Industry: Henry drops the data on why we're on track for 18 billion contracts in 2026. Plus, the evolution of 0DTE (Zero Days to Expiration) and the rise of event contracts.
The Odd Block: Unusual activity in Gambling.com (GAMB), the "Hype" token tracking stock (PURR), and a massive reaching-for-the-stars call buy in Cognizant (CTSH).
Around the Block: Predictions for the summer doldrums (or lack thereof) and why the VIX isn't budging despite minor pullbacks.

The market is caught in a tug-of-war between geopolitical tensions in the Strait of Hormuz and the relentless AI spending boom. In this episode, Mark Longo, Andrew "The Rock Lobster" Giovinazzi, and "Uncle Mike" Tosaw break down why the indices are shaking off war jitters to focus on massive server farm investments.

The panel explores the "post-ceasefire" volatility environment, the surprising resilience of Mag Seven earnings, and the massive $700 billion projected spend on AI infrastructure. Plus, a deep dive into unusual activity in names you haven't heard in years—including a legacy giant's attempt to pivot to AI.

On the Block: * The Trading Block: VIX cash flirts with an 18 handle, while Nokia and Caterpillar become unexpected AI plays. * The Odd Block: Unusual options activity in Aurora Innovation (AUR), a "Viceroy Special" in Xerox (XRX), and haptic tech plays in Immersion Corp (IMMR). * The Strategy Block: Uncle Mike breaks down Timeframe Selection—the pros and cons of daily vs. monthly covered calls and how to maximize time decay. * Mail Block: Listener questions on rising gas prices, EV interest in Tesla and Rivian, and the panel's take on the new Hulk Hogan documentary.

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AI spending is moving the needle on the US GDP, and the Option Block panel is here to break down the massive capital allocation driving the markets. In this episode, Mark Longo is joined by Henry "The Flowmaster" Schwartz from Cboe and Mike Tosaw from St. Charles Wealth Management to discuss whether the market is "cutting a fat hog in the butt" with these record AI expenditures or if we're witnessing a historic capital misallocation.

In this episode: * The Trading Block: A deep dive into the mega-cap earnings sweep. From Meta's spending spook to Alphabet's cloud success and Microsoft's mixed bag, the team analyzes how AI CapEx is now a primary driver of market sentiment. * The "Fat Hog" Trade: Mike Tosaw explains his covered call strategy in Qualcomm (QCOM) and why sometimes making a 6% premium in a month still feels like leaving meat on the bone. * The Odd Block: Unusual activity in Blue Owl Capital (OWL), Imperial Petroleum (IMPP), and a "palette cleanser" trade in Levi Strauss (LEVI). * Around the Block: Predictions for Apple earnings, the upcoming OIC conference, and why the "buy the dip" mentality persists in the face of macro uncertainty.

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).

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If you think the market makes sense right now, you haven't been paying attention. This week on the Option Block, host Mark Longo is joined by Dan Passarelli (MarketTaker Mentoring), Brian Overby (The Options Playbook), and Kevin Carter (Cboe Global Markets) to navigate a market that is equal parts predictable and head-scratching.

On the Docket:

Trading Block: A look at the surging price of crude and why semiconductors are carrying a "tired" market.
The Odd Block: We investigate massive call buying in FIGS (Medical Scrubs) ahead of earnings. Is it a retail frenzy or institutional positioning? Plus, unusual flows in Hasbro (HAS) and Comcast (CMCSA).
Strategy Session: Brian Overby breaks down his recent trade in Netflix and explains the mechanics of a back ratio spread to repair a stock position (The "Covered Call on Steroids").
Volatility Watch: Discussing why the VIX remains largely "hunched" despite a sea of red on the screens and geopolitical bullets flying.
Mail Block: Listeners ask about the updated SKU index and the tactical use of high vol.

Join Mark Longo, Mike Tosaw of St. Charles Wealth Management, and Andrew "The Rock Lobster" Giovinazzi as they break down a head-scratching Monday open. Despite geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and firing in the Straits, the markets remain resilient. Why is capital still fearlessly flowing into equities?

In this episode, the panel dives into:

The Trading Block: A look at the "Green Day" phenomenon, VIX levels, and why "AI magic" seems to be offsetting interest rate jitters and geopolitical unrest.
Odd Block: A deep dive into unusual activity in Pitney Bowes (PBI)—a name that hasn't surfaced on the network in nearly 20 years—and the recovery play in Coursera (COUR).
Strategy Block: Mike Tosaw explains why "Dudes gotta be dudes" in your covered call portfolio and how to categorize your stocks like a football roster to maximize performance.
Earnings Season: Previews for Tesla (TSLA), Boeing (BA), United Airlines (UAL), and the "Sneaky Fins" at Nokia.
Trivia: Test your geography skills—do you know the capital of South Dakota and the "Pierre vs. Pier" pronunciation debate?

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Is this the "Golden Age" of derivatives trading, or are we just off the rails? In this episode, Mark Longo and the "All-Star Panel" break down an explosive week that saw the S&P 500 rally nearly 700 handles off the lows. With the VIX coming back to earth and new all-time highs on the horizon, the team explores whether the market has finally exhausted the bears.

On the Block:

The Macro View: A look at the 10% gain in the S&P 500 since late March and why the "Dudes" (Big Tech names like Google, Amazon, and Microsoft) are leading the charge.
RMC Recap: Henry "The Flowmaster" Schwartz returns from the Cboe Risk Management Conference with insights on the state of the industry and retail vs. RIA flow at Schwab.
Zero DTE Debate: Is selling zero-day options becoming too crowded, or is there still a "free weekend" to be had?

The Odd Block:

Merlin, Inc. (MRLN): A newcomer specializing in AI-powered autonomous flight (drones). Why is the stock up 300% from its lows?
Compass Therapeutics (CMPX): Massive volume in biotech. Is someone betting on a binary event?
Lucid Group (LCID): While the rest of the market rallies, the EVs are getting shellacked. We look at the bearish flow and potential "line in the sand" puts.

Markets shrug off geopolitical chaos yet again as the Option Block crew dives into stealthy U-boats, sneaky Finns, and surging stocks. Mark Longo, "Uncle" Mike Tosaw, and Andrew "The Rock Lobster" Giovinazzi break down the latest action in equities, volatility, earnings season, unusual options flow, and strategy in today's volatile environment.

In this episode: * U-Boat trivia sparks another heated 80s challenge battle * Markets rally despite escalating Middle East tensions * VIX slips below 20 while traders pile into downside puts * Goldman Sachs earnings reaction and major financial earnings preview * Unusual options activity in Coupang (CPNG) and Nokia (NOK) * Intel, Tesla, Palantir, Oracle, and CoreWeave heating up * Strategy Block: How to trade elevated volatility with covered calls and vertical spreads * Around the Block: What to watch into the next session

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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).

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.

Is the treasury market the new "war bond" front? As conflict-driven volatility continues to grip the markets, the Option Block panel gathers to break down a Monday session defined by crushing vol, shifting correlations, and a flight to safety.

Mark Longo is joined by Uncle Mike Tosaw of St. Charles Wealth Management and Andrew "The Rock Lobster" Giovinazzi from Option Pit to discuss whether we've entered a "sell the rally" regime reminiscent of the 1990s.

In this episode, the team dives into:

The Trading Block: Why the "Grand Conciliatory Gesture" rally failed early, and why small caps are getting rotated into oblivion.
The Odd Block: Unusual activity in Palantir (PLTR), a strange call play in Zoom Info (GTM), and a massive historical "home run" trade in Bilibili (BILI).
The Strategy Block: How to play a 30 VIX using covered calls—should you sell at-the-money for premium or go further out-of-the-money for the eventual relief rally?
Around the Block: Predictions on the "Strait of Hormuz" effect and whether the Fed has officially entered "punt mode" for the rest of 2026.

The markets are seeing red this Thursday, but the action in the pits is heating up. Join Mark Longo, Henry "The Flowmaster" Schwartz, and "Uncle Mike" Tosaw as they break down a wild session dominated by geopolitical tension, spiking energy prices, and some very curious "unusual activity."

In this episode, the panel dives into:

The Trading Block: A look at the "Blood Red Thursday" playbook. With the S&P, Dow, and Nasdaq all sliding, why are VIX puts seeing massive volume? Plus, a look at the "Mag 10" and why small caps are finally feeling the heat.
Suspicious Paper: The team revisits last week's look at Brown-Forman (BF.B). Was it luck, or did someone know something? The stock exploded 15% on merger rumors exactly as the unusual call activity predicted.
Odd Block: Henry highlights unusual bullish flow in Momo (MOMO) and the high-juice world of Bit Deer (BTDR). Is it time to sell covered calls on crypto miners?
Earnings Insight: Why "Love Sack" (LOVE) is the surprise winner of the day and what's expected for Nike's upcoming move.
Mail Block: The listeners weigh in—will the Fed actually cut rates this year? The results are closer than you think.

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).

Market volatility is feeling a bit like a Muppet Lab experiment gone wrong. In this episode, Mark Longo is broadcasting from the "Southern Studio" to join "Uncle" Mike Tosaw and Andrew "The Rock Lobster" Giovinazzi for a deep dive into a green Monday that still feels a bit shaky.

On the Docket:

The Trading Block: A look at the green start to the week, the S&P 500 vacillating around 6,700, and why the VIX is holding steady at 24. Plus, the panel discusses the impact of Middle East tensions and oil supply on the broader markets.
The Odd Block: Why did someone bail on a massive long-term call position in KE Holdings (BEKE) after only two days? Also, a look back at a "cemented" winner in Cemex (CX).
The Strategy Block: Uncle Mike discusses "Neutral-ish" strategies and how to get creative with strike selection and call spreads when your favorite stocks are underperforming.
Around the Block: Predictions for Nvidia earnings, Fed speak, and the "lotto ticket" 30-strike VIX calls expiring this week.

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."

Volatility is back with a vengeance! In this special episode, Mark Longo reports live from the FIA Boca Conference 2026 while the markets take a nosedive. As the S&P 500 flirts with red for the year and the VIX threatens the 30-handle, the All-Star panel breaks down the chaos.

Joining Mark to dissect the madness are Andrew "The Rock Lobster" Giovinazzi from OptionPit.com and "Uncle" Mike Tosaw from St. Charles Wealth Management.

On This Episode:

The Trading Block: A deep dive into the "Day Trader's Paradise." We discuss WTI breaking the $100 par strike, the resilience of the S&P 500, and why the small-caps (IWM) are turning back into a pumpkin.
VIX Watch: Analyzing the massive paper hitting the tape, including heavy activity in the April 60 calls.
The Odd Block: The Rock Lobster spots unusual activity in Wells Fargo (WFC), a massive closing trade in United Airlines (UAL), and the wild 38% surge in Hims & Hers (HIMS).
Strategy Block: Uncle Mike schools us on Covered Call management in a falling market. Do you sit on your hands, buy a protective wing, or roll for time?
Around the Block: Predictions for the rest of the week, including the "daily miasma" of oil prices and the "dark horse" potential of Silver and Gold.

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The markets are seeing red, and the "Flowmaster" Henry Schwartz is back to take the blame for another Thursday sell-off! Join Mark Longo, Uncle Mike Tosaw, and Henry Schwartz as they dissect a volatile session where the S&P 500 is testing key levels and the VIX is flirting with a 25 handle.

In this episode, the panel explores the unusual correlation of "risk-off" sentiment—where even gold and silver are being dumped alongside equities—and whether crypto is actually acting as the new flight-to-safety asset.

Key Topics Discussed: * The Trading Block: A deep dive into the VIX spike, the S&P's magnet-like attraction to the 6845 level, and a breakdown of February's record-breaking trading volume (1.32 billion contracts!). * Sector Analysis: Why industrials (XLI) are leading the decline while energy (XLE) remains a lone green shoot. * The Odd Block: Unusual activity in StubHub (STUB) following a post-earnings puke, a predictable "jelly roll" in Hertz (HTZ), and a curious call buyer in Warner Music Group (WMG). * Crypto vs. Metals: Analyzing the surprising resilience of Bitcoin earlier in the week versus the traditional flight to quality in gold. * Mail Block: The panel reviews listener sentiment on cheap VIX puts and how long the current geopolitical conflict will impact market volatility.

Despite a weekend filled with geopolitical turmoil and the outbreak of open war in the Middle East, the markets opened Monday with a surprising amount of resilience. Join Mark Longo, "Uncle" Mike Tosaw, and Andrew "The Rock Lobster" Giovinazzi as they break down the "weekend risk" playbook and why the "fade the vol spike" strategy is winning the day.

In this episode, the panel discusses:

The Trading Block: A look at the S&P, NASDAQ, and VIX. Why did the market go from red to green so quickly? Plus, a deep dive into the massive call activity in VIX and SPY.
The Odd Block: Unusual activity in Nokia (NOK) and the "luxury pawn shop" The RealReal (REAL). Is someone betting on a major tech resurgence?
Strategy Block: Uncle Mike breaks down the nuances of Delta weighting with Covered Calls. Learn how to capture premium without capping all your upside.
Around the Block: Predictions for the week ahead, including earnings to watch: Best Buy, Target, Costco, and the volatile ASKS Space Mobile.

Plus: A special "80s Trivia Challenge" featuring a heated debate over the greatest tag team of all time and breaking WWE Hall of Fame news!

The markets are seeing red this Thursday as the "Mag 10" takes a hit. On this episode of The Option Block, Mark Longo is joined by Henry Schwartz from Cboe and Mike Tosaw from St. Charles Wealth Management to break down the carnage following NVIDIA's earnings—where even a stellar quarter wasn't enough to satisfy the bulls.

The team explores unusual activity in some unexpected names, including a "blast from the past" tech giant and a newcomer in the "Robot as a Service" space.

On the Docket:

The Trading Block: NVIDIA's worst day in nearly a year. Henry Schwartz breaks down the VIX decomposition and S&P 500 skew, while Mike Tosaw looks at the "flight to safety" in Treasuries (TLT/IEF).
The Odd Block: Why is there massive call paper in Blackberry (BB)? Plus, a look at the wild volume in Rich Tech Robotics (RRTX).
Mail Block: The panel debates how to approach earnings season. Do you sell juice, buy juice, or avoid it altogether?
Around the Block: What to watch for the rest of the week, from PPI data to macro geopolitical tensions in Iran.

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.

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.

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The sea of green has finally evaporated. On this episode, the All-Star Panel breaks down a brutal day of red on the screen as the S&P 500 flirts with its yearly open. From the sudden VIX pop to the "0DTE-ification" of single stocks, we're breaking down all the action from the pits to the screen.

The Trading Block:

Market Bloodletting: The S&P, Dow, and NASDAQ are all in the red. Is this a "Buy The Dip" opportunity or the start of a volatility regime shift?
VIX Hits 20: Analyzing the spike in volatility and the VIX Decomposition—is the whole surface lifting, or are we just sliding down the skew?
0DTE Dominance: New data reveals that 50% of Tesla's (TSLA) volume is now Zero Days to Expiration. We discuss the impact of daily expirations on single-stock liquidity.
Big Tech Carnage: Breaking down the moves in Apple (AAPL), Microsoft (MSFT), and Nvidia (NVDA).

The Odd Block:

Dollar General (DG): Unusual call activity in the "stealth banger" of the year.
AES Corp (AES): Why traders are flocking to utility options amidst the AI power demand surge.

Around the Block:

Earnings Intel: Pricing the moves for Coinbase (COIN) and Rivian (RIVN).
Volatility Death Match 2.0: A preview of the upcoming battle between The Flowmaster Henry Schwartz and Scott Nations.

Contact the Panel:

"Uncle" Mike Tosaw: St. Charles Wealth Management
The "Flowmaster" Henry Schwartz: Cboe Options Institute
Mark "The Voice of Options" Longo: The Options Insider

In this episode of The Option Block, Mark Longo, "Uncle" Mike Tosaw, and Andrew "The Rock Lobster" Giovinazzi dive into a wild week of market reversals, Super Bowl takeaways, and a legendary 80s trivia question that leads to some... interesting historical discussions.

The panel breaks down the shift in the AI narrative—from "unlimited upside" to "unlimited spending"—and what it means for the Mag Seven. Plus, they explore the unusual activity in cheap biotechs and the risks of trading wide markets where you might just get "punched in the face" by the spread.

In This Episode: * The 80s Trivia Challenge: A "Steelers choice" round featuring a badly aimed tomahawk and a controversial question about where Hitler wrote Mein Kampf. * The Trading Block: S&P 500 resiliency, VIX hovering near a million contracts a day, and the defensive masterclass of the Super Bowl. * AI & The Creative Destruction: Why the "Mag Seven" might be losing their grip as massive AI infrastructure spending begins to weigh on tech giants like Google, Amazon, and Microsoft. * Odd Block: Unusual activity in Mura Therapeutics (NMRA)—is it a bullish risk reversal or a market maker's trap? * Strategy Block: Uncle Mike discusses the discipline of "having your cake and eating it too" with covered calls and when to exit for 97% profit. * Around the Block: A look ahead at non-farm payrolls, the launch of single-name zero-day options (0DTE), and upcoming earnings for Coke, CVS, Robinhood, and the "dumpster fire" that is Ford.

Blood-Red Markets and the Death of DUOL

The markets are bleeding red, and volatility is finally taking center stage. In this episode of The Option Block, the panel breaks down a brutal session for the indices and the absolute carnage following Duolingo's (DUOL) latest move. From VIX spikes to institutional "Odd Block" flows, we're dissecting the anatomy of a sell-off.

On This Episode, Join:

Mark Longo: Founder & CEO, The Options Insider Media Group
Henry Schwartz: Vice President, Institutional Derivatives, Cboe Global Markets
Mike Tosaw: Wealth Manager, St. Charles Wealth Management

The Docket:

The Trading Block: A post-mortem on today's blood-red market. Henry provides the Cboe perspective on the VIX spike, while the team analyzes the breakdown in tech and why the "buy the dip" mentality is being tested.
The Odd Block: Examining the "Death of DUOL." We break down the massive institutional put buying in Duolingo and the unusual activity that signaled this collapse before the floor fell out.
Strategy Session: Defensive positioning 101. How to manage your long delta when the market turns, and the most cost-effective ways to price tail-risk hedges in the current environment.
Mail Call: Listeners ask about the impact of high-volume sell-offs on spread pricing and how to handle challenged positions in a falling market.

The silver market just faced a massive "annihilation," and the Option Block panel is here to pick up the pieces. Join Mark Longo, Andrew "The Rock Lobster" Giovinazzi (Option Pit), and "Uncle" Mike Tosaw (St. Charles Wealth Management) as they break down a wild start to February. From a 30% single-day drop in Silver (SLV) to unusual activity in "non-woven substrates," this episode covers the high-stakes world of volatility and metal meltdowns.

In this episode, the panel dives into:

The Trading Block: A look at the market rally toward all-time highs despite the "metals apocalypse." The team discusses whether the silver squeeze is finally unwinding and what the new Fed Chair means for interest rate stabilization.
The Odd Block: Unusual activity in some truly unique names, including Magna Corp (MAGN)—a leader in the "sexy" world of substrates—and defensive put buying in Hercules Capital (HTGC).
Strategy Block: Uncle Mike breaks down the power of diversification in covered call strategies. Learn why individual stock selection often yields better premiums than broad index ETFs like SPY.
Around the Block: Predictions for the upcoming earnings gauntlet, featuring Alphabet (Google), Amazon, Disney, and the "AI bellwether" movement.

The markets are seeing red as a wild earnings week takes center stage. From the "Tale of Two Techs" (Microsoft vs. Meta) to a massive volatility spike, the All-Star Panel breaks down the trades, the trends, and the unusual activity lighting up the tape. Plus, we dive into the "other" Wolf and an Argentinian oil play.

The All-Star Panel * Mark Longo: CEO and Founder of the Options Insider Media Group. * Henry "The Flowmaster" Schwartz: Vice President of Institutional Derivatives at Cboe Global Markets. * "Uncle" Mike Tosaw: Wealth Manager at St. Charles Wealth Management.

Trading Block: A Sea of Red and Earnings Chaos The panel discusses a volatile Thursday session with the S&P 500 seeing a 100-handle range. While tech takes a hit, other sectors like energy and financials are showing resilience.

The Tale of Two Ms: Comparing the diametrically opposite reactions to Meta (META) and Microsoft (MSFT) earnings.
- META: Stock up ~10%; those who bought the 700-strike calls for $11 are seeing massive wins.
- MSFT: Stock down ~12% (a $58 drop); the same call-buying strategy was a total wipeout.
- Tesla (TSLA) Tumbles: Down over 2% as the market reacts to a shift in focus toward robotics and AI over traditional EV growth.
- Small Cap Update: Henry Schwartz notes that while the Russell 2000 (IWM) is outperforming YTD (up 6%), historically, this "value over growth" rotation rarely sticks.
- VIX Volatility: VIX flirting with an 18 handle. Notable paper includes a massive 50,000 lot of the April 80 calls trading for $0.36.

The Odd Block: Unusual Activity in WULF and YPF The Flowmaster identifies massive directional bets in two very different names.

TeraWulf (WULF) A Bitcoin-related name seeing a $3 million directional bet.
The Trade: Buyer of 36,000 Feb 16 Calls (Average price: $0.82).
Context: This is a massive sweep that creates the largest regular listed position in the name, likely betting on M&A rumors or a Bitcoin rebound.
YPF Sociedad Anonima (YPF) An Argentinian energy ADR seeing unusual size.
The Trade: Buyer of 9,999 April 43 Calls.
The "Conspiracy": Why 9,999 instead of 10,000? Henry suggests it might be to dodge block scanners set for five-digit minimums.

Mail Block: Listener Perspectives * Question of the Week: How are you trading this earnings week?

+ Current Results: 44% are selling premium to "live the dream," while the rest are split between buying "juice," trading 0DTE, or staying on the sidelines.

VIX Poll: 75% of listeners would rather sell the April 80 calls for $0.36 than buy them.

Around the Block: What to Watch * Apple (AAPL) Earnings: Reporting after the bell. The market is pricing in a 4% move—roughly double its historical average. * Sector Rotations: Watching if the energy (XLE) and industrial (CAT) strength can offset the tech drag. * Silver (SLV): Uncle Mike highlights silver's insane run, outperforming the S&P by 8x last year and up 60% this year.

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 Option Block goes on the road! This week, Mark Longo is coming to you live from the Securities Traders Association (STA) 100th Anniversary event in Chicago. Joined in person by Henry "The Flowmaster" Schwartz, the team breaks down the biggest highlights from the conference and the massive volatility shifts hitting the equity markets.

On This Episode: * Live from the Floor: Mark and Henry discuss the 100-year legacy of the STA and the evolution of the options industry from the birth of the CBOE in 1973 to today's high-volume digital environment. * The State of the Industry: Henry shares key takeaways from his panel, including the explosion of volume in Single Stock, ETF, and Index options. Plus, a look at how Robinhood has reshaped retail education and reduced friction for a new generation of traders. * Volume Predictions for 2026: With the market currently averaging 66-67 million contracts a day, are we on track for a record-shattering 17 billion contracts this year? * Monday & Wednesday Expirations: It's a done deal! The team discusses the upcoming listing of Monday and Wednesday daily expirations for major names like Tesla, Nvidia, and Apple, and what this means for after-hours risk management. * The "Greenland Trade": Navigating a week where the market swung 100 handles down and 100 handles back up on geopolitical volatility. * The Odd Block: The Flowmaster provides an update on ARDX and CWEN, plus a deep dive into the Mag 10 (Magnificent 10 Index) where put volume is currently lighting up the tape at record levels.

Get More from The Options Insider: * Visit the Website: TheOptionsInsider.com * Check out the App: Available on iTunes and Google Play. * Follow the Crew: Join the conversation on Twitter/X @Options, Facebook, and StockTwits.

This episode of The Option Block is brought to you by Cboe Global Markets. To learn more about the suite of S&P 500 Index Options (SPX) and Mini S&P 500 (XSP) options, visit https:// cboe.com/spx

The markets are showing a splash of green as we break down a wild week in trading with The Flowmaster Henry Schwartz (Cboe Global Markets) and Uncle Mike Tosaw (St. Charles Wealth Management). From the unprecedented 20% weekly surge in Silver to the aggressive rotation out of Mag 7 tech and into Biotechs and Small Caps, this episode covers the critical moves every options trader needs to know. Plus, we look ahead to a heavy earnings week and reveal the panel's official 2026 VIX Crystal Ball predictions.

On This Episode: The Trading Block: The "Meme-ification" of Silver

The Silver Surge: Why Uncle Mike thinks Silver has officially entered "meme stock" territory after a staggering 20% move in one week.
Market Rotation: Is the Mag 7 reign over? We discuss the rotation into the Russell 2000 (IWM) and the energy sector.
Volatility Check: VIX comes back to earth toward the 15 handle, but the VVX remains "frothy" at 98.

The Odd Block: Unusual Activity in Small-Cap Tech and Bio

Ardelyx (ARDX): Aggressive call buying in this biotech after a legal dismissal. Is there a clinical catalyst on the horizon?
T1 Energy (TE): A massive sweep in the February 10 calls. Why Henry is keeping a "steely gaze" on alternative energy.
Clearway Energy (CWEN): Unusual March 40 call buyers as the clean energy sector sees a resurgence.

The Mail Block: The 2026 VIX Crystal Ball

The panel places their official bets on where the VIX will close on December 31st, 2026.

Around the Block: Earnings & Geopolitics

Earnings Watch: Initial results from Goldman Sachs, Wells Fargo, and Taiwan Semi (TSM).
Looking Ahead: Previewing moves for Netflix (NFLX), United Airlines (UAL), Intel (INTC), and Charles Schwab (SCHW).
The Global Picture: Keeping an eye on Venezuela, Iran, and the upcoming STA Conference in Chicago.

Kick off the second full trading week of 2026 with Mark Longo (The Options Insider Media Group) and Uncle Mike Tosaw (St. Charles Wealth Management) as they navigate a market that seemingly "doesn't give an F" about geopolitical turmoil. From potential military interventions to the Fed chair vs. the President, the panel breaks down why the S&P 500 continues to climb a wall of worry while the VIX remains suppressed.

In this episode, we break down:

The Trading Block: A look at the "Mad New Year" so far. Why is the VIX ignoring the headlines? Plus, a deep dive into the massive volume in Tesla ($TSLA), Nvidia ($NVDA), and the return of the Feb 15 VIX puts.
The Odd Block: Unusual activity in newcomers Standard Lithium ($SLI) and Amprius Technologies ($AMPX). Is someone getting "AMP'd" up for a breakout?
Smurfette Returns: We revisit the corrugated packaging play Smurfit WestRock ($SMURF). Is the Feb 50 call a smart overwrite or a speculative gamble ahead of earnings?
Strategy Block: Uncle Mike discusses the current bond environment and why it might finally be time to look at covered calls on $IEF or $TLT for extra yield.
Around the Block: What to expect from the official kickoff of earnings season with the big banks (JPM, WFC, BAC) reporting later this week.

The first Thursday of the new trading year is here, and the panel is back to break down a wild start to 2026. From record-breaking volume milestones to unusual activity in AI beauty tech and defense drones, the team dives deep into the forces shaping the market this week.

In This Episode: * The Trading Block: Mark Longo (The Options Insider), Uncle Mike Tosaw (St. Charles Wealth Management), and the Flowmaster Henry Schwartz (Cboe) review a mixed start to the session. While the S&P 500 struggles for direction ahead of the jobs number, small caps (IWM) are off to the races—up 5% year-to-date. * 2025 Year in Review: Henry Schwartz provides an exclusive data deep dive into the sixth straight record-breaking year for options.

+ Average Daily Volume (ADV): Nearly 61 million contracts.
+ The 15 Billionth Contract: Henry reveals he tracked down the exact moment the milestone occurred—a spread in CoreWeave on the day after Christmas.
+ Strike Proliferation: The industry has officially topped 2 million individual strikes available for trade.

Odd Block: Things get weird with unusual activity in:
- Caesars Entertainment (CZR): Heavy put volume and long-dated March 33 calls.
- Oddity Tech (ODD): A massive $640k bet on April 50 calls for this AI-driven beauty company.
- Vision-Wave (VWA): Bullish drone play with volume 16x the norm following geopolitical defense headlines.
- Mail Block: The team discusses how to track the growth of new retail accounts and why "buying the dip" continues to be a dominant, albeit debated, strategy.
- Around the Block: Predictions for the upcoming Supreme Court tariff decision, a preview of financial earnings (JPM, BAC, GS), and why the "Mag 10" equal-weighted index is the new one to watch.

The 2026 trading year is officially underway! Mark Longo, Uncle Mike Tosaw, and Andrew "The Rock Lobster" Giovinazzi gather for the first full trading week of the year to break down a massive 2025 and look ahead to the new market landscape.

In This Episode: * The 2025 Trivia Champion Revealed: After a grueling year of 1980s Trivial Pursuit, we finally crown the winner of the 2025 Trivia Challenge. Who took home the title between Uncle Mike, The Rock Lobster, and previous guest Dan Passarelli? * The Trading Block: A robust start to 2026! The team analyzes the S&P 500's push toward all-time highs, the sudden surge in Financials (XLF) and Energy (XLE), and why Big Tech (Apple and Nvidia) is showing some early-year weakness. * Record-Breaking Volume: We dive into the final 2025 numbers from the OCC. With over 15.26 billion contracts traded last year, we discuss what this explosive growth means for retail traders. * The Odd Block: Unusual activity returns with a deep dive into Peloton (PTON) and a massive January 2027 call trade, plus some aggressive short-term upside speculation in Enovix Corp (ENVX). * Strategy Block: Uncle Mike explains the "Time Non-Linear Time Decay Differential" and why calendar or diagonal spreads might be your best bet if you expect volatility to rise from these lows. * Around the Block: Predictions for the year ahead, the impact of geopolitical headlines on the energy sector, and a look at the upcoming VIX expiration.

Get More Options Insider: * Pro Analysis: theoptionsinsider.com/pro * The Network: Search "Options Insider Radio Network" on your favorite podcast app. * TastyTrade: Visit tastytrade.com/podcasts to see why they were named the Best Broker for Options in 2024.

In this year-end finale, the All-Star panel gathers for a definitive look back at a historic 2025. From the "Tariff Tantrum" of April that sent the VIX screaming to 60, to the S&P 500 hitting all-time highs on Christmas Eve, Mark Longo and Uncle Mike Tosaw from St. Charles Wealth Management break down the trends, the traps, and the massive volume records that redefined the options market this year. Plus, a solo trivia battle for the ages and a deep dive into why 2025 was truly the "Year of the Collar."

Episode Highlights * The Trading Block: A comprehensive 2025 post-mortem. The panel discusses the S&P's 1,000-point climb, the volatility spikes that caught traders off guard, and why hedged equity strategies became the essential tool for navigating the year's "madness." * The 15 Billion Milestone: Mark breaks down the staggering 15,000,000,000 contracts traded in 2025—a 3x explosion since 2019—highlighting October 10th as the single busiest trading day in history. * The Metals Mania: Uncle Mike reflects on Silver ($SLV) becoming the "meme stock of precious metals" and explains why he's finally fading the shiny stuff after a 50% gold rally. * Odd Block: Reviewing the best "rolls of the bones" from the year, including activity in Bath & Body Works ($BBWI), steel rebar bets in Commercial Metals ($CMC), and e-commerce plays in VIP Shop ($VIPS). * Strategy Block: Uncle Mike invokes "Miller Time"—explaining why the smartest move for the final week of the year is to "take the money and run" to get some much-needed rest before 2026 kicks off. * Trivia Challenge: Uncle Mike faces off in a solo quest to defend his crown while the Rock Lobster remains MIA on vacation.

Resources & Links * Options Insider Pro: Join the community for exclusive live streams and Q&As at theoptionsinsider.com/pro . * Broker Spotlight: Find out why Investopedia named Tastytrade the Best Broker for Options in 2024: tastytrade.com/podcasts . * Follow the Network: Search "Options Insider Radio Network" on your favorite podcast platform.

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

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).

Mark Longo, Uncle Mike Tosaw (St. Charles Wealth Management), and Andrew 'The Rock Lobster' Giovinazzi (The Option Pit) break down the final full trading week of 2025. This high-stakes episode covers the shocking conclusion to the '80s Trivia Challenge, explosive VIX and index flow, and a crucial year-end Tax Strategy discussion.

The '80s Trivia Challenge: A Consequential Loss The dramatic conclusion of the year-long contest: Uncle Mike vs. The Rock Lobster. The hosts sweat it out in a high-pressure round of Sports & Leisure trivia. Find out who claims the point and if the "Chicago Politics" conspiracy theories hold up!

The Trading Block: End-of-Year Market Breakdown The VIX Cash index is rallying off recent lows. Is this December different from years past? The Rock Lobster confesses his VIX Puts strategy was his "worst product" of the year due to being a "Greedy Pig" and not monetizing the downside swings. The panel also looks at key single-name movers like Apple (AAPL), Broadcom (AVGO), and a roaring Tesla (TSLA).

Hot Options Report: VIX Puts & SPY Zero Day Flow Detailed analysis of today's hottest option: The dirt-cheap Dec 15th VIX Puts for $0.04. Plus, a look at the massive flow in SPY (SPY) and SPX (SPX) index options, confirming the zero-day trend, alongside surprising upside action in the QQQ (QQQ) Calls.

Strategy Block: Crucial Year-End Tax Planning Uncle Mike provides essential guidance on year-end tax strategies. He details how to use Tax Loss Harvesting to offset gains and reminds traders about the Wash Sale rules. A must-listen segment covers the Mark-to-Market rule for 1256 Contracts (like SPX options) before the December 31st deadline.

Around the Block: Silver (SLV) Poll & All-Time Highs The team forecasts whether Silver (SLV) can continue its historic run into 2026. Plus, predictions on if the SPX can hit new All-Time Highs before the new year.

On this crucial post-Fed episode, hosts Mark Longo, Uncle Mike Tosaw (St. Charles Wealth Management) and Henry 'The Flowmaster' Schwartz (Cboe) deliver expert options trading analysis and strategy.

The team breaks down the dramatic Oracle (ORCL) plunge, the latest VIX and index (SPX, SPY, QQQ) volatility, and Henry Schwartz's insights into unusual options flow.

Plus, a deep dive into the newly launched Cboe MAG 10 index options and market predictions for the highly anticipated Santa Claus Rally.

The hosts also investigate unexpected options activity in names like Sentinel One (S), Rocket Labs (RKLB), and Honda Motor Corp (HMC).

Tune in for essential year-end market strategy!

Today, The Option Block dives into the most important topics for active traders: options trading strategies and detailed market analysis. Host Mark Longo, joined by co-hosts Uncle Mike Tosaw (St. Charles Wealth Management) and Andrew Giovinazzi (The Option Pit), focuses on VIX trends and how to profit from a changing volatility landscape.

We break down the anticipation for the upcoming Federal Reserve announcements and provide key insights into their potential impact on the options market. Plus, get an in-depth analysis of unusual options activity in stocks like Warner Brothers Discovery (WBD) and TMC.

Market Analysis: Intricate trends in the VIX and strategies for dealing with general market volatility.
Trade Breakdown: Unusual activity in WBD and TMC options flow.
Upcoming Earnings: Key insights and options trading strategies for major reports from Oracle and Broadcom.
Forward Look: A final roundtable on what to watch for in the trading days ahead, especially concerning Fed decisions.

Don't miss this essential guide to navigating the current options market landscape.

In this episode of The Option Block, host Mark Longo (The Options Insider Media Group) and our expert panel deliver a crucial breakdown of the current options market trends. We dive deep into analyzing unusual options activity, dissecting key index volumes across VIX, SPX, IWM, and QQQ. Our discussion features insights from Uncle Mike Tosaw (St. Charles Wealth Management) and Henry Schwartz (Cboe Global Markets).

We cover volatility signals and the explosive growth of binary and prediction markets, debating their future on major exchanges. Plus, we get an exclusive look at new CBOE products and market events. Don't miss our detailed options analysis on individual stocks, including Meta, Gap, United States Antimony Corp, and Intuitive Machines Inc.

⏱️ Episode Timestamps & Key Topics * 02:15 | Market Sentiment & VIX Activity Analysis * 08:40 | Index Options Volume Breakdown (SPX, IWM, QQQ) * 14:55 | Individual Stock Deep Dive: Meta, Gap, United States Antimony Corp, Intuitive Machines Inc. * 23:10 | The Binary Markets Debate: Should they be listed on everything? * 32:00 | Focus on New CBOE Products and Upcoming Market Events

🔗 Connect & Subscribe Follow The Option Block for weekly options trading insights!

In this episode of the Option Block, the hosts bring you deep into the world of options markets, analyzing recent unusual trading activities and examining how these moves might play out. Mark Longo and co-hosts Uncle Mike Tosaw from St. Charles Wealth Management and Andrew Giovinazzi from The Option Pit discuss significant movements in the VIX, SPY, and other major indices. They analyze specific stock activities, from Knight Swift Transportation Holdings to iRobot, and speculate on the future of these stocks. The show also offers strategic advice on hedging strategies and a glimpse into upcoming earnings reports. The episode wraps up with a focus on how current economic indicators, such as precious metals prices and bond market moves, impact the options market.

HOST: Mark Longo, The Options Insider

CO-HOST: Mike Tosaw, St. Charles Wealth Management

CO-HOST: Andrew Giovinazzi, The Option Pit

In this episode, we cover a wide range of topics, including unusual activities in the options market, such as trades in JBS NV (a Brazilian meat processing company), B2Gold Corp, and Ecopetrol. Additionally, we discuss the market's current dynamics, particularly focusing on the recent rally in tech stocks and precious metals. The episode also features a lively segment of 80s trivia and ends with Uncle Mike Tosaw's annual Thanksgiving advice along with forward-looking market strategies.

HOST: Mark Longo, The Options Insider

CO-HOST: Henry Schwartz, Cboe Global Markets

CO-HOST: Mike Tosaw, St. Charles Wealth Management

In this episode, the hosts tackle volatile market movements, significant options trades, and market strategies. The discussion spans from fresh options activity in under-the-radar stocks like Garrett Motion and Topgolf to the broader implications of major movements in indices and popular stocks such as Nvidia, Tesla, and Amazon. The hosts also explore the regulation and impact of sports betting on financial markets, the introduction of new indexes like the Mag 10, and predictions for market behavior heading toward 2026.

HOST: Mark Longo, The Options Insider

CO-HOST: Mike Tosaw, St. Charles Wealth Management

CO-HOST: Andrew Giovinazzi, The Option Pit

In this episode, the panel discusses the current state of the options market. They also look at unusual options activity in CMC and QGEN. Uncle Mike Tosaw provides a Strategy Block focusing on the importance of responsible options trading and knowing when to exit a position. Market conditions, including significant whipsaw action in the S&P 500 and notable upcoming earnings reports from major retailers like Home Depot, Lowe's, and Target, are analyzed. The episode concludes with insights on what the hosts are watching in the market for the upcoming week.

HOST: Mark Longo, The Options Insider

CO-HOST: Henry Schwartz, Cboe Global Markets

CO-HOST: Mike Tosaw, St. Charles Wealth Management

Topics discussed on this episode include unusual market activity in Bitdeer, Lucid, and RGTI and the impact of recent earnings reports on market movements. The episode also covers the new VIX decomposition tool from Cboe, listener questions, and strategies for trading in the current market environment. Additionally, the weekly poll focusing on precious metals like GLD and SLV reveals interesting perspectives from the audience. The show wraps up with a look at upcoming market events and strategies to watch.

HOST: Mark Longo, The Options Insider CO-HOST: Mike Tosaw, St. Charles Wealth Management CO-HOST: Andrew Giovinazzi, The Option Pit In this episode, the hosts discuss a variety of topics impacting the options market. Key discussions include the government shutdown and its effects, market analysis, strategy insights, listener questions, and notable trades of the day. They also highlight unusual activity in Comcast and VIP Shop Holdings, earnings previews, and strategic tips for managing options. The show provides a deep dive into the market dynamics, trading strategies, and options education, all while engaging listeners with trivia and light-hearted banter.

HOST: Mark Longo, The Options Insider

CO-HOST: Henry Schwartz, Cboe

CO-HOST: Mike Tosaw, St. Charles Wealth Management

This episode covers the impact of current market conditions, the continued rise in options trading volume, and specific case studies on individual stocks like Gap, Inc. and Aida Inc. Special attention is given to trading strategies, the influence of market events such as government shutdowns, and the role of zero-DTE options.

HOST: Mark Longo, The Options Insider Media Group CO-HOST: Mike Tosaw, St. Charles Wealth Management CO-HOST: Andrew Giovinazzi, The Option Pit This week, the All-Star panel is stunned by the Big Tech and AI momentum that's pushing stocks to absurd levels. Andrew "Rock Lobster" Giovinazzi uses an analogy from The Producers to describe the ridiculous, runaway success of the "Mag 7" and the OpenAI frenzy. Is this a guaranteed flop, or are investors destined to be unexpectedly rich? Inside the Block:

The Big Tech/AI Metaphor: Why the surprising, explosive rally in tech reminds us of a famous, satirical Broadway flop.
Shocking Moves: "Uncle" Mike Tosaw details why he has sold 95% of his long-held silver exposure—a truly historic moment!
Odd Block: We break down the unusual order flow in a few newcomers, including high-flying biotech KNSA and semi-related AMKR.
Earnings Blitz: A massive week ahead with Uber, Spotify, AMD, and more—plus, a look at the wild vol priced into HIMS and PLTR.

HOST: Mark Longo, The Options Insider Media Group

CO-HOST: Henry Schwartz, Cboe Global Markets

CO-HOST: Mike Tosaw, St. Charles Wealth Management

This episode dives into the latest trends and activities in the options market, featuring key discussions on AI spending by companies like Meta and Microsoft and its effects on their stock prices. The hosts analyze market movements, unusual trading activities, and speculate on the potential impact of upcoming earnings from major companies like Apple and Amazon. The show also covers listener opinions on whether current market valuations are sustainable, given the lofty PE ratios and potential bubble-like conditions. Additionally, the episode features some tips for monitoring market events in the coming days.

HOST: Mark Longo, The Options Insider Media Group

CO-HOST: Andrew Giovinazzi, The Option Pit

CO-HOST: Mike Tosaw, St. Charles Wealth Management

In this episode of The Option Block, host Mark Longo and his co-hosts discuss the current market rally and the impact of AI announcements, especially Qualcomm's recent surge. The team dives into unusual options activity, focusing on stocks like Huntsman Corp and the new Bitcoin treasury name, Strive Inc. They also analyze the role of volatility and discuss strategic adjustments made due to recent market conditions. The episode wraps up with a look at what to expect in the coming trading week, including key tech earnings and potential market movements.

HOST: Mark Longo, The Options Insider Media Group CO-HOST: Henry Schwartz, Cboe Global Markets CO-HOST: Mike Tosaw, St. Charles Wealth Management In this episode, host Mark Longo and his co-hosts, including "Uncle" Mike Tosaw and Henry "The Flowmaster" Schwartz explore the latest trends and trades in the options market. The show covers everything from the performance of VIX and SPX to notable unusual activities in names like Beyond Meat, Energy Fuels Inc., and Stone Co. Limited. The team also dives into broader market themes, such as potential impacts of government shutdowns, macroeconomic factors, and the Fed's role in economic independence. Listener engagement features include an audience poll on Fed independence and a lively discussion on fantasy football.

Host: Mark Longo, The Options Insider Media Group Co-Host: "Uncle" Mike Tosaw, St. Charles Wealth Management Co-Host: Andrew "The Rock Lobster" Giovinazzi, The Option Pit This episode covers various options trading strategies, including discussions on unusual options activity in stocks like Canan Inc. and American Battery Technology Company. The hosts explore the market dynamics, including the impact of current events on volatility and stock performance. They also share insights on rebalancing portfolios, the importance of covered calls, and offer personal anecdotes, including Uncle Mike's unique healthcare sharing arrangement. With an engaging trivia challenge and discussions on maintaining the independence of the Federal Reserve, this episode blends financial education with lively commentary.

Host: Mark Longo, The Options Insider Media Group Co-Host: Henry Schwartz, Cboe Global Markets Co-Host: Mike Tosaw, St. Charles Wealth Management This episode discusses the upsurge in options trading volume driven by current market volatility and significant movements in metals like silver and gold. The hosts analyze unusual options activity in AMD and Flagstar Financial, with noted trends of increased put buying. They also touch on the ongoing earnings season, focusing on financial sector reports and their impact on the market. The episode wraps up with a live poll discussing current VIX trades and a reminder for traders to stay cautious in these volatile times.

Host: Mark Longo, The Options Insider Media Group
Co-Host: Andrew Giovinazzi, The Option Pit
Co-Host: Mike Tosaw, St. Charles Wealth Management

In this episode of the Option Block, we break down the market's latest moves on a 'manic Monday.' We provide analysis on today's market activity including bond market closures, unusual options activity, and the ongoing impact of political events such as tariff tweets and the government shutdown. Uncle Mike Tosaw shares an update on a long-promised silver collar strategy, while Andrew "The Rock Lobster" provides insights on tech stocks and future implications of current market dynamics. Additionally, the show discusses Beyond Meat's stock decline, the intriguing flow in Yelp, and anticipates the upcoming bank earnings season.

Host: Mark Longo, The Options Insider Radio Network Co-Hosts: Henry Schwartz, Cboe Global Markets & Mike Tosaw, St. Charles Wealth Management In this episode of The Option Block, the hosts delve into the latest trends and unusual activities in the options market. The show starts by discussing key market movements, analyzing the impact of the government shutdown on trading activities, and providing insights on speculative trades and strategies. The segment also highlights unusual call buying activity in Sweetgreen and Weave Communications, and how they're impacting their respective stocks. Additionally, the hosts touch on current events and their potential impact on the market, including geopolitical dynamics and upcoming earnings reports. The episode wraps up with listener engagement, addressing questions about the shutdown duration and market sentiment.

HOST: Mark Longo, The Options Insider Media Group CO-HOSTS: Andrew Giovinazzi, The Option Pit & Mike Tosaw, St. Charles Wealth Management In this episode, the team breaks down the options market, including unusual activity alerts, market analysis, trading strategies, and listener questions. They discuss the latest on tech stocks like AMD, Oracle, and OpenAI, current market trends, and the ongoing government shutdown's impact. The episode also covers the significance of having contingency plans for unexpected trading issues and highlights some interesting trades such as bullish calls in Weyerhaeuser and Gain Therapeutics. 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 07:05 Trading Block: Market Analysis 34:01 Odd Block: Unusual Options Activity (WY, GANX) 47:27 Strategy Block: Planning for the Unexpected 50:30 Around the Block: Market Watch 53:07 Show Wrap-Up and Announcements

Host: Mark Longo, The Options Insider Radio Network Co-Hosts: Henry Schwartz, Cboe & Mike Tosaw, St. Charles Wealth Management In this episode, the hosts discuss the latest happenings in the options market amid the government's second day of shutdown. The highlights include a record-breaking September with 1.4 billion contracts traded, marking a 45% increase year-over-year. The show features insights covering topics from unusual options activities in companies like ARCC and USAR to the soaring volumes in household index options. Attention also turns to the persistent rally of NVIDIA and AMD and the rebirth of stocks like WOLF, who went from potential bankruptcy to making significant gains. Additionally, the hosts discuss the relevance of VIX and gold as gauges of market sentiment in the current trading environment. 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 03:14 Market Analysis and Trading Block 06:16 Government Shutdown and Market Reactions 10:27 Precious Metals and Market Trends 16:28 Retail Trading and Market Volume 30:07 Apple's Post-iPhone Launch Performance 30:30 Rocket Companies' Struggles 30:46 Intel's Steady Climb 31:13 AMD's Hot Day 31:24 Nvidia's New All-Time High 31:44 Tesla's Volatile Week 32:45 Unusual Options Activity: The Odd Block 33:35 The Wolf's Astonishing Comeback 37:50 Aries Capital Corp's Tumultuous Year 41:32 USA Rare Earth Inc's Surge 47:08 Market Sentiment: VIX vs. Gold 50:45 Upcoming Events and Final Thoughts

In this episode, Mark along with "Uncle" Mike Tosaw from St. Charles Wealth Management, and Henry "The Flowmaster" Schwartz from Cboe discuss the latest trends and trading activity in the options market. Key topics include the options activity in VIX, SPX, and individual stocks like Oracle and AMD. The episode also delves into unusual options trades in Lithium Americas Corp and Bit Digital Inc, alongside notable earnings reports. A significant discussion point is the ongoing debate about changing the corporate earnings cycle from quarterly to biennial reports. 03:15 Thursday Edition Kickoff 04:17 Market Updates 06:53 Market Analysis and Trading Block 28:32 Unusual Options Activity 29:15 Lithium America's Corp: A Newcomer on the Ris33:38 Bit Digital Inc: A Rollercoaster Year 37:52 Goodyear Tire: A Tumultuous Year 41:55 Cemex SAB: The Mexican Cement Giant 45:40 Quarterly vs. Bi-Annual Earnings: A Debate 52:38 Around the Block: Market Trends and Predictions

In this episode, Mark Longo, along with "Uncle" Mike Tosaw and Andrew "The Rock Lobster" Giovinazzi, delves into various aspects of the options market. The episode covers unusual activity in stocks like Goodyear and Smurfit, NVDA's surprising market moves despite heavy spending, and broader market dynamics including all-time highs in S&P and precious metals. Uncle Mike provides valuable insights on maintaining trading discipline and navigating market pitfalls. The show includes a discussion on the potential shift in earnings seasons and its implications for traders. 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 03:01 Fantasy Football and Trivia Challenge 07:40 Market Trends and Trading Block 12:57 Tech Stocks and AI Investments 19:31 Precious Metals and Market Concerns 29:16 Intel and Open Stock Analysis 29:52 Tesla's Wild Ride 30:52 Apple's Market Movements 31:58 Nvidia's Impressive Performance 33:08 Earnings Season Debate 33:52 Unusual Options Activity: Goodyear Tires 40:41 Smurfit's Corrugated Paper Packaging 45:03 Options Trading Strategies 49:48 Market Trends and Predictions

In this episode, Mark Longo along with co-hosts "Uncle" Mike Tosaw (St. Charles Wealth Management) and Henry "The Flow Master" Schwartz (Cboe), dive deep into recent market trends and unusual options activity. They discusses significant topics such as the recent Fed rate cut, its market implications, and notable trades in companies like Krispy Kreme, Intel, and Grab Holdings. They also explore the dynamics affecting market sentiment, including the role of flex options and recent regulatory changes. 00:00 Introduction 02:37 Market Analysis and Recent Activities 05:15 Trading Block: Current Market Trends incl Fed Announcement and Market Reactions & Stock Highlights and Trading Insights 29:44 Odd Block Introduction 30:41 Krispy Kreme Options Activity 34:21 Intel's Interesting Swings 37:41 Grab Holdings Call Buyers 44:53 Mail Block: Listener Questions 51:13 Around the Block: Market Watch

This episode kicks off the broadcast week by diving into the financial markets' current state, despite an impending Federal Reserve announcement. The hosts, Mark Longo, "Uncle" Mike Tosaw, and Andrew "The Rock Lobster" Giovinazzi, analyze market movements, with a focus on single-name stocks, VIX, and unusual options activity. The show includes a lively 80s trivia challenge (that quickly veers into 1930s-50s Hollywood trivia), a discussion on the Federal Reserve's potential impact, and a breakdown of trading strategies and market trends. They also touch on the absurdities of the market, such as Elon Musk's stock purchases and the speculative nature of certain "meme stocks."

00:00 Welcome 03:17 The 80s Trivia Challenge 06:16 The Trading Block: Market Analysis 09:59 Fed Speculations and Market Reactions 13:35 Tesla and AI Market Moves 21:12 Options Volume and Hot Trades 26:55 Palantir and SoFi Updates 27:16 Intel's Market Movements 27:45 Amazon and Apple Performance 28:39 Alphabet's Recent Trends 29:14 Open's Market Surge 30:16 Nvidia and Tesla Highlights 31:47 Cracker Barrel and Earnings Season 33:04 Odd Block: Unusual Options Activity 41:44 Rumble Inc. Analysis 47:05 Strategy Block: Fed Week Insights 50:21 Around the Block: Market Watch

On this episode of The Option Block, Mark is joined by Henry Schwartz (Cboe) and Mike Tosaw (St. Charles Wealth Management) as they cover a day of significant market moves, with the S&P 500 hitting new all-time highs despite mixed economic data. The panel discusses the latest news from the Robinhood Summit, including new trading features. They dive into unusual options activity, particularly the explosive trading in meme stock Open, and analyze other notable trades in names like Vimeo, Recursion Pharmaceuticals, and Teck Resources. The show concludes with a look ahead at what to watch in the markets and a nod to the start of fantasy football season.

Timestamps:

[00:00] Introduction
[05:22] The Trading Block - Market Overview
[09:00] The Robinhood Summit
[16:45] Hot Option Activity
[22:05] The Odd Block - Open (OPEN)
[25:50] Odd Block - Vimeo (VMEO) & Recursion Pharma (RXRX)
[28:40] Odd Block - Teck Resources (TECK)
[31:05] The Mail Block
[33:55] Around the Block
[36:00] Closing Remarks

This episode features a discussion on current market conditions and unusual options activity. The hosts, Mark Longo, Uncle Mike Tosaw (St. Charles Wealth Management), and Andrew Giovinazzi (The Option Pit), analyze the mixed performance of the major indices and the behavior of the VIX. They dive into a number of active stocks, including Alphabet (GOOGL) and Nvidia (NVDA), and touch on the bond and precious metals markets. In the Odd Block segment, they dissect peculiar options trades in Golar LNG Limited (GLNG) and the comically-named ETHZilla Corp (ETHZ). The show also includes an educational segment on managing "wash sales" when trading covered calls.

Time Stamps

Beginning: Options Insider Radio Network Intro
00:03:00: 80s Trivia Challenge
00:10:00: The Trading Block - Market Analysis
00:30:00: The Odd Block - Unusual Options Activity (GLNG and ETHZ)
00:40:00: The Strategy Block - Wash Sale Discussion
00:46:00: Around the Block - Market Outlook

On this episode of The Option Block, Mark Longo is joined by Uncle Mike Tosaw from St. Charles Wealth Management and Henry "The Flowmaster" Schwartz from Cboe. They discuss the unexpected and muted reaction to Nvidia's earnings, the current state of the market, and the ideal trading conditions for investors. The panel also breaks down unusual options activity in a few unique single names and dives into a lively Mail Block discussion about the VIX and crypto derivatives.

Time Stamps (04:54) - The Trading Block

The panel discusses the surprising lack of volatility following Nvidia's earnings, despite high expectations and a large straddle pricing.
The S&P 500 is up over 10% year-to-date, but the market feels subdued with low volatility and a steady, upward "trudge". Uncle Mike notes this is his "ideal market": boring and making new all-time highs.
Technology and energy are the only sectors showing significant movement, with many others "taking the day off."
The VIX is "hunching" at 14.25, with respectable options volume. SPY and SPX also have decent, though not record-breaking, paper on the tape.
The hosts review the most active single names, including Snowflake's (SNOW) earnings pop, Retti (RETI), and Palantir (PLTR), which continues its pattern of aggressive early-session sell-offs followed by a late-session rebound.
A quick recap of earnings moves in names like Best Buy, Burlington, Five Below, and Dell, with many straddles underpricing the actual moves.

(22:38) - The Odd Block

Onas Holdings (ONDS)
Braze, Inc. (BRZE)
Westrock PLC (SW)

(35:54) - The Mail Block

Audience Polls: Mark shares the results of recent listener polls, revealing that most listeners were not comfortable buying the S&P at its current level and that a large majority would prefer to buy rather than sell the VIX December 15 puts.
VIX Debate: The show's central question: which level will the VIX hit first, 12 or 20? Both Uncle Mike and the Flowmaster believe the VIX will touch 12 first, driven by the ongoing bull market and low realized volatility, but they both note the high potential for a sudden, unexpected spike.
Crypto Derivatives: A discussion on the future of crypto contracts, with a poll showing an overwhelming preference for cash-settled contracts over physically settled ones, due to simplicity and a desire to avoid dealing with the underlying assets.

(44:54) - Around the Block

What to Watch: The hosts share what they'll be watching until the next episode, including the S&P 500's attempt to break 6,500, the post-earnings action in Nvidia and Dell, and the overall macroeconomic picture as traders return from summer vacations.

Host: Mark Longo - The Options Insider Cohosts: Uncle Mike Tosaw - St. Charles Wealth Management and Andrew "The Rock Lobster" Giovinazzi - The Option Pit

On today's episode, during The Trading Block segment, we analyze a trading day marked by low volatility and a pause in major indexes after a "drunken rally" last Friday. We discuss the top options activity in VIX, SPY, and other major indexes, and break down the top 10 most active single-name stocks, including surprising movements in Tesla, Open, and Nvidia. We also look at earnings volatility for the week. The Odd Block segment features unusual options activity in Bentley Systems (BSY) and Transocean (RIG). Finally, in The Strategy Block, Uncle Mike explains a unique collar strategy. We end by sharing what we are watching for the week ahead, including key earnings reports from Nvidia, Dollar General, and more in The Around the Block segment.

Time Stamps

5:59: The Trading Block
33:57: The Odd Block - Bentley Systems (BSY) & Transocean (RIG)
43:55: The Strategy Block
49:09 Around the Block

The panel discusses the current state of the market, including a week of "red" for the major indices and a corresponding increase in volatility. The episode features a deep dive into unusual options activity, including a mysterious buyer in Unity Software and a vertical call spread in Select Quote. A conspiracy theory about AI engineers making a fortune in the options market is also debated by the hosts. The show wraps up with a look at upcoming earnings reports and a discussion on whether listeners are comfortable buying and holding the S&P 500 in the current market environment.

Host: Mark Longo from The Options Insider Media Group
Co-hosts: "Uncle" Mike Tosaw from St. Charles Wealth Management and Henry "The Flowmaster" Schwartz from Cboe

Time Stamps * 0:00 Welcome * 3:02 The Trading Block: The panel discusses the overall market sentiment, a week of "red" for major indices, and a slight uptick in volatility. They analyze volume in VIX, SPY, SPX, and NASDAQ and discuss top-performing single-name stocks, including Nvidia, Tesla, Palantir, and Intel. * 10:37 The Odd Block: The hosts investigate trades in Unity Software, Blend Labs, and Select Quote, analyzing specific call and put positions and speculating on the motives behind the trades. * 19:54 The Mail Block: The hosts answer a listener's question about whether they are comfortable buying and holding the SPX in the current market. They also discuss a viral conspiracy theory that suggests top AI engineers are making a fortune through options trading, which is why they are being offered such high salaries. * 27:46 Around the Block: The panel shares what they will be watching in the market until the next show, including upcoming earnings reports from companies like Intuit, Zoom, and Nvidia. They also give contact information for listeners who want to connect with them.

Mark Longo and Uncle Mike Tosaw from St. Charles Wealth Management cover dense VIX trading activity, recent movements in tech stocks like Apple and Nvidia, and notable option trades in low-priced stocks (Hive, IPA, and IQ). Uncle Mike shares insights on order types and their importance in trading, along with updates on the Triple Income and Strategic Night portfolios. Key discussions also include the impact of geopolitical events and government interventions on the stock market. The episode concludes with an eye on upcoming key events and their potential market impact. 01:07 Meet the Hosts and Show Overview 01:56 Kicking Off the Week with Options Content 04:20 Uncle Mike's Trivia Challenge 06:57 Market Analysis and Trading Block 12:00 Uncle Mike's Strategic Night Portfolio Insights 18:15 VIX and Market Activity Update 27:51 UnitedHealth and Palantir Market Updates 28:49 Open's Market Movements and Leadership Change 31:03 Intel's Washington Pilgrimage and Market Impact 33:34 Nvidia and Big Box Retailers Earnings 34:42 Odd Block: Unusual Options Activity 45:42 Strategy Block: Understanding Order Types 49:59 Around the Block: Market Watch and Upcoming Events

In this episode of The Option Block, the host Mark Longo, along with guests Henry "The FlowMaster" Schwartz from Cboe and "Uncle" Mike Tosaw from St. Charles Wealth Management, delve into current market dynamics influenced by inflation data, Fed rate cuts, and significant movements in stocks like Apple, AMD, and Nvidia. They also explore unusual options activity in stocks like Equinox Gold and Amplitude, revealing intriguing trading strategies and market sentiments. The discussion includes the implications of upcoming geopolitical summits and the ongoing earnings season. The episode wraps up with listener questions on trading strategies and a nostalgic look back at 80s movies such as Rocky IV. 01:05 Meet the Hosts and Show Overview 03:17 Market Analysis and Trading Insights 05:24 Volatility and Market Trends 08:44 Individual Stocks and Market Movers 29:02 Earnings Season Highlights 30:14 Cisco's Market Reaction 30:34 Applied Materials Earnings Preview 31:03 Upcoming Retail Earnings: Target and Walmart 31:39 Seasonal Trading Insights 32:29 Odd Block: Unusual Options Activity 33:15 Equinox Gold Corp Analysis 40:59 Unity Software: Big Call Buyers 44:30 Mail Block: Listener Questions 44:58 Rocky IV and 80s Nostalgia 46:43 Earnings Poll and Market Sentiment 51:44 Around the Block: Market Watch 54:45 Show Wrap-Up and Upcoming Content

In this episode of Options Insider Radio Network, host Mark Longo along with co-hosts Uncle Mike Tosaw and the Rock Lobster Andrew Giovinazzi, discuss various aspects of the options market including unusual activity alerts, market analysis, and strategy overviews. They delve into specific stocks like SoundHound AI, MicroStrategy, and Palantir, and analyze call and put options on stocks like Verastem, Hudson Pacific Properties, and On Holding AG. The episode features trivia on 80s trivia and ends with Uncle Mike's Strategy Block segment discussing the advantages of a deep in the money covered call over a short put. The show also includes insights on upcoming earnings announcements and the strategies to trade them. 03:07 Welcome Back to the Show 03:27 Recap of Recent Events 04:39 80s Trivia Challenge 09:33 Trading Block: Market Analysis and Trends 25:44 ETH Treasury Milestone 26:10 Top 10 Stocks Analysis 29:37 Earnings Season Highlights 32:36 Unusual Options Activity 44:08 Strategy Block: Options Wisdom 47:42 Around the Block: Market Watch 50:21 Closing Remarks and Upcoming Shows

In this special episode of The Option Block, Henry "The FlowMaster" Schwartz discuss the recent market selloff and its impact on various sectors. He delves into factors such as rough earnings moves by Amazon and Coinbase, as well as the VIX index behavior, including a detailed analysis from a newly published white paper on VIX decomposition. Specific unusual trading activities in Bristol Myers and Momentum Holdings are also highlighted. The episode provides listeners with an in-depth look at the market dynamics, helping traders make more educated moves. The discussion includes advice on using SPX and mini S&P 500 options for better portfolio management. 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 02:37 Market Overview and Recent Developments 03:21 In-Depth Analysis of VIX and Market Movements 06:33 Odd Block Trades and Insights 09:27 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of The Option Block, host Mark Longo and his all-star panel including Uncle Mike Tosaw from St. Charles Wealth Management and Henry 'The Flowmaster' Schwartz from Cboe discuss various topics related to the options market. The show covers a wide range of issues such as reactions to Microsoft and Meta's impressive earnings, interesting call buys in lesser-known stocks like Coursera and Freshworks, and detailed breakdowns of recent unusual options activity. Listener polls on trading challenges and strategical preferences are addressed while Uncle Mike and Henry share their insights on the current market environment and upcoming economic events. 03:08 Market Analysis and Trading Strategies 06:27 Earnings Reports and Market Movers 12:34 Options Trading Insights and Trends 18:45 Earnings Season Highlights 29:32 Coinbase and Market Movements 30:19 Riot and Roku Analysis 30:55 Moderna and Cboe Insights 31:25 Earnings Season Highlights 32:15 Odd Block: Unusual Options Activity 32:55 Coursera and Freshworks Trades 39:46 Bristol Myers Squibb Breakdown 46:40 Listener Mail and Poll Results 53:33 Around the Block: Market Watch

In this episode, host Mark Longo along with his co-hosts Andrew "The Rock Lobster" Giovinazzi (The Option Pit) and "Uncle" Mike Tosaw (St. Charles Wealth Management) dive into the latest trends and activity in the options market. The hosts analyze feedback from their audience on recent trades and trends, including an in-depth look at options activity for names like MicroStrategy, Alphabet, Amazon, and more. They also examine recent earnings reports and make future predictions. The Odd Block segment features a deep dive into unusual options activity, focusing on specific trades like the Aug six puts in Itau Unibanco Holding SA. In the Strategy Block, Uncle Mike provides essential tips on safeguarding financial information against potential breaches. The episode concludes with a preview of key events and market movements to watch for the rest of the week. 01:56 Kicking Off the Week with Options Talk 02:15 Hot Options Report and Pro Trading 03:47 80s Trivia Challenge 06:59 Market Analysis and Trading Block 08:35 Remembering Hulk Hogan 11:22 Big Tech Earnings and Market Trends 16:48 Volume and Trading Activity 27:51 Tesla's Earnings and Market Reaction 29:44 Upcoming Earnings Reports 31:00 Boeing and SoFi Earnings Preview 32:03 EA and Other Tech Earnings 34:57 Options Activity Analysis 44:38 Security Measures for Financial Accounts 48:51 Around the Block: Market Watch

In this episode of The Option Block, host Mark Longo and his co-hosts Henry Schwartz (Cboe Global Markets) and Mike Tosaw (St. Charles Wealth Management) discuss the latest trends in the options market, including a surprising dip in VIX to a 14 handle and a spike in Mara. The team also delves into unusual activity in the stocks like Bloom Energy (BE) and Opendoor Technologies (OPEN), which has experienced significant volatility. Subsequent discussions include how various economic indicators and sectors like technology and industrials are performing. The episode also features tributes to the recently deceased Hulk Hogan, marking the iconic wrestler's impact on pop culture.

01:18 Meet the Hosts and Co-Hosts 03:15 Show Kickoff and Recent Additions 05:11 Special Segment: Remembering Hulk Hogan 10:25 Market Analysis and Trading Block 28:19 The Saga of OPEN Stock 29:32 Alphabet and Nvidia Updates 29:57 Tesla's Earnings and EV Market 30:42 Earnings Highlights: American Airlines, Nokia, and More 33:50 Unusual Options Activity: The Odd Block 39:15 Bloom Energy's Resurgence 43:17 Airlines in Focus: American Airlines 47:28 Wendy's and Market Trends 49:11 Audience Polls and Market Insights 54:38 Concluding Remarks and Upcoming Shows

In this episode of the Option Block, Mark Longo, Mike Tosaw & Andrew Giovinazzi dive into the unique activity in the options market, highlighted by unexpected leaders such as Opendoor Technologies. The discussion includes the current state of VIX and the intriguing rise of CX. Also, they cover actionable insights on protecting portfolios with puts, adjusting to new all-time highs in the S&P 500, and a trivia challenge with surprising results. Listener engagement is key with multiple polls, and the show ends with a preview of what's on the horizon in the options market. 03:05 Earnings Week and Market Overview 03:44 80s Trivia Challenge 06:14 Market Analysis and Trading Block 07:51 Boxing Stories and Market Insights 15:45 Protective Puts and Silver Trends 18:27 VIX and SPY Activity 27:46 Meme Stocks Take Over 28:23 Open: The New Market Leader 30:57 Earnings Season Highlights 33:26 Unusual Options Activity 44:51 Strategy Insights with Uncle Mike Tosaw 48:13 Around the Block: Market Watch

In this episode, the hosts, including Mark Longo and Henry Schwartz from Cboe, delve into a wide range of topics related to the options market. They discuss the current state of major indices and the VIX, including active trades and market trends such as the unusual activity in QuantumScape (QS), Neo (NIO), and other single names. The episode highlights the significant role of zero-day-to-expiry (DTE) options in today's market, especially in SPX and SPY trading. They also cover earnings reports from major companies like PepsiCo, Alcoa, and United Airlines, as well as decode unusual options activity in names like Unity Software (U), Lucid Group (LCID), and JetBlue (JBLU). Additionally, there are several audience polls regarding market strategies and opinions on specific options activities. The episode wraps up with insights into what to watch in the markets over the coming days, particularly earnings and potential macroeconomic developments. 01:05 Meet the Hosts and Show Overview 03:16 Market Analysis and Trends 06:58 Trading Block: Latest Market Movements 11:15 VIX and SPY Activity Breakdown 19:16 Single Name Stocks and Options Activity 31:06 Earnings Season Kicks Off 31:32 PepsiCo and Alcoa Earnings Highlights 32:41 United Airlines and GE Earnings 33:53 Netflix and Chuck Schwab Earnings 35:05 Coke and Tesla Earnings 36:13 Southwest Airlines and JetBlue Analysis 37:36 Unity Software and Lucid Group Insights 49:05 Mail Block: Audience Questions and Polls 54:58 Around the Block: Market Watch

The latest kicks off with host Mark Longo, joined by co-hosts Uncle Mike Tosaw from St. Charles Wealth Management, and Andrew 'The Rock Lobster' Giovinazzi from The Option Pit. The show delves into market activities, touching on various significant updates, including the potential surge in EQT and the unusual movement in Eastman Kodak's options. A strategy block session by Uncle Mike discusses optimal trading spreads for high and low volatility conditions, and the episode rounds off with key insights on upcoming market events, including earnings reports and trends in the cryptocurrency sphere. Notable interactive segments include a listener poll on Kodak and a heated discussion on cryptocurrency assets with potential upside. 01:27 Meet the Hosts 01:56 Weekly Operations and Pro Feed 03:42 Trivia Challenge 06:30 Market Analysis and Trading Block 26:24 Unusual Options Activity 27:08 Network Update and Podcast Teaser 27:51 EQT Corp: Hydrocarbon Exploration Insights 32:09 Eastman Kodak: A Blast from the Past 40:27 Campbell's Soup: Market Movements 43:18 Strategy Block: Understanding Volatility 46:59 Around the Block: Market Watch and Predictions 53:06 Closing Remarks and Upcoming Events

This episode of The Option Block, is hosted by Mark Longo from the Options Insider Media Group, and features guest hosts, including Uncle Mike Tosaw from St. Charles Wealth Management and Henry 'The Flowmaster' Schwartz from Cboe. The hosts dive into various trending topics in the options market, such as unusual activity alerts, market analysis, strategy overviews, listener questions, and more. The session includes insights on major trades in VIX, SPY, small caps, and the hot tech stocks like Netflix, Nvidia, and Palantir. Special attention is given to companies such as Unity Software Inc. (U), Redwire Corporation (RDW), and Olin Corp. (OLN), exploring their recent unusual options activities. Uncle Mike also makes a notable announcement on the S&P 500 hitting an all-time high during the episode. The show closes with game insights and communal debates over intriguing questions like the appropriateness of ketchup on hot dogs. 01:18 Meet the Hosts 03:15 Market Recap and Recent Events 07:21 Trading Block: Market Trends and Analysis 10:33 Volatility Insights and Trading Strategies 21:34 Single Stock Highlights and Analysis 29:13 Earnings Season Preview 29:59 Financials Report Overview 32:32 Unity's Market Movements 37:47 Red Wire Corp Analysis 43:06 Olin Corp's Chemical Struggles 47:46 Mail Block: Listener Questions 54:54 Around the Block: Market Watch

In this episode, Mark Longo, Andrew Giovinazzi (The Option Pit) and Mike Tosaw (St. Charles Wealth Management) delve into the latest happenings in the options market. The show covers a variety of segments including unusual options activity, such as the sizable trades in Clover Health Investments and Bit Digital. The discussion spans market trends, notably the recent market pullback likely influenced by tariff news and possible market reactions to political maneuvers. Uncle Mike shares a strategy block focused on the careful selection of covered calls. The episode also touches on listener polls and questions, including opinions on assets with the most upside potential in the second half of 2025. 03:08 Show Kickoff and Recent Updates 05:36 80s Trivia Challenge 07:43 Market Analysis and Trading Block 12:20 Political Commentary and Market Reactions 20:57 VIX and Single Stock Analysis 27:36 Tesla's Market Impact 28:29 June's Hot Numbers from OCC 30:58 Unusual Options Activity: Clover Health 35:59 Unusual Options Activity: Bit Digital 41:03 Unusual Options Activity: Core Scientific 44:15 Strategy Block: Covered Call Selection 48:55 Mail Block: Listener Questions and Polls 52:00 Around the Block: Market Watch 53:31 Conclusion and Upcoming Content

This episode provides a comprehensive midyear update on various trading topics and audience polls from 2024 through mid-2025. The discussions include insights into asset classes with potential upside in 2025, audience preferences on trading volatility, crypto, equities, and fixed income. The episode also covers detailed poll results on various specific trade setups involving VIX, specific stocks like Palantir, Nvidia, Apple, and some niche trades in lesser-known stocks. The episode explores the impact of geopolitical events on volatility and audience sentiment about market trends, along with some fun questions and polls about popular culture and unconventional assets. Additionally, the episode invites the audience to follow, interact, and ask questions on multiple platforms like Twitter, StockTwits, and Facebook. 01:01 Midyear Update: 2025 Asset Class Predictions 01:44 VIX and Crypto: Year-to-Date Performance 02:43 Listener Polls: VIX Options and Market Sentiment 05:22 February Market Insights: VIX and Palantir 08:02 March Madness: VIX, SPY, and Crypto Debates 11:55 April Showers: VIX, Palantir, and Nvidia 21:17 May Highlights: VIX, Quantum, and TV Show Polls 24:35 June Recap: VIX, Apocalypse Assets, and Oracle 32:23 Conclusion and Listener Engagement

In this episode, the hosts dive deep into various market activities and the options landscape. They kick off discussing VIX trends, with Uncle Mike Tosaw (St. Charles Wealth Management) anxiously monitoring for an all-time high in the S&P 500. Flowmaster Henry Schwartz (Cboe) analyzes unusual options activity in Rocket Labs, Sunrun, and Citi, giving insights into recent call buying patterns and market movements. Listener polls on VIX options and market reactions to the Middle East conflict are dissected, revealing diverse audience perspectives. The show wraps up with a look ahead to upcoming market events and strategies. 00:00 Introduction to Options Insider Radio Network 01:04 Meet the Hosts and Special Guests 03:15 Market Updates and Trading Insights 04:39 Uncle Mike's Market Analysis 05:51 Flowmaster's Market Data Insights 06:44 Trading Block: Latest Trends and Trades 22:48 Single Name Volume and Earnings Highlights 29:42 Unusual Options Activity 30:26 Welcome to The Odd Block 31:05 Rocket Labs' Wild Ride 34:53 Sunrun's Solar Struggles 40:20 Citi's Financial Moves 44:38 Audience Mail Call 49:55 Market Predictions and Flex Options

In this episode of the Option Block, host Mark Longo and co-hosts "Uncle" Mike Tosaw from St. Charles Wealth Management and Andrew "The Rock Lobster" Giovinazzi from Option Pit discuss the latest market trends and unusual options activity. The team delves into the market's reaction to U.S. involvement in a Middle Eastern conflict and debates its impact on volatility. They also analyze trading activity in names like Zeta Global Holdings, Appian Corp, and others, while offering strategies for managing these uncertain times. A special '80s trivia challenge takes place, adding a fun twist to the episode. 00:00 Introduction to Options Insider Radio Network 01:28 Meet the Hosts and Co-Hosts 03:43 Trivia Challenge: 1980s Edition 06:42 The Trading Block: Market Analysis 07:10 Geopolitical Events and Market Impact 22:13 Energy Sector and Market Resilience 29:03 Palantir and Circle Internet Group Analysis 30:46 HIMSS and AMD Market Movements 32:18 Tesla's Self-Driving Taxis and Earnings Preview 33:22 Odd Block: Unusual Options Activity 34:06 Zeta Global Holdings and Appian Corp Insights 45:16 Strategy Block: Box Spread Explained 50:49 Around the Block: Market Watch and Predictions

This episode of the Option Block kicks off with the hosts Mark Longo, Uncle Mike Tosaw from St. Charles Wealth Management, and Andrew ‘the Rock Lobster’ Giovinazzi from The Option Pit discuss the impact of the recent Middle East conflict on the market. They note that markets are rallying despite the conflict, suggesting a 'fade the spike' approach might have been profitable. The show then delves into unusual options activities, including large trades in BEKE, ADM, and BILI, indicating bullish sentiments in Chinese equities. Uncle Mike provides a strategy segment focused on 'box spreads' and teases further exploration in the next episode. The episode concludes with the hosts sharing what they will be watching in the markets until the next show. 01:07 Meet the Hosts and Show Overview 03:05 The 80s Trivia Challenge 04:20 Trivia Challenge Results and Market Analysis 06:54 The Trading Block: Market Trends and Insights 10:07 Middle East Conflict and Market Reactions 14:04 Listener Interaction and Market Updates 27:35 GameStop's Struggles and Tech Bro Jokes 28:15 Top 10 Stocks: Intel, Amazon, and More 29:21 Meta Platforms and the AI Buzz 30:50 Tesla's Surprising Drop in Rankings 31:39 AMD's Surge and AI Optimism 32:34 Nvidia vs. Palantir: The Ratio Battle 34:00 Odd Block: Unusual Options Activity 34:39 China's Real Estate and Tech Stocks 47:52 Strategy Block: Understanding Box Spreads 52:21 Around the Block: Market Watch and Predictions

This episode of The Option Block dives deep into various facets of the options market. The hosts discuss the latest market trends, the impact of macroeconomic factors, and notable unusual options activity. Highlight segments include a debate on the preferred terminology of 'ratio spread' versus 'back spread' and the critical choice of the best asset in an apocalyptic scenario (gold, diamonds, Bitcoin, or bullets). The show also features discussions on recent significant trades in VIX, Rocket Companies, NuScale Power, and Oracle, and an intriguing revelation about a potential volatility death match involving the FlowMaster. 01:19 Meet the Hosts and Panelists 03:08 Kicking Off the Option Block 04:57 Introducing Today's Guests 07:13 Market Analysis and Trends 17:54 VIX and Trading Volume Insights 21:14 Single Name Options Activity 27:24 Odd Block: Unusual Options Activity 29:19 Rocket Companies Stock Analysis 30:33 Unusual Options Activity in Rocket Companies 32:53 Nuscale Power Corp Stock Surge 37:35 Oracle's Unexpected Call Options 42:19 Listener Mailbag and Poll Results 53:29 Final Thoughts and Upcoming Events

This episode of the Option Block covers a variety of topics in the options market. Hosts Mark Longo, Uncle Mike Tosaw and Andrew 'the Rock Lobster' Giovinazzi discuss the latest trends, including VIX fluctuations, significant moves in stocks like Nvidia and Palantir, and unusual activity in names such as Warner Brothers Discovery and Joby Aviation. Additionally, the show features a lighthearted 80s trivia segment, a strategy block focusing on diversification within a stock portfolio, and listener polling on current market sentiments. 00:00 Introduction to Options Insider Radio Network 01:54 Upcoming Events and Special Announcements 04:15 The 80s Trivia Challenge 07:29 Market Analysis and Trading Block 17:08 VIX and SPY Insights 26:38 Market Rumors and Hood Discussion 27:14 Apple and Tesla Updates 28:28 Nvidia and Meme Stocks Buzz 29:48 Odd Block: Unusual Options Activity 30:29 Warner Brothers Discovery Analysis 36:44 Joby Aviation and Drone Stocks 41:28 Navitas and Chip Stocks 43:46 Strategy Block: Diversification in Portfolios 47:48 Around the Block: Market Watch and Polls 53:01 Show Wrap-Up and Upcoming Content

In this episode of The Option Block, the hosts delve into the recent trends and record-breaking volumes in the options market. Mark Longo, Henry "The Flowmaster" Schwartz, and "Uncle" Mike Tosaw discuss the remarkable 1.17 billion contracts traded in May 2025 and the factors behind this surge. They analyze trading activity in companies like Unity Software, Kraft Heinz, and Chipotle, highlighting notable options trades and market movements. The episode also explores Tesla's downside activity and the implications of macroeconomic factors on market volatility. Additionally, the hosts address listener questions about the highest volume days and weeks in options trading history. 00:00 Introduction to Options Insider Radio Network 01:04 Meet the Hosts and Co-Hosts & Kicking Off the Option Block Show 06:02 Market Analysis and Trends 14:51 Trading Volume and Market Activity 27:00 Apple Trade Poll Results 27:17 Palantir's Market Impact 28:51 Amazon's Cloud Investment 30:01 Tesla's Market Movements 30:27 Analyzing Tesla Puts 34:01 Unity Software's Volatility 39:34 Kraft Heinz Market Analysis 41:45 Kratos Defense Insights 44:19 Chipotle's Market Performance 47:43 Mail Block: Listener Questions 50:14 Around the Block: Market Watch

In this episode, host Mark Longo is joined by co-hosts "Uncle Mike" Tosaw from St. Charles Wealth Management and Andrew "the Rock Lobster" Giovanazzi from Option Pit. They discuss various aspects of the current options market, including unusual activity alerts, market analysis, and strategies. The show kicks off with a lively and contentious eighties trivia challenge, setting a spirited tone for the episode. Key topics include a detailed look at the AI phenomenon affecting tech stocks like Google Class A, Amazon, and Nvidia. They also delve into specific trades in stocks like UnitedHealth and their broader implications. Uncle Mike discusses the importance of having a plan when dealing with high-volatility trades and explains his cautious approach despite being a noted bull. The episode finishes with a preview of upcoming earnings, including household names like Dollar General and Cracker Barrel, and a thorough examination of ongoing options activity. 00:00 Introduction and Podcast Information 01:25 Meet the Hosts 03:13 80s Trivia Challenge 07:26 Market Analysis and Trading Insights 09:22 Drone Stocks and Market Reactions 15:20 Energy and Technology Sector Highlights 19:24 VIX and Single Stock Options Activity 25:44 Tech Stocks Performance Overview 26:09 Meta's AI Announcement and Market Reaction 26:52 Core Weave Deal and AI Dominance 27:47 Apple and Other Tech Giants 28:43 Palantir vs. Nvidia: A Market Poll 29:59 Earnings Highlights and Market Trends 31:24 Unusual Options Activity: The Odd Block 44:01 Strategy Insights: Hedging and Market Volatility 49:18 Market Watch and Final Thoughts

In this episode, Mark Longo, Mike Tosaw (St. Charles Wealth Management) and Henry Schwartz (Cboe Global Markets) delve into a wide array of topics affecting the options markets. Discussions include an analysis of Nvidia's earnings report and its impact on the market, unusual activity in Unity Software Inc. and Kraft Heinz, and significant put buying in Trump Media. The episode also explores audience opinions on speculative trades like the VIX July 50 calls and the potential listing of zero DTE options on major tech stocks. The episode wraps up with a look at what to watch in the market for the upcoming days. 00:00 Introduction to Options Insider Radio Network 01:19 Meet the Hosts and Co-Hosts 05:50 Market Updates and Analysis 08:08 Trading Block Insights 18:11 Single Name Options Activity 27:47 Odd Block: Unusual Options Activity 30:22 Massive Call Option Trades on Unity 31:54 Analyzing Unity's Historical Call Spikes 33:46 Kraft Heinz: Short-Term Call Spikes 37:40 Trump Media: High Volatility and Big Put Positions 41:49 Lyft: Bullish Call Sweeps Amid Market Fluctuations 44:41 Listener Polls and Market Sentiment 54:23 Final Thoughts and Market Watch

In this episode of the Option Block, host Mark Longo and his co-hosts Henry Schwartz (Cboe) and Mike Tosaw (St. Charles Wealth Management) analyze the most interesting and unusual options market activities, including the standout performances of lesser-known stocks like Core Weave, GameStop, and D-Wave Quantum. The discussion also covers significant topics such as the expansion proposal of zero-day options by Nasdaq, the impacts of macroeconomic factors like interest rates and bonds, as well as insightful observations on trading strategies. 03:15 Thursday Edition Kickoff 03:40 OIC Conference Highlights 04:18 Pro Trading Crate and Giveaways 04:38 Welcome Back, Flowmaster 07:18 Market Analysis and Trends 12:18 Interest Rates and Market Sentiment 18:41 Unusual Options Activity 33:04 Peloton's Rollercoaster Ride 34:25 Massive Call Buying in Peloton 37:13 Par Pacific Holdings: A Comeback Story 42:31 Compass: Real Estate Brokerage Insights 45:32 Listener Mailbag and Flash Poll 48:10 Debating Zero-Day Options 58:03 Around the Block: Market Watch

This episode of The Option Block delves into recent trends in options markets, including a massive surge in volume during April and the notable activity in quantum computing stocks such as D-Wave Quantum. The discussion also covers the rise and fall of various sectors, key activities in names like American Eagle Outfitters and United Health, and the state of volatility in the markets. Additionally, the hosts engage the audience with polls on VIX trades and options strategies, discuss the unpredictable nature of the current market, and share insights from recent industry conferences. 03:15 Kickoff: The Option Block Show Begins 05:44 Market Overview and Trading Insights 07:57 Uncle Mike Tosaw's Market Observations 11:48 Kevin Carter's Market Analysis 14:32 April Options Market Performance from OCC 18:37 Zero-Day Options Trading 23:22 Single Name Stocks and Market Movers 29:05 Market Panic and Put Options Strategy 30:13 Tesla and Nvidia Stock Analysis 31:02 Hot Earnings Action This Week 33:22 The Odd Block: Unusual Options Activity 38:31 Quantum Computing Stocks: D-Wave Quantum Inc. 43:05 Open Door Technologies and Long-Term Calls 46:03 VIX Polls and Market Predictions 51:23 Around the Block: Market Leaders and Bonds

This episode of the Option Block dives into the latest developments in the options market, driven by the news of a potential detente on the US-China trade war front. The host Mark Longo and co-hosts Andrew Giovinazzi (The Option Pit) and Mike Tosaw (St. Charles Wealth Management) discuss the impact of this news on various market indices, individual stock movements, and volatility instruments like VIX. Key topics include substantial spikes in major tech stocks such as Amazon, Facebook (Meta), and Nvidia. The episode also explores unusual options trades in stocks like Kosmos Energy, Commscope Holding, and Centrus Energy, and features a reflection on the late Alex "The Viceroy" Jacobson's impact on the options education landscape. The show wraps up with Uncle Mike Tosaw's Strategy Block focusing on the year of the collar and what to watch for in the markets towards the end of the week. 01:27 Meet the Hosts and Co-Hosts 01:54 Kicking Off with 80s Trivia Challenge 06:42 Trading Block: Market Analysis and Trends 26:31 Unusual Options Activity: The Odd Block 27:25 Remembering Alex "The Viceroy" Jacobson 27:55 Kosmos Energy Trade Analysis 34:32 Commscope Holding Company Insights 37:11 Centrist Energy Corp. Trade Discussion 40:19 Uncle Mike Tosaw's Strategy Block: The Year of the Collar 46:04 Around the Block: What to Watch Until Next Episode 51:58 Closing Remarks and Upcoming Shows

This episode of The Option Block hosted by Mark Longo and featuring Henry Schwartz from Cboe Global Markets and Mike Tosaw from St. Charles Wealth Management discusses the latest in the options market. Key segments include an analysis of unusual options activity, the impact of SEC regulations, and Biden's economic directives. The hosts reflect on the contributions of Alex Jacobson to options education. The show also highlights intriguing activity in stocks like Venture Global, Vivid Seats, and First Majestic Silver Corp, and delves into the nuances of market-making and trading strategies. 03:16 Live from the Options Industry Conference 05:38 Market Analysis and Trading Insights 10:09 Retail Trading Trends and Zero-Day Options 23:46 Earnings Reports and Market Movers 30:24 Unusual Options Activity 34:13 Analyzing Vivid Seats Stock Performance 34:59 Exploring a Recent Trade in Vivid Seats 35:40 Arbitrage and Ticket Reselling Insights 37:04 First Majestic Silver Corp Stock Analysis 38:30 Call Palooza in First Majestic Silver Corp 42:28 Mail Block: Answering Listener Questions 44:08 Remembering Alex Jacobson, The Viceroy 50:45 Around the Block: Market Watch and Predictions 57:31 Upcoming Events and Final Thoughts

This episode of The Option Block with Mark Longo and Mike Tosaw (St. Charles Wealth Management) covers a wide range of topics including an analysis of the current options market, significant earnings reports, and detailed breakdowns of specific trading activities. The hosts discuss various trades in companies like Cinemark and Gray Media, debating the merits and risks involved. The episode also features an emotional tribute to Alex Jacobson, a key figure in the options community, who recently passed away. The tribute includes personal anecdotes and memories of Alex's contributions to the industry and the Options Insider community. 01:54 Host Introduction and Upcoming Events 03:12 Technical Challenges and Co-Host Banter 04:07 80s Trivia Challenge 07:43 Pro Trading Crate Giveaway 08:50 Market Analysis and Trends 15:15 VIX and SPY Options Breakdown 19:43 Small Caps and Qs Analysis 25:16 Top 10 Most Active Options 27:34 Stock Performance Overview 28:06 Earnings and Options Activity 29:33 Top 10 Stocks Countdown 36:49 Cinema Mark's Recovery 41:03 Gray Media's Volatility 44:21 Tribute to Alex Jacobson 53:49 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of The Option Block, host Mark Longo and co-hosts Henry Schwartz (Cboe) and Mike Tosaw (St. Charles Wealth Management) delve into an eventful week marked by significant tech earnings reports from giants like Microsoft, Meta, Apple, and Amazon. The episode explores the impact of these earnings on the market, including dramatic price movements and volatility discrepancies between near-term and longer-term options. Henry Schwartz provides insights on unusual options activity, including aggressive call buying in Bumble ahead of earnings and speculative trades in Finger Motion Inc. The episode also touches on the upcoming employment report and its potential market impact, offering listeners a comprehensive look at the rapidly evolving options landscape. 01:05 Meet the Hosts 03:16 Thursday Edition Kickoff 05:53 Market Recap and Trading Block 10:03 Earnings Highlights and Market Sentiment 12:48 Listener Engagement and VIX Activity 18:39 Single Stock Movers and Earnings Season 29:31 Market Movers: UPS, JetBlue, and More 29:53 Tech Giants and Earnings Reports 30:54 Earnings Volatility Insights 34:38 Odd Block: Unusual Options Activity 35:18 Bumble and Match Group Analysis 41:48 Finger Motion Inc. and Market Speculations 48:06 Listener Questions and Market Insights 54:18 Around the Block: Market Watch

This episode covers a range of financial topics and notable options trades. Hosts Mark Longo, Andrew Giovinazzi (The Option Pit) and Mike Tosaw (St. Charles Wealth Management) discuss trading strategies. Key market events influencing the week are reviewed, including earnings expectations for major tech companies like Microsoft and Amazon. Episode highlights include a brief trivia challenge where Uncle Mike faces off against the Rock Lobster, analysis of significant options trades such as heavy activity in Stone Co (STNE), and market outlooks. The Strategy Block segment focuses on index options and protection strategies for assets. 00:00 Introduction to Options Insider Radio Network 04:12 80s Trivia Challenge 07:12 Market Analysis and Trends 16:37 Earnings and Economic Insights 25:34 VIX and SPY Activity 28:24 Market Overview and Single Names 28:58 Top 10 Contracts: Meta and Amazon 30:11 Tech Giants and Market Trends 31:38 Intel and Palantir Analysis 33:48 Nvidia and Tesla Insights 35:44 Earnings Reports and Market Predictions 37:48 Odd Block: Unusual Options Activity 47:22 Strategy Block: Market Protection Tips 51:25 Around the Block: Upcoming Market Events

In this episode of The Option Block, host Mark Longo is joined by Henry Schwartz from Cboe and Uncle Mike Tosaw from St. Charles Wealth Management, to dive into various aspects of the options market. The episode covers significant recent events, including options activity in VIX, SPX, IWM, and single names like Funko and SoFi. The discussion also explores the impact of large trades on the market and answers listener questions. Tune in to get insights on market trends, strategy overviews, and expert analysis on the latest developments in the options market. 03:08 Kicking Off the Option Block Show 03:23 Market Recap and Trading Insights 06:01 Trading Block: Latest Market Trends 06:56 Volatility and Market Movements 13:24 Individual Stock Performances 27:10 Earnings Reports and Market Reactions 28:07 Odd Block: Unusual Options Activity 28:53 SoFi Stock Analysis and Market Trends 29:58 Unusual Options Activity in SoFi 33:02 Cemex: Mexican Ready-Mix Concrete 38:30 Funko's Financial Rollercoaster 43:18 Mail Block: Listener Questions and Polls 46:40 Around the Block: Market Predictions

In this episode, Mark Longo, Henry Schwartz (Cboe) and Mike Tosaw (St. Charles Wealth Management) hosts delve into current market trends, unusual options activity, and listener questions. They discuss VIX movement, the resurgence of gold, and controversial trades ahead of the tariff announcement. New options products, such as the S&P Equal Weighted 500 Index options, are introduced, and there's an examination of activity in Vertex Pharmaceuticals, NeoGenomics, Eldorado Gold Corp, and Dynatrace. The hosts also review audience poll results on zero-day options trading and the viability of certain puts in Apple and Nvidia. 00:00 Introduction to Options Insider Radio Network 01:18 Meet the Hosts and Sponsors 03:16 Market Overview and Trading Block 05:41 Volatility and Market Trends 13:13 Gold and Precious Metals Discussion 15:43 Options Market Activity 30:55 Unusual Options Activity in Vertex Pharmaceuticals 33:48 Biotech and Option Flow Insights 34:51 NeoGenomics Inc: A Rough Year 37:21 Gold's Impressive Run 43:13 Dynatrace Inc: Tech Observability 47:01 Mail Block: Listener Questions 57:56 Around the Block: Market Watch

Mark Longo, Uncle Mike Tosaw, and Andrew 'The Rock Lobster' Giovinazzi analyze large movements in the S&P, trading strategies in volatile markets, a breakdown of options on smaller stocks like ONDS and BYRN, and audience engagement through flash polls and Q&A. Uncle Mike delivers a Strategy Block focusing on protective puts and risk management. The show wraps up with insights into the upcoming trading week and how to stay informed. 01:25 Meet the Hosts and Kickoff 03:02 80s Trivia Challenge 06:29 Market Analysis and Trading Block 11:29 Insights on Tariffs and Market Reactions 18:29 Hedged Equity and Bond Market Observations 23:55 Options Market Volume and Trends 29:52 Antitrust Case and Meta's Future 30:13 Tech Stocks Performance 30:52 Palantir's Wild Ride 31:23 Apple's Market Moves 33:19 Tesla's Market Trends 34:00 Nvidia's Dominance 34:17 Earnings Season Overview 35:38 Unusual Options Activity (ONDS and BYRN) 46:12 Protective Puts in a Volatile Market 50:30 Market Trends and Predictions 55:24 Conclusion and Upcoming Events

In this episode, Mark Longo, Henry Schwartz (Cboe) and Mike Tosaw (St. Charles Wealth Management) delve into the historic and highly volatile recent market swings, including the massive rally and subsequent sell-off. Key topics include the unprecedented trading volumes, driven in part by zero day options, and how traders are navigating the current landscape. Detailed insights are provided on VIX movements, SPX trading trends, and specific stock analyses such as American Airlines, Sigma Lithium, and Biomarin Pharmaceuticals. Listener polls reveal hesitance towards zero day options amidst the uncertainty. The episode wraps up with predictions on upcoming earnings and market movements, emphasizing the importance of strategic thinking in these times. 01:05 Meet the Hosts and Co-Hosts 01:40 Cboe's SPX and Mini S&P 500 Options 02:16 Market Risks and Disclaimers 03:08 Kicking Off the Show 03:23 Market Madness and Historic Swings 05:15 Wild Times in the Options Market 06:42 Unprecedented Market Activity 11:19 Zero Day Options and Volatility 15:10 Volume Records and Market Trends 21:33 SPX and VIX Analysis 28:46 Meta's Market Movement 29:13 Tech Stocks Performance 32:14 Financials and Market Uncertainty 32:55 Odd Block: Unusual Options Activity 33:47 American Airlines Analysis 39:27 Lithium (SGML) and Biomarin Pharmaceutical (BMRN) Insights 46:12 Mail Block: Listener Questions 48:31 Market Sentiment and Predictions 50:28 Around the Block: Upcoming Market Events 52:40 Conclusion and Resources

In this episode of the Option Block, host Mark Longo is joined by Uncle Mike Tosaw from St. Charles Wealth Management and the Rock Lobster, Andrew Giovinazzi from The Option Pit. They analyze the unprecedented market moves and volatility driven by the global trade war and other economic factors. Discussions include the record-breaking options volumes, unusual options activity in United Wholesale Mortgage and Primo Brands Corp, and active and passive hedging strategies. Listeners also get to enjoy some fun segments like the 80s trivia challenge and a deep dive into trading activity with time-sensitive examples of strikes and premiums. 00:00 Introduction to Options Insider Radio Network 01:07 Welcome to the Option Block 01:55 Market Madness and Weekend Recap 03:49 80s Trivia Challenge 06:28 Trading Block: Market Analysis and Trends 12:58 Wild Times in the Options Market 28:47 Market Sentiment and Alphabet's Wild Day 29:54 Intel's Rollercoaster Week 30:47 Alibaba and the Impact of Tariffs 31:26 AMD's Volatile Performance 32:04 Palantir's Surprising Upswing 33:08 Bitcoin and the Monster's Market Madness 33:32 Amazon and Apple Under Pressure 35:14 Tesla's Turbulent Times 36:04 Nvidia's Market Dominance 37:43 Odd Block: Unusual Options Activity in UWMC and PRMB 46:20 Strategy Block: Hedging Techniques 51:14 Around the Block: Market Watch

In this episode of the Option Block, Mark Longo along with Henry Schwartz (Cboe Global Markets) and Mike Tosaw (St. Charles Wealth Management) delve into a wild day in the markets driven by macroeconomic events, including the impact of tariffs and potential trade wars. VIX and other volatility indices are analyzed, along with key trades in stocks like HIMS and Coca-Cola. The episode also features engaging discussions on audience polls, thresholds for low-priced stock options, and the latest from SIBO. Noteworthy trades such as the Coca-Cola strangle and HIMS protective collar are highlighted, adding depth to the intricate market analysis presented. 00:00 Introduction and Program Information 01:18 Meet the Hosts and Sponsors 03:20 Market Overview and Current Events 05:53 Trading Block: Market Breakdown 09:13 Volatility and Market Reactions 12:08 Listener Questions and Market Analysis 26:59 Single Stock Analysis and Trends 32:20 Apple's Market Activity 32:47 Tesla's Market Movement 33:02 Nvidia's Market Performance 33:50 Earnings Highlights 35:07 Unusual Options Activity 35:47 HIMS Stock Analysis 40:02 Coca-Cola's Market Position 47:07 Options Trading Strategies 48:21 Listener Questions and Market Insights 55:00 Market Trends and Predictions

Join host Mark Longo and the All-Star panel, including Mike Tosaw (Uncle Mike from St. Charles Wealth Management) and Andrew Giovinazzi (The Rock Lobster from The Option Pit), as they kick off another options trading week. The episode delves into recent market activities, from unusual option trades and volatility trends to strategic reallocations and market sentiment. They discuss the impact of geopolitical events and trade policies, explore intriguing options trades – from the mighty Wolfspeed to Dynatrace and beyond – and answer listener questions about trading strategies and stock levels. The show also features a lively 80s trivia challenge and interactive polls for audience engagement. 00:00 Introduction to Options Insider Radio Network 01:27 Meet the Hosts and Kickoff 01:56 Monday Market Recap and Trivia Challenge 06:33 Market Analysis and Trading Insights 09:37 Options Trading Trends and Strategies 13:54 Market Reactions and Predictions 20:30 Single Stock Analysis and Activity 29:36 Exploring the April 60 Puts 30:18 Palantir and Amazon Stock Analysis 31:09 Tesla's Wild Ride 32:32 Nvidia Reclaims the Throne 33:52 Odd Block: Unusual Options Activity 34:33 The Rise and Fall of Wolfspeed 41:13 Dynatrace and Evolve Holdings Analysis 46:09 Strategy Block: Reallocation Tips 50:03 Around the Block: Market Watch

In this episode of The Option Block, hosted by Mark Longo, the panel includes Henry 'The Flowmaster' Schwartz from CBOE, and Uncle Mike Tosaw from St. Charles Wealth Management. The team discusses the current state of options trading, market volatility driven by tariff news, and activity in indices like VIX, SPY, and the S&P 500. They dive into unusual options activity in Nike, GameStop, and Sandstorm Gold Limited (SAND), and explore intriguing trades involving long-dated puts and June calls. Listener questions about iOS versions of trade alert software and tokenizing trading assets such as wine are also addressed. 00:00 Introduction to Options Insider Radio Network 01:18 Meet the Hosts and Sponsors 03:16 Market Overview and Trading Insights 04:27 In-Depth Market Analysis 06:16 Options Trading Trends and Strategies 11:17 Unusual Options Activity 31:43 Nike's Stock Performance Analysis 32:33 Unusual Call Volume in Nike 35:52 GameStop's Struggles and Crypto Pivot 37:03 Odd Block: GameStop's Long-Term Puts 42:30 Sandstorm Gold Limited: Upside Call Paper 45:41 Mail Block: Listener Questions and Polls 52:57 Around the Block: Market Watch and Predictions

This episode of the Options Insider Radio Network dives into recent options trading activity, covering notable stocks such as Northern Dynasty Minerals (NAK), Truist Financial Corp (TFC), and Wolverine Worldwide (WWW). Hosts Mark Longo, "Uncle" Mike Tosaw (St. Charles Wealth Management), and Andrew "The Rock Lobster" Giovinazzi (The Option Pit) analyze various market trends and trading strategies, including a detailed look at the collar strategy. The show also features lighthearted moments with an 80s trivia challenge and updates on upcoming earnings for companies like GameStop and Lululemon. 01:28 Meet the Hosts and Co-Hosts 02:46 Kickoff with 80s Trivia Challenge 05:37 Trading Block: Market Analysis and Trends 17:58 Options Trading Insights and Strategies 28:22 Earnings Season Highlights 28:44 GameStop and Meme Stocks 30:06 Lululemon and Other Earnings Reports 31:02 Odd Block: Unusual Options Activity 31:44 Northern Dynasty Minerals: The Knack 38:26 Truist Financial Corp: Bank Calls 43:57 Wolverine Worldwide: Footwear Upside 48:02 Strategy Block: The Year of the Collar 52:18 Around the Block: Market Watch 54:50 Show Wrap-Up and Upcoming Content

In this episode, Mark Longo, Henry Schwartz from Cboe, and Mike Tosaw from St. Charles Wealth Management discuss the latest trends and activities in the options market. Highlights include a rundown of volume and activity in VIX, SPY, SPX, RUT, and QQQ, as well as specific stocks like BABA, AMD, META, TESLA, and NVIDIA. The episode also dives into unusual call buying activity in SNAP, options trading in the new CBOE Mini Bitcoin ETF Index (MBTX), and updates on recent trades in Southwest Airlines (LUV). Additionally, a listener's question about SPX calendars and the behavior of VIX is addressed, offering educational insight into the complexities of volatility trading. The show concludes with a look at what the hosts will be monitoring in the coming days. 03:18 Market Analysis and Recent Trends 06:05 Trading Block: Latest Topics and Trades 09:01 Market Reactions and Volatility 23:27 Single Stock Highlights 31:29 Earnings Reports: Nike and FedEx 32:22 Micron and GameStop: Upcoming Highlights 32:38 Micron's Market Moves 33:17 The Odd Block: Unusual Options Activity 33:58 Snap Inc: Social Media or Tech? 38:42 Crypto Corner: Cboe Mini Bitcoin ETF 43:11 Southwest Airlines: Upside in Love 45:46 VIX Super Stupid: A Risky Bet 46:31 Mail Block: Listener Questions 54:31 Around the Block: Market Watch

In this episode, host Mark Longo is back in the Chicago studio after attending the Futures Industry Association conference. The team, including Uncle Mike Tosaw and Andrew Giovinazzi, discuss the mixed market activity and the upcoming Fed meeting, where a rate pause is highly anticipated. The show delves into unusual options activities, focusing on large trades in Vodafone and HUYA. Uncle Mike provides insights on active versus passive hedging strategies, and the episode concludes with 'Around the Block' highlighting what to watch for the rest of the trading week. The listeners are also engaged through a poll on whether to buy or sell Vodafone calls.

01:59 Mark Longo's Return and FIA Insights 03:45 80's Trivia Challenge 07:19 Market Analysis and Trading Block 10:01 Uncle Mike's Market Observations 16:53 Rock Lobster's Market Insights 27:25 VIX and SPY Trading Activity 30:19 Market Overview: Small Caps and QQQ 30:59 Single Names: Top Ten Contracts 31:36 Spotlight on Quantum Straddles 33:34 Amazon and Palantir Performance 34:52 Alibaba and AMD Insights 35:47 Apple and Intel Analysis 37:08 Tesla and NVIDIA Trends 37:49 Odd Block: Unusual Options Activity 49:11 Strategy Block: Hedging Techniques 53:01 Around the Block: Market Watch 55:39 Conclusion and Upcoming Content

In this episode, the hosts, led by Mark Longo, delve into the current market volatility, the dynamics of the options market, and strategies for navigating today's financial landscape. Joined by guests like Uncle Mike Tosaw and Flowmaster Henry Schwartz, they discuss the influence of tariffs, unusual options activity, and the state of various financial indices. They also explore specific trades and positions, such as in LUV, XRX and NFE. They also engage with listener questions on topics like whether the BTFD trade is dead and whether this spice in the market has legs. The show combines expert insights, market analysis, and a lively discussion on who is everyone's favorite Spice Girl.

In this episode, the hosts, led by Mark Longo, delve into the current market volatility, the dynamics of the options market, and strategies for navigating today's financial landscape. Joined by guests like Uncle Mike Tosaw and Flowmaster Henry Schwartz, they discuss the influence of tariffs, unusual options activity, and the state of various financial indices. They also explore specific trades and positions, such as in Birkenstock and Deutsche Bank, and engage with listener questions on topics like the need for a strategic crypto reserve. The show combines expert insights, market analysis, and a lively discussion on where the VIX might be headed by the end of the month. 03:08 Market Overview and Analysis 04:15 Deep Dive into Market Movements 07:31 Trading Block Insights 11:14 Options Trading Strategies and Opportunities 15:46 Impact of Tariffs on the Market 24:31 Single Stock Analysis and Trends 32:09 Retail Earnings Recap 32:51 Kroger's Earnings Breakdown 33:37 Marvell's Market Reaction 33:55 Macy's Earnings Analysis 34:38 Costco's Performance Post-Earnings 35:22 Oracle's Earnings Preview 35:53 Earnings Season Overview 36:19 Unusual Options Activity: The Odd Block 36:55 Birkenstock's Volatility 42:27 Deutsche Bank's Strong Performance 46:45 Listener Questions and Poll Results 49:16 Market Predictions and Crypto Debate 52:32 VIX Trading Insights 54:53 Around the Block: Market Watch

In this episode of Options Insider Radio Network, host Mark Longo is joined by Dan Passarelli and Mike Tosaw to discuss the latest options market trends. They delve into recent market volatility, VIX activity, and specific trades in stocks like Carnival Cruise Lines and McCormick & Company. The team also explores growing trends in the options market, such as the effectiveness of long straddles and covered calls. Uncle Mike shares valuable insights on Roth IRAs and backdoor Roth IRAs, highlighting their potential tax advantages. Throughout the episode, the hosts interact with listener questions and poll results, providing a deep dive into various trading strategies and market analyses. 01:25 Meet the Hosts and Co-Hosts 02:51 Kicking Off the Option Block 05:10 80s Trivia Challenge 10:32 Market Analysis and Trading Insights 29:00 Micro Market Movements 29:18 Tech Giants in Focus 34:11 Retail Earnings Preview 37:02 Spicy Options Activity 48:08 Strategy Block: IRA Season Insights 52:24 Around the Block: Market Watch

This episode of The Option Block, hosted by Mark Longo from the Options Insider Media Group with Henry Schwartz from Cboe Global Markets and Mike Tosaw from St. Charles Wealth Management dives into multiple engaging topics about the current state of the options market. The show covers updates on NVIDIA's recent earnings announcement and the subsequent market reaction, along with the impact on various sectors. The hosts discuss the potential for 24-hour options trading, with mixed opinions on its feasibility. They also highlight intriguing trades, including a massive VIX call straddle and activity in lesser-known names like International Game Technology and Lyft. Listener questions and recent poll results about crypto asset preferences and 24-hour trading wrap up this informative session. 01:21 Meet the Hosts and Sponsors 03:08 Market Overview and Recent Trends 05:52 Trading Block: Market Movements and Analysis 08:27 NVIDIA Earnings and Market Impact 18:58 VIX and Volatility Insights 32:01 WWE's Wild Ride and Corporate Actions 32:35 Snowflake's Hot Streak 33:03 Marathon Digital's Performance 33:38 Salesforce and Nvidia Earnings 34:41 Papa John's Earnings and Market Trends 35:37 Odd Block: Unusual Options Activity 36:20 International Game Technology's Big Trade 41:48 Nvidia and Lyft Options Insights 46:44 Mail Block: Listener Questions and Polls 54:54 Around the Block: Market Watch

We’re back with another episode of The Option Block. On this episode, we:

Discuss the latest in the markets
Review the most active equity options for the day including SMCI
Examine the latest unusual options activity in BAX, GDRX
Talk about 2025 as the year of collar
24-hour trading
And much more

With your hosts:

Mark Longo, The Options Insider Media Group
"Uncle" Mike Tosaw, St. Charles Wealth Management
Andrew "The Rock Lobster" Giovinazzi, The Option Pit

We’re back with another episode of The Option Block brought to you by Cboe Global Markets.

On this episode, we:

Discuss the latest in the markets including silver
Talk about the most active equity options for the day including WMT, SMCI
Examine the latest unusual options activity in QTBS, BABA, COMP
Look at Feb25 28th PLTR puts trading this morning
Comment on how wild it is that spy 0dte does much more than IWM 0dte
Talk about VIX options on futures
Share what we are looking at for the end of the week/going into next week
And much more

With your hosts:

Mark Longo, The Options Insider Media Group
Kevin Carter, Cboe Global Markets
“Uncle” Mike Tosaw, St. Charles Wealth Management

Check out the Trade of the Day Insights Newsletter from Trade Alert - Request access to admin@trade-alert.com

We’re back with another episode of The Option Block brought to you by Cboe Global Markets.

On this episode, we:

Discuss the latest in the markets
Talk about the most active equity options for the day including HOOD
Examine the latest unusual options activity in GRAB, OMC, MAG, PTON
Ask if the magical letters “AI” trump the other two letters known as “PE” in the modern market
Share what we are looking at for the end of the week/going into next week
And much more

With your hosts:

Mark Longo, The Options Insider Media Group
"The Flowmaster" Henry Schwartz, Cboe Global Markets
“Uncle” Mike Tosaw, St. Charles Wealth Management

Check out the Trade of the Day Insights Newsletter from Trade Alert - Request access to admin@trade-alert.com

We’re back with another episode of The Option Block. On this episode, we:

Discuss the latest in the markets including tariffs
Talk about the most active equity options for the day including UBER
Review earning volatility in MNDY, MCD, LYFT, DASH, HOOD, DKNG
Examine the latest unusual options activity in BBAI, IBN
Look at shifting your risk using options
And much more

With your hosts:

Mark Longo, The Options Insider Media Group
"Uncle" Mike Tosaw, St. Charles Wealth Management
Andrew "The Rock Lobster" Giovinazzi, The Option Pit

We’re back with another episode of The Option Block brought to you by Cboe Global Markets.

On this episode, we:

Discuss the latest in the markets
Talk about the most active equity options for the day including PLTR
Review the January options volume numbers from OCC
Look at earnings season volatility
Examine the latest unusual options activity in F, LAES, BMBL
Check out our latest polls about F and tariffs affecting the markets
Share what we are looking at for the end of the week/going into next week
And much more

With your hosts:

Mark Longo, The Options Insider Media Group
"The Flowmaster" Henry Schwartz, Cboe Global Markets
“Uncle” Mike Tosaw, St. Charles Wealth Management

Check out the Trade of the Day Insights Newsletter from Trade Alert - Request access to admin@trade-alert.com

On this episode Mark, Uncle Mike and the Rock Lobster get into a Royal Rumble over:

Tariffs/ Trade Wars
VIX
PLTR
NVDA two-year collars
SOUN
TIGR
and more.

We’re back with another episode of The Option Block brought to you by Cboe Global Markets.

On this episode, we:

Discuss the latest in the markets including the Fed, AI, and earnings
Talk about the most active equity options for the day including INTC
Look at earnings volatility in AAPL and INTC
Examine the latest unusual options activity in PDD, BKR, and TKO
Check out our latest polls about AI, SPX/SPY, NVDA and PDD
Share what we are looking at for the end of the week/going into next week
And much more

With your hosts:

Mark Longo, The Options Insider Media Group
"The Flowmaster" Henry Schwartz, Cboe Global Markets
“Uncle” Mike Tosaw, St. Charles Wealth Management

Check out the Trade of the Day Insights Newsletter from Trade Alert - Request access to admin@trade-alert.com

We’re back with another episode of The Option Block. On this episode, we:

Discuss the latest in the markets including VIX, PTLO
Talk about the most active equity options for the day including NVDA
Examine the latest unusual options activity in IVZ, MPLX, BMBL
Look at selling puts when the market is down
Ask if DeepSeek is the canary in the coalmine for the end of the AI boom
And much more

With your hosts:

Mark Longo, The Options Insider Media Group
"Uncle" Mike Tosaw, St. Charles Wealth Management
Andrew "The Rock Lobster" Giovinazzi, The Option Pit

We’re back with another episode of The Option Block brought to you by Cboe Global Markets.

On this episode, we:

Discuss the latest in the markets
Talk about the most active equity options for the day including MSTR
Look at earnings volatility in GE, AAL, AA, SOFI, BA, META, MSFT, TSLA
Examine the latest unusual options activity in VALE, AKAM, MIR
Share what we are looking at for the end of the week/going into next week
And much more

With your hosts:

Mark Longo, The Options Insider Media Group
Nishank Modi, Cboe Global Markets
“Uncle” Mike Tosaw, St. Charles Wealth Management

Check out the Trade of the Day Insights Newsletter from Trade Alert - Request access to admin@trade-alert.com

We’re back with another episode of The Option Block brought to you by Cboe Global Markets.

On this episode, we:

Discuss the latest in the markets including TK, AAPL
Talk about the most active equity options for the day including BAC, SOFI, AAPL
Look at earnings volatility in BAC, JPM, C
Examine the latest unusual options activity in TK, RGTI, GME
Share what we are looking at for the end of the week/going into next week
And much more

With your hosts:

Mark Longo, The Options Insider Media Group
Henry "The Flowmaster" Schwartz, Cboe Global Markets
“Uncle” Mike Tosaw, St. Charles Wealth Management
Dan "The Black Hatted" Passarelli, Market Taker Mentoring

Check out the Trade of the Day Insights Newsletter from Trade Alert - Request access to admin@trade-alert.com

We’re back with another episode of The Option Block. On this episode, we:

Discuss the latest in the markets including VIX
Talk about the most active equity options for the day including DJT, AAPL
Examine the latest unusual options activity in PTON
Hedging strategies
And much more

With your hosts:

Mark Longo, The Options Insider Media Group
"Uncle" Mike Tosaw, St. Charles Wealth Management
Andrew "The Rock Lobster" Giovinazzi, The Option Pit

We’re back with another episode of The Option Block. On this episode, we:

Crown our 80's trivia winner for 2024
Discuss the latest in the markets
Talk about the most active equity options for the day including FUBO
Look at the options volume for December and all of 2024
Examine the latest unusual options activity in CPNG, WBD
And much more

With your hosts:

Mark Longo, The Options Insider Media Group
"Uncle" Mike Tosaw, St. Charles Wealth Management
Andrew "The Rock Lobster" Giovinazzi, The Option Pit

We’re back with another episode of The Option Block brought to you by Cboe Global Markets.

On this episode, we:

Discuss the latest in the markets including what stands out to us as big stories from last year
Talk about the most active equity options for the day including AAPL
Examine the latest unusual options activity in MSTX, WOLF, TIGR
The importance of having an entry point and an exit point with your trades
Share what we are looking at for the end of the week/going into next week
And much more

With your hosts:

Mark Longo, The Options Insider Media Group
Henry "The Flowmaster" Schwartz, Cboe Global Markets
“Uncle” Mike Tosaw, St. Charles Wealth Management

Check out the Trade of the Day Insights Newsletter from Trade Alert - Request access to admin@trade-alert.com

We’re back with another episode of The Option Block brought to you by Public.

On this episode, we:

Discuss the latest in the markets
Talk about the most active equity options for the day including COIN, MARA
Examine the latest unusual options activity in OPT, MQ, WOLF
Suggest looking back at your trading year
Ask which asset class you think will have the most upside potential in 2025
And much more

With your hosts:

Mark Longo, The Options Insider Media Group
"Uncle" Mike Tosaw, St. Charles Wealth Management
Andrew "The Rock Lobster" Giovinazzi, The Option Pit

Options are not suitable for all investors and carry significant risk. Option investors can rapidly lose the value of their investment in a short period of time and incur permanent loss by expiration date. Certain complex options strategies carry additional risk. There are additional costs associated with option strategies that call for multiple purchases and sales of options, such as spreads, straddles, among others, as compared with a single option trade.

Prior to buying or selling an option, investors must read and understand the “Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options”, also known as the options disclosure document (ODD) which can be found at: www.theocc.com/company-information/documents-and-archives/options-disclosure-document

Supporting documentation for any claims will be furnished upon request.

If you are enrolled in our Options Order Flow Rebate Program, The exact rebate will depend on the specifics of each transaction and will be previewed for you prior to submitting each trade. This rebate will be deducted from your cost to place the trade and will be reflected on your trade confirmation. Order flow rebates are not available for non-options transactions. To learn more, see our Fee Schedule, Order Flow Rebate FAQ, and Order Flow Rebate Program Terms & Conditions.

Options can be risky and are not suitable for all investors. See the Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options to learn more.

All investing involves the risk of loss, including loss of principal. Brokerage services for US-listed, registered securities, options and bonds in a self-directed account are offered by Open to the Public Investing, Inc., member FINRA & SIPC. See public.com/#disclosures-main for more information.

We’re back with another episode of The Option Block brought to you by Public.

On this episode, we:

Discuss the latest in the markets including VIX
Talk about the most active equity options for the day including APA, AVGO, AAPL
Examine the latest unusual options activity in EMKR, LWLG
Look at closing out short options
And much more

With your hosts:

Mark Longo, The Options Insider Media Group
"Uncle" Mike Tosaw, St. Charles Wealth Management
Andrew "The Rock Lobster" Giovinazzi, The Option Pit

Options are not suitable for all investors and carry significant risk. Option investors can rapidly lose the value of their investment in a short period of time and incur permanent loss by expiration date. Certain complex options strategies carry additional risk. There are additional costs associated with option strategies that call for multiple purchases and sales of options, such as spreads, straddles, among others, as compared with a single option trade.

Prior to buying or selling an option, investors must read and understand the “Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options”, also known as the options disclosure document (ODD) which can be found at: www.theocc.com/company-information/documents-and-archives/options-disclosure-document

Supporting documentation for any claims will be furnished upon request.

If you are enrolled in our Options Order Flow Rebate Program, The exact rebate will depend on the specifics of each transaction and will be previewed for you prior to submitting each trade. This rebate will be deducted from your cost to place the trade and will be reflected on your trade confirmation. Order flow rebates are not available for non-options transactions. To learn more, see our Fee Schedule, Order Flow Rebate FAQ, and Order Flow Rebate Program Terms & Conditions.

Options can be risky and are not suitable for all investors. See the Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options to learn more.

All investing involves the risk of loss, including loss of principal. Brokerage services for US-listed, registered securities, options and bonds in a self-directed account are offered by Open to the Public Investing, Inc., member FINRA & SIPC. See public.com/#disclosures-main for more information.

We’re back with another episode of The Option Block brought to you by Cboe Global Markets.

On this episode, we:

Discuss the latest in the markets including yesterday being the 6th most active options volume day ever and the 2nd biggest jump in percentage terms in VIX history
Debate what the Fed is doing right now
Talk about the most active equity options for the day
Look at earnings season volatility including DRI, NIKE
Examine the latest unusual options activity in BE, GOOG, QUBT
Share what we are looking at for the end of the week/going into next week
And much more

With your hosts:

Mark Longo, The Options Insider Media Group
Henry "The Flowmaster" Schwartz, Cboe Global Markets
“Uncle” Mike Tosaw, St. Charles Wealth Management

Check out the Trade of the Day Insights Newsletter from Trade Alert - Request access to admin@trade-alert.com

We’re back with another episode of The Option Block brought to you by Public.

On this episode, we:

Discuss the latest in the markets including small caps, tech
Talk about the most active equity options for the day including MSTR, PTLR
Look at earnings volatility in MU, DRI, FDX, NKE
Examine the latest unusual options activity in MLCO, BBAI, RMNI
Consider buying put options
And much more

With your hosts:

Mark Longo, The Options Insider Media Group
"Uncle" Mike Tosaw, St. Charles Wealth Management
Andrew "The Rock Lobster" Giovinazzi, The Option Pit

Options are not suitable for all investors and carry significant risk. Option investors can rapidly lose the value of their investment in a short period of time and incur permanent loss by expiration date. Certain complex options strategies carry additional risk. There are additional costs associated with option strategies that call for multiple purchases and sales of options, such as spreads, straddles, among others, as compared with a single option trade.

Prior to buying or selling an option, investors must read and understand the “Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options”, also known as the options disclosure document (ODD) which can be found at: www.theocc.com/company-information/documents-and-archives/options-disclosure-document

Supporting documentation for any claims will be furnished upon request.

If you are enrolled in our Options Order Flow Rebate Program, The exact rebate will depend on the specifics of each transaction and will be previewed for you prior to submitting each trade. This rebate will be deducted from your cost to place the trade and will be reflected on your trade confirmation. Order flow rebates are not available for non-options transactions. To learn more, see our Fee Schedule, Order Flow Rebate FAQ, and Order Flow Rebate Program Terms & Conditions.

Options can be risky and are not suitable for all investors. See the Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options to learn more.

All investing involves the risk of loss, including loss of principal. Brokerage services for US-listed, registered securities, options and bonds in a self-directed account are offered by Open to the Public Investing, Inc., member FINRA & SIPC. See public.com/#disclosures-main for more information.

We’re back with another episode of The Option Block brought to you by Cboe Global Markets.

On this episode, we:

Discuss the latest in the markets including VIX calls
Talk about the most active equity options for the day
Look at earnings season volatility including ADBE, COST, MU, FDX
Examine the latest unusual options activity in HIMX, GOOG, GOOGL, MLCO
Share what we are looking at for the end of the week/going into next week
And much more

With your hosts:

Mark Longo, The Options Insider Media Group
Henry "The Flowmaster" Schwartz, Cboe Global Markets
Dan "The Black Hatted" Passarelli, Market Taker Mentoring
“Uncle” Mike Tosaw, St. Charles Wealth Management

Check out the Trade of the Day Insights Newsletter from Trade Alert - Request access to admin@trade-alert.com

We’re back with another episode of The Option Block brought to you by Public.

On this episode, we:

Discuss the latest in the markets including small caps
Talk about the most active equity options for the day including PTLR
Review the November options volume numbers from Options Clearing
Look at earnings volatility in ORCL, OLLI, PLAY, ADBE
Examine the latest unusual options activity in NVTS, MLCO, TIGR
Explain why we consider volatility an asset class
And much more

With your hosts:

Mark Longo, The Options Insider Media Group
"Uncle" Mike Tosaw, St. Charles Wealth Management

Options are not suitable for all investors and carry significant risk. Option investors can rapidly lose the value of their investment in a short period of time and incur permanent loss by expiration date. Certain complex options strategies carry additional risk. There are additional costs associated with option strategies that call for multiple purchases and sales of options, such as spreads, straddles, among others, as compared with a single option trade.

Prior to buying or selling an option, investors must read and understand the “Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options”, also known as the options disclosure document (ODD) which can be found at: www.theocc.com/company-information/documents-and-archives/options-disclosure-document

Supporting documentation for any claims will be furnished upon request.

If you are enrolled in our Options Order Flow Rebate Program, The exact rebate will depend on the specifics of each transaction and will be previewed for you prior to submitting each trade. This rebate will be deducted from your cost to place the trade and will be reflected on your trade confirmation. Order flow rebates are not available for non-options transactions. To learn more, see our Fee Schedule, Order Flow Rebate FAQ, and Order Flow Rebate Program Terms & Conditions.

Options can be risky and are not suitable for all investors. See the Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options to learn more.

All investing involves the risk of loss, including loss of principal. Brokerage services for US-listed, registered securities, options and bonds in a self-directed account are offered by Open to the Public Investing, Inc., member FINRA & SIPC. See public.com/#disclosures-main for more information.

We’re back with another episode of The Option Block brought to you by Cboe Global Markets.

On this episode, we:

Discuss the latest in the markets
Talk about the most active equity options for the day including SOUN, INTC
Look at earnings volatility in FIVE, DG, LULU, ULTA
Examine the latest unusual options activity in UBER, TARA, ACHR
And much more

With your hosts:

Mark Longo, The Options Insider Media Group
Henry "The Flowmaster" Schwartz, Cboe Global Markets
“Uncle” Mike Tosaw, St. Charles Wealth Management
Kevin Green, Schwab Network

Check out the Trade of the Day Insights Newsletter from Trade Alert - Request access to admin@trade-alert.com

We’re back with another episode of The Option Block brought to you by tastytrade.

On this episode, we:

Debate the latest in the markets
Talk about the most active equity options for the day including SMCI
Look at earnings season volatility including CRM, MRVL, FL, FIVE, LULU, DG
Examine the latest unusual options activity in CABA, FSLY, ACHR
Discuss trading a risk reversal
And much more

With your hosts:

Mark Longo, The Options Insider Media Group
Andrew "The Rock Lobster" Giovinazzi, The Option Pit
“Uncle” Mike Tosaw, St. Charles Wealth Management

We’re back with another episode of The Option Block brought to you by tastytrade.

On this episode, we:

Debate the latest in the markets including bitcoin
Talk about the most active equity options for the day including SMCI
Look at earnings season volatility including BBWI
Examine the latest unusual options activity in HVI, RGTI, KULR
Discuss vertical put spreads
And much more

With your hosts:

Mark Longo, The Options Insider Media Group
Andrew "The Rock Lobster" Giovinazzi, The Option Pit
“Uncle” Mike Tosaw, St. Charles Wealth Management

We’re back with another episode of The Option Block brought to you by Cboe Global Markets.

On this episode, we:

Discuss the latest in the markets including VIX, crypto, and FIA Expo
Talk about the most active equity options for the day including SOFI, SNOW, NVDA
Look at trends in the earnings season and earnings volatility in SNOW, NVDA, BIDU, BJ, PDD, DKS, ZM
Examine the latest unusual options activity in ELF, WDC, SOUN
Discussing Buffet's growing pile of cash
And much more

With your hosts:

Mark Longo, The Options Insider Media Group
Henry Schwartz, Cboe Global Markets
“Uncle” Mike Tosaw, St. Charles Wealth Management
Scott Bauer, Prosper Trading

Check out the Trade of the Day Insights Newsletter from Trade Alert - Request access to admin@trade-alert.com

We’re back with another episode of The Option Block brought to you by tastytrade.

On this episode, we:

Debate the latest in the markets including bitcoin
Talk about the most active equity options for the day including MSTR
Look at earnings season volatility including WMT, TGT, NVDA, BIDU, INTU
Examine the latest unusual options activity in MTTR, BE
Discuss finding the best covered call opportunities
And much more

With your hosts:

Mark Longo, The Options Insider Media Group
Andrew "The Rock Lobster" Giovinazzi, The Option Pit
“Uncle” Mike Tosaw, St. Charles Wealth Management

We’re back with another episode of The Option Block brought to you by Cboe Global Markets.

On this episode, we:

Discuss the latest in the markets including how skew is shaping up and whether it is a good time to buy puts in SPX and SPY
Talk about the most active equity options for the day including MARA, COIN
Look at trends in the earnings season and earnings volatility in DIS
Examine the latest unusual options activity in QQQM, DJX, CONY
Consider whether VIX will be in single digits at least once next year
And much more

With your hosts:

Mark Longo, The Options Insider Media Group
Matt Amberson, Option Research & Technology Service
“Uncle” Mike Tosaw, St. Charles Wealth Management

Check out the Trade of the Day Insights Newsletter from Trade Alert - Request access to admin@trade-alert.com

We’re back with another episode of The Option Block brought to you by tastytrade.

On this episode, we:

Debate the latest in the markets
Talk about the most active equity options for the day including RIOT, MSTR, MARA, COIN
Look at earnings season volatility including HD, MARA
Examine the latest unusual options activity in IAG, JOBY
Discuss hedging a portfolio with index options and the importance of beta
And much more

With your hosts:

Mark Longo, The Options Insider Media Group
Andrew "The Rock Lobster" Giovinazzi, The Option Pit
“Uncle” Mike Tosaw, St. Charles Wealth Management

We’re back with another episode of The Option Block brought to you by Cboe Global Markets.

On this episode, we:

Discuss the latest in the markets including October options volume numbers from OIC and more election fallout
Talk about the most active equity options for the day
Look at earnings season volatility including DUK, WOLF, TKO
Examine the latest unusual options activity in WFC, DJT, VIAV
Share whether our listeners were bullish or bearish about crypto going into the election & also who they thought was going to win the election
Mention what we are looking at for the end of the week/going into next week: ARCH, CSCO, The Fed
And much more

With your hosts:

Mark Longo, The Options Insider Media Group
Henry "The Flowmaster" Schwartz, Cboe Global Markets
Dan "The Black Hatted" Passarelli, Market Taker Mentoring
“Uncle” Mike Tosaw, St. Charles Wealth Management

Check out the Trade of the Day Insights Newsletter from Trade Alert - Request access to admin@trade-alert.com

We’re back with another episode of The Option Block brought to you by tastytrade.

On this episode, we:

Discuss the latest in the markets including the election
Talk about the most active equity options for the day
Look at earnings season volatility including PLTR
Examine the latest unusual options activity in GSAT, ON, TIGR
Explain how to lock in gains and protect them
And much more

With your hosts:

Mark Longo, The Options Insider Media Group
Andrew "The Rock Lobster" Giovinazzi, The Option Pit
“Uncle” Mike Tosaw, St. Charles Wealth Management

We’re back with another episode of The Option Block brought to you by Cboe Global Markets.

On this episode, we:

Discuss the latest in the markets
Talk about the most active equity options for the day including NVDA
Look at earnings season volatility including CVNA, AAPL, AMZN, INTC, UBER
Examine the latest unusual options activity in GOOGL, DJT, ROOT
Deliberate where VIX will close tomorrow & what options strategy scares you the most
And much more

With your hosts:

Mark Longo, The Options Insider Media Group
Henry "The Flowmaster" Schwartz, Cboe Global Markets
Scott Bauer, Prosper Trading Academy
“Uncle” Mike Tosaw, St. Charles Wealth Management

Check out the Trade of the Day Insights Newsletter from Trade Alert - Request access to admin@trade-alert.com

We’re back with another episode of The Option Block brought to you by tastytrade.

On this episode, we:

Discuss the latest in the markets
Talk about the most active equity options for the day
Look at earnings season volatility including F, CROX, MCD, SOFI, EA, COIN, CVNA, HOOD
Examine the latest unusual options activity in AMPS, ON, TIGR
The benefits of a 1256 contract
And much more

With your hosts:

Mark Longo, The Options Insider Media Group
Andrew "The Rock Lobster" Giovinazzi, The Option Pit
“Uncle” Mike Tosaw, St. Charles Wealth Management

We’re back with another episode of The Option Block brought to you by Cboe Global Markets.

On this episode, we:

Discuss the latest in the markets including the election and the HOOD Summit
Talk about the most active equity options for the day
Look at earnings season volatility including TXRH
Examine the latest unusual options activity in AVPT, NOVA, BSX
And much more

With your hosts:

Mark Longo, The Options Insider Media Group
Henry "The Flowmaster" Schwartz, Cboe Global Markets
Andrew "The Rock Lobster" Giovinazzi, The Option Pit
“Uncle” Mike Tosaw, St. Charles Wealth Management

Check out the Trade of the Day Insights Newsletter from Trade Alert - Request access to admin@trade-alert.com

We’re back with another episode of The Option Block brought to you by tastytrade.

On this episode, we:

Discuss the latest in the markets including the bond market, silver, and VIX
Talk about the most active equity options for the day including SAVE
Look at earnings season volatility including BA, KO, TSLA, AAL, LUV, F
Examine the latest unusual options activity in VIX, BSX, KHC
Recommend put options
And much more

With your hosts:

Mark Longo, The Options Insider Media Group
Andrew "The Rock Lobster" Giovinazzi, The Option Pit
“Uncle” Mike Tosaw, St. Charles Wealth Management

We’re back with another episode of The Option Block brought to you by Cboe Global Markets.

On this episode, we:

Discuss the latest in the markets including the election, Cboe Risk Management Conference 2024 (RMC)
Talk about the most active equity options for the day
Look at earnings season volatility including AA, IRDM, NFLX
Examine the latest unusual options activity in CNC, CYH
Consider if there will be an October surprise and how the election could impact the markets
And much more

With your hosts:

Mark Longo, The Options Insider Media Group
Henry "The Flowmaster" Schwartz, Cboe Global Markets
Mark "The Greasy Meatball" Sebastian, The Option Pit
“Uncle” Mike Tosaw, St. Charles Wealth Management

Check out the Trade of the Day Insights Newsletter from Trade Alert - Request access to admin@trade-alert.com

We’re back with another episode of The Option Block brought to you by tastytrade.

On this episode, we:

Discuss the latest in the markets including the bond market and the presidential election
Talk about the most active equity options for the day
Look at earnings season volatility including BAC, C, UAL, AA, NFLX
Examine the latest unusual options activity in SOUN, BLNK, ITUB
Suggest what to do if you want bond exposure, but you are concerned about the high bond curve
And much more

With your hosts:

Mark Longo, The Options Insider Media Group
Andrew "The Rock Lobster" Giovinazzi, The Option Pit
“Uncle” Mike Tosaw, St. Charles Wealth Management

We’re back with another episode of The Option Block brought to you by Cboe Global Markets.

On this episode, we:

Discuss the latest in the markets including the upcoming launch of options on VIX futures
Talk about the most active equity options for the day including CELH and DJT
Look at earnings season volatility including DPZ, DAL, C, WFC, IBKR, and UAL
Examine the latest unusual options activity in CELH, WW, and HOG
And much more

With your hosts:

Mark Longo, The Options Insider Media Group
Henry Schwartz, Cboe Global Markets
“Uncle” Mike Tosaw, St. Charles Wealth Management

Check out the Trade of the Day Insights Newsletter from Trade Alert - Request access to admin@trade-alert.com

We’re back with another episode of The Option Block brought to you by Public.

On this episode, we break down what's going on with these markets including the bonds market, VIX, and NVDA. We discuss the most active equity options for the day including MSTR and TIGR. We also look at unusual options activity in TIGR and CPNG. In our strategy block segment, Uncle Mike suggests using options for estate planning. And, in our Around the Block segment, we discuss what we will be looking at during the week.

With your hosts:

Mark Longo, The Options Insider Media Group
"Uncle" Mike Tosaw, St. Charles Wealth Management
Andrew "The Rock Lobster" Giovinazzi, The Option Pit

Options are not suitable for all investors and carry significant risk. Option investors can rapidly lose the value of their investment in a short period of time and incur permanent loss by expiration date. Certain complex options strategies carry additional risk. There are additional costs associated with option strategies that call for multiple purchases and sales of options, such as spreads, straddles, among others, as compared with a single option trade.

Prior to buying or selling an option, investors must read and understand the “Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options”, also known as the options disclosure document (ODD) which can be found at: www.theocc.com/company-information/documents-and-archives/options-disclosure-document

Supporting documentation for any claims will be furnished upon request.

If you are enrolled in our Options Order Flow Rebate Program, The exact rebate will depend on the specifics of each transaction and will be previewed for you prior to submitting each trade. This rebate will be deducted from your cost to place the trade and will be reflected on your trade confirmation. Order flow rebates are not available for non-options transactions. To learn more, see our Fee Schedule, Order Flow Rebate FAQ, and Order Flow Rebate Program Terms & Conditions.

Options can be risky and are not suitable for all investors. See the Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options to learn more.

All investing involves the risk of loss, including loss of principal. Brokerage services for US-listed, registered securities, options and bonds in a self-directed account are offered by Open to the Public Investing, Inc., member FINRA & SIPC. See public.com/#disclosures-main for more information.

We’re back with another episode of The Option Block brought to you by Cboe Global Markets.

On this episode, we:

Discuss the latest in the markets including the OCT 27/29 VIX Call Spread
Talk about the most active equity options for the day
Look at how the earnings season is shaping up
Examine the latest unusual options activity in NGD, TIGR
Discuss leap options, the Greeks, WOLF
And much more

With your hosts:

Mark Longo, The Options Insider Media Group
Henry Schwartz, Cboe Global Markets
Mark "The Greasy Meatball" Sebastian, The Option Pit
“Uncle” Mike Tosaw, St. Charles Wealth Management

Check out the Trade of the Day Insights Newsletter from Trade Alert - Request access to admin@trade-alert.com

We’re back with another episode of The Option Block brought to you by Public.

On this episode, we break down what's going on with these markets and we discuss the most active equity options for the day including NIO. We also look at earnings volatility in NKE, LEVI and unusual options activity in ATIGR, LU. In our strategy block segment, Uncle Mike explains how to use the VIX to hedge on your stock holdings. And, in our Around the Block segment, we discuss what we will be looking at during the week.

With your hosts:

Mark Longo, The Options Insider Media Group
"Uncle" Mike Tosaw, St. Charles Wealth Management

Options are not suitable for all investors and carry significant risk. Option investors can rapidly lose the value of their investment in a short period of time and incur permanent loss by expiration date. Certain complex options strategies carry additional risk. There are additional costs associated with option strategies that call for multiple purchases and sales of options, such as spreads, straddles, among others, as compared with a single option trade.

Prior to buying or selling an option, investors must read and understand the “Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options”, also known as the options disclosure document (ODD) which can be found at: www.theocc.com/company-information/documents-and-archives/options-disclosure-document

Supporting documentation for any claims will be furnished upon request.

If you are enrolled in our Options Order Flow Rebate Program, The exact rebate will depend on the specifics of each transaction and will be previewed for you prior to submitting each trade. This rebate will be deducted from your cost to place the trade and will be reflected on your trade confirmation. Order flow rebates are not available for non-options transactions. To learn more, see our Fee Schedule, Order Flow Rebate FAQ, and Order Flow Rebate Program Terms & Conditions.

Options can be risky and are not suitable for all investors. See the Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options to learn more.

All investing involves the risk of loss, including loss of principal. Brokerage services for US-listed, registered securities, options and bonds in a self-directed account are offered by Open to the Public Investing, Inc., member FINRA & SIPC. See public.com/#disclosures-main for more information.

We’re back with another episode of The Option Block brought to you by Cboe Global Markets.

On this episode, we:

Discuss the latest in the markets including realized volatility
Talk about the most active equity options
Look into earnings volatility in MU, COST
Examine the latest unusual options activity in OTIS, WOLF, VNET
Discuss options on bitcoin ETFs
And much more

With your hosts:

Mark Longo, The Options Insider Media Group
Henry Schwartz, Cboe Global Markets
Mark "The Greasy Meatball" Sebastian, The Option Pit
“Uncle” Mike Tosaw, St. Charles Wealth Management

Check out the Trade of the Day Insights Newsletter from Trade Alert - Request access to admin@trade-alert.com

We’re back with another episode of The Option Block brought to you by Public.

We break down what's going on with these markets and we discuss the most active equity options for the day including SMCI. We also look at unusual options activity in AR, SHLS. In our strategy block segment, Uncle Mike explains how to get into this market at this level. And, in our Around the Block segment, we discuss what we will be looking at during the week.

With your hosts:

Mark Longo, The Options Insider Media Group
Andrew "The Rock Lobster" Giovinazzi, The Option Pit
"Uncle" Mike Tosaw, St. Charles Wealth Management

Options are not suitable for all investors and carry significant risk. Option investors can rapidly lose the value of their investment in a short period of time and incur permanent loss by expiration date. Certain complex options strategies carry additional risk. There are additional costs associated with option strategies that call for multiple purchases and sales of options, such as spreads, straddles, among others, as compared with a single option trade.

Prior to buying or selling an option, investors must read and understand the “Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options”, also known as the options disclosure document (ODD) which can be found at: www.theocc.com/company-information/documents-and-archives/options-disclosure-document

Supporting documentation for any claims will be furnished upon request.

If you are enrolled in our Options Order Flow Rebate Program, The exact rebate will depend on the specifics of each transaction and will be previewed for you prior to submitting each trade. This rebate will be deducted from your cost to place the trade and will be reflected on your trade confirmation. Order flow rebates are not available for non-options transactions. To learn more, see our Fee Schedule, Order Flow Rebate FAQ, and Order Flow Rebate Program Terms & Conditions.

Options can be risky and are not suitable for all investors. See the Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options to learn more.

All investing involves the risk of loss, including loss of principal. Brokerage services for US-listed, registered securities, options and bonds in a self-directed account are offered by Open to the Public Investing, Inc., member FINRA & SIPC. See public.com/#disclosures-main for more information.

We’re back with another episode of The Option Block brought to you by Cboe Global Markets.

On this episode, we:

Discuss the latest in the markets including yesterday's rate cut by the Fed
Talk about the most active equity options
Look into earnings volatility in MU
Examine the latest unusual options activity in NOV, EDR, TKO
Discussing what role bitcoin has in a portfolio
Provide our thoughts on whether flex options or OTC options are the future of the options market
And much more

With your hosts:

Mark Longo, The Options Insider Media Group
Harmeet Goindi, Cboe Global Markets
Mark "The Greasy Meatball" Sebastian, The Option Pit
“Uncle” Mike Tosaw, St. Charles Wealth Management

Check out the Trade of the Day Insights Newsletter from Trade Alert - Request access to admin@trade-alert.com

We’re back with another episode of The Option Block brought to you by Public.

We break down what's going on with these markets and we discuss the most active equity options for the day. We talk about earnings volatility this week in DRI, FDX. We also look at unusual options activity in COMP, GALT, KKR.

With your hosts:

Mark Longo, The Options Insider Media Group
Andrew "The Rock Lobster" Giovinazzi, The Option Pit
"Uncle" Mike Tosaw, St. Charles Wealth Management

Options are not suitable for all investors and carry significant risk. Option investors can rapidly lose the value of their investment in a short period of time and incur permanent loss by expiration date. Certain complex options strategies carry additional risk. There are additional costs associated with option strategies that call for multiple purchases and sales of options, such as spreads, straddles, among others, as compared with a single option trade.

Prior to buying or selling an option, investors must read and understand the “Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options”, also known as the options disclosure document (ODD) which can be found at: www.theocc.com/company-information/documents-and-archives/options-disclosure-document

Supporting documentation for any claims will be furnished upon request.

If you are enrolled in our Options Order Flow Rebate Program, The exact rebate will depend on the specifics of each transaction and will be previewed for you prior to submitting each trade. This rebate will be deducted from your cost to place the trade and will be reflected on your trade confirmation. Order flow rebates are not available for non-options transactions. To learn more, see our Fee Schedule, Order Flow Rebate FAQ, and Order Flow Rebate Program Terms & Conditions.

Options can be risky and are not suitable for all investors. See the Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options to learn more.

All investing involves the risk of loss, including loss of principal. Brokerage services for US-listed, registered securities, options and bonds in a self-directed account are offered by Open to the Public Investing, Inc., member FINRA & SIPC. See public.com/#disclosures-main for more information.

We’re back with another episode of The Option Block brought to you by Cboe Global Markets.

On this episode, we:

Discuss the latest in the markets
Talk about the most active equity options including NIO, AAPL
Look into earnings volatility in DKR, ADBE, DRI
Examine the latest unusual options activity in NVDA, FE, MPW
Debate what the Fed will do with rates next week
And much more

With your hosts:

Mark Longo, The Options Insider Media Group
Henry Schwartz, Cboe Global Markets
Andrew "The Rock Lobster" Giovinazzi, The Option Pit
“Uncle” Mike Tosaw, St. Charles Wealth Management

Check out the Trade of the Day Insights Newsletter from Trade Alert - Request access to admin@trade-alert.com

We’re back with another episode of The Option Block brought to you by Public.

We break down what's going on with these markets and we discuss the most active equity options for the day including WBD. We talk about earnings volatility this week in ORCL. We also look at unusual options activity in PLTR and CXW. And, in the Strategy Block Segment, Uncle Mike Tosaw says you should have a plan if interest rates go lower.

With your hosts:

Mark Longo, The Options Insider Media Group
Andrew "The Rock Lobster" Giovinazzi, The Option Pit
"Uncle" Mike Tosaw, St. Charles Wealth Management

Options are not suitable for all investors and carry significant risk. Option investors can rapidly lose the value of their investment in a short period of time and incur permanent loss by expiration date. Certain complex options strategies carry additional risk. There are additional costs associated with option strategies that call for multiple purchases and sales of options, such as spreads, straddles, among others, as compared with a single option trade.

Prior to buying or selling an option, investors must read and understand the “Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options”, also known as the options disclosure document (ODD) which can be found at: www.theocc.com/company-information/documents-and-archives/options-disclosure-document

Supporting documentation for any claims will be furnished upon request.

If you are enrolled in our Options Order Flow Rebate Program, The exact rebate will depend on the specifics of each transaction and will be previewed for you prior to submitting each trade. This rebate will be deducted from your cost to place the trade and will be reflected on your trade confirmation. Order flow rebates are not available for non-options transactions. To learn more, see our Fee Schedule, Order Flow Rebate FAQ, and Order Flow Rebate Program Terms & Conditions.

Options can be risky and are not suitable for all investors. See the Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options to learn more.

All investing involves the risk of loss, including loss of principal. Brokerage services for US-listed, registered securities, options and bonds in a self-directed account are offered by Open to the Public Investing, Inc., member FINRA & SIPC. See public.com/#disclosures-main for more information.

We’re back with another episode of The Option Block brought to you by Cboe Global Markets.

On this episode, we:

Discuss the latest in the markets including bonds and VIX
Check out the August options volume numbers from Options Clearing Corporation
Examine the latest unusual options activity in UNIT, UAL, LUMN
And much more

With your hosts:

Mark Longo, The Options Insider Media Group
Henry Schwartz, Cboe Global Markets
Andrew "The Rock Lobster" Giovinazzi, The Option Pit
“Uncle” Mike Tosaw, St. Charles Wealth Management

Check out the Trade of the Day Insights Newsletter from Trade Alert - Request access to admin@trade-alert.com

We’re back with another episode of The Option Block brought to you by Cboe Global Markets.

On this episode, we:

Discuss the latest in the markets including FLEX Options, NVDA, CRWD, AFRM, and PDD
Look into earnings volatility in DG, BBY, OLLI, and CRM
Examine the latest unusual options activity in OKTA, SBLK, and BILL
Talking about NVDA earnings
Answering a listener question about being an options trader without touching the actual underlying stock
And much more

With your hosts:

Mark Longo, The Options Insider Media Group
Kevin Carter, Cboe Global Markets
Mark "The Greasy Meatball" Sebastian, The Option Pit
“Uncle” Mike Tosaw, St. Charles Wealth Management

Check out the Trade of the Day Insights Newsletter from Trade Alert - Request access to admin@trade-alert.com

We’re back with another episode of The Option Block brought to you by Public.

We break down what's going on with these markets and we discuss the most active equity options for the day. We talk about earnings volatility this week in FL, CRM, FIVE, NVDA, DG, OLLI, DELL, and LULU. We also look at unusual options activity in PDD and DBI. And, in the Strategy Block Segment, Uncle Mike Tosaw discusses what can be done if we have some election fear?

With your hosts:

Mark Longo, The Options Insider Media Group
Andrew "The Rock Lobster" Giovinazzi, The Option Pit
"Uncle" Mike Tosaw, St. Charles Wealth Management

Options are not suitable for all investors and carry significant risk. Option investors can rapidly lose the value of their investment in a short period of time and incur permanent loss by expiration date. Certain complex options strategies carry additional risk. There are additional costs associated with option strategies that call for multiple purchases and sales of options, such as spreads, straddles, among others, as compared with a single option trade.

Prior to buying or selling an option, investors must read and understand the “Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options”, also known as the options disclosure document (ODD) which can be found at: www.theocc.com/company-information/documents-and-archives/options-disclosure-document

Supporting documentation for any claims will be furnished upon request.

If you are enrolled in our Options Order Flow Rebate Program, The exact rebate will depend on the specifics of each transaction and will be previewed for you prior to submitting each trade. This rebate will be deducted from your cost to place the trade and will be reflected on your trade confirmation. Order flow rebates are not available for non-options transactions. To learn more, see our Fee Schedule, Order Flow Rebate FAQ, and Order Flow Rebate Program Terms & Conditions.

Options can be risky and are not suitable for all investors. See the Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options to learn more.

All investing involves the risk of loss, including loss of principal. Brokerage services for US-listed, registered securities, options and bonds in a self-directed account are offered by Open to the Public Investing, Inc., member FINRA & SIPC. See public.com/#disclosures-main for more information.

We’re back with another episode of The Option Block brought to you by Cboe Global Markets.

On this episode, we:

Discuss the latest in the markets and the most active equity options including SNOW, PTON
Look into earnings volatility in ZM, SNOW, INTU
Examine the latest unusual options activity in PTON, BILL
And much more

With your hosts:

Mark Longo, The Options Insider Media Group
Henry "The Flowmaster" Schwartz, Cboe Global Markets
Andrew "The Rock Lobster" Giovinazzi, The Option Pit
“Uncle” Mike Tosaw, St. Charles Wealth Management

Check out the Trade of the Day Insights Newsletter from Trade Alert - Request access to admin@trade-alert.com

We’re back with another episode of The Option Block brought to you by Public.

We break down what's going on with these markets and we discuss the most active equity options for the day including FUBO. We talk about earnings volatility this week in TGT, TJX, SNOW, ZM, and BJ. We also look at unusual options activity in TDS, VTNR, and SNAP. And, in the Strategy Block Segment, Uncle Mike Tosaw discusses wash trades.

With your hosts:

Mark Longo, The Options Insider Media Group
Andrew "The Rock Lobster" Giovinazzi, The Option Pit
"Uncle" Mike Tosaw, St. Charles Wealth Management

Options are not suitable for all investors and carry significant risk. Option investors can rapidly lose the value of their investment in a short period of time and incur permanent loss by expiration date. Certain complex options strategies carry additional risk. There are additional costs associated with option strategies that call for multiple purchases and sales of options, such as spreads, straddles, among others, as compared with a single option trade.

Prior to buying or selling an option, investors must read and understand the “Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options”, also known as the options disclosure document (ODD) which can be found at: www.theocc.com/company-information/documents-and-archives/options-disclosure-document

Supporting documentation for any claims will be furnished upon request.

If you are enrolled in our Options Order Flow Rebate Program, The exact rebate will depend on the specifics of each transaction and will be previewed for you prior to submitting each trade. This rebate will be deducted from your cost to place the trade and will be reflected on your trade confirmation. Order flow rebates are not available for non-options transactions. To learn more, see our Fee Schedule, Order Flow Rebate FAQ, and Order Flow Rebate Program Terms & Conditions.

Options can be risky and are not suitable for all investors. See the Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options to learn more.

All investing involves the risk of loss, including loss of principal. Brokerage services for US-listed, registered securities, options and bonds in a self-directed account are offered by Open to the Public Investing, Inc., member FINRA & SIPC. See public.com/#disclosures-main for more information.

We’re back with another episode of The Option Block brought to you by Cboe Global Markets.

On this episode, we:

Discuss the latest in the markets including AMZN
Look into earnings volatility in CSCO, WMT, STNE, BABA, AMAT
Examine the latest unusual options activity in NKE, BTU, GEO, CENX
And much more

With your hosts:

Mark Longo, The Options Insider Media Group
Henry "The Flowmaster" Schwartz, Cboe Global Markets
Andrew "The Rock Lobster" Giovinazzi, The Option Pit
“Uncle” Mike Tosaw, St. Charles Wealth Management

Check out the Trade of the Day Insights Newsletter from Trade Alert - Request access to admin@trade-alert.com

We’re back with another episode of The Option Block brought to you by Public.

We break down what's going on with these markets, the Fed, and rates. We discuss the most active equity options for the day and we talk about earnings volatility this week in HD, CSCO, STNE, BABA, WMT, AMAT. We also look at unusual options activity in CENX, WWW. Uncle Mike Tosaw explains why the VIX is not a hedge and much more.

With your hosts:

Mark Longo, The Options Insider Media Group
Andrew "The Rock Lobster" Giovinazzi, The Option Pit
"Uncle" Mike Tosaw, St. Charles Wealth Management

Options are not suitable for all investors and carry significant risk. Option investors can rapidly lose the value of their investment in a short period of time and incur permanent loss by expiration date. Certain complex options strategies carry additional risk. There are additional costs associated with option strategies that call for multiple purchases and sales of options, such as spreads, straddles, among others, as compared with a single option trade.

Prior to buying or selling an option, investors must read and understand the “Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options”, also known as the options disclosure document (ODD) which can be found at: www.theocc.com/company-information/documents-and-archives/options-disclosure-document

Supporting documentation for any claims will be furnished upon request.

If you are enrolled in our Options Order Flow Rebate Program, The exact rebate will depend on the specifics of each transaction and will be previewed for you prior to submitting each trade. This rebate will be deducted from your cost to place the trade and will be reflected on your trade confirmation. Order flow rebates are not available for non-options transactions. To learn more, see our Fee Schedule, Order Flow Rebate FAQ, and Order Flow Rebate Program Terms & Conditions.

Options can be risky and are not suitable for all investors. See the Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options to learn more.

All investing involves the risk of loss, including loss of principal. Brokerage services for US-listed, registered securities, options and bonds in a self-directed account are offered by Open to the Public Investing, Inc., member FINRA & SIPC. See public.com/#disclosures-main for more information.

We’re back with another episode of The Option Block brought to you by Cboe Global Markets.

On this episode, we:

Discuss the latest in the markets including SPX, VIX
Look into earnings volatility in LLY, PZZA, HOOD, WMT, AMAT
Talk about July monthly options volume from Options Clearing Corporation
Examine the latest unusual options activity in BMBL, LUMN, CENX
Provide our thoughts on why options volume was down in June

With your hosts:

Mark Longo, The Options Insider Media Group
Henry "The Flowmaster" Schwartz, Cboe Global Markets
Mark "The Greasy Meatball" Sebastian, The Option Pit
“Uncle” Mike Tosaw, St. Charles Wealth Management

Check out the Trade of the Day Insights Newsletter from Trade Alert - Request access to admin@trade-alert.com

We’re back with another episode of The Option Block brought to you by Public.

We break down what's going on with these crazy markets and volatility, what you should do, and how to trade. We discuss the most active equity options for the day including PTEN, NU. We talk about earnings volatility this week in RDDT, RIVN, LYFT, UBER, HOOD. We also look at unusual options activity in CFG, GOTU, REAL. Uncle Mike Tosaw discusses managing draw downs while staying invested.

With your hosts:

Mark Longo, The Options Insider Media Group
Mark "The Greasy Meatball" Sebastian, The Option Pit
"Uncle" Mike Tosaw, St. Charles Wealth Management

Options are not suitable for all investors and carry significant risk. Option investors can rapidly lose the value of their investment in a short period of time and incur permanent loss by expiration date. Certain complex options strategies carry additional risk. There are additional costs associated with option strategies that call for multiple purchases and sales of options, such as spreads, straddles, among others, as compared with a single option trade.

Prior to buying or selling an option, investors must read and understand the “Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options”, also known as the options disclosure document (ODD) which can be found at: www.theocc.com/company-information/documents-and-archives/options-disclosure-document

Supporting documentation for any claims will be furnished upon request.

If you are enrolled in our Options Order Flow Rebate Program, The exact rebate will depend on the specifics of each transaction and will be previewed for you prior to submitting each trade. This rebate will be deducted from your cost to place the trade and will be reflected on your trade confirmation. Order flow rebates are not available for non-options transactions. To learn more, see our Fee Schedule, Order Flow Rebate FAQ, and Order Flow Rebate Program Terms & Conditions.

Options can be risky and are not suitable for all investors. See the Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options to learn more.

All investing involves the risk of loss, including loss of principal. Brokerage services for US-listed, registered securities, options and bonds in a self-directed account are offered by Open to the Public Investing, Inc., member FINRA & SIPC. See public.com/#disclosures-main for more information.

We’re back with another episode of The Option Block brought to you by Cboe Global Markets.

On this episode, we:

Discuss the latest in the markets including options volume, floor trading, VIX, MSFT
Look into earnings volatility in MRNA, QCOM, META, CROX, RBLX, EBAY, AAPL, AMZN, COIN, DKNG, INTC
Examine the latest unusual options activity in TKO, WMG, LUMN

With your hosts:

Mark Longo, The Options Insider Media Group
Henry "The Flowmaster" Schwartz, Cboe Global Markets
Mark "The Greasy Meatball" Sebastian, The Option Pit
“Uncle” Mike Tosaw, St. Charles Wealth Management

Check out the Trade of the Day Insights Newsletter from Trade Alert - Request access to admin@trade-alert.com

We’re back with another episode of The Option Block brought to you by Public.

We break down what's going on in the markets including MCD. We discuss the most active equity options for the day including PLTR, PFE. We talk about earnings volatility this week in MCD, ON, AMD, MSFT, MTCH, SBUX, BA,QCOM, CROX, MRNA, AAPL, AMZN, COIN. We also look at unusual options activity in DBI, GSK, INFA. Uncle Mike Tosaw discusses diversification and we share what we are keeping an eye on for the upcoming week.

With your hosts:

Mark Longo, The Options Insider Media Group
Andrew "The Rock Lobster" Giovinazzi, The Option Pit
"Uncle" Mike Tosaw, St. Charles Wealth Management

Options are not suitable for all investors and carry significant risk. Option investors can rapidly lose the value of their investment in a short period of time and incur permanent loss by expiration date. Certain complex options strategies carry additional risk. There are additional costs associated with option strategies that call for multiple purchases and sales of options, such as spreads, straddles, among others, as compared with a single option trade.

Prior to buying or selling an option, investors must read and understand the “Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options”, also known as the options disclosure document (ODD) which can be found at: www.theocc.com/company-information/documents-and-archives/options-disclosure-document

Supporting documentation for any claims will be furnished upon request.

If you are enrolled in our Options Order Flow Rebate Program, The exact rebate will depend on the specifics of each transaction and will be previewed for you prior to submitting each trade. This rebate will be deducted from your cost to place the trade and will be reflected on your trade confirmation. Order flow rebates are not available for non-options transactions. To learn more, see our Fee Schedule, Order Flow Rebate FAQ, and Order Flow Rebate Program Terms & Conditions.

Options can be risky and are not suitable for all investors. See the Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options to learn more.

All investing involves the risk of loss, including loss of principal. Brokerage services for US-listed, registered securities, options and bonds in a self-directed account are offered by Open to the Public Investing, Inc., member FINRA & SIPC. See public.com/#disclosures-main for more information.

We’re back with another episode of The Option Block brought to you by Cboe Global Markets.

On this episode, we:

Discuss what's going on in the options markets today
Talk about the most active equity options today
Look into earnings volatility
Examine the latest unusual options activity in APLT, CVS, SYF, IOT, FUTU

With your hosts:

Mark Longo, The Options Insider Media Group
Henry "The Flowmaster" Schwartz, Cboe Global Markets

Check out the Trade of the Day Insights Newsletter from Trade Alert - Request access to admin@trade-alert.com

We’re back with another episode of The Option Block brought to you by Public.

Live from The Option Pit Conference, we break down whether the markets and particularly VIX were impacted by the events of this weekend. We discuss the most active equity options for the day including AVGO, MARA, PLTR, NKE, CRWD. We also look at unusual options activity in SOUN, PTON. And, Uncle Mike Tosaw finally gets his prize from last year's 80s wrestling contest.

With your hosts:

Mark Longo, The Options Insider Media Group
Andrew "The Rock Lobster" Giovinazzi, The Option Pit
Mark "The Greasy Meatball" Sebastian, The Option Pit
"Dr. VIX Russell Rhoads, Kelley School of Business - Indiana University
"Uncle" Mike Tosaw, St. Charles Wealth Management

Options are not suitable for all investors and carry significant risk. Option investors can rapidly lose the value of their investment in a short period of time and incur permanent loss by expiration date. Certain complex options strategies carry additional risk. There are additional costs associated with option strategies that call for multiple purchases and sales of options, such as spreads, straddles, among others, as compared with a single option trade.

Prior to buying or selling an option, investors must read and understand the “Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options”, also known as the options disclosure document (ODD) which can be found at: www.theocc.com/company-information/documents-and-archives/options-disclosure-document

Supporting documentation for any claims will be furnished upon request.

If you are enrolled in our Options Order Flow Rebate Program, The exact rebate will depend on the specifics of each transaction and will be previewed for you prior to submitting each trade. This rebate will be deducted from your cost to place the trade and will be reflected on your trade confirmation. Order flow rebates are not available for non-options transactions. To learn more, see our Fee Schedule, Order Flow Rebate FAQ, and Order Flow Rebate Program Terms & Conditions.

Options can be risky and are not suitable for all investors. See the Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options to learn more.

All investing involves the risk of loss, including loss of principal. Brokerage services for US-listed, registered securities, options and bonds in a self-directed account are offered by Open to the Public Investing, Inc., member FINRA & SIPC. See public.com/#disclosures-main for more information.

We’re back with another episode of The Option Block brought to you by Cboe Global Markets.

On this episode, we:

Discuss what's going on in the options markets today including AAPL moves
Talk about the most active equity options today
Look into earnings volatility in DPZ, AA, UAL, NFLX
Examine the latest unusual options activity in DJT, PLTR, NVDA
And we have an off-topic discussion about dinosaurs

With your hosts:

Mark Longo, The Options Insider Media Group
Henry "The Flowmaster" Schwartz, Cboe Global Markets
Mark "The Greasy Meatball" Sebastian, The Option Pit
“Uncle” Mike Tosaw, St. Charles Wealth Management

Check out the Trade of the Day Insights Newsletter from Trade Alert - Request access to admin@trade-alert.com

We’re back with another episode of The Option Block brought to you by Public.

On this episode, we break down how the markets were impacted by the events of this weekend. We discuss the most active equity options for the day including DJT. We also look at unusual options activity in TKO and RSI. In our Strategy Block Segment, Mike Tosaw discusses buying some protection for your portfolio during election season. In our final segment, we look at the results of our poll about whether you would trade a new Russell 2000 volatility product.

With your hosts:

Mark Longo, The Options Insider Media Group
Andrew “The Rock Lobster: Giovinazzi, The Option Pit
“Uncle” Mike Tosaw, St. Charles Wealth Management

Options are not suitable for all investors and carry significant risk. Option investors can rapidly lose the value of their investment in a short period of time and incur permanent loss by expiration date. Certain complex options strategies carry additional risk. There are additional costs associated with option strategies that call for multiple purchases and sales of options, such as spreads, straddles, among others, as compared with a single option trade.

Prior to buying or selling an option, investors must read and understand the “Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options”, also known as the options disclosure document (ODD) which can be found at: www.theocc.com/company-information/documents-and-archives/options-disclosure-document

Supporting documentation for any claims will be furnished upon request.

If you are enrolled in our Options Order Flow Rebate Program, The exact rebate will depend on the specifics of each transaction and will be previewed for you prior to submitting each trade. This rebate will be deducted from your cost to place the trade and will be reflected on your trade confirmation. Order flow rebates are not available for non-options transactions. To learn more, see our Fee Schedule, Order Flow Rebate FAQ, and Order Flow Rebate Program Terms & Conditions.

Options can be risky and are not suitable for all investors. See the Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options to learn more.

All investing involves the risk of loss, including loss of principal. Brokerage services for US-listed, registered securities, options and bonds in a self-directed account are offered by Open to the Public Investing, Inc., member FINRA & SIPC. See public.com/#disclosures-main for more information.

We’re back with another episode of The Option Block brought to you by Cboe Global Markets.

On this episode, we:

Discuss the latest in the options markets today including small caps, IWM, and post CPI
Look into June earnings volume numbers from OCC and today's options volume
Examine the latest unusual options activity in TFC, GTES, SOUN
Talk about interesting use cases for flex options

With your hosts:

Mark Longo, The Options Insider Media Group
Henry "The Flowmaster" Schwartz, Cboe Global Markets
Andrew "The Rock Lobster" Giovinazzi, The Option Pit

Check out the Trade of the Day Insights Newsletter from Trade Alert - Request access to admin@trade-alert.com

We’re back with another episode of The Option Block brought to you by Public.

On this episode, we break down the latest news in the markets including META and VIX. We discuss the most active equity options for the day and the latest earnings volatility including DAL, PEP, JPM, WFC, C, and MANU. We also look at unusual options activity in GSK and INTT. In our Strategy Block Segment, Mike Tosaw explains how you can maintain your stock exposure in retirement. In our final segment, we discuss if we are on track for another explosive earnings season.

With your hosts:

Mark Longo, The Options Insider Media Group
Andrew “The Rock Lobster: Giovinazzi, The Option Pit
“Uncle” Mike Tosaw, St. Charles Wealth Management

Options are not suitable for all investors and carry significant risk. Option investors can rapidly lose the value of their investment in a short period of time and incur permanent loss by expiration date. Certain complex options strategies carry additional risk. There are additional costs associated with option strategies that call for multiple purchases and sales of options, such as spreads, straddles, among others, as compared with a single option trade.

Prior to buying or selling an option, investors must read and understand the “Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options”, also known as the options disclosure document (ODD) which can be found at: www.theocc.com/company-information/documents-and-archives/options-disclosure-document

Supporting documentation for any claims will be furnished upon request.

If you are enrolled in our Options Order Flow Rebate Program, The exact rebate will depend on the specifics of each transaction and will be previewed for you prior to submitting each trade. This rebate will be deducted from your cost to place the trade and will be reflected on your trade confirmation. Order flow rebates are not available for non-options transactions. To learn more, see our Fee Schedule, Order Flow Rebate FAQ, and Order Flow Rebate Program Terms & Conditions.

Options can be risky and are not suitable for all investors. See the Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options to learn more.

All investing involves the risk of loss, including loss of principal. Brokerage services for US-listed, registered securities, options and bonds in a self-directed account are offered by Open to the Public Investing, Inc., member FINRA & SIPC. See public.com/#disclosures-main for more information.

We’re back with another episode of The Option Block brought to you by Public.

On this episode, we break down the latest news in the markets. We discuss the most active equity options for the day and the latest earnings volatility. We also look at unusual options activity in GSK and KEY. In our Strategy Block Segment, Mike Tosaw explains how options can set up your retirement portfolio. In our final segment, we discuss how you would trade NVDA right now.

With your hosts:

Mark Longo, The Options Insider Media Group
Andrew “The Rock Lobster: Giovinazzi, The Option Pit
“Uncle” Mike Tosaw, St. Charles Wealth Management

Options are not suitable for all investors and carry significant risk. Option investors can rapidly lose the value of their investment in a short period of time and incur permanent loss by expiration date. Certain complex options strategies carry additional risk. There are additional costs associated with option strategies that call for multiple purchases and sales of options, such as spreads, straddles, among others, as compared with a single option trade.

Prior to buying or selling an option, investors must read and understand the “Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options”, also known as the options disclosure document (ODD) which can be found at: www.theocc.com/company-information/documents-and-archives/options-disclosure-document

Supporting documentation for any claims will be furnished upon request.

If you are enrolled in our Options Order Flow Rebate Program, The exact rebate will depend on the specifics of each transaction and will be previewed for you prior to submitting each trade. This rebate will be deducted from your cost to place the trade and will be reflected on your trade confirmation. Order flow rebates are not available for non-options transactions. To learn more, see our Fee Schedule, Order Flow Rebate FAQ, and Order Flow Rebate Program Terms & Conditions.

Options can be risky and are not suitable for all investors. See the Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options to learn more.

All investing involves the risk of loss, including loss of principal. Brokerage services for US-listed, registered securities, options and bonds in a self-directed account are offered by Open to the Public Investing, Inc., member FINRA & SIPC. See public.com/#disclosures-main for more information.

We’re back with another episode of The Option Block brought to you by Cboe Global Markets.

On this episode, we:

Discuss the most active equity options today including WBA, RIVN
Look into earnings volatility in WBA, LEVI, NKE
Examine the latest unusual options activity in RIVN, CHWY, BARK, MPLX
Talk about which options strategies traders anticipate using the most during this traditionally quiet period until Labor Day

With your hosts:

Mark Longo, The Options Insider Media Group
Henry "The Flowmaster" Schwartz, Cboe Global Markets
Mark "The Greasy Meatball" Sebastian, The Option Pit
“Uncle” Mike Tosaw, St. Charles Wealth Management

Check out the Trade of the Day Insights Newsletter from Trade Alert - Request access to admin@trade-alert.com

We’re back with another episode of The Option Block brought to you by Public.

On this episode, we break down the latest news in the markets. We discuss the most active equity options for the day including SMCI, GME, AAPL, and NVDA. We talk about the latest earnings volatility including FDX and MU. We also look at unusual options activity in RXO, HUN, and SID. In our Strategy Block Segment, Mike Tosaw says hedging is cool again. In our final segment, we discuss what options strategy do you anticipate using during this traditionally quiet period until Labor Day.

With your hosts:

Mark Longo, The Options Insider Media Group
Andrew “The Rock Lobster: Giovinazzi, The Option Pit
“Uncle” Mike Tosaw, St. Charles Wealth Management

Options are not suitable for all investors and carry significant risk. Option investors can rapidly lose the value of their investment in a short period of time and incur permanent loss by expiration date. Certain complex options strategies carry additional risk. There are additional costs associated with option strategies that call for multiple purchases and sales of options, such as spreads, straddles, among others, as compared with a single option trade.

Prior to buying or selling an option, investors must read and understand the “Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options”, also known as the options disclosure document (ODD) which can be found at: www.theocc.com/company-information/documents-and-archives/options-disclosure-document

Supporting documentation for any claims will be furnished upon request.

If you are enrolled in our Options Order Flow Rebate Program, The exact rebate will depend on the specifics of each transaction and will be previewed for you prior to submitting each trade. This rebate will be deducted from your cost to place the trade and will be reflected on your trade confirmation. Order flow rebates are not available for non-options transactions. To learn more, see our Fee Schedule, Order Flow Rebate FAQ, and Order Flow Rebate Program Terms & Conditions.

Options can be risky and are not suitable for all investors. See the Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options to learn more.

All investing involves the risk of loss, including loss of principal. Brokerage services for US-listed, registered securities, options and bonds in a self-directed account are offered by Open to the Public Investing, Inc., member FINRA & SIPC. See public.com/#disclosures-main for more information.

We’re back with another episode of The Option Block brought to you by Cboe Global Markets.

On this episode, we:

Discuss the most active equity options today including NVDA
Look at unusual options activity in VIX, AKAM
Discuss whether there is shady business going on in GME

With your hosts:

Mark Longo, The Options Insider Media Group
Henry Schwartz, Cboe Global Markets
Andrew "The Rock Lobster" Giovinazzi, The Option Pit
“Uncle” Mike Tosaw, St. Charles Wealth Management

Check out the Trade of the Day Insights Newsletter from Trade Alert - Request access to admin@trade-alert.com

We’re back with another episode of The Option Block brought to you by Public.

On this episode, we break down the latest news in the markets. We discuss the most active equity options for the day including MU and SOFI. We talk about the latest earnings volatility including LEN, KBH, and DRI. We also look at unusual options activity in SLS, SLB, and ALGM. In our Strategy Block Segment, Mike Tosaw discusses strike price selection with covered calls. In our final segment, we discuss whether GME is being manipulated and how you would trade SLS right now.

With your hosts:

Mark Longo, The Options Insider Media Group
Andrew “The Rock Lobster: Giovinazzi, The Option Pit
“Uncle” Mike Tosaw, St. Charles Wealth Management

Options are not suitable for all investors and carry significant risk. Option investors can rapidly lose the value of their investment in a short period of time and incur permanent loss by expiration date. Certain complex options strategies carry additional risk. There are additional costs associated with option strategies that call for multiple purchases and sales of options, such as spreads, straddles, among others, as compared with a single option trade.

Prior to buying or selling an option, investors must read and understand the “Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options”, also known as the options disclosure document (ODD) which can be found at: www.theocc.com/company-information/documents-and-archives/options-disclosure-document

Supporting documentation for any claims will be furnished upon request.

If you are enrolled in our Options Order Flow Rebate Program, The exact rebate will depend on the specifics of each transaction and will be previewed for you prior to submitting each trade. This rebate will be deducted from your cost to place the trade and will be reflected on your trade confirmation. Order flow rebates are not available for non-options transactions. To learn more, see our Fee Schedule, Order Flow Rebate FAQ, and Order Flow Rebate Program Terms & Conditions.

Options can be risky and are not suitable for all investors. See the Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options to learn more.

All investing involves the risk of loss, including loss of principal. Brokerage services for US-listed, registered securities, options and bonds in a self-directed account are offered by Open to the Public Investing, Inc., member FINRA & SIPC. See public.com/#disclosures-main for more information.

We’re back with another episode of The Option Block brought to you by Cboe Global Markets.

On this episode, we:

Break down how we are playing AAPL right now.
Discuss at the most active equity options today including MARA, AAPL, NVDA.
Look at unusual options activity in GME, AAPL, BMBL

With your hosts:

Mark Longo, The Options Insider Media Group
Kevin Carter, Cboe Global Markets
Andrew "The Rock Lobster" Giovinazzi, The Option Pit
“Uncle” Mike Tosaw, St. Charles Wealth Management

Check out the Trade of the Day Insights Newsletter from Trade Alert - Request access to admin@trade-alert.com

We’re back with another episode of The Option Block brought to you by Public.

On this episode, we break down the latest news in the markets including the Fed. We discuss the most active equity options for the day including GME and NVDA. We talk about the latest earnings volatility including ORCL, PLAY, and ADBE. We also look at unusual options activity in KEY and AVTR. In our Strategy Block Segment, Mike Tosaw discusses why you would do a covered call as an asset case. In our final segment, we discuss whether the Fed will cut rates this week.

With your hosts:

Mark Longo, The Options Insider Media Group
Andrew “The Rock Lobster: Giovinazzi, The Option Pit
“Uncle” Mike Tosaw, St. Charles Wealth Management

Options are not suitable for all investors and carry significant risk. Option investors can rapidly lose the value of their investment in a short period of time and incur permanent loss by expiration date. Certain complex options strategies carry additional risk. There are additional costs associated with option strategies that call for multiple purchases and sales of options, such as spreads, straddles, among others, as compared with a single option trade.

Prior to buying or selling an option, investors must read and understand the “Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options”, also known as the options disclosure document (ODD) which can be found at: www.theocc.com/company-information/documents-and-archives/options-disclosure-document

Supporting documentation for any claims will be furnished upon request.

If you are enrolled in our Options Order Flow Rebate Program, The exact rebate will depend on the specifics of each transaction and will be previewed for you prior to submitting each trade. This rebate will be deducted from your cost to place the trade and will be reflected on your trade confirmation. Order flow rebates are not available for non-options transactions. To learn more, see our Fee Schedule, Order Flow Rebate FAQ, and Order Flow Rebate Program Terms & Conditions.

Options can be risky and are not suitable for all investors. See the Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options to learn more.

All investing involves the risk of loss, including loss of principal. Brokerage services for US-listed, registered securities, options and bonds in a self-directed account are offered by Open to the Public Investing, Inc., member FINRA & SIPC. See public.com/#disclosures-main for more information.

We’re back with another episode of The Option Block brought to you by Cboe Global Markets.

On this episode, we break down the latest in the options markets today including GME and silver. We also look at the most active equity options today including HOOD and PLTR. We discuss earnings today in FIVE and LULU. We also look at unusual options activity in GME, IOT, and CNQ. We talk about our Question of the Week about buying HOOD or PLTR right now, and much more.

With your hosts:

Mark Longo, The Options Insider Media Group
Henry “The Flowmaster” Schwartz, Cboe Global Markets
Mark "The Greasy Meatball" Sebastian, The Option Pit
“Uncle” Mike Tosaw, St. Charles Wealth Management

Check out the Trade of the Day Insights Newsletter from Trade Alert - Request access to admin@trade-alert.com

We’re back with another episode of The Option Block brought to you by Public

On this episode, we break down the latest in the options markets including NVDA. We discuss the most active equity options for the day including GME and the latest earnings volatility including OLLI, FIVE, and LULU. We also look at unusual options activity in AVTR, INTT, and WBD. In our Strategy Block Segment, Mike Tosaw discusses use cases for a 60/40 portfolio model. In our final segment, we talk about picking some stocks. Both Palantir and Robinhood are trading around $21. Which one would you rather buy?

With your hosts:

Mark Longo, The Options Insider Media Group
Andrew “The Rock Lobster: Giovinazzi, The Option Pit
“Uncle” Mike Tosaw, St. Charles Wealth Management

The Option Block is brought to you by Public.

Options are not suitable for all investors and carry significant risk. Option investors can rapidly lose the value of their investment in a short period of time and incur permanent loss by expiration date. Certain complex options strategies carry additional risk. There are additional costs associated with option strategies that call for multiple purchases and sales of options, such as spreads, straddles, among others, as compared with a single option trade.

Prior to buying or selling an option, investors must read and understand the “Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options”, also known as the options disclosure document (ODD) which can be found at: www.theocc.com/company-information/documents-and-archives/options-disclosure-document

Supporting documentation for any claims will be furnished upon request.

If you are enrolled in our Options Order Flow Rebate Program, The exact rebate will depend on the specifics of each transaction and will be previewed for you prior to submitting each trade. This rebate will be deducted from your cost to place the trade and will be reflected on your trade confirmation. Order flow rebates are not available for non-options transactions. To learn more, see our Fee Schedule, Order Flow Rebate FAQ, and Order Flow Rebate Program Terms & Conditions.

Options can be risky and are not suitable for all investors. See the Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options to learn more.

All investing involves the risk of loss, including loss of principal. Brokerage services for US-listed, registered securities, options and bonds in a self-directed account are offered by Open to the Public Investing, Inc., member FINRA & SIPC. See public.com/#disclosures-main for more information.

We’re back with another episode of The Option Block brought to you by Cboe Global Markets.

On this episode, we break down the latest in the options markets today including CRM and silver. We also look at the most active equity options today including FFIE, HOOD, and CRM. We discuss earnings today in FL, BURL, BBY, and DG. We also look at unusual options activity in FL, MRVL, and AVTR, and much more.

With your hosts:

Mark Longo, The Options Insider Media Group
Henry “The Flowmaster” Schwartz, Cboe Global Markets
Mark "The Greasy Meatball" Sebastian, The Option Pit
“Uncle” Mike Tosaw, St. Charles Wealth Management

Check out the Trade of the Day Insights Newsletter from Trade Alert - Request access to admin@trade-alert.com

We’re back with another episode of The Option Block brought to you by Cboe Global Markets.

On this episode, we break down the latest in the options markets today including NVDA. We also look at the most active equity options today including NVDA. We discuss earnings today in SNOW and NVDA. We also look at unusual options activity in BE, MPW, BMBL, and GEO, and much more.

With your hosts:

Mark Longo, The Options Insider Media Group
Henry “The Flowmaster” Schwartz, Cboe Global Markets
Mark "The Greasy Meatball" Sebastian, The Option Pit
“Uncle” Mike Tosaw, St. Charles Wealth Management

Check out the Trade of the Day Insights Newsletter from Trade Alert - Request access to admin@trade-alert.com

We’re back with another episode of The Option Block brought to you by Public

On this episode, we break down the latest in the options markets including SLVR. We discuss the most active equity options for the day including HOOD and FFIE. We also look at unusual options activity in YMM and LI. In our Strategy Block Segment, Mike Tosaw discusses volatility as an asset class itself. In our final segment, we discuss NVDA earnings this week.

With your hosts:

Mark Longo, The Options Insider Media Group
Andrew “The Rock Lobster: Giovinazzi, The Option Pit
“Uncle” Mike Tosaw, St. Charles Wealth Management

The Option Block is brought to you by Public.

Options are not suitable for all investors and carry significant risk. Option investors can rapidly lose the value of their investment in a short period of time and incur permanent loss by expiration date. Certain complex options strategies carry additional risk. There are additional costs associated with option strategies that call for multiple purchases and sales of options, such as spreads, straddles, among others, as compared with a single option trade.

Prior to buying or selling an option, investors must read and understand the “Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options”, also known as the options disclosure document (ODD) which can be found at: www.theocc.com/company-information/documents-and-archives/options-disclosure-document

Supporting documentation for any claims will be furnished upon request.

If you are enrolled in our Options Order Flow Rebate Program, The exact rebate will depend on the specifics of each transaction and will be previewed for you prior to submitting each trade. This rebate will be deducted from your cost to place the trade and will be reflected on your trade confirmation. Order flow rebates are not available for non-options transactions. To learn more, see our Fee Schedule, Order Flow Rebate FAQ, and Order Flow Rebate Program Terms & Conditions.

Options can be risky and are not suitable for all investors. See the Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options to learn more.

All investing involves the risk of loss, including loss of principal. Brokerage services for US-listed, registered securities, options and bonds in a self-directed account are offered by Open to the Public Investing, Inc., member FINRA & SIPC. See public.com/#disclosures-main for more information.

We’re back with another episode of The Option Block brought to you by Cboe Global Markets.

On this episode, we break down the latest in the options markets today including CB, JPM, NVDA, GOOGL, AAPL, 0dte, and QQQ. We also look at the most active equity options today including FFIE. We discuss earnings today in WMT, CSCO, AMAT. We also look at unusual options activity in FFIE, SPCE, FUTU, and SNAP. We discuss whether we will see 0dte options in single name stocks this year and much more.

With your hosts:

Mark Longo, The Options Insider Media Group
Henry “The Flowmaster” Schwartz, Cboe Global Markets
Mark "The Greasy Meatball" Sebastian, The Option Pit
“Uncle” Mike Tosaw, St. Charles Wealth Management

Check out the Trade of the Day Insights Newsletter from Trade Alert - Request access to admin@trade-alert.com

We’re back with another episode of The Option Block brought to you by Public

On this episode, we break down the latest in the options markets. We discuss the most active equity options for the day including AMC, GME. We also look at earnings volatility in MITK, LEGN, STNE, BABA, HD, CSCO and unusual options activity in REIT and ABR. In our Strategy Block Segment, Mike Tosaw discusses two ways to hedge your stocks using puts: direct hedging or correlated hedging. In our final segment, we discuss our thoughts on whether or not we will see options on the bitcoin etfs this year.

With your hosts:

Mark Longo, The Options Insider Media Group
Andrew “The Rock Lobster: Giovinazzi, The Option Pit
“Uncle” Mike Tosaw, St. Charles Wealth Management

The Option Block is brought to you by Public.

Options are not suitable for all investors and carry significant risk. Option investors can rapidly lose the value of their investment in a short period of time and incur permanent loss by expiration date. Certain complex options strategies carry additional risk. There are additional costs associated with option strategies that call for multiple purchases and sales of options, such as spreads, straddles, among others, as compared with a single option trade.

Prior to buying or selling an option, investors must read and understand the “Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options”, also known as the options disclosure document (ODD) which can be found at: www.theocc.com/company-information/documents-and-archives/options-disclosure-document

Supporting documentation for any claims will be furnished upon request.

If you are enrolled in our Options Order Flow Rebate Program, The exact rebate will depend on the specifics of each transaction and will be previewed for you prior to submitting each trade. This rebate will be deducted from your cost to place the trade and will be reflected on your trade confirmation. Order flow rebates are not available for non-options transactions. To learn more, see our Fee Schedule, Order Flow Rebate FAQ, and Order Flow Rebate Program Terms & Conditions.

Options can be risky and are not suitable for all investors. See the Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options to learn more.

All investing involves the risk of loss, including loss of principal. Brokerage services for US-listed, registered securities, options and bonds in a self-directed account are offered by Open to the Public Investing, Inc., member FINRA & SIPC. See public.com/#disclosures-main for more information.

We’re back with another episode of The Option Block brought to you by Cboe Global Markets.

On this episode, we break down the latest in the options markets including earnings in RBLX, PZZA, YETI, ABNB, ARM, BMBL, TKO, and HOOD. We also look at unusual options activity in CAPR, silver stocks, VST, and VZIO. We discuss whether we will see 0dte options in single name stocks this year and much more.

With your hosts:

Mark Longo, The Options Insider Media Group
Henry “The Flowmaster” Schwartz, Cboe Global Markets
Andrew “The Rock Lobster: Giovinazzi, The Option Pit
“Uncle” Mike Tosaw, St. Charles Wealth Management

Check out the Trade of the Day Insights Newsletter from Trade Alert - Request access to admin@trade-alert.com

We’re back with another episode of The Option Block brought to you by Public

On this episode, we break down the latest in the options markets. We also look at unusual options activity in PTON, VZIO, and BGC. In our Strategy Block Segment, Mike Tosaw discusses what your choices are when your covered calls are in the money.

With your hosts:

Mark Longo, The Options Insider Media Group
Andrew “The Rock Lobster: Giovinazzi, The Option Pit
“Uncle” Mike Tosaw, St. Charles Wealth Management

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction

08:05 Trading Block (AAPL, GME)

35:39 Odd Block (SBUX, VIPS, MLCO)

48:58 Strategy Block

54:22 Around the Block

The Option Block is brought to you by Public.

Options are not suitable for all investors and carry significant risk. Option investors can rapidly lose the value of their investment in a short period of time and incur permanent loss by expiration date. Certain complex options strategies carry additional risk. There are additional costs associated with option strategies that call for multiple purchases and sales of options, such as spreads, straddles, among others, as compared with a single option trade.

Prior to buying or selling an option, investors must read and understand the “Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options”, also known as the options disclosure document (ODD) which can be found at: www.theocc.com/company-information/documents-and-archives/options-disclosure-document

Supporting documentation for any claims will be furnished upon request.

If you are enrolled in our Options Order Flow Rebate Program, The exact rebate will depend on the specifics of each transaction and will be previewed for you prior to submitting each trade. This rebate will be deducted from your cost to place the trade and will be reflected on your trade confirmation. Order flow rebates are not available for non-options transactions. To learn more, see our Fee Schedule, Order Flow Rebate FAQ, and Order Flow Rebate Program Terms & Conditions.

Options can be risky and are not suitable for all investors. See the Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options to learn more.

All investing involves the risk of loss, including loss of principal. Brokerage services for US-listed, registered securities, options and bonds in a self-directed account are offered by Open to the Public Investing, Inc., member FINRA & SIPC. See public.com/#disclosures-main for more information.

We’re back with another episode of The Option Block brought to you by Cboe Global Markets.

On this episode, we break down the latest in the options markets including the Options Industry Conference and the state of the options market. We also look at unusual options activity in SBUX, VIPS and MLCO.

With your hosts:

Mark Longo, The Options Insider Media Group
Henry “The Flowmaster” Schwartz, Cboe Global Markets
Andrew “The Rock Lobster: Giovinazzi, The Option Pit
“Uncle” Mike Tosaw, St. Charles Wealth Management

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction

06:42 Trading Block

33:15 Odd Block (SBUX, VIPS, MLCO)

47:03 Around the Block

Check out the Trade of the Day Insights Newsletter from Trade Alert - Request access to admin@trade-alert.com

#OptionsConf2024 #Cboe #OptionsTrading #SBUX #VIPS #MLCO

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP CO-HOST: MARK SEBASTIAN, THE OPTION PIT CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

ON THIS EPISODE, MARK, THE GREASY MEATBALL, AND UNCLE MIKE BREAK DOWN:

THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS INCL AMD, THE OPTIONS CONFERENCE
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS INCL INTC, TSLA
EARNINGS VOLATILITY INCL DPZ, MCD, KO, PYPL, AMD, AMZN, SBUX, DASH, CVNA, EBAY, QCOM, PTEN, MRNA, SHAK, AAPL, COIN, DKNG, CBOE
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN AVTR, GILD, MLCO
HEDGING APRECIATED VALUE USING A TRADITIONAL COLLAR
WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK
AND MUCH MORE

The Option Block is brought to you by Public.

Options are not suitable for all investors and carry significant risk. Option investors can rapidly lose the value of their investment in a short period of time and incur permanent loss by expiration date. Certain complex options strategies carry additional risk. There are additional costs associated with option strategies that call for multiple purchases and sales of options, such as spreads, straddles, among others, as compared with a single option trade.

Prior to buying or selling an option, investors must read and understand the “Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options”, also known as the options disclosure document (ODD) which can be found at: www.theocc.com/company-information/documents-and-archives/options-disclosure-document

Supporting documentation for any claims will be furnished upon request.

If you are enrolled in our Options Order Flow Rebate Program, The exact rebate will depend on the specifics of each transaction and will be previewed for you prior to submitting each trade. This rebate will be deducted from your cost to place the trade and will be reflected on your trade confirmation. Order flow rebates are not available for non-options transactions. To learn more, see our Fee Schedule, Order Flow Rebate FAQ, and Order Flow Rebate Program Terms & Conditions.

Options can be risky and are not suitable for all investors. See the Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options to learn more.

All investing involves the risk of loss, including loss of principal. Brokerage services for US-listed, registered securities, options and bonds in a self-directed account are offered by Open to the Public Investing, Inc., member FINRA & SIPC. See public.com/#disclosures-main for more information.

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP CO-HOST: MARK SEBASTIAN, THE OPTION PIT CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT CO-HOST: HENRY SCHWARTZ, CBOE GLOBAL MARKETS

ON THIS EPISODE, MARK, THE GREASY MEATBALL, UNCLE MIKE, AND THE FLOWMASTER BREAK DOWN:

THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS INCL THE PIT TRADING CARD GAME
THE MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCL INTC
EARNINGS VOLATILITY IN LUV, META, IBM, CARR, CMG, F
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN PEP, GEO, PTON, GILD
DO WE THINK STOCKS SHOULD TRADE 24/7
WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK AND WEEKEND
AND MUCH MORE

TRADE OF THE DAY INSIGHTS NEWSLETTER - REQUEST ACCESS TO ADMIN@TRADE-ALERT.COM

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

ON THIS EPISODE, MARK, THE ROCK LOBSTER, AND UNCLE MIKE BREAK DOWN:

THE LATEST 80'S MOVIE TRIVIA QUESTION
THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS INCL AMC
EARNINGS VOLATILITY INCL VZ, TSLA, BA, META, AAL
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN WBD, CPNG
A PASSIVE HEDGE BECOMING AN ACTIVE HEDGE IN TRADING
DO YOU THINK STOCKS SHOULD TRADE 24/7
WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK
AND MUCH MORE

The Option Block is brought to you by Public.

Options are not suitable for all investors and carry significant risk. Option investors can rapidly lose the value of their investment in a short period of time and incur permanent loss by expiration date. Certain complex options strategies carry additional risk. There are additional costs associated with option strategies that call for multiple purchases and sales of options, such as spreads, straddles, among others, as compared with a single option trade.

Prior to buying or selling an option, investors must read and understand the “Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options”, also known as the options disclosure document (ODD) which can be found at: www.theocc.com/company-information/documents-and-archives/options-disclosure-document

Supporting documentation for any claims will be furnished upon request.

If you are enrolled in our Options Order Flow Rebate Program, The exact rebate will depend on the specifics of each transaction and will be previewed for you prior to submitting each trade. This rebate will be deducted from your cost to place the trade and will be reflected on your trade confirmation. Order flow rebates are not available for non-options transactions. To learn more, see our Fee Schedule, Order Flow Rebate FAQ, and Order Flow Rebate Program Terms & Conditions.

Options can be risky and are not suitable for all investors. See the Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options to learn more.

All investing involves the risk of loss, including loss of principal. Brokerage services for US-listed, registered securities, options and bonds in a self-directed account are offered by Open to the Public Investing, Inc., member FINRA & SIPC. See public.com/#disclosures-main for more information.

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP CO-HOST: MARK SEBASTIAN, THE OPTION PIT CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT CO-HOST: HENRY SCHWARTZ, CBOE GLOBAL MARKETS

ON THIS EPISODE, MARK, THE GREASY MEATBALL, UNCLE MIKE, AND THE FLOWMASTER BREAK DOWN:

THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS INCL MU
THE MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCL TSM
EARNINGS VOLATILITY IN AA, NFLX
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN SNAP, ERIC, HTZ
WHAT IS THE BIGGEST DRIVER OF THIS MARKET RALLY
WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK AND WEEKEND
AND MUCH MORE

TRADE OF THE DAY INSIGHTS NEWSLETTER - REQUEST ACCESS TO ADMIN@TRADE-ALERT.COM

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

ON THIS EPISODE, MARK, THE ROCK LOBSTER, AND UNCLE MIKE BREAK DOWN:

80'S MOVIE TRIVIA QUESTION
THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS
EARNINGS VOLATILITY INCL GS, SCHW, BAC, JNJ, AA, UAL, NFLX
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN ERIC, HCP
WHAT IS UP WITH BOND YIELDS RIGHT NOW
WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK
AND MUCH MORE

The Option Block is brought to you by Public.

Options are not suitable for all investors and carry significant risk. Option investors can rapidly lose the value of their investment in a short period of time and incur permanent loss by expiration date. Certain complex options strategies carry additional risk. There are additional costs associated with option strategies that call for multiple purchases and sales of options, such as spreads, straddles, among others, as compared with a single option trade.

Prior to buying or selling an option, investors must read and understand the “Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options”, also known as the options disclosure document (ODD) which can be found at: www.theocc.com/company-information/documents-and-archives/options-disclosure-document

Supporting documentation for any claims will be furnished upon request.

If you are enrolled in our Options Order Flow Rebate Program, The exact rebate will depend on the specifics of each transaction and will be previewed for you prior to submitting each trade. This rebate will be deducted from your cost to place the trade and will be reflected on your trade confirmation. Order flow rebates are not available for non-options transactions. To learn more, see our Fee Schedule, Order Flow Rebate FAQ, and Order Flow Rebate Program Terms & Conditions.

Options can be risky and are not suitable for all investors. See the Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options to learn more.

All investing involves the risk of loss, including loss of principal. Brokerage services for US-listed, registered securities, options and bonds in a self-directed account are offered by Open to the Public Investing, Inc., member FINRA & SIPC. See public.com/#disclosures-main for more information.

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP CO-HOST: MARK SEBASTIAN, THE OPTION PIT CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT CO-HOST: HENRY SCHWARTZ, CBOE GLOBAL MARKETS

ON THIS EPISODE, MARK, THE GREASY MEATBALL, UNCLE MIKE, AND THE FLOWMASTER BREAK DOWN:

THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS
THE MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCL NKLA
EARNINGS VOLATILITY IN KMX, JPM, BAC, WFC, PNC
USING FLEX OPTIONS
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN GGAL, NVDA
ARE OPTIONS ZERO-SUM GAME
WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK AND WEEKEND
AND MUCH MORE

TRADE OF THE DAY INSIGHTS NEWSLETTER - REQUEST ACCESS TO ADMIN@TRADE-ALERT.COM

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

ON THIS EPISODE, MARK, THE ROCK LOBSTER, AND UNCLE MIKE BREAK DOWN:

80'S MOVIE TRIVIA QUESTION
THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS INCL TSM
EARNINGS VOLATILITY INCL DAL, C, WFC, GS, JPM
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN NVDA, KTOS, DAR
CONTRIBUTING TO YOUR IRA BEFORE THE END OF TAX SEASON
WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK
AND MUCH MORE

Options are not suitable for all investors and carry significant risk. Option investors can rapidly lose the value of their investment in a short period of time and incur permanent loss by expiration date. Certain complex options strategies carry additional risk. There are additional costs associated with option strategies that call for multiple purchases and sales of options, such as spreads, straddles, among others, as compared with a single option trade.

Prior to buying or selling an option, investors must read and understand the “Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options”, also known as the options disclosure document (ODD) which can be found at: www.theocc.com/company-information/documents-and-archives/options-disclosure-document

Supporting documentation for any claims will be furnished upon request.

If you are enrolled in our Options Order Flow Rebate Program, The exact rebate will depend on the specifics of each transaction and will be previewed for you prior to submitting each trade. This rebate will be deducted from your cost to place the trade and will be reflected on your trade confirmation. Order flow rebates are not available for non-options transactions. To learn more, see our Fee Schedule, Order Flow Rebate FAQ, and Order Flow Rebate Program Terms & Conditions.

Options can be risky and are not suitable for all investors. See the Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options to learn more.

All investing involves the risk of loss, including loss of principal. Brokerage services for US-listed, registered securities, options and bonds in a self-directed account are offered by Open to the Public Investing, Inc., member FINRA & SIPC. See public.com/#disclosures-main for more information.

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP CO-HOST: MARK SEBASTIAN, THE OPTION PIT CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT CO-HOST: HENRY SCHWARTZ, CBOE GLOBAL MARKETS

ON THIS EPISODE, MARK, THE GREASY MEATBALL, UNCLE MIKE, AND THE FLOWMASTER BREAK DOWN:

THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS INCL SLV
THE MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCL TSLA
EARNINGS VOLATILITY IN LEVI, CAG, DAL
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN MNTK, FLNC, MTCH
HOW ARE YOU APPROACHING SPX/SPY IN YOUR PORTFOLIO RIGHT NOW
WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK AND WEEKEND
AND MUCH MORE

TRADE OF THE DAY INSIGHTS NEWSLETTER - REQUEST ACCESS TO ADMIN@TRADE-ALERT.COM

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT CO-HOST: HENRY SCHWARTZ, CBOE GLOBAL MARKETS

ON THIS EPISODE, MARK, THE ROCK LOBSTER, UNCLE MIKE, AND THE FLOWMASTER BREAK DOWN:

THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS
WHAT IS KEEPING VOLATILITY LOW? ARE COVERED CALLS FUNDS KILLING VOLATILITY
THE MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCL MARA
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN NANOS, DJT
APPLE VS. TESLA - WHICH WOULD YOU RATHER BUY RIGHT NOW
WHAT MARKET SEGMENT ARE YOU THE MOST EXCITED ABOUT FOR THE REST OF THE YEAR
SPX BLOCKS
WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK AND WEEKEND
AND MUCH MORE

TRADE OF THE DAY INSIGHTS NEWSLETTER - REQUEST ACCESS TO ADMIN@TRADE-ALERT.COM

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

ON THIS EPISODE, MARK, THE ROCK LOBSTER, AND UNCLE MIKE BREAK DOWN:

80'S WRESTLEMANIA QUESTION
THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS INCL MARA
EARNINGS VOLATILITY INCL WBA
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN ALL, LCID, CORT
THE MOST TAX INEFFICIENT STRATEGY - THE COVERED CALL
WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK
AND MUCH MORE

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP CO-HOST: MARK SEBASTIAN, THE OPTION PIT CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT CO-HOST: KEVIN CARTER, CBOE GLOBAL MARKETS

ON THIS EPISODE, MARK, THE GREASY MEATBALL, UNCLE MIKE, AND KEVIN BREAK DOWN:

THE MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCL THE FED
EARNINGS SEASON VOLATILITY IN FIVE, DRI, MU, CHWY
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN NAT, MET, CPRT
WHAT IS YOUR PRIMARY REASON FOR TRADING OPTIONS
WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK AND WEEKEND
AND MUCH MORE

TRADE OF THE DAY INSIGHTS NEWSLETTER - REQUEST ACCESS TO ADMIN@TRADE-ALERT.COM

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

ON THIS EPISODE, MARK, THE ROCK LOBSTER, AND UNCLE MIKE BREAK DOWN:

THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS INCL SMR, GOOGL, AAPL, AI
MOST ACTIVE INDICES INCL QQQ
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS INCL PLTR, WBD, GOOG
EARNINGS VOLATILITY INCL STNE, OLLI, CHWY, FIVE, MU, DRI, LULU
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN VLO, CLBT
OPTIONS GIVE YOU OPTIONS
WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK
AND MUCH MORE

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT CO-HOST: HENRY SCHWARTZ, CBOE GLOBAL MARKETS

ON THIS EPISODE, MARK, THE ROCK LOBSTER, UNCLE MIKE, AND THE FLOWMASTER BREAK DOWN:

THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS
THE MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY
EARNINGS VOLATILITY IN DKS, DG
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN CMI, VIX, BMY, TIGR
HOW MANY OPEN OPTIONS POSITIONS IN YOUR TRADING ACCOUNT
WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK AND WEEKEND
AND MUCH MORE

TRADE OF THE DAY INSIGHTS NEWSLETTER - REQUEST ACCESS TO ADMIN@TRADE-ALERT.COM

GUEST HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT WHILE THE BENEVOLENT DICTATOR MARK LONGO IS AWAY, THE ROCK LOBSTER, AND UNCLE MIKE BREAK DOWN:

THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS INCL NVDA
MOST ACTIVE OPTIONS INCL AMZN
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN HOOD, DLO
COVERED CALL ASSIGNMENTS
WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK
AND MUCH MORE

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT CO-HOST: HENRY SCHWARTZ, CBOE GLOBAL MARKETS

ON THIS EPISODE, MARK, THE ROCK LOBSTER, UNCLE MIKE, AND THE FLOWMASTER BREAK DOWN:

THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS INCL SPX, SLVR, FED
NUMBERS ON SPX SKEW AND ITS IMPACT ON THE MARKET AND VOLATILITY
THE MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCL PLTR
EARNINGS VOLATILITY IN VSCO, BURL
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN GPS, RKLB
LISTENERS VOTES ON TRADING 0DTE OPTIONS
WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK AND WEEKEND
AND MUCH MORE

TRADE OF THE DAY INSIGHTS NEWSLETTER - REQUEST ACCESS TO ADMIN@TRADE-ALERT.COM

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

ON THIS EPISODE, MARK, THE ROCK LOBSTER, AND UNCLE MIKE BREAK DOWN:

THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS INCL APPL, TSLA, SILVER, NVDA
MOST ACTIVE OPTIONS
EARNINGS VOLATILITY INCL GGAL, TGT, BOX, FL, JWN, COST
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN AIG, PTEN
A COLLAR STRATEGY WITH APPL
WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK
AND MUCH MORE

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

ON THIS EPISODE, MARK AND UNCLE MIKE BREAK DOWN:

THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS
MOST ACTIVE OPTIONS INCLUDING AI
EARNINGS VOLATILITY INCLUDING SNOW, PZZA, PAGS, CM, DELL, GGAL, TGT
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN GGAL, SOVO
HOW DO YOU USE LEAPS IN YOUR OPTIONS TRADING
WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK
AND MUCH MORE

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

ON THIS EPISODE, MARK, THE ROCK LOBSTER, AND UNCLE MIKE BREAK DOWN:

THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS
MOST ACTIVE OPTIONS INCL HOOD
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN ELAN, REAL
THE MAGIC OF OPTIONS AND HOW WONDERFUL THEY CAN BE AT TIMES
WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK
AND MUCH MORE

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP CO-HOST: MARK SEBATIAN, THE OPTION PIT CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT CO-HOST: HENRY SCHWARTZ, CBOE GLOBAL MARKETS

ON THIS EPISODE, MARK, THE GREASY MEATBALL, UNCLE MIKE, AND THE FLOWMASTER BREAK DOWN:

THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS INCL ANALYZING ALL OF THE CRAZY NVDA OPTIONS FLOW
HAS THE WORM TURNED FOR AAPL OPTIONS VOLUME
ARE NVDA AND OTHER AI CHIP MAKERS THE NEW KINGS OF THE OPTIONS WORLD
THE MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCL SMCI
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN AAPL, DKNG, T
HOW IMPORTANT IS THE NVDA EARNINGS ANNOUNCEMENT TO THE MARKET AND TO YOUR PORTFOLIO
WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK AND WEEKEND
AND MUCH MORE

TRADE OF THE DAY INSIGHTS NEWSLETTER - REQUEST ACCESS TO ADMIN@TRADE-ALERT.COM

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT CO-HOST: HENRY SCHWARTZ, CBOE GLOBAL MARKETS

ON THIS EPISODE, MARK, THE ROCK LOBSTER, UNCLE MIKE, AND THE FLOWMASTER BREAK DOWN:

THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS INCL VIX
THE MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCL TSLA
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN CVE, JCI, SOUN
WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK AND WEEKEND
AND MUCH MORE

TRADE OF THE DAY INSIGHTS NEWSLETTER - REQUEST ACCESS TO ADMIN@TRADE-ALERT.COM

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

ON THIS EPISODE, MARK, THE ROCK LOBSTER, AND UNCLE MIKE BREAK DOWN:

QB WHO WON MOST SUPERBOWLS IN 80'S
THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS
MOST ACTIVE OPTIONS INCL AAPL, NVDA
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN CARR, SOUN, CPNG
REALLOCATION FOR YOUR PORTFOLIO
WOULD YOU RATHER BUY AAPL OR TSLA RIGHT NOW
EARNINGS VOLATILITY IN KO
WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK
AND MUCH MORE

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP CO-HOST: MARK SEBASTIAN, THE OPTION PIT CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT CO-HOST: HENRY SCHWARTZ, CBOE GLOBAL MARKETS

ON THIS EPISODE, MARK, THE GREASY MEATBALL, UNCLE MIKE, AND THE FLOWMASTER BREAK DOWN:

THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS INCL DIS
THE MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCL ARM
EARNINGS SEASON VOLATILITY IN DIS, PYPL, WYNN, DUK
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN PCT, ARM
HOW IMPORTANT IS EARNINGS SEASON TO YOUR OPTIONS TRADING
WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK AND WEEKEND
AND MUCH MORE

TRADE OF THE DAY INSIGHTS NEWSLETTER - REQUEST ACCESS TO ADMIN@TRADE-ALERT.COM

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

ON THIS EPISODE, MARK, THE ROCK LOBSTER, AND UNCLE MIKE BREAK DOWN:

THEIR ADMIRATION FOR CARL WEATHERS
THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS
JANUARY OPTIONS VOLUME NUMBERS FROM OCC
MOST ACTIVE OPTIONS INCL META
EARNINGS VOLATILITY INCL MCD, PLTR
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN PTLO, ARMK, CARR
WHEN TO CLOSE OUT SHORT POSITIONS
HOW IMPORTANT IS EARNINGS SEASON TO YOUR OPTIONS TRADING
WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK
AND MUCH MORE

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT CO-HOST: HENRY SCHWARTZ, CBOE GLOBAL MARKETS

ON THIS EPISODE, MARK, THE ROCK LOBSTER, UNCLE MIKE, AND THE FLOWMASTER BREAK DOWN:

THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS
THE MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCL GOOGL, NVDA
EARNINGS SEASON VOLATILITY IN AAPL, AMZN, META, MCD, PLTR
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN CVE, RKLB, MSFT
WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK AND WEEKEND
AND MUCH MORE

TRADE OF THE DAY INSIGHTS NEWSLETTER - REQUEST ACCESS TO ADMIN@TRADE-ALERT.COM

HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

ON THIS EPISODE, THE ROCK LOBSTER, AND UNCLE MIKE BREAK DOWN:

THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS INCL SVIX, UVIX, INTC
MOST ACTIVE OPTIONS INCL LCID, RIVN
EARNINGS VOLATILITY INCL AAPL, CBOE, IBM
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN DLO, CPRT, CVNA, SATS
HOW BONDS WORK
IF THIS LOW VOLATILITY REGIME PERSISTS FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD, HOW WILL IT IMPACT YOUR OPTIONS TRADING.
WHAT'S YOUR PREFERRED WAY TO TRADE BOND MARKET VOLATILITY
WHAT PRODUCT DO YOU WISH HAD MORE OPTIONS VOLUME OR LIQUIDITY
WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK
AND MUCH MORE

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT CO-HOST: HENRY SCHWARTZ, CBOE GLOBAL MARKETS

ON THIS EPISODE, MARK, THE ROCK LOBSTER, UNCLE MIKE, AND THE FLOWMASTER BREAK DOWN:

THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS INCL TSLA GARBAGE PUTS
THE MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCL NVDA
EARNINGS SEASON VOLATILITY IN TSLA, LUV, INTC
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN CBAY, SPY
WHAT'S YOUR PREFERRED WAY TO TRADE BROAD MARKET VOLATILITY
WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK AND WEEKEND
AND MUCH MORE

TRADE OF THE DAY INSIGHTS NEWSLETTER - REQUEST ACCESS TO ADMIN@TRADE-ALERT.COM

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

ON THIS EPISODE, MARK, THE ROCK LOBSTER, AND UNCLE MIKE BREAK DOWN:

THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS
MOST ACTIVE OPTIONS INCL MARA
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN ERIC, PAGS, XRX
STICK WITH YOUR PLAN WHEN STRIKE PRICE GOES HIGHER IN COVERED CALL
WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK
AND MUCH MORE

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP CO-HOST: MARK SEBASTIAN, THE OPTION PIT CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT CO-HOST: HENRY SCHWARTZ, CBOE GLOBAL MARKETS

ON THIS EPISODE, MARK, THE GREASY MEATBALL, UNCLE MIKE, AND THE FLOWMASTER BREAK DOWN:

THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS INCL VIX, CRYPTO, BOND MARKET, STAC MID-WINTER MEETING PANEL
THE MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCL MARA, NVDA
EARNINGS SEASON VOLATILITY IN AA, NTRS, ALLY, NFLX, TSLA
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN CVE, JBLU, NVDA, BMBL
WHICH OPTIONS STRATEGY THEY ANTICIPATE USING THE MOST IN 2024
WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK AND WEEKEND
AND MUCH MORE

TRADE OF THE DAY INSIGHTS NEWSLETTER - REQUEST ACCESS TO ADMIN@TRADE-ALERT.COM

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP CO-HOST: MARK SEBASTIAN, THE OPTION PIT CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT CO-HOST: KEVIN NICHOLS, CBOE GLOBAL MARKETS

ON THIS EPISODE, MARK, THE GREASY MEATBALL, UNCLE MIKE, AND KEVIN BREAK DOWN:

THE MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCL THE CRYPTO STOCKS
EARNINGS SEASON VOLATILITY IN BAC, C, DAL, JPM, WFC, GS, PNC, SCHW
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN CVE, GT, CZR
WILL BITCOIN CLOSE POSITIVE ON THE YEAR
WILL SPX/SPY CLOSE POSITIVE ON THE YEAR
WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK AND WEEKEND
AND MUCH MORE

TRADE OF THE DAY INSIGHTS NEWSLETTER - REQUEST ACCESS TO ADMIN@TRADE-ALERT.COM

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

ON THIS EPISODE, MARK, THE ROCK LOBSTER, AND UNCLE MIKE BREAK DOWN:

THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS
MOST ACTIVE OPTIONS INCL BA, NVDA
EARNINGS VOLATILITY INCL HELE
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN HUN, SB
DETERMINING BEST OPTION FOR TRADITIONAL IRA/ROTH IRA
WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK
AND MUCH MORE

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP CO-HOST: MARK SEBASTIAN, THE OPTION PIT CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT CO-HOST: HENRY SCHWARTZ, CBOE GLOBAL MARKETS

ON THIS EPISODE, MARK, THE GREASY MEATBALL, UNCLE MIKE, AND THE FLOWMASTER BREAK DOWN:

LOOKING BACK ON THE OPTIONS MARKET IN 2023
THE 2023 OPTIONS VOLUME NUMBERS FROM OCC
THE MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCL C, QS
YEAR END RESULTS FOR EARNINGS SEASON
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN CVE, DKNG, ZIM
OPTIONS TRADING PREDICTIONS FOR 2024
WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK AND WEEKEND
AND MUCH MORE

TRADE OF THE DAY INSIGHTS NEWSLETTER - REQUEST ACCESS TO ADMIN@TRADE-ALERT.COM

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP CO-HOST: MARK SEBASTIAN, THE OPTION PIT CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT CO-HOST: HENRY SCHWARTZ, CBOE GLOBAL MARKETS

ON THIS EPISODE, MARK, THE GREASY MEATBALL, UNCLE MIKE, AND THE FLOWMASTER BREAK DOWN:

THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS
THE MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCL META, MARA
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN ATUS
STANDOUT/RIDICULOUS/DUBIOUS/BEST PUT SPREAD EVER TRADES OF THE YEAR: CHPT, SNAP, RSP, KWEB, CPRI, NKLA, CS, GME
80S WRESTLING TRIVIA FINAL RESULTS
OPTIONS TRADING PREDICTIONS FOR 2024
WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK AND WEEKEND
AND MUCH MORE

TRADE OF THE DAY INSIGHTS NEWSLETTER - REQUEST ACCESS TO ADMIN@TRADE-ALERT.COM

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

ON THIS EPISODE, MARK, THE ROCK LOBSTER, AND UNCLE MIKE BREAK DOWN:

MEMORIES ABOUT DUSTY RHODES - THE AMERICAN DREAM
THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS
MOST ACTIVE OPTIONS INCL NIO
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN NAT, EVGO
SHOULD YOU BUY OR SELL OPTIONS ON CHEAP STOCKS
WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK
AND MUCH MORE

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT CO-HOST: KEVIN CARTER, CBOE GLOBAL MARKETS

ON THIS EPISODE, MARK, THE ROCK LOBSTER, UNCLE MIKE, AND KEVIN BREAK DOWN:

THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS INCL GME, SPX, VIX
THE MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCL INTC, MSFT, RIVN, APPL, TSLA
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN GT, BAC, ACI
WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK AND WEEKEND
AND MUCH MORE

TRADE OF THE DAY INSIGHTS NEWSLETTER - REQUEST ACCESS TO ADMIN@TRADE-ALERT.COM

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP CO-HOST: MARK SEBASTIAN, THE OPTION PIT CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

ON THIS EPISODE, MARK, THE GREASY MEATBALL, AND UNCLE MIKE BREAK DOWN:

RIC FLAIR'S BACKGROUND
THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS
MOST ACTIVE OPTIONS INCL PLTR, MARA
EARNINGS VOLATILITY SEASON Q4 RESULTS SO FAR
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN JWN, INVZ, CZR, CENX, ORCL
HOW TO PUT YOUR CASH TO WORK
DOES SVIX ADDING VIX OPTIONS INTO ITS HOLDINGS MAKE YOU MORE OR LESS LIKELY TO TRADE IT
WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK
AND MUCH MORE

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT CO-HOST: HENRY SCHWARTZ, CBOE GLOBAL MARKETS

ON THIS EPISODE, MARK, THE ROCK LOBSTER, UNCLE MIKE, AND THE FLOWMASTER BREAK DOWN:

THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS
THE MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCL KVUE, GOOG
CRAZY EARNINGS VOLATILITY IN GME, DG
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN MET, GME, NKLA
WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK AND WEEKEND
AND MUCH MORE

TRADE OF THE DAY INSIGHTS NEWSLETTER - REQUEST ACCESS TO ADMIN@TRADE-ALERT.COM

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP CO-HOST: MARK SEBASTIAN, THE OPTION PIT CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

ON THIS EPISODE, MARK, THE GREASY MEATBALL, AND UNCLE MIKE BREAK DOWN:

THEIR MEMORIES OF THE HONKY TONK MAN
THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS - THE RUSSELL 2000 IS THE STAR OF THE SHOW TODAY
MOST ACTIVE OPTIONS INCL UBER, MARA
EARNINGS VOLATILITY IN PLAY, OLLI, DG, LULU
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN BBWI, PLTK, CLB, COUR
WHEN TO ACT AND WHEN TO WAIT TO ACT ON SELLING OPTIONS FOR TAX PURPOSES
WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK
AND MUCH MORE

THIS EPISODE OF THE OPTION BLOCK BROUGHT TO YOU BY TASTYTRADE.

On this episode Mark, Uncle Mike, The Rock Lobster and The Flowmaster gather together to discuss:

What's trading in the world of options and volatility?
Crazy earnings volatility in CRM, SNOW and more.
Unusual options activity in: CCL, CVE, ARRY and more
Is the Fed's 2% inflation target insane or just right?
What you should watch out for in the markets this weekend.
And much more...

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP CO-HOST: MARK SEBASTIAN, THE OPTION PIT CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT CO-HOST: JJ KINAHAN, IG GROUP

ON THIS EPISODE, MARK, THE GREASY MEATBALL, UNCLE MIKE, AND JJ BREAK DOWN:

THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS WMT
MOST ACTIVE OPTIONS INCL SHOP
EARNINGS VOLATILITY IN CRM, DELL, ULTA
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN T, BAC, VOD, DDD
A BASIC STRATEGY TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF LOWER VOLATILITY
WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK
AND MUCH MORE

THIS EPISODE OF THE OPTION BLOCK BROUGHT TO YOU BY TASTYTRADE.

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

ON THIS EPISODE, MARK, THE ROCK LOBSTER AND UNCLE MIKE BREAK DOWN:

THE GOBBLEDY GOOKER IN WRESTLING
THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS
MOST ACTIVE OPTIONS IN MARA, NVDA, MSFT
EARNINGS VOLATILITY IN ZM, BBY, DKS, NVDA, DE
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN GGAL, HUN, FTCH
MARKET ORDERS
WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK
AND MUCH MORE

THIS EPISODE OF THE OPTION BLOCK BROUGHT TO YOU BY tastytrade.

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT CO-HOST: HENRY SCHWARTZ, CBOE GLOBAL MARKETS

ON THIS EPISODE, MARK, THE ROCK LOBSTER, UNCLE MIKE, AND THE FLOWMASTER BREAK DOWN:

THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCL CSCO
EARNINGS VOLATILITY IN CSCO, WMT, BABA, M, AMAT, BJ, ZM, BBY
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN GGAL, SSRM, CHS
WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK AND WEEKEND
AND MUCH MORE

TRADE OF THE DAY INSIGHTS NEWSLETTER - REQUEST ACCESS TO ADMIN@TRADE-ALERT.COM

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT CO-HOST: SCOTT SHERIDAN, TASTYTRADE BROKERAGE

ON THIS EPISODE, MARK, THE ROCK LOBSTER, UNCLE MIKE, AND SCOTT BREAK DOWN:

THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS
EARNINGS VOLATILITY IN STNE
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN CNK, XP, DLO
THEIR THOUGHTS ON 0DTE OPTIONS
THE CONTENTIOUS PATTERN DAY TRADING RULE
WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK
AND MUCH MORE

THIS EPISODE OF THE OPTION BLOCK BROUGHT TO YOU BY tastytrade.

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT CO-HOST: HENRY SCHWARTZ, CBOE GLOBAL MARKETS

ON THIS EPISODE MARK, THE ROCK LOBSTER AND THE FLOW MASTER BREAK DOWN:

THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCL MARA
EARNINGS VOLATILITY IN DIS, DNUT, TWLO, YETI, LYFT, STNE, TGT, WMT
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN BMBL, SPR, AMBC, GEN
HOW ARE YOU USING 0DTE IN YOUR TRADING
WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK AND WEEKEND
AND MUCH MORE

THIS EPISODE OF THE OPTION BLOCK BROUGHT TO YOU BY tastytrade.

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP CO-HOST: MARK SEBASTIAN, THE OPTION PIT CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

ON THIS EPISODE MARK, THE GREASY MEATBALL AND UNCLE MIKE BREAK DOWN:

WRESTLING GREAT MR. WONDERFUL'S CAREER
THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS
LAST WEEK'S VIOLENT BOND MARKET RALLY
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCL UBER, PLTR
EARNINGS VOLATILITY IN RIVN, TKO, WBD, DIS, AMC, LYFT, YETI
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN ACVA, CNK, VTNR, GEN
DOING YOUR HOMEWORK BEFORE YOU GET INTO A TRADE
WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK
AND MUCH MORE

THIS EPISODE OF THE OPTION BLOCK BROUGHT TO YOU BY tastytrade.

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT CO-HOST: HENRY SCHWARTZ, CBOE GLOBAL MARKETS

ON THIS EPISODE, MARK, THE ROCK LOBSTER, UNCLE MIKE, AND THE FLOWMASTER BREAK DOWN:

THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCL ROKU, AAPL
OCTOBER OPTIONS VOLUME NUMBERS FROM OCC
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN CVE, ROKU, TOST
WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK AND WEEKEND
AND MUCH MORE

TRADE OF THE DAY INSIGHTS NEWSLETTER - REQUEST ACCESS TO ADMIN@TRADE-ALERT.COM

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP CO-HOST: MARK SEBASTIAN, THE OPTION PIT CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

ON THIS EPISODE MARK, THE GREASY MEATBALL AND UNCLE MIKE BREAK DOWN:

WRESTLING GREAT JIM ANVIL'S CAREER
THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCL F, TSLA
EARNINGS VOLATILITY IN MCD, BP, CAT, MTCH, CVS, ABNB, DASH, EA, ROKU, QCOM, CROX, DUK, MRNA, PTLO, SBUX, AAPL, DKNG
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN ETRN, TOST, F
THE IMPORTANCE OF HAVING A ROUTINE WITH YOUR INVESTING AND TRADING
WHAT IS YOUR CUTOFF LEVEL WHEN A STOCK IS TOO CHEAP TO BOTHER TRADING THE OPTIONS
WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK
AND MUCH MORE

THIS EPISODE OF THE OPTION BLOCK BROUGHT TO YOU BY tastytrade.

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP CO-HOST: MARK SEBASTIAN, THE OPTION PIT CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT CO-HOST: HENRY SCHWARTZ, CBOE GLOBAL MARKETS

ON THIS EPISODE, MARK, THE GREASY MEATBALL, UNCLE MIKE, AND THE FLOWMASTER BREAK DOWN:

THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY
EARNINGS VOLATILITY IN META, IBM, LUV, AMZN
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN INVZ, ACAD, NNDM, STNE
DO 0DTE OPTIONS INCREASE INTRADAY VOLATILITY
WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK AND WEEKEND
AND MUCH MORE

TRADE OF THE DAY INSIGHTS NEWSLETTER - REQUEST ACCESS TO ADMIN@TRADE-ALERT.COM

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP CO-HOST: MARK SEBASTIAN, THE OPTION PIT CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

ON THIS EPISODE MARK, THE GREASY MEATBALL AND UNCLE MIKE BREAK DOWN:

THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCL MSFT
EARNINGS VOLATILITY IN GE, GM, KO, VZ, GOOG, GOOGL, MSFT, BA, IBM, META, LUV, AMZN, F, INTC
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN JETS, NNDM, BLMN
SAFER WAY TO PLAY BONDS
DO 0DTE OPTIONS INCREASE INTRADAY VOLATILITY
WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK
AND MUCH MORE

THIS EPISODE OF THE OPTION BLOCK BROUGHT TO YOU BY tastytrade.

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT CO-HOST: HENRY SCHWARTZ, CBOE GLOBAL MARKETS

ON THIS EPISODE, MARK, THE ROCK LOBSTER, UNCLE MIKE, AND THE FLOWMASTER BREAK DOWN:

THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS INCL VIX, VOLATILITY, IMPACT FROM CONFLICT IN MIDDLE EAST
ETFS IMPACT ON MUTUAL FUNDS
TAKEAWAYS, SURPRISES & INTERESTING PRESENTATIONS FROM RMC 2023
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCL TSLA
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN CL,CG,
0DTE STRATEGIES
WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK AND WEEKEND
AND MUCH MORE

TRADE OF THE DAY INSIGHTS NEWSLETTER - REQUEST ACCESS TO ADMIN@TRADE-ALERT.COM

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP CO-HOST: MARK SEBASTIAN, THE OPTION PIT CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

ON THIS EPISODE MARK, THE GREASY MEATBALL AND UNCLE MIKE BREAK DOWN:

IT'S A MILLION DOLLAR MAN KIND OF DAY
THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS INCL NVDA, NFLX
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY
EARNINGS VOLATILITY IN BAC, JNJ, AMX, UAL, ABT, ALLY, NFLX, TSLA
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN CMCSA, APO, PLTR
TIME TO START THINKING ABOUT TAX HARVESTING
WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK
AND MUCH MORE

THIS EPISODE OF THE OPTION BLOCK BROUGHT TO YOU BY tastytrade.

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT CO-HOST: HENRY SCHWARTZ, CBOE GLOBAL MARKETS

ON THIS EPISODE, MARK, THE ROCK LOBSTER, UNCLE MIKE, AND THE FLOWMASTER BREAK DOWN:

THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS INCL AAPL, VIX
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCL AMZN
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN TUP, AGNC, PFE
WHAT IS YOUR PREFERRED VOLATILITY ETP
WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK AND WEEKEND
AND MUCH MORE

TRADE OF THE DAY INSIGHTS NEWSLETTER - REQUEST ACCESS TO ADMIN@TRADE-ALERT.COM

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP CO-HOST: MARK SEBASTIAN, THE OPTION PIT

ON THIS EPISODE MARK AND THE GREASY MEATBALL BREAK DOWN:

THE GUEST REFEREE FOR WRESTLEMANIA 2
THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS INCL XLE
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCL MSFT, AMC
EARNINGS VOLATILITY IN PEP, DPZ, WBA, C, JPM
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN MDLZ, TPX, FL
WILL OATLY HIT $5 OR $0 FIRST
WHAT'S THE LATEST ON SPIKES
WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK
AND MUCH MORE

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT CO-HOST: HENRY SCHWARTZ, CBOE GLOBAL MARKETS

ON THIS EPISODE, MARK, THE ROCK LOBSTER, UNCLE MIKE, AND THE FLOWMASTER BREAK DOWN:

THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS INCL XLK
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCL META
SEPTEMBER OPTIONS VOLUME NUMBERS FROM OCC
EARNINGS VOLATILITY IN LEVI
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN MNST, WY
THE NEWLY LAUNCHED CBOE S&p 500 DISPERSION INDEX (DSPX)
WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK AND WEEKEND
AND MUCH MORE

TRADE OF THE DAY INSIGHTS NEWSLETTER - REQUEST ACCESS TO ADMIN@TRADE-ALERT.COM

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP CO-HOST: MARK SEBASTIAN, THE OPTION PIT CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

ON THIS EPISODE MARK, THE GREASY MEATBALL AND UNCLE MIKE BREAK DOWN:

THEIR MEMORIES TITO SANTANA - KING OF THE RING
THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCL RIVN
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN MU, INFY, NTRA
BUILDING YOUR OWN BONDS COLLAR
WHERE THEY ARE COMFORTABLE BUYING INTO OR BUYING MORE SPX RIGHT NOW
OUR SEPTEMBER PRO TRADING CRATE WINNER
WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK
AND MUCH MORE

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT CO-HOST: HENRY SCHWARTZ, CBOE GLOBAL MARKETS

ON THIS EPISODE, MARK, THE ROCK LOBSTER, UNCLE MIKE, AND THE FLOWMASTER BREAK DOWN:

THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCL GOOGL, MU, AMZN
EARNINGS VOLATILITY IN NKE
UNDER THE RADAR FLEX TRADES IN SOFI
MU ONE DAY SWING FOR THE FENCES
UNUSUAL SHLS CALL LOVE
WHERE ARE YOU COMFORTABLE BUYING INTO OR BUYING MORE SPX RIGHT NOW
WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK AND WEEKEND
AND MUCH MORE

TRADE OF THE DAY INSIGHTS NEWSLETTER - REQUEST ACCESS TO ADMIN@TRADE-ALERT.COM

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP CO-HOST: MARK SEBASTIAN, THE OPTION PIT CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

ON THIS EPISODE MARK, THE GREASY MEATBALL AND UNCLE MIKE BREAK DOWN:

THEIR MEMORIES OF JUNKYARD DOG
THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCL CHPT, MPW
EARNINGS SEASON RESULTS INCL COST, MU
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN SYF, MASI, UUUU
THE RESURGENCE OF THE COLLAR
WHERE ARE YOU COMFORTABLE BUYING INTO OR BUYING MORE SPX RIGHT NOW
WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK
AND MUCH MORE

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT CO-HOST: HENRY SCHWARTZ, CBOE GLOBAL MARKETS

ON THIS EPISODE, MARK, THE ROCK LOBSTER, UNCLE MIKE, AND THE FLOWMASTER BREAK DOWN:

THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCL PLTR
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN SFM, KWEB, DKNG
WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK AND WEEKEND
AND MUCH MORE

TRADE OF THE DAY INSIGHTS NEWSLETTER - REQUEST ACCESS TO ADMIN@TRADE-ALERT.COM

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

ON THIS EPISODE MARK, THE ROCK LOBSTER AND UNCLE MIKE BREAK DOWN:

THEIR MEMORIES OF RICKY THE DRAGON STEAMBOAT
THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCL GOOGL, NKLA
EARNINGS SEASON RESULTS INCL FDX, KBH, DRI
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN NTR, PZZA, SOVO
TIPS AND TRICKS FOR TRADING VERTICAL SPREADS
WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK
AND MUCH MORE

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP CO-HOST: MARK SEBASTIAN, THE OPTION PIT CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT CO-HOST: HENRY SCHWARTZ, CBOE GLOBAL MARKETS

ON THIS EPISODE, MARK, THE GREASY MEATBALL, UNCLE MIKE, AND THE FLOWMASTER BREAK DOWN:

THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCL AMC
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN BTU, RCL
ARE 0DTE OPTIONS LIKE LOTTERY TICKETS
THOUGHTS ON NEW 0DTE ETF
IS THERE AN IDEAL TIME OF DAY TO TRADE OPTIONS
WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK AND WEEKEND
AND MUCH MORE

TRADE OF THE DAY INSIGHTS NEWSLETTER - REQUEST ACCESS TO ADMIN@TRADE-ALERT.COM

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: MARK SEBASTIAN, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

ON THIS EPISODE MARK, THE GREASY MEATBALL AND UNCLE MIKE BREAK DOWN:

THEIR MEMORIES OF RICKY THE DRAGON STEAMBOAT
THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS INCL DIS, APPL
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCL KVUE, DIS, TSLA
EARNINGS SEASON RESULTS INCL ORCL, ADBE
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN CGC, MCHP, CPRT
REVISITING CALENDARS
PRODUCT/MARKET/COMPLEX THAT SHOULD LIST ZERO DAY OPTIONS NEXT
WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK
AND MUCH MORE

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT CO-HOST: HENRY SCHWARTZ, CBOE GLOBAL MARKETS

ON THIS EPISODE, MARK, THE ROCK LOBSTER, UNCLE MIKE, AND THE FLOWMASTER BREAK DOWN:

THE BLACK-SCHOLES-MERTON 50TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION AT MIT
THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCL PLTR
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN AVTR, CLNE
WOULD YOU RATHER BUY OTLY OR NKLA
WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK AND WEEKEND
AND MUCH MORE

TRADE OF THE DAY INSIGHTS NEWSLETTER - REQUEST ACCESS TO ADMIN@TRADE-ALERT.COM

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT CO-HOST: HENRY SCHWARTZ, CBOE GLOBAL MARKETS

ON THIS EPISODE, MARK, THE ROCK LOBSTER, UNCLE MIKE, AND THE FLOWMASTER BREAK DOWN:

THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS INCL AAPL, LULU, AMZN
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCL SHOP
EARNINGS SEASON VOLATILITY IN CRM, OLLI, LULU, GME
AUGUST 2023 LOOKS TO BE 2ND BUSIEST MONTH ON RECORD
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN RRC, IOT, EOSE
WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK AND WEEKEND
AND MUCH MORE

TRADE OF THE DAY INSIGHTS NEWSLETTER - REQUEST ACCESS TO ADMIN@TRADE-ALERT.COM

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: MARK SEBASTIAN, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

ON THIS EPISODE MARK, THE GREASY MEATBALL AND UNCLE MIKE BREAK DOWN:

REMINISCING ABOUT 80'S WRESTLER MIKE ROTUNDA - IRS
THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCL BABA
EARNINGS SEASON RESULTS INCL BBY, NIO, FIVE, OLLI, LULU
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN VTNR, NAAS, SABR
THINGS YOU MAY WANT TO LOOK AT WHEN BETTING ON FOOTBALL THIS FALL
WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK
AND MUCH MORE

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT
CO-HOST: HENRY SCHWARTZ, CBOE GLOBAL MARKETS

ON THIS EPISODE, MARK, THE ROCK LOBSTER, UNCLE MIKE, AND THE FLOWMASTER BREAK DOWN:

THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCL MSFT
EARNINGS SEASON VOLATILITY
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN FL, ATUS
WHERE ARE YOU ALLOCATING THE MAJORITY OF YOUR PORTFOLIO
WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK AND WEEKEND
AND MUCH MORE

TRADE OF THE DAY INSIGHTS NEWSLETTER - REQUEST ACCESS TO ADMIN@TRADE-ALERT.COM

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: MARK SEBASTIAN, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

ON THIS EPISODE MARK, THE GREASY MEATBALL AND UNCLE MIKE BREAK DOWN:

THEIR THOUGHTS ON RAVISHING RICK RUDE
THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCL NKLA, KVUE, JNJ
EARNINGS SEASON RESULTS INCL ZM, DKS, M, NVDA, MRVL, INTU
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN BMBL, BAX, EMR
WHEN AN ADJUSTMENT IS A LOSS
WHERE YOU ARE ALLOCATING THE MAJORITY OF YOUR PORTFOLIO
WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK
AND MUCH MORE

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT
CO-HOST: HENRY SCHWARTZ, CBOE GLOBAL MARKETS

ON THIS EPISODE, MARK, THE ROCK LOBSTER, UNCLE MIKE, AND THE FLOWMASTER BREAK DOWN:

THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCL META, PLTR, KVUE, AMC
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN ONON, EOSE
BREAKING DOWN THE CBOE WHITE PAPER "THE RISE OF SPX & 0DTE OPTIONS"
WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK AND WEEKEND
AND MUCH MORE

TRADE OF THE DAY INSIGHTS NEWSLETTER - REQUEST ACCESS TO ADMIN@TRADE-ALERT.COM

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: MARK SEBASTIAN, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

ON THIS EPISODE MARK, THE GREASY MEATBALL AND UNCLE MIKE BREAK DOWN:

HONKY TONK MAN
THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCL X, NVDA
EARNINGS SEASON RESULTS INCL TGT, WMT
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN DASH, VOD, VALE
IMPORTANCE OF PATIENCE IN TRADING
WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK
AND MUCH MORE

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT
CO-HOST: HENRY SCHWARTZ, CBOE GLOBAL MARKETS

ON THIS EPISODE, MARK, THE ROCK LOBSTER, UNCLE MIKE, AND THE FLOWMASTER BREAK DOWN:

THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS INCL VIX
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCL MSFT, F, DIS
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN JCPRI, S, DKNG
IS THE MEME STOCK FRENZY BACK
WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK AND WEEKEND
AND MUCH MORE

TRADE OF THE DAY INSIGHTS NEWSLETTER - REQUEST ACCESS TO ADMIN@TRADE-ALERT.COM

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: MARK SEBASTIAN, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

ON THIS EPISODE MARK, THE GREASY MEATBALL AND UNCLE MIKE BREAK DOWN:

WWE SUMMERSLAM
THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCL AAPL
EARNINGS SEASON RESULTS INCL BYND, PLTR, DUK, BMBL, RIVN, DIS
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN CPRI, EXPE, SOFI
SELLING PUTS VS. COVERED CALLS - WHICH IS BETTER
ARE YOU TRADING VXX AGAIN OR HAVE YOU MOVED ON
IS THE MEME STOCK FRENZY BACK
WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK
AND MUCH MORE

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT
CO-HOST: HENRY SCHWARTZ, CBOE GLOBAL MARKETS

ON THIS EPISODE, MARK, THE ROCK LOBSTER, UNCLE MIKE, AND THE FLOWMASTER BREAK DOWN:

THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS INCL VIX, FED
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCL PYPL
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN JETS, CHPT, JNJ, EXPE
ARE YOU TRADING VXX AGAIN OR HAVE YOU MOVED ON
TRADE OF THE DAY INSIGHTS NEWSLETTER - REQUEST ACCESS TO ADMIN@TRADE-ALERT.COM
WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK AND WEEKEND
AND MUCH MORE

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

ON THIS EPISODE MARK, THE ROCK LOBSTER AND UNCLE MIKE BREAK DOWN:

LAURENCE TAYLOR AND WRESTLEMANIA
THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCL NKLA, AAPL, AMC
EARNINGS SEASON RESULTS INCL HOOD, UBER, AMD, EA, SBUX, WWE, QCOM, PYPL
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN SOFI, TPX
TO EXERCISE OR NOT TO EXERCISE AN OPTION
WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK
AND MUCH MORE

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: MARK SEBASTIAN, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT
CO-HOST: HENRY SCHWARTZ, CBOE GLOBAL MARKETS

ON THIS EPISODE, MARK, THE GREASY MEATBALL, UNCLE MIKE, AND THE FLOWMASTER BREAK DOWN:

THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCL NIO
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN GSM, MDT, SKIN, TUP, GT
BUYING INTERESTING OPTIONS PAPER - NKLA, RIVN, KDP
WEAPON OF CHOICE FOR CRYPTO OPTIONS EXPOSURE - MARA, COIN, BITO
SCANNING FOR DIVIDEND YIELD IN TRADE ALERT AND LIVE VOL
TRADE OF THE DAY INSIGHTS
WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK AND WEEKEND
AND MUCH MORE

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: MARK SEBASTIAN, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

ON THIS EPISODE MARK, THE GREASY MEATBALL AND UNCLE MIKE BREAK DOWN:

THE WRESTLING GOAT RIC FLAIR
THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCL BABA, NIO, AMC
EARNINGS SEASON RESULTS INCL DPZ, GOOG, GOOGL, VZ, T, KO, CMG, F
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN AVTR, FHN, VZ, AMC
CHRISTMAS IN JULY - SELLING STOCKS THAT HAVE LONG TERM CAPITAL GAINS & IMMEDIATELY BUYING THE STOCK AGAIN
WEAPON OF CHOICE FOR CRYPTO OPTIONS EXPOSURE IN SECURITIES ACCOUNTS
WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK
AND MUCH MORE

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT
CO-HOST: KEVIN NICHOLS, CBOE GLOBAL MARKETS

ON THIS EPISODE, MARK, ANDREW, MIKE, AND KEVIN BREAK DOWN:

THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCL CVNA, MSFT, NFLX, AAPL
EARNINGS RESULTS IN JNJ, NFLX, AAL, IBM, TSLA, UAL, MSFT, GOOG, GOOGL, META
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN NVDA, T, EVGO
FAVORITE JAMES BOND ACTOR AND MOVIE
WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK AND WEEKEND
AND MUCH MORE

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

ON THIS EPISODE MARK, THE ROCK LOBSTER AND UNCLE MIKE BREAK DOWN:

TRANSFORMERS/GI JOE CROSSOVER
THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCL DIS, PLTR
EARNINGS SEASON REPORT FOR Q3
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN T, EVGO
WHAT ARE YOUR CHOICES IF YOUR COVERED CALL GOES UP TOO MUCH
WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK
AND MUCH MORE

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT
CO-HOST: VINCE CICCO, CBOE GLOBAL MARKETS

ON THIS EPISODE, MARK, ANDREW, MIKE, AND VINCE BREAK DOWN:

THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCL NKLA
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN RIVN, XSP, UMC, NTRS
WILL WE SEE LOWER VOLATILITY LEADING TO LOWER VOLUME IN THE 2ND HALF OF 2023
WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK AND WEEKEND
AND MUCH MORE

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

ON THIS EPISODE MARK, THE ROCK LOBSTER AND UNCLE MIKE BREAK DOWN:

THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCL META, RIVN
EARNINGS VOLATILITY IN HELE, DAL, PEP, C, JPM
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN CLNE, BALL
KNOCK OUT COLLARS
WILL WE SEE A DARK PERIOD FOR THE OPTIONS MARKETS WITH LOWER VOLATILITY
WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK
AND MUCH MORE

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT
CO-HOST: HENRY SCHWARTZ, CBOE GLOBAL MARKETS

ON THIS EPISODE, MARK, THE ROCK LOBSTER, UNCLE MIKE, AND THE FLOWMASTER BREAK DOWN:

THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCL SOFI, RIVN, MSFT, META
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN VFC, BMBL, CIM
TIPS FOR DIVERSIFICATION
FAVORITE FOURTH OF JULY FOOD
WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK AND WEEKEND
AND MUCH MORE

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT
CO-HOST: HENRY SCHWARTZ, CBOE GLOBAL MARKETS

ON THIS EPISODE, MARK, THE ROCK LOBSTER, UNCLE MIKE, AND THE FLOWMASTER BREAK DOWN:

THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCL SOFI
EARNINGS VOLATILITY IN MU, NKE
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN AAPL, CCJ, LBTYA
CONTRA EXERCISE ORDERS VS. 0 DTE OPTIONS
WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK AND WEEKEND
AND MUCH MORE

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: MARK SEBASTIAN, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

ON THIS EPISODE MARK, THE GREASY MEATBALL AND UNCLE MIKE BREAK DOWN:

THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCL LCID, CCL, NVDA
EARNINGS VOLATILITY IN WBA, MU, NKE
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN AGNC, BAX, CS
VERTICAL TRADING
WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK
AND MUCH MORE

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT
CO-HOST: HENRY SCHWARTZ, CBOE GLOBAL MARKETS

ON THIS EPISODE, MARK, THE ROCK LOBSTER, UNCLE MIKE, AND THE FLOWMASTER BREAK DOWN:

THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCL INTC
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN EURN, MUFG, TTWO
WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK AND WEEKEND
AND MUCH MORE

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: HENRY SCHWARTZ, CBOE GLOBAL MARKETS

ON THIS EPISODE MARK, THE ROCK LOBSTER AND THE FLOW MASTER:

THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS
0DTE STRADDLE PRE FED
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCL INTC, NIO, MSFT
EARNINGS VOLATILITY
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN GT, VALE, DPZ, JETS, NKLA, RIDE
ARE YOU STILL SELLING COVERED CALLS IN THIS ENVIRONMENT
WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK AND WEEKEND
AND MUCH MORE

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: MARK SEBASTIAN, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

ON THIS EPISODE MARK, THE GREASY MEATBALL AND UNCLE MIKE BREAK DOWN:

THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCL AAPL, CCL
EARNINGS VOLATILITY IN ORCL
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN CCL, IVZ, MAT
ACTIVE VERSUS PASSIVE HEDGING
WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK
AND MUCH MORE

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT
CO-HOST: HENRY SCHWARTZ, CBOE GLOBAL MARKETS

ON THIS EPISODE, MARK, THE ROCK LOBSTER, UNCLE MIKE, AND THE FLOWMASTER BREAK DOWN:

THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCL CVNA
EARNINGS VOLATILITY IN GME, DOCU
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN VIX, FRO, GRAB
WILL THE SPX/SPY CLOSE POSITIVE ON THE YEAR
WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK AND WEEKEND
AND MUCH MORE

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP CO-HOST: MARK SEBASTIAN, THE OPTION PIT CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

ON THIS EPISODE MARK, THE GREASY MEATBALL AND UNCLE MIKE BREAK DOWN:

THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCL COIN, AMD, SOFI, PLTR, NVDA
OPTIONS VOLUME NUMBERS FOR MAY FROM OPTIONS CLEARING CORPORATION
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN EVLV, INDI, BE
THE JOY OF CASH
WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK
AND MUCH MORE

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT
CO-HOST: HENRY SCHWARTZ, CBOE GLOBAL MARKETS

ON THIS EPISODE, MARK, THE ROCK LOBSTER, UNCLE MIKE, AND THE FLOWMASTER BREAK DOWN:

THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCL PLTR, NVDA
EARNINGS VOLATILITY IN DG, CHWY, CRM, JWN
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN BBAI, JWN, CHWY
EVERYONE IS TALKING ABOUT AI
WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK AND WEEKEND
AND MUCH MORE

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT CO-HOST: HENRY SCHWARTZ, CBOE GLOBAL MARKETS

ON THIS EPISODE LIVE FROM THE CBOE TRADING FLOOR, MARK, THE ROCK LOBSTER, UNCLE MIKE, AND THE FLOWMASTER BREAK DOWN:

THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCL NVDA
EARNINGS VOLATILITY IN NVDA, DLTR, BBY, BURL
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN CPNG, DLTR, LL
HAS THE LAUNCH OF 0DTE TRADING IN THE SPX CHANGED THE WAY YOU TRADE OPTIONS
WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK AND WEEKEND
AND MUCH MORE

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP CO-HOST: MARK SEBASTIAN, THE OPTION PIT CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

ON THIS EPISODE MARK, THE GREASY MEATBALL AND UNCLE MIKE BREAK DOWN:

THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCL NVDA, PLTR, AMD
EARNINGS VOLATILITY IN ZM, DKS, INTU, NVDA, SNOW, BBY, BURL, COST
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN IVZ, OPEN, OLPX
ACTIVELY MANAGED MUTUAL FUNDS
WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK
AND MUCH MORE

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT CO-HOST: HENRY SCHWARTZ, CBOE GLOBAL MARKETS

IN THIS EPISODE MARK, THE ROCK LOBSTER, UNCLE MIKE, AND THE FLOWMASTER BREAK DOWN:

THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCL MSFT, NVDA
EARNINGS VOLATILITY IN TGT, STNE, BABA
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN LBTYA, RYAM, PLTR, GOLD
WHERE ARE YOU ALLOCATING THE MAJORITY OF YOUR PORTFOLIO?
IS THERE A PROGRAM FOR VISUALIZING OPTIONS PRICING CHANGES IN REAL TIME FOR MARKET SENTIMENT?
WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK AND WEEKEND
AND MUCH MORE

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

ON THIS EPISODE MARK, THE ROCK LOBSTER AND UNCLE MIKE BREAK DOWN:

THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN BKI, REAL, RHI
SELLING A PUT SPREAD OFF OF A DIP
WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK
AND MUCH MORE

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

ON THIS EPISODE MARK, THE ROCK LOBSTER AND UNCLE MIKE BREAK DOWN:

THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCL DIS
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN ARAV, FRG
WHERE ARE YOU ALLOCATING THE MAJORITY OF YOUR PORTFOLIO
WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK AND WEEKEND
AND MUCH MORE

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP CO-HOST: MARK SEBASTIAN, THE OPTION PIT CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

ON THIS EPISODE MARK, THE GREASY MEATBALL AND UNCLE MIKE BREAK DOWN:

THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCL MSFT, SHOP, AMD
EARNINGS VOLATILITY IN SIX, PYPL, DUK, ABNB, EA, RIVN, RBLX, BYND, DIS
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN CVNA, HEAR, POOL
WHAT TO DO IF YOUR COVERED CALL GOES IN THE MONEY
WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK
AND MUCH MORE

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP CO-HOST: MARK SEBASTIAN, THE OPTION PIT CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT

IN THIS EPISODE MARK, THE GREASY MEATBALL, UNCLE MIKE, AND THE ROCK LOBSTER BREAK DOWN:

THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCL UBER
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN SHOP, HST
OPTIONS AND TAXES
WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK AND WEEKEND
AND MUCH MORE

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

ON THIS EPISODE MARK AND UNCLE MIKE BREAK DOWN:

THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCL SOFI, NVDA
EARNINGS VOLATILITY IN UBER, AMD, F, MTCH, SBUX, CVS, WING, WWE, QCOM, MRNA, PTLO, AAPL, BMBL, COIN, DKNG, DASH
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN ISEE, UBER, TAL
WHEN DOES THE LONG TERM BECOME THE SHORT TERM
WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK
AND MUCH MORE

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT CO-HOST: HENRY SCHWARTZ, CBOE GLOBAL MARKETS

IN THIS EPISODE MARK, THE ROCK LOBSTER, AND THE FLOWMASTER BREAK DOWN:

THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS
HIGHLIGHTS FROM STATE OF THE OPTIONS INDUSTRY PRESENTATION
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCL AAPL
EARNINGS VOLATILITY IN CROX, META, LUV, ROKU
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN CROX, CL, BGFV
IS THE SHORT-TERM MEASURE OF VOLATILITY USEFUL FOR TRADING
WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK AND WEEKEND
AND MUCH MORE

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP CO-HOST: MARK SEBASTIAN, THE OPTION PIT CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

ON THIS EPISODE MARK, THE GREASY MEATBALL AND UNCLE MIKE BREAK DOWN:

THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCL BBBY
EARNINGS VOLATILITY IN GM, PEP, VZ, LUV
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN S, NYCB, PSTG
SELLING GARBAGE - AND WHY YOU SHOULD NEVER DO IT
WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK
AND MUCH MORE

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT CO-HOST: HENRY SCHWARTZ, CBOE GLOBAL MARKETS

IN THIS EPISODE MARK, THE ROCK LOBSTER, UNCLE MIKE, AND THE FLOWMASTER BREAK DOWN:

THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCL BBBY, T
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN CROX, HIMS, POOL
WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK AND WEEKEND
AND MUCH MORE

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

ON THIS EPISODE MARK, THE ROCK LOBSTER AND UNCLE MIKE BREAK DOWN:

THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCL SCHW, GOOGL, BAC
EARNINGS VOLATILITY IN SCHW, BAC, JNJ, PG
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN CVE, BOX, CDE
THE WONDERS AND JOYS OF THE 1256 CONTRACT
WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK
AND MUCH MORE

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT CO-HOST: HENRY SCHWARTZ, CBOE GLOBAL MARKETS

IN THIS EPISODE MARK, THE ROCK LOBSTER, UNCLE MIKE, AND THE FLOWMASTER BREAK DOWN:

THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCL DAL, MARA, META, NVDA
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN TGTX, TUP, EGO
WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK AND WEEKEND
AND MUCH MORE

On this live episode from the "Southern Studio" the OB crew were beset by technical difficulties. But we still managed to put together a great episode for you touching on:

Timeframe selection for your options trades
Crazy upside palooza in gold calls
March records for options volume
and much more

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT CO-HOST: HENRY SCHWARTZ, CBOE GLOBAL MARKETS

IN THIS EPISODE MARK, THE ROCK LOBSTER, UNCLE MIKE, AND THE FLOWMASTER BREAK DOWN:

THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCL GOOG, AAPL
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN CVNA, MU, CLF, EXK
HOW DO YOU TRADE BUTTERFLIES
DISCUSSING BITO, GRAYSCALE AND CRYPTO OPTIONS
WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK AND WEEKEND
AND MUCH MORE

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

ON THIS EPISODE MARK, THE ROCK LOBSTER AND UNCLE MIKE BREAK DOWN:

THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS
WWE AND ENDEAVOR SALE
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCL AMC
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN CVNA, NYCB, AGI
WHAT IS AN ENROLLED AGENT
WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK
AND MUCH MORE

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP CO-HOST: MARK SEBASTIAN, THE OPTION PIT CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT CO-HOST: HENRY SCHWARTZ, CBOE GLOBAL MARKETS

IN THIS EPISODE MARK, THE GREASY MEATBALL, UNCLE MIKE, AND THE FLOWMASTER BREAK DOWN:

THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCL META, INTC, NVDA, TSLA
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN CVNA, BTG, PM
SETTINGS TO USE ON YOUR OWN BROKERAGE SCANS
HOW TO TRADE XLF RIGHT NOW
WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK AND WEEKEND
AND MUCH MORE

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

ON THIS EPISODE MARK, THE ROCK LOBSTER AND UNCLE MIKE BREAK DOWN:

THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCL FRC, BAC, TSLA
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN ATVI, OLPX, NRGV
HORIZONTAL VS. VERTICAL SPREADS
WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK
AND MUCH MORE

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT CO-HOST: HENRY SCHWARTZ, CBOE GLOBAL MARKETS

IN THIS EPISODE MARK, THE ROCK LOBSTER, UNCLE MIKE, AND THE FLOWMASTER BREAK DOWN:

THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCL NFLX, SQ
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN OPEN, EQT, NGT, IAG
FAVORITE OPTIONS STRATEGY TO LEG INTO STOCK POSITIONS AT LOWER PRICES
HOW CLOSE SHOULD YOU LET THE STOCK GET BEFORE ROLLING YOUR COVERED CALL STRIKES
WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK AND WEEKEND
AND MUCH MORE

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP CO-HOST: MARK SEBASTIAN, THE OPTION PIT CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

ON THIS EPISODE MARK, THE GREASY MEATBALL AND UNCLE MIKE BREAK DOWN:

THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCL MSFT, AAPL
EARNINGS VOLATILITY
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN ABR, BE, CS
SEQUENCE OF RETURN RISK
WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK
AND MUCH MORE

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT CO-HOST: HENRY SCHWARTZ, CBOE GLOBAL MARKETS

IN THIS EPISODE MARK, THE ROCK LOBSTER, UNCLE MIKE, AND THE FLOWMASTER BREAK DOWN:

THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCL CS
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN KBH, NLY, MAT
THE MOST POPULAR SEARCHES ON TRADE ALERT
WITH REGARDS TO SIVB, HOW ARE PUTS EXERCISED WHEN THE UNDERLYING HAS DISAPPEARED
WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK AND WEEKEND
AND MUCH MORE

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

IN THIS EPISODE MARK, THE ROCK LOBSTER AND UNCLE MIKE BREAK DOWN:

THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS INCL AAPL
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCL MARA, C, COIN, SCHW
EARNINGS VOLATILITY
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN MQ, GT
HAVING A PLAN IN PLACE IN CASE SOMETHING HAPPENS - A GARBAGE PUT SPREAD HEDGE
WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK
AND MUCH MORE

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT CO-HOST: HENRY SCHWARTZ, CBOE GLOBAL MARKETS

IN THIS EPISODE MARK, THE ROCK LOBSTER, UNCLE MIKE, AND THE FLOWMASTER BREAK DOWN:

THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS INCL SIVB
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCL TSLA
EARNINGS VOLATILITY IN BJ, ULTA, ORCL, GPS, FIVE, DG
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN TAP, XP, ARCC
WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK AND WEEKEND
AND MUCH MORE

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP CO-HOST: MARK SEBASTIAN, THE OPTION PIT CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

IN THIS EPISODE MARK, THE GREASY MEATBALL AND UNCLE MIKE BREAK DOWN:

THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCL MSFT, AMC, SNAP
EARNINGS VOLATILITY IN DOCU, GPS, ULTA
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN KKR, EMR, AIRS
WHAT IS A BACKDOOR OPTION TO A ROTH IRA
WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK
AND MUCH MORE

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT CO-HOST: HENRY SCHWARTZ, CBOE GLOBAL MARKETS

IN THIS EPISODE MARK, THE ROCK LOBSTER, UNCLE MIKE, AND THE FLOWMASTER BREAK DOWN:

THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCL SNOW, CRM
EARNINGS VOLATILITY IN SNOW, FNKO, PTLO, SIX
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN HEAR, BILI, NRGV
WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK AND WEEKEND
AND MUCH MORE

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUPCO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT CO-HOST: MARK SEBASTIAN, THE OPTION PIT

IN THIS EPISODE MARK, UNCLE MIKE, AND THE GREASY MEATBALL BREAK DOWN:

THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCL FSR
EARNINGS VOLATILITY IN LI, ZM, TGT, RIVN, SNOW, BBY, PTLO
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN SLB, KKR, RLX
SELLING AT THE MONEY COVERED CALL VS SELLING AN AT THE MONEY PUT
WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK
AND MUCH MORE

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT

IN THIS EPISODE MARK AND THE ROCK LOBSTER BREAK DOWN:

THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCL MSFT, NFLX
EARNINGS VOLATILITY IN NVDA, PZZA, BMBL, DISH, BABA, ETSY, BKNG, INTU, SQ, WBD, FNKO
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN CAG, LNG, SNY
WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK
AND MUCH MORE

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT CO-HOST: HENRY SCHWARTZ, CBOE GLOBAL MARKETS

IN THIS EPISODE MARK, THE ROCK LOBSTER, UNCLE MIKE, AND THE FLOWMASTER BREAK DOWN:

THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCL COIN, ROKU
EARNINGS VOLATILITY IN ROKU, CSCO, CROX, AMAT, DASH, DKNG, DE
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN CAG, FIVN, TRU
WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK AND WEEKEND
AND MUCH MORE

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUPCO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT CO-HOST: MARK SEBASTIAN, THE OPTION PIT

IN THIS EPISODE MARK, UNCLE MIKE, AND THE GREASY MEATBALL BREAK DOWN:

THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCL AMC, BBBY
EARNINGS VOLATILITY IN CHKP, MNDY, ABNB, GDDY, RBLX, ROKU, CROX, AMAT, DASH, DKNG
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN AJRD, TRU, RL
WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK
AND MUCH MORE

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUPCO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT CO-HOST: HENRY SCHWARTZ, CBOE GLOBAL MARKETS

IN THIS EPISODE MARK, UNCLE MIKE, AND THE FLOWMASTER BREAK DOWN:

THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCL BBBY, META, DIS, GOOG, GOOGL
EARNINGS VOLATILITY IN PEP, DUK, DIS, HOOD, LYFT, PYPL
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN PINS, AIRS, PCT
WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK AND WEEKEND
AND MUCH MORE

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUPCO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT

IN THIS EPISODE MARK, UNCLE MIKE, AND THE ROCK LOBSTER BREAK DOWN:

THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCL BBBY, META
EARNINGS VOLATILITY IN TSN, ATVI, PINS, TTWO, UBER, UA, DIS, HOOD, DUK
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN RMBS, PINS, AMPY
THE IMPORTANCE OF USING AN IRA TO YOUR ADVANTAGE WHEN TRADING OPTIONS
WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK
AND MUCH MORE

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP CO-HOST: HENRY SCHWARTZ, CBOE GLOBAL MARKETS CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT

IN THIS EPISODE MARK, THE FLOWMASTER, UNCLE MIKE, AND THE ROCK LOBSTER BREAK DOWN:

THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCL F, AAPL, AMZN
OPTIONS VOLUME IN JANUARY-3RD HIGHEST ON RECORD
EARNINGS VOLATILITY IN META, AAPL, AMZN, F, GOOGL, SBUX, WWE
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN INVZ, CCO, FE
WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK AND WEEKEND
AND MUCH MORE

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUPCO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT CO-HOST: MARK SEBASTIAN, THE OPTION PIT

IN THIS EPISODE MARK, UNCLE MIKE, AND THE GREASY MEATBALL BREAK DOWN:

THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCL CVNA, SOFI
EARNINGS VOLATILITY IN MCD, PFE, SPOT, UPS, AMD, EA, MTCH, SNAP, PTON, META, AAPL, AMZN
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN BB, UPS, POOL
RISK REVERSALS AND SYNTHETIC RISK REVERSALS
WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK
AND MUCH MORE

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUPCO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT

IN THIS EPISODE MARK, UNCLE MIKE, AND THE ROCK LOBSTER BREAK DOWN:

THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCL META, TSLA
EARNINGS VOLATILITY IN TSLA, IBM, MA, AAL, WOLF, INTC, V, AXP, CVX, AGNC
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN ACI, PHG, KNX
IS THE 0 DTE TREND HERE TO STAY
WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK AND THIS WEEKEND
AND MUCH MORE

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUPCO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT CO-HOST: MARK SEBASTIAN, THE OPTION PIT

IN THIS EPISODE MARK, UNCLE MIKE, AND THE GREASY MEATBALL BREAK DOWN:

THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCL NFLX, AMC
EARNINGS VOLATILITY IN BKR, GE, JNJ, MSFT, BA, T, IBM, TSLA, AAL, LUV, INTC
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN GE, RIO, RLX
USING OPTIONS TO HELP WITH LONG TERM MONEY AND SOCIAL SECURITY
WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK
AND MUCH MORE

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUPCO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT

IN THIS EPISODE MARK, UNCLE MIKE, AND THE ROCK LOBSTER BREAK DOWN:

THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS INCL AMC, BBBY
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCLUDING PG, AA, NFLX, ALLY
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN PACB, NEWR, NEOG
DON'T LOSE SIGHT OF YOUR INITIAL OBJECTIVES WHEN YOU RESET YOUR TRADING ACCOUNT IN THE NEW YEAR
WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK AND WEEKEND
AND MUCH MORE

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUPCO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT

IN THIS EPISODE MARK, UNCLE MIKE, AND THE ROCK LOBSTER BREAK DOWN:

THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS INCL AMC, MSFT
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCLUDING KBH, TSM, INFY, BAC, C, JPM, UAL, AA, NFLX
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN KBH, RKT, LILAK
WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK AND WEEKEND
AND MUCH MORE

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUPCO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT CO-HOST: MARK SEBASTIAN, THE OPTION PIT

IN THIS EPISODE MARK, UNCLE MIKE, AND THE GREASY MEATBALL BREAK DOWN:

THE WINNER OF THE 2022 '80s WRESTLING GAME WITH AN EXCLUSIVE SARGENT SLAUGHTER FIGURE AWARD
THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCLUDING MARA, TWTR
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN RL, TTE, KBH
WHAT IS UNCLE MIKE'S LINE IN THE SAND
WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK
AND MUCH MORE

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUPCO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT

IN THIS EPISODE MARK AND THE ROCK LOBSTER BREAK DOWN:

THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS
2022 RECORD SETTING OPTIONS VOLUME
GOOGLE TRENDS IN OPTIONS TRADING
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCLUDING SI, BBBY
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN NTNX, AEO, GRPN
WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK AND WEEKEND
AND MUCH MORE

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUPCO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

IN THIS EPISODE MARK AND UNCLE MIKE BREAK DOWN:

THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCLUDING F, NFLX, AAPL
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN ARCC, AA, PINS, DOCU
WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK AND WEEKEND
AND MUCH MORE

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUPCO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT

IN THIS EPISODE MARK, UNCLE MIKE, AND THE ROCK LOBSTER BREAK DOWN:

THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS INCL MU, AMC, AAPL, TSLA
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCLUDING NKE
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN ARCC, EPR, DB
WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK AND WEEKEND
AND MUCH MORE

On this episode, Mark, Uncle Mike and The Greasy Meatball explore:

Current market activity in SPX, VIX, UVXY and more.
Unusual activity in NLY, KMX and INFY
How to short a stock and harvest premium.
Pick your poison - AMZN, AAPL, TSLA or META
and much more

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUPCO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT

IN THIS EPISODE MARK, UNCLE MIKE, AND THE ROCK LOBSTER BREAK DOWN:

THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS INCL SPX, VIX
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCLUDING SNAP, MSFT, NVDA, AAPL
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN NRG, TAL, HBAN
THE OPTIONS STRATEGY USED THE MOST IN 2022
WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK AND WEEKEND
AND MUCH MORE

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUPCO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT CO-HOST: MARK SEBASTIAN, THE OPTION PIT

IN THIS EPISODE MARK, UNCLE MIKE, AND THE GREASY MEATBALL BREAK DOWN:

THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCLUDING NFLX, WBD
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN GSK, UBS, AXTA
SELLING A PUT TO GET INTO THE MARKET
WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK
AND MUCH MORE

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP GUEST HOST: HENRY SCHWARTZ, CBOE GLOBAL MARKETS CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT

IN THIS EPISODE MARK, THE FLOWMASTER, UNCLE MIKE, AND THE ROCK LOBSTER BREAK DOWN:

THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY
EARNINGS VOLATILITY IN CHWY, COST, LULU, ORCL
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY CWH, KDP, UNIT
WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK AND WEEKEND
AND MUCH MORE

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT CO-HOST: MARK SEBASTIAN, THE OPTION PIT

IN THIS EPISODE MARK, UNCLE MIKE, AND THE GREASY MEATBALL BREAK DOWN:

THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCLUDING MSFT, BABATLRY, NIO, NVDA
EARNINGS VOLATILITY IN PLAY, GME, COST
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN ARI, ACRE, VIPS
WHAT IS A 1256 CONTRACT
WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK
AND MUCH MORE

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT

IN THIS EPISODE MARK, UNCLE MIKE, AND THE ROCK LOBSTER BREAK DOWN:

THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCLUDING MSFT, BABA
EARNINGS VOLATILITY IN FIVE, DG, OKTA, SMAR
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN CWH, SAVE
LOOKING AT OI IN AVAYA
WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK AND WEEKEND
AND MUCH MORE

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT
CO-HOST: MARK SEBASTIAN, THE OPTION PIT

IN THIS EPISODE MARK, UNCLE MIKE, AND THE GREASY MEATBALL BREAK DOWN:

THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCLUDING MSFT, APPL
EARNINGS VOLATILITY IN INTU, BBW, CRM, FIVE, SNOW, BIG, DG, MRVL
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN FSLR, CRDO, CWH
WHAT YOU CAN DO IN TERMS OF HEDGING
WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK
AND MUCH MORE

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT
CO-HOST: MARK SEBASTIAN, THE OPTION PIT

IN THIS EPISODE MARK, UNCLE MIKE, AND THE GREASY MEATBALL BREAK DOWN:

THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCLUDING DKNG, PBR, DIS, TSLA
EARNINGS VOLATILITY IN DKNG, PBR, DIS, TSLA
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN TPG, SID, PTEN
WHAT QUALIFIES FOR A WASH SALE
WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK AND WEEKEND
AND MUCH MORE

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT

IN THIS EPISODE MARK, UNCLE MIKE, AND THE ROCK LOBSTER BREAK DOWN:

THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCLUDING NFLX
EARNINGS VOLATILITY IN M, BABA, BJ, NVDA
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN YMM, TPG, SID
WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK AND WEEKEND
AND MUCH MORE

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT
CO-HOST: MARK SEBASTIAN, THE OPTION PIT

IN THIS EPISODE MARK, UNCLE MIKE, AND THE GREASY MEATBALL BREAK DOWN:

THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCLUDING TSLA
EARNINGS VOLATILITY IN DNUT, WMT, LOW, TGT, CSCO, NVDA, BABA, KSS, M, AMAT, ZM
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN SIRI, WMT, CYH
IRON CONDOR STRATEGIES
WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK
AND MUCH MORE

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT

IN THIS EPISODE MARK, UNCLE MIKE, AND THE ROCK LOBSTER BREAK DOWN:

THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCLUDING DIS, NVDA, AAPL
EARNINGS VOLATILITY IN SIX, NIO, BYND, RBLX
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN AGNC, CVNA, KBH
WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK AND WEEKEND
AND MUCH MORE

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT

IN THIS EPISODE MARK, UNCLE MIKE, AND THE ROCK LOBSTER BREAK DOWN:

THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCLUDING MSFT, PLTR
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN TREX, LPX, CRON
THE GARBAGE PUT SPREAD AND HOW TO SELL IT IN THIS MARKETPLACE
WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK
AND MUCH MORE

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT

IN THIS EPISODE MARK AND THE ROCK LOBSTER BREAK DOWN:

THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS
FED SPOOKAGE TAKING BACK SOME OF THE GAINS FROM OCTOBER
OPTIONS VOLUME NUMBERS FOR OCTOBER FROM OCC
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCLUDING GOOGL
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN HRB, GRAB, ATUS
WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK AND WEEKEND
AND MUCH MORE

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: MARK SEBASTIAN, THE OPTION PIT

IN THIS EPISODE MARK AND THE GREASY MEATBALL BREAK DOWN:

THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCLUDING TLRY
EARNINGS VOLATILITY IN ON, XPO, HWM, UBER, EA, CVS, FUN, GOOS, HOOD, QCOM, ROKU, WWE
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN NKLA, FAST, WDC, NU
WOULD YOU RATHER BUY META OR AMZN
WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK
AND MUCH MORE

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT

IN THIS EPISODE MARK, UNCLE MIKE, AND THE ROCK LOBSTER BREAK DOWN:

THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCLUDING F, META
EARNINGS VOLATILITY IN META, SHOP, LUV, F, AAPL, AMZN
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN SHOP, RVLV, HST
STOCK SUBSTITUTION STRATEGIES
WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK AND THE WEEKEND
AND MUCH MORE

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT
CO-HOST: MARK SEBASTIAN, THE OPTION PIT

IN THIS EPISODE MARK, UNCLE MIKE, AND THE GREASY MEATBALL BREAK DOWN:

THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCLUDING NIO, PBR
EARNINGS VOLATILITY IN GE, GOOGL, MSFT, SPOT, F, META, LUV, MCD, AAPL, AMZN
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN HDB, SNAP, AXL
WHAT IS SKEW AND WHY DOES IT EXIST
WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK
AND MUCH MORE

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT
CO-HOST: MARK SEBASTIAN, THE OPTION PIT

IN THIS EPISODE MARK, UNCLE MIKE, AND THE GREASY MEATBALL BREAK DOWN:

THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCLUDING NIO, PBR
EARNINGS VOLATILITY IN GE, GOOGL, MSFT, SPOT, F, META, LUV, MCD, AAPL, AMZN
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN HDB, SNAP, AXL
WHAT IS SKEW AND WHY DOES IT EXIST
WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK
AND MUCH MORE

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT

IN THIS EPISODE MARK, UNCLE MIKE, AND THE ROCK LOBSTER BREAK DOWN:

THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCLUDING META, SNAP
EARNINGS VOLATILITY IN TSLA, T, IBM, AA
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN ERIC, JOBY, OSPN
CALL SPREADS AND RATIO CALL SPREADS
WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK AND WEEKEND
AND MUCH MORE

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT

IN THIS EPISODE MARK, UNCLE MIKE, AND THE ROCK LOBSTER BREAK DOWN:

THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCLUDING META, SNAP
EARNINGS VOLATILITY IN TSLA, T, IBM, AA
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN ERIC, JOBY, OSPN
CALL SPREADS AND RATIO CALL SPREADS
WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK AND WEEKEND
AND MUCH MORE

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT
CO-HOST: MARK SEBASTIAN, THE OPTION PIT

IN THIS EPISODE MARK, UNCLE MIKE, AND THE GREASY MEATBALL BREAK DOWN:

THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCLUDING LAZR, RBLX
EARNINGS VOLATILITY IN BAC, SCHW, JNJ, NFLX, UAL, ALLY, TSLA, AAL
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN ERIC, GOOS
WHAT IS IMPLIED VOLATILITY? WHAT DOES IT MEAN?
WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK
AND MUCH MORE

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT
CO-HOST: MARK SEBASTIAN, THE OPTION PIT

IN THIS EPISODE MARK, UNCLE MIKE, AND THE GREASY MEATBALL BREAK DOWN:

THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCLUDING LAZR, RBLX
EARNINGS VOLATILITY IN BAC, SCHW, JNJ, NFLX, UAL, ALLY, TSLA, AAL
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN ERIC, GOOS
WHAT IS IMPLIED VOLATILITY? WHAT DOES IT MEAN?
WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK
AND MUCH MORE

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT

IN THIS EPISODE MARK, UNCLE MIKE, AND THE ROCK LOBSTER BREAK DOWN:

THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS
THE CPI REPORT
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCLUDING AMC, TSLA
EARNINGS VOLATILITY IN WBA, DAL
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN FRO, UPWK
IS IT TOO LATE TO BUY PUTS IN SPY NOW
WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK AND WEEKEND
AND MUCH MORE

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT

IN THIS EPISODE MARK, UNCLE MIKE, AND THE ROCK LOBSTER BREAK DOWN:

THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS
THE CPI REPORT
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCLUDING AMC, TSLA
EARNINGS VOLATILITY IN WBA, DAL
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN FRO, UPWK
IS IT TOO LATE TO BUY PUTS IN SPY NOW
WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK AND WEEKEND
AND MUCH MORE

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT
CO-HOST: MARK SEBASTIAN, THE OPTION PIT

IN THIS EPISODE MARK, UNCLE MIKE, AND THE GREASY MEATBALL BREAK DOWN:

THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCLUDING NKLA, TWITR, F, AMZN, TSLA
EARNINGS VOLATILITY IN PEP, WBA, JPM, PNC, BAC
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN BEN, FAST, HOOD
HOW TO USE CALENDAR SPREADS
WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK
AND MUCH MORE

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT
CO-HOST: MARK SEBASTIAN, THE OPTION PIT

IN THIS EPISODE MARK, UNCLE MIKE, AND THE GREASY MEATBALL BREAK DOWN:

THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCLUDING NKLA, TWITR, F, AMZN, TSLA
EARNINGS VOLATILITY IN PEP, WBA, JPM, PNC, BAC
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN BEN, FAST, HOOD
HOW TO USE CALENDAR SPREADS
WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK
AND MUCH MORE

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT

IN THIS EPISODE MARK, UNCLE MIKE, AND THE ROCK LOBSTER BREAK DOWN:

THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCLUDING TSLA
SEPTEMBER OPTIONS VOLUME NUMBERS FROM OCC
EARNINGS VOLATILITY IN MKC, STZ, CAG
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN SYF, WDC, TCDA
HAVE YOU GOTTEN A MCDONALDS ADULT HAPPY MEAL YET
WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK AND WEEKEND
AND MUCH MORE

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT

IN THIS EPISODE MARK, UNCLE MIKE, AND THE ROCK LOBSTER BREAK DOWN:

THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCLUDING TSLA
SEPTEMBER OPTIONS VOLUME NUMBERS FROM OCC
EARNINGS VOLATILITY IN MKC, STZ, CAG
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN SYF, WDC, TCDA
HAVE YOU GOTTEN A MCDONALDS ADULT HAPPY MEAL YET
WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK AND WEEKEND
AND MUCH MORE

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT
CO-HOST: MARK SEBASTIAN, THE OPTION PIT

IN THIS EPISODE MARK, UNCLE MIKE, AND THE GREASY MEATBALL BREAK DOWN:

THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCLUDING LAZR, META, TSLA
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN EQNR, LBTYK, HRB
SHOULD YOU DO A CALL BUTTERFLY TRADE
WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK
AND MUCH MORE

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT
CO-HOST: MARK SEBASTIAN, THE OPTION PIT

IN THIS EPISODE MARK, UNCLE MIKE, AND THE GREASY MEATBALL BREAK DOWN:

THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCLUDING LAZR, META, TSLA
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN EQNR, LBTYK, HRB
SHOULD YOU DO A CALL BUTTERFLY TRADE
WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK
AND MUCH MORE

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT

IN THIS EPISODE MARK, UNCLE MIKE, AND THE ROCK LOBSTER BREAK DOWN:

THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCLUDING AGNC, NVDA, AMD, AMZN, AAPL
EARNINGS VOLATILITY IN KMX, MU, NKE
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN AGNC, VRM
WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK AND WEEKEND
AND MUCH MORE

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT
CO-HOST: MARK SEBASTIAN, THE OPTION PIT

IN THIS EPISODE MARK, UNCLE MIKE, AND THE GREASY MEATBALL BREAK DOWN:

THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCLUDING MSFT, GOOGL, META
EARNINGS VOLATILITY IN MU, JBL
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN AGNC, GERN, AXL
THE JOYS OF SYNTHETICS
WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK
AND MUCH MORE

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT

IN THIS EPISODE MARK, UNCLE MIKE, AND THE ROCK LOBSTER BREAK DOWN:

THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCLUDING LAZR
EARNINGS VOLATILITY IN DRI, KBH, MANU, COST, FDX
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN DASH, RWT, HOOD
WHEN DO YOU SELL YOUR HEDGE
WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK AND WEEKEND
AND MUCH MORE

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: MARK SEBASTIAN, THE OPTION PIT

IN THIS EPISODE MARK AND THE GREASY MEATBALL BREAK DOWN:

THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCLUDING META, VALE, TSLA
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN SLB, GOOS, INVZ
IS THE IRON CONDOR MAKING A COMEBACK
BROKERS THAT ALLOW COMPLEX OPTIONS TRADING WITHOUT A MARGIN ACCOUNT
WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK
AND MUCH MORE

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT

IN THIS EPISODE MARK, UNCLE MIKE, AND THE ROCK LOBSTER BREAK DOWN:

THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCLUDING META, CHPT, SBUX, APPL
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN GRAB, PCVX
WHEN DID YOU START TRADING OPTIONS
WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK AND WEEKEND
AND MUCH MORE

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: MARK SEBASTIAN, THE OPTION PIT

IN THIS EPISODE MARK AND THE GREASY MEATBALL BREAK DOWN:

THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCLUDING AAPL
EARNINGS VOLATILITY IN ORCL, ADBE
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN ATUS, CPRI, PACK
OPTIONS TRADERS, CALENDARS, VOLQ, WHAT WE ARE TRADING
WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK
AND MUCH MORE

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT

IN THIS EPISODE MARK, UNCLE MIKE, AND THE ROCK LOBSTER BREAK DOWN:

THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCLUDING TSLA
EARNINGS VOLATILITY IN PLAY, GME, KR, ORCL
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN MET, IMRA, PTEN
THE MYSTERIES OF RATIO PUT SPREADS
WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK AND WEEKEND
AND MUCH MORE

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT

IN THIS EPISODE MARK, UNCLE MIKE, AND THE ROCK LOBSTER BREAK DOWN:

THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCLUDING GOOGL, AMD, NVDA
EARNINGS VOLATILITY IN FIVE, OLLI, GME
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN AIG, OLLI, NU
WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK AND WEEKEND
AND MUCH MORE

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT
CO-HOST: MARK SEBASTIAN, THE OPTION PIT

IN THIS EPISODE MARK, UNCLE MIKE, AND THE GREASY MEATBALL BREAK DOWN:

THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCLUDING CCJ, PDD, BBBY, TSLA
EARNINGS VOLATILITY IN PDD, BBY, BIG, CHWY, FIVE, OLLI, LULU
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN ELY, KSS, PCT
HOW TO DO A 1X2 RATIO SPREAD
WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK
AND MUCH MORE

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT

IN THIS EPISODE MARK, UNCLE MIKE, AND THE ROCK LOBSTER BREAK DOWN:

THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCLUDING MMM, TSLA
EARNINGS VOLATILITY IN SNOW, NVDA, DLTR, DG, BOX, DELL, MRVL
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN PBR, MET, GPS
THE CBOE IMPLIED CORRELATION INDICES
WHAT OPTIONS TRADERS ARE OUR LISTENERS USING IN THEIR PORTFOLIO
WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK AND WEEKEND
AND MUCH MORE

What better way to celebrate the options "Day of Days" than to look back on the inaugural episode of The Crypto Rundown? Enjoy!

What better way to celebrate the options "Day of Days" than to look back on the inaugural episode of The Crypto Rundown? Enjoy!

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT
CO-HOST: MARK SEBASTIAN, THE OPTION PIT

IN THIS EPISODE MARK, UNCLE MIKE, AND THE GREASY MEATBALL BREAK DOWN:

THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCLUDING CLAR
EARNINGS VOLATILITY IN ZOOM, DKS, INTU, BOX, NVDA, PTON
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN LNG, EAT, FRGE
SELLING A CALL SPREAD AGAINST A STOCK
WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK
AND MUCH MORE

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT

IN THIS EPISODE MARK, UNCLE MIKE, AND THE ROCK LOBSTER BREAK DOWN:

THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS
LOOKING AT VIX, SPX
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCLUDING GOOGL, META
EARNINGS VOLATILITY IN CSCO, AMAT, STNE, DE, FL
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN CSCO, TECK, KSS
WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK AND WEEKEND
AND MUCH MORE

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT
CO-HOST: MARK SEBASTIAN, THE OPTION PIT

IN THIS EPISODE MARK, UNCLE MIKE, AND THE GREASY MEATBALL BREAK DOWN:

THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCLUDING DIS, SNAP
EARNINGS VOLATILITY IN HD, WMT, DNUT, TGT, STNE, FL
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN RVLV, YETI
KNOCKOUT COLLARS
WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK
AND MUCH MORE

On this episode, Mark, The Rock Lobster and Uncle Mike break down:

Current options market activity
current volatility levels
current market valuation levels
A crazy Iron Condor in Disney
Plus some crazy plastics paper
and much more...

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

IN THIS EPISODE MARK AND UNCLE MIKE BREAK DOWN:

THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCLUDING F, META, PLTR, TSLA
EARNINGS VOLATILITY IN ELAN, DINO, RBLX, WYNN, JACK, BMBL, DIS, GOOS, SIX
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN VRM, NU, BKR
GETTING NAKED WITH SHORT STRADDLES
WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK
AND MUCH MORE

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT
CO-HOST: BRIAN OVERBY, ALLY

IN THIS EPISODE MARK, UNCLE MIKE, AND THE OPTIONS GUY FROM ALLY BREAK DOWN:

THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCLUDING HOOD, COIN
EARNINGS VOLATILITY IN CROX, RVLV, EBAY, NRG, PZZA, SHAK, LLY, DUK, BABA, PTLO
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN WBD, CDEV, RVLV
THE MYSTERIES OF LONG STRADDLES
WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK AND WEEKEND
AND MUCH MORE

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT

IN THIS EPISODE MARK AND THE ROCK LOBSTER BREAK DOWN:

THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCLUDING F
EARNINGS VOLATILITY IN ATVI, UBER, ABNB, AMD, SBUX, CVS, MRNA, BABA, CROX, DUK, AMC
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN SAP, YUMC, PTEN
WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK
AND MUCH MORE

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

IN THIS EPISODE MARK, THE ROCK LOBSTER AND UNCLE MIKE BREAK DOWN:

THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCLUDING META
EARNINGS VOLATILITY IN LUV, F, ETSY, META, AAPL, AMZN, INTC, CBOE
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN CSTM, PACK, SO
SHOULD NEW TRADERS TRADE MULTIPLE ACCOUNTS WITH DIFFERENT FIRMS
WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK AND WEEKEND
AND MUCH MORE

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

IN THIS EPISODE MARK, THE ROCK LOBSTER AND UNCLE MIKE BREAK DOWN:

THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCLUDING F, SNAP
EARNINGS VOLATILITY IN MCD, GOOGL, MSFT, BA, F, ETSY, META, LUV, APPL, AMZN
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN MSFT, PHG, PPL, REV
SELLING A STRADDLE
WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK
AND MUCH MORE

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

IN THIS EPISODE MARK, THE ROCK LOBSTER AND UNCLE MIKE BREAK DOWN:

THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCLUDING TSLA
EARNINGS VOLATILITY IN T, TSLA, UAL, AAL, SNAP, TWTR
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN SNAP, TPTX, SOXL
ARE YOU BUYING BACK INTO EQUITIES AND CRYPTO OR IS THERE MORE BLOOD TO COME
WHAT'S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK AND WEEKEND
AND MUCH MORE

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: MARK SEBASTIAN, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

IN THIS EPISODE MARK, THE GREASY MEATBALL AND UNCLE MIKE BREAK DOWN:

THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCLUDING MARA, TSLA
EARNINGS VOLATILITY IN GS, BAC, SCHW, SYF, IBM, ALLY, JNJ, NFLX, IBKR, TSLA, UAL, AAL, T, SNAP, TWTR
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN RIO, GOOS, SOXL
WHAT IS A STRADDLE AND HOW CAN IT BE USED
WHAT'S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK AND WEEKEND
AND MUCH MORE

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

IN THIS EPISODE MARK, THE ROCK LOBSTER AND UNCLE MIKE BREAK DOWN:

THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCLUDING GOEV, AAPL
MID-YEAR GOOGLE TRENDS DATA IN OPTIONS TRADING
EARNINGS VOLATILITY IN JPM, MS, C, BAC, ALLY, JNJ, TSLA
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN ERIC, RIO, CSTM
WHAT'S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK AND WEEKEND
AND MUCH MORE

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: MARK SEBASTIAN, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

IN THIS EPISODE MARK, THE GREASY MEATBALL AND UNCLE MIKE BREAK DOWN:

THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCLUDING TWTR, AMZN
MID-YEAR GOOGLE TRENDS DATA IN OPTIONS TRADING, VIX
EARNINGS VOLATILITY IN PEP, DAL, JPM, C, BAC
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN ERIC, CFRX, TS
SELLING A PUT SPREAD
WHAT'S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK
AND MUCH MORE

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

IN THIS EPISODE MARK AND UNCLE MIKE BREAK DOWN:

THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCLUDING CHPT, TSLA
OCC JUNE OPTIONS VOLUME
MID-YEAR OPTIONS UPDATE
EARNINGS VOLATILITY IN HELE
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN FSK, CSTM, ARES
HOW TO USE VERTICAL PUT SPREADS
WHAT'S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK AND WEEKEND
AND MUCH MORE

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

IN THIS EPISODE MARK, THE ROCK LOBSTER AND UNCLE MIKE BREAK DOWN:

THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY
EARNINGS VOLATILITY IN MU, WBA
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN TRIP, CGC, HTZ
WHAT'S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK AND WEEKEND
AND MUCH MORE

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: MARK SEBASTIAN, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

IN THIS EPISODE MARK, THE GREASY MEATBALL AND UNCLE MIKE BREAK DOWN:

THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS
MOST ACTIVE EQUITIY OPTIONS TODAY INCLUDING CHPT
EARNINGS VOLATILITY IN NKE, WBA
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN FSK, RVLV, WOW
A SHORT CALL SPREAD
WHAT'S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK
AND MUCH MORE

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

IN THIS EPISODE MARK, THE ROCK LOBSTER AND UNCLE MIKE BREAK DOWN:

THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS INCLUDING VRM, TSLA
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN RDFN, ZEV, REV
WHAT'S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK AND WEEKEND
AND MUCH MORE

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

IN THIS EPISODE MARK, THE ROCK LOBSTER AND UNCLE MIKE BREAK DOWN:

THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS INCLUDING AAPL
EARNINGS VOLATILITY IN KR, ADBE, DRI, FDX
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN IMAX, HEAR, AMWL
WHAT'S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK AND WEEKEND
AND MUCH MORE

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

IN THIS EPISODE MARK AND UNCLE MIKE BREAK DOWN:

THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS INCLUDING AAL, CHPT, AAPL
EARNINGS VOLATILITY IN ORCL
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN GOGO, AGL, IMAX
GARBAGE PUT SPREADS
WHAT'S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK
AND MUCH MORE

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

IN THIS EPISODE MARK, THE ROCK LOBSTER AND UNCLE MIKE BREAK DOWN:

THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS INCLUDING IMPP, META
EARNINGS VOLATILITY IN NIO, FIVE, PAGS, ORCL, DOCU
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN BBD, ITUB, PTEN
WHAT'S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK AND WEEKEND
AND MUCH MORE

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

IN THIS EPISODE MARK, THE ROCK LOBSTER AND UNCLE MIKE BREAK DOWN:

THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS INCLUDING DIDI
CBOE OPENS NEW TRADING FLOOR TODAY
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN K, AI, ETRN
VERTICAL CALL SPREADS
WHAT'S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK
AND MUCH MORE

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

IN THIS EPISODE MARK, THE ROCK LOBSTER AND UNCLE MIKE BREAK DOWN:

THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS INCLUDING GME
EARNINGS VOLATILITY IN CHWY, DLTH, LULU
MAY OPTIONS VOLUME NUMBERS FROM OCC
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN PK, STWD, PAAS
WHAT'S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK AND THE WEEKEND
AND MUCH MORE

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

IN THIS EPISODE MARK, THE ROCK LOBSTER AND UNCLE MIKE BREAK DOWN:

THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS INCLUDING SNAP, NKLA, AMC
EARNINGS VOLATILITY IN BABA, M, SNOW, NVDA
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN IMAX, AMC
BITO OPTIONS VOLUME
WHAT'S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK AND THE WEEKEND
AND MUCH MORE

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: MARK SEBASTIAN, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

IN THIS EPISODE MARK, THE MEATBALL AND UNCLE MIKE BREAK DOWN:

THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS INCLUDING CHPT, AMD
EARNINGS VOLATILITY IN XPEV, BBY, INTU, DKS, NVDA, SNOW, BABA, MRVL, BIG
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN DB, GOOS, PM
BUYING A PUT OPTION
WHAT'S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK
AND MUCH MORE

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

IN THIS EPISODE MARK, THE ROCK LOBSTER AND UNCLE MIKE BREAK DOWN:

THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS INCLUDING LCID, NVDA
EARNINGS VOLATILITY IN CSCO, BJ, DE, FL, AMAT, BBY
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN CS, TGT, GOOS
WHAT'S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK AND WEEKEND
AND MUCH MORE

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

IN THIS EPISODE MARK AND UNCLE MIKE BREAK DOWN:

THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS INCLUDING OXY, MSFT, FB, AMC, AMD, AAPL
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN PTEN, CS, MOMO
STRIKE PRICE SELECTION FOR SHORT PUTS
WHAT'S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK
AND MUCH MORE

GUEST HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT

IN THIS EPISODE UNCLE MIKE AND THE ROCK LOBSTER BREAK DOWN:

THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS
VIX AND VOLATILITY IN THE MARKETS
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS INCLUDING DIS, COIN, TWTR, TSLA, AMC, AAPL
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN CIM, MFA, AON, AMC
HOW TO USE YOUR BUTTERFLIES APPROPRIATELY
WHAT'S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK AND WEEKEND
AND MUCH MORE

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: MARK SEBASTIAN, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

IN THIS EPISODE MARK, THE GREASY MEATBALL AND UNCLE MIKE BREAK DOWN:

THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS INCLUDING AAPL
EARNINGS VOLATILITY IN DIS, PLTR, EA, DNUT, YETI, BMBL
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN AXP, GOOS, VST
IN THE MONEY PUTS STRATEGIES
WHAT'S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK
AND MUCH MORE

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

IN THIS EPISODE MARK, THE ROCK LOBSTER AND UNCLE MIKE BREAK DOWN:

THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS
EARNINGS VOLATILITY IN PTLO, DASH, WWE, YELP, DKNG
OPTIONS VOLUME NUMBERS FOR APRIL
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN ICPT, VOD
TAX ISSUES WITH OPTION SPREADS
WHAT'S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK AND WEEKEND
AND MUCH MORE

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: MARK SEBASTIAN, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

IN THIS EPISODE MARK, THE GREASY MEATBALL AND UNCLE MIKE BREAK DOWN:

THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS INCLUDING F, AMZN, FB
EARNINGS VOLATILITY IN MTCH, LYFT, AMD, SBUX, MRNA, EBAY, DASH, WWE
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN JNPR, NRZ, TDOC
DETERMINING YOUR LEVEL OF LEVERAGE WHEN TRADING
WHAT'S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK
AND MUCH MORE

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

IN THIS EPISODE MARK, THE ROCK LOBSTER AND UNCLE MIKE BREAK DOWN:

THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS INCLUDING PYPL, AMC, AMD, F
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN JNPR, ALKS
SPY VS. MINI SPX (XSP)
WHAT'S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK AND WEEKEND
AND MUCH MORE

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

IN THIS EPISODE MARK, THE ROCK LOBSTER AND UNCLE MIKE BREAK DOWN:

THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS INCLUDING F, MSFT, BAC, FB, NFLX, NVDA, APPL, TWTR
EARNINGS VOLATILITY IN ATVI, OTIS, KO, GE, JBLU, UBS, GOOG, GOOGL, MSFT, CME
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN JNPR, D
HOW A DIVIDEND CAN IMPACT THE PRICE OF AN OPTION
WHAT'S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK
AND MUCH MORE

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

IN THIS EPISODE MARK, THE ROCK LOBSTER AND UNCLE MIKE BREAK DOWN:

THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS INCLUDING TWTR, TSLA
EARNINGS VOLATILITY IN AAL, TSLA, T, UAL, SNAP, ATVI, VZ
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN BHP, FCX, ETRN
WHEN A PUT IS TOO EXPENSIVE
WHAT'S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK AND WEEKEND
AND MUCH MORE

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

IN THIS EPISODE MARK AND UNCLE MIKE BREAK DOWN:

THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS INCLUDING CHPT, TWTR
EARNINGS VOLATILITY IN BAC, SCHW, JNJ, IBKR, IBM, NFLX, TSLA, UAL, AAL, T, SNAP, OTIS
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN AI, TEVA, LW
WHAT ARE THE GREEKS
WHAT'S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK
AND MUCH MORE

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

IN THIS EPISODE MARK, THE ROCK LOBSTER, AND UNCLE MIKE BREAK DOWN:

THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS INCLUDING VERU, WFC, TWTR
EARNINGS VOLATILITY IN ALLY, C, MS, GS, PNC, BAC, JNJ, IBKR, IBM, NFLX
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN OEC, TWTR, WOW
WHAT'S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK AND WEEKEND
AND MUCH MORE

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: MARK SEBASTIAN, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

IN THIS EPISODE MARK, THE GREASY MEATBALL, AND UNCLE MIKE BREAK DOWN:

THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS INCLUDING VERU, AMC, F, TWTR
EARNINGS VOLATILITY IN BBBY, DAL, JPM, ALLY, BAC, PNC, WFC
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN DB, WBD, TPR
SELLING A COVERED CALL
WHAT'S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK
AND MUCH MORE

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

IN THIS EPISODE MARK, THE ROCK LOBSTER, AND UNCLE MIKE BREAK DOWN:

THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS INCLUDING FB, F, TWTR, TSLA
EARNINGS VOLATILITY IN STZ, LEVI, CAG, BBBY, DAL,JPM, ALLY, GS
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN BCRX, KGC, ARCC
VOLATILITY, XIV, AND SVIX
HOW TO LISTEN TO THE LIVE STREAMS
WHAT'S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK AND THIS WEEKEND
AND MUCH MORE

It's the day after Wrestlemania! So of course the "Texas Rattlesnake" himself will be joining the program today to help us break down the latest market developments, unusual options activity, options education, market previews and more!

Why? Because The Option Block All-Star Panel said so!

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

IN THIS EPISODE MARK, THE ROCK LOBSTER, AND UNCLE MIKE BREAK DOWN:

THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS
PORTILLOS STOCK (AND THE FOOD)
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS INCLUDING AMC, AMD
EARNINGS VOLATILITY IN WBA, PATH, LEVI, STZ
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN HEAR, FTI, OWL
BEST OPPORTUNITIES FOR COVERED CALLS
WHAT'S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK AND THIS WEEKEND
AND MUCH MORE

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: MARK SEBASTIAN, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

IN THIS EPISODE MARK, THE GREASY MEATBALL, AND UNCLE MIKE BREAK DOWN:

THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS
THE CONTINUED DRAMA WITH VXX AND BARCLAYS
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS INCLUDING AMC, AAPL
EARNINGS VOLATILITY IN PLAY, LULU
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN AMC, RCEL, TELL
WHAT TO DO WHEN IN A LEVERAGED POSITION
WHAT'S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK
AND MUCH MORE

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

IN THIS EPISODE MARK, THE ROCK LOBSTER, AND UNCLE MIKE BREAK DOWN:

THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS INCLUDING NIO, INTC, AAPL
EARNINGS VOLATILITY IN DRI, NIO, PLAY, CHWY, LULU, MU, WBA
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN MOMO, CCEP, ELAN
WHY WE DON'T SEE DERIVATIVE PLAYS LIKE WE DID THE OTHER DAY IN ZIM ANYMORE
WHAT'S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK AND WEEKEND
AND MUCH MORE

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

IN THIS EPISODE MARK, THE ROCK LOBSTER, AND UNCLE MIKE BREAK DOWN:

THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS INCLUDING BBIG, ZIM
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN WARBY, YOU, OUST
EXITING A LONG OPTION POSITION
WHAT'S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK
AND MUCH MORE

On this episode. the All-Star Panel discusses:

Vol annihilation post-FED
wasting tons of money on near-term march premium
How to select your duration for covered calls
and much more

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: MARK SEBASTIAN, THE OPTION PIT

ON THIS EPISODE MARK AND THE GREASY MEATBALL BREAK DOWN:

THE LATEST IN THE OPTIONS MARKETS
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS INCLUDING AMC, BAC
EARNINGS VOLATILITY IN BLDP, DOLE, DG, FDX, GME
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN POST, PRCH, AZEK
WHAT'S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK
AND MUCH MORE

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

IN THIS EPISODE MARK, THE ROCK LOBSTER, AND UNCLE MIKE BREAK DOWN:

THE LATEST IN THESE OPTIONS MARKETS
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS INCLUDING F
EARNINGS VOLATILITY IN PTLO, ORCL, ULTA, GME, STNE
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN CS, DB, TECK
WHAT'S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK AND THE WEEKEND
AND MUCH MORE

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: MARK SEBASTIAN, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

IN THIS EPISODE MARK, THE GREASY MEATBALL, AND UNCLE MIKE BREAK DOWN:

THE LATEST IN HOW THE UKRAINE INVASION HAS IMPACTED VOLATILITY IN THE MARKETS TODAY
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS INCLUDING BAC, OXY, CEI
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN FTI, RIG, ALGM
A 1X2 RATIO SPREAD WITH PUTS STRATEGY
WHAT'S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK
AND MUCH MORE

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

IN THIS EPISODE MARK, THE ROCK LOBSTER, AND UNCLE MIKE BREAK DOWN:

THE LATEST IN HOW THE UKRAINE INVASION HAS IMPACTED VOLATILITY IN THE MARKETS TODAY
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS INCLUDING FB
OPTIONS VOLUME NUMBERS FOR FEBRUARY FROM OCC
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN FTI, SIRI, AMGN
WHAT HAPPENS TO A SHORT PUT IF THE ETF LIQUIDATES BEFORE EXPIRATION
WHAT'S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK AND WEEKEND
AND MUCH MORE

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: MARK SEBASTIAN, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

IN THIS EPISODE MARK, THE GREASY MEATBALL, AND UNCLE MIKE BREAK DOWN:

THE LATEST IN HOW THE UKRAINE INVASION HAS IMPACTED VOLATILITY IN THE MARKETS TODAY
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS INCLUDING AMC, PLTR, NVDA
EARNINGS VOLATILITY IN ZM, TGT, AMC, BOX, SNOW, BBY, COST
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN GFI, PAGS, DNA
COVERED CALLS AS A HEDGE
WHAT'S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK
AND MUCH MORE

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

IN THIS EPISODE MARK, THE ROCK LOBSTER, AND UNCLE MIKE BREAK DOWN:

HOW THE UKRAINE INVASION HAS IMPACTED VOLATILITY IN THE MARKETS TODAY
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS INCLUDING BAC, PLTR
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN TELL, THO, CNK
IS THIS INVASION A BTFD OPPORTUNITY
WHAT'S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK AND THE WEEKEND
AND MUCH MORE

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

IN THIS EPISODE MARK, THE ROCK LOBSTER, AND UNCLE MIKE BREAK DOWN:

MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS INCLUDING PYPL, DASH, NVDA
EARNINGS VOLATILITY IN NVDA, PLTR, CSCO, CAKE, WMT, AMAT, ROKU, SHAK, DKING
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN THO, CNK, OWL
IS THERE SUCH A THING AS TOO MUCH HEDGING
WHAT'S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK AND THE WEEKEND
AND MUCH MORE

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: MARK SEBASTIAN, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

IN THIS EPISODE MARK, THE GREASY MEATBALL, AND UNCLE MIKE BREAK DOWN:

MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS INCLUDING F, AAPL
EARNINGS VOLATILITY IN WEBR, MAR, ABNB, RBLX, SHOP, WING, AMAT, DASH, CAKE, NVDA, PLTR, DKNG, WMT
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN WEBR, THO, PK
IRA STRATEGIES
WHAT'S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK
AND MUCH MORE

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

IN THIS EPISODE MARK, THE ROCK LOBSTER, AND UNCLE MIKE BREAK DOWN:

MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS INCLUDING VALE, TWTR, DIS
EARNINGS VOLATILITY IN MAT, DUK, DIS, UBER, TWTR
OPTIONS VOLUME NUMBERS IN JANUARY FROM OCC
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN EOG, HLF, BE
WHAT'S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK AND THE WEEKEND
AND MUCH MORE

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: MARK SEBASTIAN, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

IN THIS EPISODE MARK, THE GREASY MEATBALL, AND UNCLE MIKE BREAK DOWN:

MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS INCLUDING SNAP, PTON
EARNINGS VOLATILITY IN HAS, PFE, LYFT, PTON, DIS, MAT, DUK, UA
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN COTY, APTS, ARCC
A BACK DOOR ROTH IRA - TAX STRATEGY
WHAT'S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK
AND MUCH MORE

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

IN THIS EPISODE MARK, THE ROCK LOBSTER, AND UNCLE MIKE BREAK DOWN:

MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS INCLUDING AAPL, FB
EARNINGS VOLATILITY IN FB, SPOT, MRK, LLY, QCOM, AMZN, ATVI, F, SNAP, WWE, CBOE
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN FB, SNAP, SNBR
WHAT'S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK AND THE WEEKEND
AND MUCH MORE

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: MARK SEBASTIAN, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

IN THIS EPISODE MARK, THE GREASY MEATBALL, AND UNCLE MIKE BREAK DOWN:

MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS INCLUDING TSLA, AAPL
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN DNA, PAGS
1X2 RATIO REPAIR STRATEGIES
WHAT'S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK
AND MUCH MORE...

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

IN THIS EPISODE MARK, THE ROCK LOBSTER, AND UNCLE MIKE BREAK DOWN:

THE CONTINUED VOLATILE MARKET ACTIVITY THIS WEEK
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS INCLUDING INTC
EARNINGS VOLATILITY IN HOOD, CAT
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN SIRI, PRVB
WHAT DETERMINES WHICH STOCKS HAVE WEEKLIES
SELLING PUT STRATEGIES
WHAT'S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK AND THE WEEKEND
AND MUCH MORE...

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

IN THIS EPISODE MARK, THE ROCK LOBSTER, AND UNCLE MIKE BREAK DOWN:

THE CURRENT VOLATILE MARKET ACTIVITY
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS INCLUDING PLTR, F
EARNINGS VOLATILITY IN PHG, HAL, PETS, GE, JNJ, MSFT, ABT, BA, T, INTC, TSLA, AAPL, HOOD
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN AMWL, COTY, CHEGG
HOW TO ROLL YOUR PUT SPREADS IN VOLATILITY MARKETS
WHAT'S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK
AND MUCH MORE...

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, OPTION PIT

IN THIS EPISODE MARK AND THE ROCK LOBSTER BREAK DOWN:

THE MSFT DEAL TO ACQUIRE ATVI
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS INCLUDING SOFI, F
EARNINGS SEASON VOLATILITY IN AA, AAL, UAL, NFLX, PPG, ALLY, IBM, HAL
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN SBH, ABCL, AMGN
ITM CREDIT SPREADS IN SOFI
WHAT'S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK AND THIS WEEKEND
AND MUCH MORE...

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

IN THIS EPISODE MARK AND UNCLE MIKE BREAK DOWN:

GOOGLE TRENDS IN OPTIONS, OPTIONS TRADING, VOLATILITY, AND MORE
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS INCLUDING BA, F
EARNINGS SEASON VOLATILITY IN KBH, DAL, C, JPM, IBKR, GS
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN NNOX, DLO, XPEV
WHAT TO DO IF YOUR POSITION IS LOSING MONEY
WHAT'S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK
AND MUCH MORE...

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: MARK SEBASTIAN, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

IN THIS EPISODE MARK, THE GREASY MEATBALL, AND UNCLE MIKE BREAK DOWN:

MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS INCLUDING ZNGA, F
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN NNOX, DLO, XPEV
SELLING PUTS ON A DAY LIKE TODAY
WHAT'S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK
AND MUCH MORE...

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

We look at the most active equity options for the day, we discuss OCC clearing record setting options contracts in 2021, we look at the top 10 Option Block episodes of 2021 and we discuss what's on our radar for the rest of the week.

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

IN THIS EPISODE MARK, THE ROCK LOBSTER, AND UNCLE MIKE BREAK DOWN:

TSLA TRADERS DONE FOR THE YEAR ON DAY 1
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS INCLUDING TSLA
EARNINGS VOLATILITY INCLUDING WBA, BBBY
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN NRG, ISEE, SNBR
LINE IN THE SAND TRADES
WHERE VIX WILL CLOSE AT THE END OF 2022
AND MUCH MORE...

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

IN THIS EPISODE MARK, THE ROCK LOBSTER, AND UNCLE MIKE BREAK DOWN:

TOP TRADES AND TRENDS OF THE YEAR
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS FOR YEAR INCLUDING APPL, F, TSLA, LCID, SNDL
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY THIS YEAR IN F, STNE, DNN
WHAT'S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE NEW YEAR
AND MUCH MORE...

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: MARK SEBASTIAN, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

IN THIS EPISODE MARK, THE GREASY MEATBALL, AND UNCLE MIKE BREAK DOWN:

MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCLUDING APPL
EARNINGS VOLATILITY IN CALM
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN FIVN, FLR, QDEL
PUT DEBIT SPREADS
ASSET ALLOCATION
AND MUCH MORE...

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

IN THIS EPISODE MARK, THE ROCK LOBSTER, AND UNCLE MIKE BREAK DOWN:

MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCLUDING F, TSLA
EARNINGS VOLATILITY IN CALM
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN ARCC, BLDP, CSTM
PUT DEBIT SPREADS
AND MUCH MORE...

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: MARK SEBASTIAN, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

IN THIS EPISODE MARK, THE GREASY MEATBALL, AND UNCLE MIKE BREAK DOWN:

MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCLUDING AAPL
EARNINGS VOLATILITY IN CCL, MU, NKE, RAD, KMX
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN BE, BLDP, YELP
BUYING THE DIP VS. CATCHING A FALLING KNIFE
WHETHER INTEREST IN MEME STOCKS HAS COOLED
AND MUCH MORE...

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

IN THIS EPISODE MARK, THE ROCK LOBSTER, AND UNCLE MIKE BREAK DOWN:

MARKETS MIXED TO END THE WEEK
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCLUDING AAPL
EARNINGS VOLATILITY IN ADBE, FDX, RIVN, RAD, NKE
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN TECK, WEN, AES
WHETHER RHO WILL BE A FACTOR IN 2022
MEME STOCKS AND TYPES OF SPREADS USED AT THE END OF THE DAY
AND MUCH MORE...

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: MARK SEBASTIAN, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

IN THIS EPISODE MARK, THE GREASY MEATBALL, AND UNCLE MIKE BREAK DOWN:

MARKETS BACK IN THE RED
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCLUDING PFE, FB, AMC, AAPL
EARNINGS VOLATILITY IN ADBE, FDX, RIVN
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN PK, PFGC, CFLT
THE END OF THE MEME STOCK TREND?
EXPIRATION RISK
AND MUCH MORE...

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: MARK SEBASTIAN, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

IN THIS EPISODE MARK, THE GREASY MEATBALL, AND UNCLE MIKE BREAK DOWN:

MARKETS BACK IN THE RED
VOLATILITY GETTING ANNIHILATED
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCLUDING AAPL
EARNINGS VOLATILITY IN GME, CHWY, COST, LULU, RIVN
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN WBA, F, HOG
RECOMMENDED OPTIONS EDUCATION BOOKS
AND MUCH MORE...

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: MARK SEBASTIAN, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

IN THIS EPISODE MARK, THE GREASY MEATBALL, AND UNCLE MIKE BREAK DOWN:

MARKETS BACK IN THE GREEN
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCLUDING DIS, AAPL
EARNINGS VOLATILITY IN PLAY, CHWY, COST, LULU
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN FINV, QFIN, ALTO
OPTION TIME FRAME SELECTION
AND MUCH MORE...

On this episode, Mark, Uncle Mike and the Rock Lobster discuss:

The on again, off again Omicron volatility
The ABSURD level of options volume hitting the tape in November.
Earnings volatility surprises in: KR, FIVE and SNOW
Unusual activity reviews in: COTY and HL
Will VIX break 20 by Friday?
Can you rebuild your lost fortune using options?
Brutus The Barber Beefcake likes our show...and Uncle Mike is THRILLED!
and much more

On this episode, Mark, Uncle Mike and The Greasy Meatball discuss:

This episode's mystery 80's wrestler
The impact of Omicron on volatility and the market
Unusual activity in: CBRE, CFLT and OFC
Using margin loans to avoid capital gains hits in your portfolio
QOTW: Will VIX close above or below 20 on Friday?
and much more...

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

IN THIS EPISODE MARK, THE ROCK LOBSTER, AND UNCLE MIKE BREAK DOWN:

MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCLUDING AAPL
EARNINGS VOLATILITY IN ZM, BBY, DKS, DELL, HPQ, DE
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN BLDP, NLY, CFLT
HOW TO REACT TO A LOSING TRADE
AND MUCH MORE…

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

IN THIS EPISODE MARK, THE ROCK LOBSTER, AND UNCLE MIKE BREAK DOWN:

MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCLUDING RBLX, AAPL
EARNINGS VOLATILITY IN BJ, BABA, M, NVDA, BBWI, INTU, WSM
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN NTR, CSTM, DOCU
THE SEXY TAX WORLD OF 1256 CONTRACTS
AND MUCH MORE…

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: MARK SEBASTIAN, THE OPTION PIT

IN THIS EPISODE MARK AND THE GREASY MEATBALL BREAK DOWN:

MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCLUDING TLRY, SNDL, F, TSLA
OPTIONS VOLUME RECORD IN OCTOBER
EARNINGS VOLATILITY IN HD, WMT, STNE, LOW, TGT, CSCO, NVDA, BABA, BJ, M, INTU, WSM
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN CFLT, FLR, CSTM
THE BLACK SCHOLES MODEL
AND MUCH MORE…

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

IN THIS EPISODE MARK, THE ROCK LOBSTER, AND UNCLE MIKE BREAK DOWN:

MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCLUDING DIS, TSLA
EARNINGS VOLATILITY IN BYND, DIS, BMBL
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN DIS, OPEN, WEN
PUT/CALL RATIOS
AND MUCH MORE…

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: MARK SEBASTIAN, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

IN THIS EPISODE MARK, THE GREASY MEATBALL, AND UNCLE MIKE BREAK DOWN:

MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCLUDING PTON, PLTR
EARNINGS VOLATILITY IN PYPL, RBLX, COIN, DASH, DNUT, NIO, BMBL, BYND, DIS
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN YELP, AES, QDEL
HEDGING A LONG TERM HOLDING
AND MUCH MORE…

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

IN THIS EPISODE MARK, THE ROCK LOBSTER, AND UNCLE MIKE BREAK DOWN:

MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCLUDING MRNA, QCOM, F, NVDA
EARNINGS VOLATILITY IN MRNA, QCOM, EA
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN COTY, PLCE, PBR
IS VOLATILITY SKEW A GOOD INDICATOR FOR FUTURE PRICE ACTION IN THE UNDERLYING
WHAT DO OUR LISTENERS THINK IS THE MOST TERRIFYING OPTIONS STRATEGY
AND MUCH MORE…

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: MARK SEBASTIAN, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

IN THIS EPISODE MARK, THE GREASY MEATBALL, AND UNCLE MIKE BREAK DOWN:

MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCLUDING AMD, AMC
EARNINGS VOLATILITY IN CLX, UA, ATVI, LYFT, CVS, EA, QCOM, ROKU
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN HL, GSM, PLCE
WHY YOU WOULD USE A VIX CALL TO HEDGE AT STOCK PORTFOLIO
WHAT'S THE MOST TERRIFYING OPTIONS STRATEGY
AND MUCH MORE…

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

IN THIS EPISODE MARK, THE ROCK LOBSTER, AND UNCLE MIKE BREAK DOWN:

MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCLUDING LCID
EARNINGS VOLATILITY IN MRK, F, CMCSA, AAPL, AMZN, CVX
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN ALTO, F, BE
NANOS BY CBOE
AND MUCH MORE…

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: MARK SEBASTIAN, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

IN THIS EPISODE MARK, THE GREASY MEATBALL, AND UNCLE MIKE BREAK DOWN:

MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCLUDING AAPL, SNAP, TSLA
EARNINGS VOLATILITY IN FB, MSFT, TWTR, BA, MCD, SIX, F
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN PBR, GES, XPEV
PORTFOLIO ALLOCATION VS. SPECULATION
AND MUCH MORE…

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

IN THIS EPISODE MARK, THE ROCK LOBSTER, AND UNCLE MIKE BREAK DOWN:

MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCLUDING DIDI, SNDL, F, TSLA
EARNINGS VOLATILITY IN IBM, CROX, TSLA, AAL, LUV, T, ALLY, KMI, LVS, INTC, SNAP, HON, AXP, OTIS
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN VOD, ZNGA
WHEN PEOPLE STARTED TRADING OPTIONS
AND MUCH MORE…

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: MARK SEBASTIAN, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

IN THIS EPISODE MARK, THE GREASY MEATBALL, AND UNCLE MIKE BREAK DOWN:

MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCLUDING SOFI, FCEL
EARNINGS VOLATILITY IN STT, ACI, JNJ, PG, NFLX, UAL, VZ, IBM, TSLA, AAL, CROX, LUV, T, INTC, MAT, SNAP
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN NTES, ERIC, DRI
TRADING AN INDEX VERSUS TRADING A STOCK
AND MUCH MORE…

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

IN THIS EPISODE MARK, THE ROCK LOBSTER, AND UNCLE MIKE BREAK DOWN:

MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCLUDING PLUG, F, AMD, AMC
EARNINGS VOLATILITY IN BAC, WBA, DPZ, UNH, AA, JNJ, PG
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN APA, WFC, GSAT
GOOD BROKERAGES TO USE WHEN YOU ARE AN OPTIONS BEGINNER
AND MUCH MORE…

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

IN THIS EPISODE MARK, THE ROCK LOBSTER, AND THE BIRTHDAY BOY UNCLE MIKE BREAK DOWN:

MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCLUDING CCL, FB, SOFI, BABA
THIRD QUARTER EARNINGS OUTLOOK (INCLUDING HCA, CCK)
EARNINGS VOLATILITY IN DAL, JPM, BAC, C, DPZ, WBA, AA
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN ENDP, OTIS
EXPLORING THE MYSTERIES OF WEEKEND TIME DECAY
THE GREATEST PRO WRESTLING TAG TEAM
AND MUCH MORE…

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

IN THIS EPISODE MARK, THE ROCK LOBSTER, AND THE BIRTHDAY BOY UNCLE MIKE BREAK DOWN:

MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCLUDING CEI, FB, F
SEPTEMBER OPTIONS VOLUME NUMBERS FROM OCC
EARNINGS VOLATILITY IN LEVI, TLRY, DAL, JPM, BAC, C, DPZ, WBA
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN TGB, ZH
THE MOST MISUNDERSTOOD OPTIONS STRATEGIES
OUR EXPERIENCE WITH WHEEL TRADES
AND MUCH MORE…

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

IN THIS EPISODE MARK, THE ROCK LOBSTER, AND THE BIRTHDAY BOY UNCLE MIKE BREAK DOWN:

MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCLUDING MRK, F, FB
THE COST OF ENTRY FOR MARKET HEDGING RIGHT NOW
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN BBWI, GGAL, NOC
THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ACTIVE AND PASSIVE HEDGING
AND MUCH MORE…

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

IN THIS EPISODE MARK, THE ROCK LOBSTER, AND UNCLE MIKE BREAK DOWN:

MOST ACTIVE INDICES
DT SOON TO BE $1.50 TREE
EARNINGS VOLATILITY IN BBBY, PEP, LEVI
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN BLDP, TRIL, MTCH
TRADING STRADDLES
AND MUCH MORE…

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: MARK SEBASTIAN, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

IN THIS EPISODE MARK, THE GREASY MEATBALL, AND UNCLE MIKE BREAK DOWN:

MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCLUDING F, TSLA
EARNINGS VOLATILITY IN MU, BBBY
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN DT, ALT, BEKE
BREAKING DOWN THE NUANCES OF COVERED CALL TRADING
AND MUCH MORE…

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

IN THIS EPISODE MARK, THE ROCK LOBSTER, AND UNCLE MIKE BREAK DOWN:

MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCLUDING BB, AAPL, TSLA
EARNINGS VOLATILITY IN DRI, RAD, KBH, COST, NKE, BBBY
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN ERIC, OGI, DRI
BROKERAGE RECOMMENDATION TO START LEARNING TO TRADE OPTIONS
AND MUCH MORE…

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: MARK SEBASTIAN, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

IN THIS EPISODE MARK, THE GREASY MEATBALL, AND UNCLE MIKE BREAK DOWN:

MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCLUDING SDC, PLTR, AAPL
THE RISE OF TRAVEL STOCKS SUCH AS AA
GAMMA HEDGING IN THIS MARKET
HOW DAY TRADING AND ROBINHOOD WILL BE IMPACTED AS MORE PEOPLE GO BACK TO WORK
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN BLDP, BE, PLCE
USING OUT OF THE MONEY BUTTERFLIES IN YOUR TRADING
AND MUCH MORE…

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

IN THIS EPISODE MARK, THE ROCK LOBSTER, AND UNCLE MIKE BREAK DOWN:

MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCLUDING LCID, IRNT, PLTR
EARNINGS VOLATILITY IN DRI, RAD, COST
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN BOWX, VICI, GIS
AND MUCH MORE…

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

IN THIS EPISODE MARK, THE ROCK LOBSTER, AND UNCLE MIKE BREAK DOWN:

MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCLUDING PLTR, AAPL
EARNINGS VOLATILITY IN ORCL
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN CSTM, KL, OVV
THE IMPORTANCE OF WAITING FOR YOUR RIGHT ENTRY POINT.
AND MUCH MORE…

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

IN THIS EPISODE MARK, THE ROCK LOBSTER, AND UNCLE MIKE BREAK DOWN:

MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCLUDING GME, BBIG, AAPL
EARNINGS VOLATILITY IN GME, LULU, PLAY, KR
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN COTY, VICI, TAP
HOW DOES UNCLE MIKE TRADE SPX/SPY
AND MUCH MORE…

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

IN THIS EPISODE MARK, THE ROCK LOBSTER, AND UNCLE MIKE BREAK DOWN:

MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCLUDING BBIG, NFLX, PLTR
COULD ANY BE THE NEXT SHORT SQUEEZE
TOTAL OPTIONS VOLUME FOR AUGUST FROM OCC
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN V, DNN, NWSA
ROLLING OVER YOUR 401K TO A BROKERAGE ACCOUNT
AND MUCH MORE…

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: MARK SEBASTIAN, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

IN THIS EPISODE MARK, THE GREASY MEATBALL, AND UNCLE MIKE BREAK DOWN:

MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCLUDING FB, PLTR, BBIG, AAPL
EARNINGS VOLATILITY IN CTLT, STNE, ZM, CHWY, FIVE
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN GSAT, BBIG, GIS
PYPL EXPLORING A STOCK TRADING PLATFORM
THE IMPORTANCE OF KEEPING IT SIMPLE IN TRADING
AND MUCH MORE…

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

IN THIS EPISODE MARK, THE ROCK LOBSTER, AND UNCLE MIKE BREAK DOWN:

MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCLUDING AAPL, TSLA, AMC, CRM
EARNINGS VOLATILITY IN DLTR, DG, CRM, ULTA, DELL, HPQ
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN ALT, MTZ, BILI
WHAT SEEMS TO BE THE MAIN DRIVER IN VOLATILITY
AND MUCH MORE…

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: MARK SEBASTIAN, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

IN THIS EPISODE MARK, THE GREASY MEATBALL, AND UNCLE MIKE BREAK DOWN:

WHAT IS GOING ON WITH THE INSANE AAPL ATM CALL PALOOZA EXPIRING THIS WEEK
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCLUDING F, MSFT, AAPL, PFE
EARNINGS VOLATILITY IN BBY, INTU, SNOW, DELL, HPQ, MRVL, BIG
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN BEKE, BLDP, TRIL
HOW TO LOOK AT IMPLIED VOLATILITY ON INDIVIDUAL STOCKS
WHAT SEEMS TO BE THE MAIN DRIVER IN VOLATILITY
AND MUCH MORE…

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: MARK SEBASTIAN, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

IN THIS EPISODE MARK, THE GREASY MEATBALL, AND UNCLE MIKE BREAK DOWN:

MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCLUDING PLTR, M, TSLA
EARNINGS VOLATILITY IN M, HOOD, CSCO, FL, JD
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN M, BBWI, GGAL
HOW HARD IT IS TO TRADE VIX UPSIDE
WHETHER OR NOT WE HAVE TRADED DRUNK
AND MUCH MORE…

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: MARK SEBASTIAN, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

IN THIS EPISODE MARK, THE GREASY MEATBALL, AND UNCLE MIKE BREAK DOWN:

MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCLUDING PLTR, APPL
APPL VOLUME OFF THE CHARTS
EARNINGS VOLATILITY IN HD, WMT, DNUT, TGT
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN MTCH, GOED, NOC
UNCLE MIKE'S STATUS AS THE RESIDENT PERMA-BULL
AND MUCH MORE…

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

IN THIS EPISODE MARK, THE ROCK LOBSTER, AND UNCLE MIKE BREAK DOWN:

MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCLUDING MRNA, CLOV, APPL
EARNINGS VOLATILITY IN BIDU, BIMBL, NIO, EBAY, ABNB, DIS
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN EAT, UNP, SCI
YOUR QUESTIONS ABOUT VIX CALLS, ETFS AND OPTIONS AND TAXES.
AND MUCH MORE…

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: MARK SEBASTIAN, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

IN THIS EPISODE MARK, THE GREASY MEATBALL, AND UNCLE MIKE BREAK DOWN:

MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCLUDING F, SQ, RIOT, BAC, AMC, PLTR, MRNA, AAPL, AMD, TSLA
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN REI, HAIN, MTZ
WHEN TO CLOSE OUT YOUR SHORT OPTIONS
WHETHER OUR AUDIENCE IS A BUYER OR SELLER OF HOOD OPTIONS
WHERE VIX WILL CLOSE AT THE END OF THE WEEK
AND MUCH MORE…

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: MARK SEBASTIAN, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

IN THIS EPISODE MARK, THE GREASY MEATBALL, AND UNCLE MIKE BREAK DOWN:

THE CORRELATION BETWEEN THE PERFORMANCE OF GME, AMC AND HOOD
SOME OF OUR FAVORITE HOOD OPTIONS PLAYS RIGHT NOW
JULY OPTIONS VOLUME NUMBERS FROM OCC - THE MOST ACTIVE JULY ON RECORD
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCLUDING PFE, MRNA, NVDA, SQ, UBER, TSLA, AAPL, AMD
EARNINGS SEASON VOLATILITY IN ETSY, EA, UBER, MRNA, BYND, SHAK, DKNG
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN RVLA, OUT, WW
WHETHER YOU SHOULD PLAY LONG CALLS NEXT YEAR AND DIPPING YOUR TOES INTO BUTTERFLIES
AND MUCH MORE…

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: MARK SEBASTIAN, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

IN THIS EPISODE MARK, THE GREASY MEATBALL, AND UNCLE MIKE BREAK DOWN:

VOLATILITY TRENDING WITH SPY AND SPX
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCLUDING F, BABA, PFE, AMC, SQ, NVDA, NIO, AAPL, AMD, TSLA
EARNINGS SEASON VOLATILITY IN QCOM, PYPL, F, FB, BABA, LLY, ATVI, ROKU, UBER, MRNA, BYND
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN BILI, TFC, NWSA
AND MUCH MORE…

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

IN THIS EPISODE MARK, THE ROCK LOBSTER, AND UNCLE MIKE BREAK DOWN:

MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCLUDING AMD, TSLA, AAPL, F, FB, NVDA, CLF, AMC, NIO, BABA
EARNINGS SEASON VOLATILITY IN QCOM, F, FB, GILD, PG
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN TAP, AMD, CCL
ROBINHOOD IPO TODAY
BEST TRADE PLAY ON COVID SPIKE AND USING A RATIO PUT SPREAD
AND MUCH MORE…

IN THIS EPISODE MARK, THE GREASY MEATBALL, AND UNCLE MIKE BREAK DOWN:
- MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCLUDING AAPL, TSLA, BABA, AMC, DIDI, SNAP, NIO, JD, NVDA, FB

EARNINGS SEASON VOLATILITY IN OTIS, TSLA, AAPL, FB, AMZN, WWE, MCD
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN CFLT, LGF/A, SPRT
TRADING OPTIONS DURING EARNINGS SEASON
HOW TO UPGRADE YOUR DAD FROM OLD SCHOOL STOCK GUY TO OPTIONS GURU
AND MUCH MORE…

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

IN THIS EPISODE MARK, THE ROCK LOBSTER, AND UNCLE MIKE BREAK DOWN:

BUYING THE DIP IN THE MARKET
ZONE 1, AKA THE ZONE OF THE MONK, IN VIX
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCLUDING AAPL
ROBINHOOD'S UPCOMING IPO
EARNINGS SEASON VOLATILITY IN NFLX, UAL, JNJ, AAL, LUV, INTC, SNAP, TWTR
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN LVS, SEA, BJ
COVERED CALL STRIKE SELECTION
AND MUCH MORE...

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: MARK SEBASTIAN, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

IN THIS EPISODE MARK, THE GREASY MEATBALL, AND UNCLE MIKE BREAK DOWN:

MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCLUDING CCL, F, AMC, TSLA, AAPL
EARNINGS SEASON VOLATILITY IN IBM, NFLX, UAL, JNJ, AAL, LUV, INTC, SNAP, TWTR
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN VOD, CCL, AEO
WHAT TO DO ON A DAY LIKE TODAY IF YOU ARE LOOKING TO SELL A PUT
IMPACT OF DELTA VARIANT ON MARKET VOLATILITY
AND MUCH MORE...

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

IN THIS EPISODE MARK, THE ROCK LOBSTER, AND UNCLE MIKE BREAK DOWN:

MARKETS RED TO END THE WEEK
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY
EARNINGS SEASON VOLATILITY
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN CCJ, CSTM, VIPS
WHETHER THE WASH SALES RULE EVER COMES INTO PLAY WITHIN THE MONEY COVERED CALL TRADE
DOING PUT FLY TRADES IN SPY
AND MUCH MORE...

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

IN THIS EPISODE MARK, THE ROCK LOBSTER, AND UNCLE MIKE BREAK DOWN:

MARKETS GREEN TO END THE WEEK
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCLUDING DIS, TSLA
EARNINGS VOLATILITY IN JPM, PEP, BAC
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN ATUS, GOL, RIO
INCOME VS. APPRECIATION IN A COVERED CALL TRADE
AND MUCH MORE...

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

IN THIS EPISODE MARK, THE ROCK LOBSTER, AND UNCLE MIKE BREAK DOWN:

MARKETS MIXED TO END THE WEEK
OPTIONS VOLUME NUMBERS FOR JUNE FROM OCC
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCLUDING AAPL
EARNINGS VOLATILITY IN LEVI, PEP, BAC
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN UNP, ADS, EXK
THE ROBINHOOD OPTIONS SCANDAL AND FINRA FINE
AND MUCH MORE...

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

IN THIS EPISODE MARK, THE ROCK LOBSTER, UNCLE MIKE, AND THE OPTIONS GUY BRIAN OVERBY BREAK DOWN:

MARKETS MIXED TO END THE WEEK
DISCUSSING THE MEME STOCKS
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN HIMX, EDU, ITUB
TAKING OFF TRADES IN PIECES
SELLING STRADDLES OR STRANGLES
AND MUCH MORE...

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

IN THIS EPISODE MARK, THE ROCK LOBSTER, AND UNCLE MIKE BREAK DOWN:

MARKETS MIXED TO START THE WEEK
ALL OF THE ACTION OUT THERE IN VIX, SPY, IEF, GOLD, SILVER, OIL AND MORE
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCLUDING CCL, SPCE, WISH
EARNINGS VOLATILITY IN BBBY, MU
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN SCI, CVM, DUK
"BUYING GARBAGE" IN THE OPTIONS MARKET
AND MUCH MORE...

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

IN THIS EPISODE MARK, THE ROCK LOBSTER, AND UNCLE MIKE BREAK DOWN:

ALL-TIME HIGHS IN THE MARKETS
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCLUDING TTD, SNAP, WISH, PLTR
EARNINGS VOLATILITY IN FDX, NKE, RAD, DRI
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN VIPS, HTGC, SE
ANSWERING YOUR QUESTIONS ABOUT FB, VOL TRADING, HTGC
AND MUCH MORE...

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

IN THIS EPISODE MARK, THE ROCK LOBSTER, AND UNCLE MIKE BREAK DOWN:

MARKETS UP STRONG TO START THE WEEK
THE ENDLESS PARADE OF FED GOVERNORS SPEAKING THEIR DIFFERENT VIEWPOINTS
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCLUDING PLTR, WISH
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN STNE, PRTY, ORCL
SELLING SHORT TERM PREMIUM VS. LONG TERM PREMIUM
AND MUCH MORE...

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

IN THIS EPISODE MARK, THE ROCK LOBSTER, AND UNCLE MIKE BREAK DOWN:

MARKETS MIXED TODAY AFTER FED TALK YESTERDAY
PEOPLE DUMPING COMMODITIES TO BUY TECH
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCLUDING F, PLTR, TSLA, AMC, AAPL
EARNINGS SEASON VOLATILITY IN DR, RAD
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN QD, LESL, AES
STOCK SWAP STRATEGIES
AND MUCH MORE...

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

IN THIS EPISODE MARK, THE ROCK LOBSTER, AND UNCLE MIKE BREAK DOWN:

MARKETS MIXED TODAY
LACK OF LARGE MOVES UP IN SPY
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCLUDING F, WISH, INTC, CLOV, RIOT
EARNINGS SEASON VOLATILITY IN ORCL, KR
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN BJ, LESL, ALLT
COLLEGE SAVINGS OPTIONS WITH OPTIONS
AND MUCH MORE...

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

IN THIS EPISODE MARK, THE ROCK LOBSTER, AND UNCLE MIKE BREAK DOWN:

MARKETS GREEN TODAY
AMC INSIDER SELLING PICKS UP AS MEME STOCK RISES
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCLUDING AAPL, TSLA, CLOV, CLF, F, AMC, AMD
EARNINGS SEASON VOLATILITY IN RH, ORCL, PLAY
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN IVR, ORCL, RRC
ANSWERING A LISTENER QUESTION ON AMC POSITIONS
AND MUCH MORE...

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

ON THIS EPISODE MARK, THE ROCK LOBSTER AND UNCLE MIKE BREAK DOWN:

MARKETS MIXED / RED TODAY
MEME CENTRAL IS BACK AGAIN
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCLUDING AAPL, TSLA, BB, SNDL, CLOV, F, AMC
EARNINGS SEASON VOLATILITY IN MARVELL
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN DOCU, MLHR, RMO
EXPLORING THE MYSTERIES OF THE KNOCKOFF COLLAR
AND MUCH MORE...

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: MARK SEBASTIAN, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

ON THIS EPISODE MARK, THE GREASY MEATBALL AND UNCLE MIKE BREAK DOWN:

THE LATEST IN THE MEME STOCKS EXPLOSION
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCLUDING AMC, TSLA, F, NOK, WKHS, TLRY, NVDA, SNDL, BB
OPTIONS VOLUME NUMBERS FOR MAY FROM OPTIONS CLEARING
EARNINGS SEASON VOLATILITY INCLUDING SPLK, CIEN, FIVE, LULU
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN CLIR, F, AR
ANSWERING QUESTIONS ABOUT OUR CRAZY AMC OPTIONS TRADES
AND MUCH MORE...

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: BRIAN OVERBY, ALLY

ON THIS EPISODE MARK, THE ROCK LOBSTER AND THE OPTIONS GUY FROM ALLY BREAK DOWN:

DIVING INTO THE MEME STOCKS EXPLOSION
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCLUDING AMC, F, NVDA, TSLA
EARNINGS SEASON VOLATILITY INCLUDING SNOW, NVDA
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY (MW, F)
ANSWERING QUESTIONS ABOUT IRON CONDORS AND UVXY
AND MUCH MORE...

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP

SPECIAL GUESTS:

ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT
MARK SEBASTIAN, THE OPTION PIT
MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT
ALEX JACOBSON, EXITOS GLOBAL
TODD RICH, IG US
COLIN SONGER, FIDELITY BROKERAGE SERVICES
KONSTANTIN VRANDOPULO, FIDELITY BROKERAGE SERVICES

WE ARE JOINED BY A NUMBER OF PRESENT AND PAST CO-HOSTS AS WE LOOK BACK ON 1,000 EPISODES OF THE OPTION BLOCK...AND LOOK FORWARD TO MORE WILD MARKETS TO COME.

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

ON THIS EPISODE MARK, UNCLE MIKE AND THE ROCK LOBSTER BREAK DOWN:

THE TANKING OF CRYPTO
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCLUDING CSCO, SPCE, T
EARNINGS SEASON VOLATILITY
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY AES, BILL, COUP
WHAT WE THINK IS THE BEST 1ST OPTIONS TRADE FOR PEOPLE GETTING INTO THE MARKETS NOW
AND MUCH MORE...

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: MARK SEBASTIAN, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

ON THIS EPISODE MARK, UNCLE MIKE AND THE GREASY MEATBALL BREAK DOWN:

MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCLUDING INTC
EARNINGS VOLATILITY IN WMT, TGT, CSCO, BJ
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY ENDP, HIMAX, DUK
HOW TO MAXIMIZE YOUR IRA USING OPTIONS AS WE HIT THE DEADLINE FOR 2020 CONTRIBUTIONS
AND MUCH MORE...

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

ON THIS EPISODE MARK, UNCLE MIKE AND THE ROCK LOBSTER BREAK DOWN:

HANGING OUT IN A KENNY LOGGINS MARKET AGAIN AS WE'RE POISED ON THE PRECIPICE OF THE DANGER ZONE
THE BATTLE BETWEEN THETA VS. VEGA
THE CRYPTO SELL-OFF
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCLUDING AMD, AMC
EARNINGS VOLATILITY IN BABA, BMBL, POSH, COIN, ABNB
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY LVS, RIO, KDP
HAVING A BIG MOVE IN YOUR FAVOR ON A LONG PREMIUM TRADE
AND MUCH MORE...

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: MARK SEBASTIAN, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

ON THIS EPISODE MARK, UNCLE MIKE AND THE GREASY MEATBALL BREAK DOWN:

BRET HART, JIM NEIDHART, AND THE HART FOUNDATION
NEEDING SOME XLK ACTION
DOGECOIN MAY BE OVER AFTER MUSK'S SNL APPEARANCE
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCLUDING BA, TSLA, APPL
EARNINGS VOLATILITY IN DKE, RBLX, PLTR, BMBL, POSH COIN
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY BE, BILL, EDU
WHY I DON'T LIKE CRYPTO AS A LONG TERM INVESTMENT
AND MUCH MORE...

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

ON THIS EPISODE MARK, UNCLE MIKE AND THE ROCK LOBSTER BREAK DOWN:

BOREDOM IN THE MARKETS
THE OPTIONS VOLUME NUMBERS FROM APRIL
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCLUDING RKT, UBER
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY UBER, BILL, YPF
THE GAMIFICATION OF TRADING
CLOSING OF THE TRADING PITS
AND MUCH MORE...

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: MARK SEBASTIAN, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

ON THIS EPISODE MARK, UNCLE MIKE AND THE GREASY MEATBALL BREAK DOWN:

THE AGS SPACE GOING BANANAS. LOOKING AT ADM, TSN, JBHT
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCLUDING F, FB, PFE, PLTR, AMZN, NIO, TWTR, AMD, TSLA, AAPL
EARNINGS IN PETS, EL, CHGG, PFE, GM
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY BBD, COUP, ABBV
LOOKING FOR YIELD IN AN UNYIELD ENVIRONMENT
WHAT WOULD BE THE ADVANTAGE TO SELLING A STRADDLE
AND MUCH MORE...

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

ON THIS EPISODE MARK, UNCLE MIKE AND THE ROCK LOBSTER BREAK DOWN:

WEEKLY OPTIONS TRADING ON VXX
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCLUDING TSLA
EARNINGS IN OTIS, TSLA, GOOGL, MSFT, BA, AAPL, FB
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY AR, RRC, PCG
WHAT TO DO IF YOU THINK VIX IS LOW OR HIGH
AND MUCH MORE...

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

ON THIS EPISODE MARK, UNCLE MIKE AND THE ROCK LOBSTER BREAK DOWN:

MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCLUDING SKLZ
EARNINGS IN LUV, T, AAL, INTC
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN LVS, CSTM, QEP
EARNINGS VOLATILITY UNDERPERFORMANCE
AND MUCH MORE...

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: MARK SEBASTIAN, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

ON THIS EPISODE MARK, UNCLE MIKE AND THE GREASY MEATBALL BREAK DOWN:

MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCLUDING AMC, CLOV, SNDL
EARNINGS IN JNJ, MAT, NFLX, SNAP
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN CL, WDAY, FTCH
HOW TO USE RATIO PUT SPREADS TO GET INTO A STOCK POSITION
AND MUCH MORE...

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

ON THIS EPISODE MARK, UNCLE MIKE AND THE ROCK LOBSTER BREAK DOWN:

OPTIONS ON COIN
BITCOIN PROXY STOCKS (RIOT, MARA)
NEW HIGHS IN SPY AND SPX
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCLUDING PLTR
EARNINGS IN BAC, RAD, PEP, ALLY, NFLX
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN KDP, IPG, SGMS
A RATIO CALL SPREAD
AND MUCH MORE...

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: MARK SEBASTIAN, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

ON THIS EPISODE MARK, UNCLE MIKE AND THE GREASY MEATBALL BREAK DOWN:

THE PENDING VXX REVERSE SPLIT
MEME STOCKS FACING SOME PAIN TODAY
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCLUDING UBER, NVDA
UPCOMING EARNINGS IN BBBY, JPM, BAC, PEP
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN STNE, AMX, USB
COVERED CALLS 2.0
THE WINNERS IN OUR BROKER MADNESS TOURNAMENT
AND MUCH MORE...

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

ON THIS EPISODE MARK, UNCLE MIKE AND THE ROCK LOBSTER BREAK DOWN:

VIX, VXX, UVXY
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCLUDING SOS
UPCOMING EARNINGS IN BBBY, PEP
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN OMI, BKR, BGCP
THE RESULTS IN THE LATEST ROUND OF OUR BROKER MADNESS TOURNAMENT
FAVORITE/LEAST FAVORITE OPTIONS BROKER FEATURES
AND MUCH MORE...

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: MARK SEBASTIAN, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

ON THIS EPISODE MARK, UNCLE MIKE AND THE GREASY MEATBALL BREAK DOWN:

WHAT'S UP WITH SPY AND VIX RALLYING TODAY
MARCH OPTIONS VOLUME NUMBERS FROM OCC
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCLUDING VIAC, MSFT, AAPL, TSLA, GME, NIO, AMC, AMZN, PLTR, FB
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN PPL, AER, VIR
WHEN YOU SHOULD TAKE PROFITS ON YOUR DEBIT OR CREDIT SPREADS
AND MUCH MORE...

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: MARK SEBASTIAN, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

ON THIS EPISODE MARK, UNCLE MIKE AND THE GREASY MEATBALL BREAK DOWN:

THE VIX BREAKING THE 18 HANDLE TODAY
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCLUDING VIAC, MSFT, AAPL, TSLA
THE LATEST EARNINGS VOLATILITY IN KMAX, MU
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN RIO, BLMN, KIM
ROUND 2 OF OUR BROKER MADNESS TOURNAMENT AND A LOOK AT COMMENTS ABOUT THE VARIOUS BROKERS
AND MUCH MORE...

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: MARK SEBASTIAN, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

ON THIS EPISODE MARK, UNCLE MIKE AND THE GREASY MEATBALL BREAK DOWN:

DISCUSSING THAT CRAZY RALLY ON FRIDAY AND HOW IT AFFECTED VOLATILITY
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY INCLUDING NIO, VIAC
THE LATEST EARNINGS VOLATILITY IN CHWY, LULU, WBA, PLAY
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN PCG, MNKD, UA
TRADING OPTIONS BY CAPTURING BIG MOVES WITH LIMITED RISK
ROUND 1 OF OUR BROKER MADNESS TOURNAMENT HAD FREE BROKERS LOSING TO THE VETS
AND MUCH MORE...

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: MARK SEBASTIAN, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

ON THIS EPISODE MARK, UNCLE MIKE AND THE GREASY MEATBALL BREAK DOWN:

BITCOIN, RUSSELL 2000 AND VOLATILITY
THE LATEST EARNINGS VOLATILITY IN RH, DRI, GRWG, PLAY
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN BILL, NUAN, NRG
OPTIONS AS A STOCK REPLACEMENT STRATEGY
THOUGHTS ON DENISON MINES, XOM
INDICATORS USED TO TRADE OPTIONS ON SPY
AND MUCH MORE...

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: MARK SEBASTIAN, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

ON THIS EPISODE MARK, UNCLE MIKE AND THE GREASY MEATBALL BREAK DOWN:

THE LATEST EARNINGS VOLATILITY IN ADBE, GIS, KBH, DRI
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN FTCH, BILL, LB
PROTECTING AGAINST WEEKEND RISK WITH FAR OTM PUT SPREADS
AND MUCH MORE...

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

ON THIS EPISODE MARK, UNCLE MIKE AND THE ROCK LOBSTER BREAK DOWN:

THE LATEST EARNINGS VOLATILITY IN DG, FIVE, NKE, DRI
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN CLDX, DNN, QTT
WHAT DOES VOLATILITY EVEN MEAN ANYMORE?
DEBT SPREADS VS. CREDIT SPREADS
AND MUCH MORE...

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: MARK SEBASTIAN, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

ON THIS EPISODE MARK, UNCLE MIKE AND THE GREASY MEATBALL BREAK DOWN:

THE LATEST EARNINGS VOLATILITY IN AMR, FIVE, NKE
UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN FTCH, VTRS
WHEN IS IT AN APPROPRIATE TIME TO BUY "GARBAGE" OPTIONS
ARE WE POISED FOR A RENAISSANCE OF MINI OPTIONS
AND MUCH MORE...

In this episode Mark, Uncle Mike, and The Rock Lobster break down:

VIX, SPX, SPY
The latest earnings trading activity in ORCL, FOSL, JD
Unusual Options Activity in GE, CSTM and QEP
Your questions about VIX and GE
And much more...

In this episode Mark, Uncle Mike and The Greasy Meatball break down:

The latest trading activity in F, GME, AMZN, TSLA
Unusual Options Activity in AER, MDLZ and MAC
How to Pick An Online Broker
Your questions about TSLA options, bitcoin ETF, covered calls in EXPR
And much more...

On this episode Mark, Uncle Mike and The Rock Lobster break down:

Surprising volatility and option flow flooding the market today
Unusual Options Activity in: ITUB, YPF and VG
Your questions about Uncle Mike's blue check mark, Wonder Year's crushes, Inverse ETFs, how to handle the delicate dance of options and much more...

On this episode, Mark, Uncle Mike and The Greasy Meatball discuss:

Can you guess that theme song? (hint...it's the Wonder Years)
What's up with $VIX and these markets?
What is Google trends data telling us about volatility interest right now?
Unusual options activity review in LB, FTCH and NUAN
What should you do to protect against weekend risk?
Your questions about earnings calendars
And much more...

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

TRADING BLOCK SEGMENT

MARKETS SEVERELY RED
GAMESTOP IS BACK BABY! - MORE THAN TRIPLING IN PAST 24 HOURS
TREASURIES AND THE BOND MARKET NOT LOOKING GOOD
MOST ACTIVE INDICES AND MOST ACTIVE OPTIONS INCLUDING TWTR, PLTR, AMC
EARNINGS VOLATILITY INCLUDING PZZA, NVDA, MRNA

ODD BLOCK

REVIEW SIRI CALL LOVE
REVIEW M CALL LOVE
REVIEW F CALL OVERWRITE

MAIL BLOCK

ANSWERING YOUR QUESTION ON LONG CALLS VS LONG PUTS

AROUND THE BLOCK

WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

TRADING BLOCK SEGMENT

MARKETS ARE MIXED TODAY
MONEY IS FLOWING OUT OF THE TECH STOCKS AND INTO THE COMMODITIES
COULD THIS BE THE START OF THE UNWINDING OF THE COVID TRADE
MOST ACTIVE INDICES AND MOST ACTIVE OPTIONS INCLUDING BA, CCL
EARNINGS VOLATILITY INCLUDING RCL, HD, BYND

ODD BLOCK

BILL LINE IN THE SAND PUTS
CNHI LONG TERM CALL LOVE
KDP CALL LOVE

STRATEGY BLOCK

SLINGING OPTIONS ON BONDS

MAIL BLOCK

ANSWERING YOUR QUESTION ON COVERED CALLS

AROUND THE BLOCK

WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

TRADING BLOCK SEGMENT

VIX IS ON A HAIR TRIGGER THESE DAYS
WHO IS SELLING BITCOIN RIGHT NOW
MOST ACTIVE INDICES AND MOST ACTIVE OPTIONS INCLUDING CCIV
PAYMENT FOR ORDER FLOW REVENUE IN 2020, BY BROKER

ODD BLOCK

NRG PUT LOVE
CSTM LITS PUTS
REVIEW SAVE CALL PALOOZA

MAIL BLOCK

ANSWERING YOUR QUESTION ON FINDING UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY ON BROKER SITES AND EXERCISING PUT OPTIONS

AROUND THE BLOCK

WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK

This special recording is due to the lack of programming on Monday due to the President’s Day holiday.

Join Mark Longo as he discusses:

volatility in the markets,
the most active equity options for the day,
a crypto rundown of bitcoin, ether, dogecoin and top cryptocurrencies,
a nat gas and crude oil update,
a highlight of the earnings announcements for the rest of this week,
DNN (a stock that was profiled last week as the craziest trade in The Option Block’s history),
where to find the best tools for stocks with most open interest or volume for the day,
and much more.

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

TRADING BLOCK SEGMENT

MOST ACTIVE INDICES AND MOST ACTIVE OPTIONS INCLUDING SNDL
EARNINGS: KHC, UBER, ZNGA, DIS
GOOGLE TRENDS IN OPTIONS

ODD BLOCK

CRAZIEST DNN TRADE
QTT CALL LOVE
REVIEW SAVE CALL PALOOZA

MAIL BLOCK

ANSWERING YOUR QUESTION ABOUT HOUSING FUTURES

AROUND THE BLOCK

WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: MARK SEBASTIAN, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

TRADING BLOCK SEGMENT

MOST ACTIVE INDICES AND MOST ACTIVE OPTIONS
DEBATING THE GREAT UNION OF TSLA AND BITCOIN
EARNINGS: HAS, CSCO, LYFT, MAT, TWTR, GM, KO, UA, UBER, ZNGA, PEP, DIS

ODD BLOCK

USB CALL LOVE
REVIEW EGO CALL LOVE
REVIEW SIRI CALL LOVE

STRATEGY BLOCK

HOW TO TRADE HEDGED RISK REVERSALS

MAIL BLOCK

ANSWERING YOUR QUESTION ABOUT SHORT INTEREST

AROUND THE BLOCK

WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT
DEMAND DERIVATIVES: ROBERT KRAUSE AND DON SCHLESINGER

TRADING BLOCK SEGMENT

MOST ACTIVE INDICES AND MOST ACTIVE OPTIONS
THE SILVER SHORT SQUEEZE THAT WASN’T
EARNINGS: EBAY, GRUB, YUM, PTON, SNAP, WWE

ODD BLOCK

BXMT CALL OVERWRITE
REVIEW ZNGA CALL LOVE
REVIEW NUVA CALL LOVE

MAIL BLOCK

ANSWERING YOUR QUESTION ABOUT SHORT SQUEEZES

AROUND THE BLOCK

WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: MARK SEBASTIAN, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

TRADING BLOCK SEGMENT

MOST ACTIVE INDICES AND MOST ACTIVE OPTIONS
THE CURRENT SILVER SHORT SQUEEZE
THE DOLLAR IS THE MOST CURRENT SHORT TRADE
LATEST ON GME - WHY AREN’T THEY ISSUING MORE SHARES

ODD BLOCK

REVIEW STNE CALL OVERWRITES
REVIEW MLCO LINE IN THE SAND PUTS
REVIEW WES PUT LOVE

STRATEGY BLOCK

HOW TO FIND YIELD IN A VOLATILE MARKET

AROUND THE BLOCK

WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

TRADING BLOCK SEGMENT

MOST ACTIVE INDICES AND MOST ACTIVE OPTIONS
WHAT IS GOING ON IN GME, AMC
EARNINGS IN AAPL, TSLA, FB
VIX, VXX AND VOLATILITY

ODD BLOCK

REVIEW GPN CALL OVERWRITE
REVIEW FOLD LINE IN THE SAND PUTS
REVIEW RAD PUT LOVE

MAIL BLOCK

ANSWERING YOUR QUESTIONS ABOUT GME, GAMMA SQUEEZE AND SHORT SQUEEZE

AROUND THE BLOCK

WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: MARK SEBASTIAN, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

TRADING BLOCK SEGMENT

MOST ACTIVE INDICES AND MOST ACTIVE OPTIONS TODAY
SHORT SQUEEZE IN GME, BBBY, AMC
PELOSI’S TSLA OPTIONS TRADE
EARNINGS THIS WEEK IN MSFT, SBUX, BA, AAPL, TSLA

ODD BLOCK

MDLZ CALL LOVE
SIRI HOT AND HEAVY
M CALL LOVE

STRATEGY BLOCK

REVIEWING THE GREEKS

MAIL BLOCK

ANSWERING YOUR QUESTION ABOUT GME

AROUND THE BLOCK

WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT
DEMAND DERIVATIVES CO-HOSTS: ROBERT KRAUSE

TRADING BLOCK SEGMENT

MARKETS MIXED TODAY AFTER MASSIVE INAUGURATION RALLY
MOST ACTIVE INDICES AND MOST ACTIVE OPTIONS
BREAKING DOWN A LANDMARK STUDY ON REALIZED VOLATILITY

ODD BLOCK

ZNGA CALL LOVE
F CALL OVERWRITE

MAIL BLOCK

ANSWERING YOUR QUESTIONS ON A LONG POSITION IN VIX PUTS AND ON OPTIONS DATA

AROUND THE BLOCK

WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT
DEMAND DERIVATIVES CO-HOSTS: DON SCHLESINGER & ROBERT KRAUSE

TRADING BLOCK SEGMENT

MARKETS SLIGHTLY GREEN TO END THE WEEK
MOST ACTIVE INDICES AND MOST ACTIVE OPTIONS
EXPLORING DIVERGENCE BETWEEN IMPLIED VOL & REALIZED VOL IN EQUITIES
EARNINGS IN BLK, JPM, NFLX

ODD BLOCK

MAC PUT LOVE
ERIC OPTIONS PALOOZA
VTRS LITS PUTS

MAIL BLOCK

ANSWERING YOUR QUESTIONS ON OPTIONS STRATEGIES, TSLA CATASTROPHE PUTS AND VOLATILE ASSETS

AROUND THE BLOCK

WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: MARK SEBASTIAN, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

TRADING BLOCK SEGMENT

MARKETS SLIGHTLY RED TO START THE WEEK
MOST ACTIVE INDICES AND MOST ACTIVE OPTIONS
BITCOIN AND TSLA COMPLEX DOWN TODAY
RECORD 2020 YEAR FOR OPTIONS VOLUME - NUMBERS FROM OCC

ODD BLOCK

VIR PUT PALOOZA
AMX CALL LOVE
REVIEW - ANGI CALL PALOOZA

STRATEGY BLOCK

EXPLORING A SHORT PUT SPREAD STRATEGY TO KICK OFF THE NEW YEAR

MAIL BLOCK

ANSWERING YOUR QUESTIONS ON PAIR TRADES

AROUND THE BLOCK

WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT
CO-HOST: ROBERT KRAUSE, DEMAND DERIVATIVES
CO-HOST: DON SCHLESINGER, DEMAND DERIVATIVES

TRADING BLOCK SEGMENT

MARKETS GREEN YET AGAIN
MOST ACTIVE INDICES AND MOST ACTIVE OPTIONS
2020 FROM A HISTORICAL / REALIZED VOLATILITY PERSPECTIVE

ODD BLOCK

NUVA CALL LOVE
USB LINE IN THE SAND PUTS

MAIL BLOCK

ANSWERING YOUR QUESTIONS ON ABOUT CALCULATING A HISTORICAL VOLATILITY PRODUCT FOR SINGLE NAME STOCKS AND OPTIONS ON DELISTED CHINESE STOCKS

AROUND THE BLOCK

WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: MARK SEBASTIAN, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

TRADING BLOCK SEGMENT

MARKETS SEVERELY RED TO START THE TRADING YEAR
MOST ACTIVE INDICES AND MOST ACTIVE OPTIONS
EARNINGS IN BBBY, WBA, MU
TAKEAWAYS FROM 2020 - TSLA, FB, AMZN, AAPL, NFLX, GOOGL, NIO, PLTR, AMD, EARNINGS, REMOTE WORK, GYMS

ODD BLOCK

THEME OF THE YEAR WAS SELLING LITS PUTS
PRETTY MUCH ALL OF THE ONES THAT WE PROFILED WORKED OUT VERY WELL

AROUND THE BLOCK

WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK
WHAT WERE OUR PREDICTIONS FOR 2020 AND WHAT ARE OUR FOR 2021

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: MARK SEBASTIAN, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT
NASDAQ HOT SEAT: SCOTT NATIONS, NATIONS INDEXES

TRADING BLOCK SEGMENT

MARKETS GREEN TO START THE FINAL TRADING WEEK
MOST ACTIVE INDICES AND MOST ACTIVE OPTIONS
TALKING VOLQ AND ASSET MANAGERS
POPULAR ROBINHOOD NAMES (DKNG, PLTR) GETTING SMOKED
MARGIN DEBT AND USING OPTIONS FOR LEVERAGE

ODD BLOCK

GPN CALL OVERWRITE
BZUN CALL OVERWRITE

STRATEGY BLOCK

HOW TO USE LONG-TERM PUT SPREADS AS A HEDGE

MAIL BLOCK

ANSWERING YOUR QUESTIONS ABOUT VOLQ

AROUND THE BLOCK

WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK

We're taking a little break for the holidays. But fear not faithful listeners! The Option Block All-Star Panel has you covered with a breakdown of the Top 5 Episodes of 2020. So sit back, grab an eggnog and listen to our fearless leader (and The Options Overlord himself) break down the top episodes of the year. Enjoy!

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: MARK SEBASTIAN, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT
NASDAQ HOT SEAT: STEVE SOSNICK, CHIEF STRATEGIST, INTERACTIVE BROKERS

TRADING BLOCK SEGMENT

MARKETS RED TO START THE HOLIDAY WEEK
MOST ACTIVE INDICES AND MOST ACTIVE OPTIONS
GROWTH OF RETAIL OPTIONS TRADERS IN 2020
TALKING VIX, VOLQ, SPIKES, TSLA
BANKING OPTIONS AFTER FED ANNOUNCEMENT ON FRIDAY

ODD BLOCK

FOLD LINE IN THE SAND PUTS
STNE CALL OVERWRITES

STRATEGY BLOCK

CLOSING YOUR SHORT OPTIONS POSITIONS BEFORE EXPIRATION

AROUND THE BLOCK

WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT
DEMAND DERIVATIVES HOT SEAT: DON SCHLESINGER - PRESIDENT - DEMAND DERIVATIVES

TRADING BLOCK SEGMENT

MARKETS GREEN TO END THE WEEK
MOST ACTIVE INDICES AND MOST ACTIVE OPTIONS
BREAKING DOWN THE ACTION IN THE RISK PREMIUM IN THE MARKET
ALL ABOUT SILVER
THE EX-DIVIDEND DATE IS COMING UP IN SPY. OPTIONS SELLERS NEED TO PAY ATTENTION

ODD BLOCK

ABEV CALLS
RAD POST EARNINGS

MAIL BLOCK

DISCUSSING MARKET RISK PREMIUM

AROUND THE BLOCK

WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: MARK SEBASTIAN, THE OPTION PIT
NASDAQ HOT SEAT: TONY ZHANG, OPTIONS PLAY

TRADING BLOCK SEGMENT

MARKETS MIXED TO START THE NEW WEEK
MOST ACTIVE INDICES AND MOST ACTIVE OPTIONS
DISCUSSING VOLATILITY POST ELECTION
LOOKING AT TRADING ACTIVITY IN INTC
MOST ACTIVE OPTIONS TODAY INCLUDING DIS, TSLA
EARNINGS VOLATILITY IN GIS, NAV, RAD, DRI

ODD BLOCK

MLCO LITS PUTS
WES PUT LOVE
RUBY CALL OVERWRITE

MAIL BLOCK

DISCUSSING REASONS FOR ELEVATED VOLATILITY IN THE MARKETS AND SHORTING OPTIONS THROUGH EXPIRATION.

AROUND THE BLOCK

WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT
CO-HOST: MARK SEBASTIAN, THE OPTION PIT

TRADING BLOCK SEGMENT

MARKETS MIXED TO END THE WEEK
MOST ACTIVE INDICES AND MOST ACTIVE OPTIONS
EARNINGS VOLATILITY IN ADBE, COST, LULU, ORCL, PLAY

ODD BLOCK

ADT PUT LOVE
EGO CALL PALOOZA
REVIEW UNP LITS PUTS

MAIL BLOCK

ANSWERING YOUR QUESTIONS OPTIONS ON AIRNB IPO AND SPY IN YOUR PORTFOLIO

AROUND THE BLOCK

WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT
NASDAQ HOT SEAT: MARK SEBASTIAN, THE OPTION PIT

TRADING BLOCK SEGMENT

MARKETS MIXED TO START THE WEEK
HOW VOLQ FITS INTO A VOLATILITY PORTFOLIO
MOST ACTIVE INDICES AND MOST ACTIVE OPTIONS - VIX, NIO, AAPL, TSLA, PLTR, AAL, BA, AMD, INTC, GE

ODD BLOCK

SIRI CALL LOVE
AXTA LITS PUTS
BCOV UPSIDE CALLS

STRATEGY BLOCK

END OF THE YEAR OPTIONS TAX STRATEGIES

MAIL BLOCK

ANSWERING YOUR QUESTION ON PREMIUM

AROUND THE BLOCK

WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

TRADING BLOCK SEGMENT

MAJOR INDICES HIT NEW INTRADAY RECORD
MOST ACTIVE INDICES AND MOST ACTIVE OPTIONS
BREAKING DOWN THE MASSIVE MOVES IN CCL, AAL, PFE
EARNINGS VOLATILITY: SPLK, MIK, SNOW, KR, DG, FIVE, MRVL, ULTA
NOVEMBER OPTIONS VOLUME FROM OPTIONS CLEARING

ODD BLOCK

STAY CALLS
TRXC CALL OVERWRITE
REVIEW MOMO CALLS

MAIL BLOCK

ANSWERING YOUR QUESTIONS ON THE WHEEL STRATEGY AND HOW TO LISTEN TO THE SHOW AFTER THE LIVE STREAM.

AROUND THE BLOCK

WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: MARK SEBASTIAN, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT
NASDAQ HOT SEAT: BRIAN OVERBY, ALLY INVEST

TRADING BLOCK SEGMENT

MARKETS RED AS VIRUS CASES SOAR
MOST ACTIVE INDICES AND MOST ACTIVE OPTIONS
NEW VOLATILITY PRODUCT ON NDX
LOTS OF OPTIONS PAPER IN AMD AND SNDL

ODD BLOCK

GPN LITS PUTS
NUAN CALL OVERWRITE
REVIEW HUM LITS PUTS

STRATEGY BLOCK

HOW TO MANAGE YOUR 1X2 RATIO SPREADS IN THESE CRAZY MARKETS
HOW TO MANAGE BROKEN WING BUTTERFLIES AKA SKIP STRIKE BUTTERFLIES

AROUND THE BLOCK

WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: MARK SEBASTIAN, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT
NASDAQ HOT SEAT: RUSSELL RHOADS, EQ DERIVATIVES

TRADING BLOCK SEGMENT

MARKETS MIXED AS COVID CASES SOAR
MOST ACTIVE INDICES AND MOST ACTIVE OPTIONS
VOLQ VS. VIX AS A SPREAD
XPEV OPTIONS
EARNINGS VOLATILITY: BBY, DKS, DELL

ODD BLOCK

LB AGGRESSIVE CALL SALE
STNE LITS PUTS
BGCP MASSIVE PUT LOVE

STRATEGY BLOCK

HOW TO MANAGE RISK IN THIS UNCERTAIN ENVIRONMENT
AN NDX RISK REVERSAL

AROUND THE BLOCK

WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

TRADING BLOCK SEGMENT

MARKETS MIXED AS COVID CASES SOAR
MOST ACTIVE INDICES AND MOST ACTIVE OPTIONS
RUSSELL 2000 JUMPS AS CALL BUYERS PUSH SMALL CAPS HIGHER
LOOKING AT FCEL OPTIONS
EARNINGS VOLATILITY: NVDA, BJ, BBY

ODD BLOCK

DHT PUT ACTION
CS CALL LOVE
REVIEW GPN LITS PUTS

MAIL BLOCK

LISTENER QUESTIONS ABOUT ROBINHOOD IPO AND JACK SCHWAGER’S COMMENTS

AROUND THE BLOCK

WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: MARK SEBASTIAN, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT
NASDAQ HOT SEAT: TIM MCCOURT, CME GROUP

INTERVIEW BLOCK SEGMENT

INTERVIEW WITH TIM MCCOURT, MANAGING DIRECTOR, CME GROUP, GLOBAL HEAD OF EQUITY PRODUCTS, REGARDING JOINT VOLQ VENTURE WITH NASDAQ

TRADING BLOCK SEGMENT

MORE VACCINE GREEN WHILE CASES SPIKE TO RECORD LEVELS
MOST ACTIVE INDICES AND MOST ACTIVE OPTIONS
WHAT ARE ROBINHOOD OPTIONS TRADERS TRADING
NIO OPTIONS MOMENTUM

ODD BLOCK

MASSIVE AFL COLLAR ROLL
STNE CLASS A CALL OVERWRITE

STRATEGY BLOCK

BREAKING DOWN THE MYSTERIES OF THE VERTICAL PUT SPREAD

MAIL BLOCK

ANSWERING A LISTENER QUESTION ABOUT THE VIX

AROUND THE BLOCK

WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

TRADING BLOCK SEGMENT

MARKETS FINALLY TAKING A BREAK POST-ELECTION AND POST VACCINE
MOST ACTIVE INDICES AND MOST ACTIVE OPTIONS
EARNINGS VOLATILITY: AMAT, CSCO, DIS, DKNG
SHORT SELLERS DOWN $5.5BN ON US POSITIONS IN NOVEMBER

ODD BLOCK

CALL ROLL IN AES
REVIEW DRI LITS PUTS
REVIEW SIX COLLAR

MAIL BLOCK

DISCUSSING A TRADE SUGGESTION IN SLV AND BUYING A CALL OPTION IN PRECIOUS METALS

AROUND THE BLOCK

WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: MARK SEBASTIAN, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT
NASDAQ HOT SEAT: ERIC METZ, SPIDERROCK ADVISORS

TRADING BLOCK SEGMENT

A LOT OF GREEN ON THE SCREEN TODAY
MOST ACTIVE INDICES AND MOST ACTIVE OPTIONS
POTENTIAL VACCINE CAUSES NEW MOMENTUM IN MARKETS
PFE STOCK SOARS WHILE ZOOM, PTON, AMZN ALL DOWN
EARNINGS VOLATILITY: BYND, LYFT, AMAT, DIS

ODD BLOCK

SAVE CALL PALOOZA
STOR CALL OVERWRITES
REVIEW - RLGY POST EARNINGS CALL LOVE

STRATEGY BLOCK

HOW TO MANAGE AN NDX VERTICAL CALL SPREAD WHEN THE MARKET BLOWS PAST YOUR SHORT STRIKE.

AROUND THE BLOCK

WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: MARK SEBASTIAN, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

TRADING BLOCK SEGMENT

A LOT OF GREEN ON THE SCREEN TODAY
MOST ACTIVE INDICES AND MOST ACTIVE OPTIONS
ELECTION VOLATILITY
EARNINGS VOLATILITY: QCOM, BABA, PZZA, MTCH, SEAS
OPTIONS CLEARING OCTOBER OPTIONS VOLUME

ODD BLOCK

REVIEW PEP CALL LOVE
ANGI CALL PALOOZA
SPWR PUT LOVE

MAIL BLOCK

ANSWERING YOUR QUESTIONS ABOUT TRADING ON THE FED DECISION, THE BIDEN TAX PLAN AND HITTING THE BID AND LIFTING THE OFFER.

AROUND THE BLOCK

WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT
NASDAQ HOT SEAT: JAMES MCDONALD, CEO & CHIEF INVESTMENT OFFICER - HERCULES INVESTMENTS

TRADING BLOCK SEGMENT

A LOT OF GREEN ON THE SCREEN DESPITE LOCKDOWN NEWS FROM EUROPE
MOST ACTIVE INDICES AND MOST ACTIVE OPTIONS
DISCUSSION ON VOLATILITY IN THE MARKETS AND THE IMPACT OF THE ELECTION
THE UVXY WHALE
EARNINGS VOLATILITY

ODD BLOCK

GPN LINE IN THE SAND PUTS
ING CALL LOVE

STRATEGY BLOCK

HEDGING THE ELECTION

MAIL BLOCK

ANSWERING YOUR QUESTION ON THE NASDAQ PHLX TRADING FLOOR

AROUND THE BLOCK

WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

TRADING BLOCK SEGMENT

A LITTLE GREEN ON THE SCREEN TODAY BUT A LOT OF RED
MOST ACTIVE INDICES AND MOST ACTIVE OPTIONS
DISCUSSION ON VOLATILITY IN THE MARKETS
EARNINGS VOLATILITY: MSFT, EBAY, PINS, GILD, ETSY, GRUB

ODD BLOCK

HUM LINE IN THE SAND PUTS
RLGY POST EARNINGS CALL LOVE
REVIEW MTCH PUTS

MAIL BLOCK

ANSWERING YOUR QUESTIONS ON GETTING BULLISH WITHOUT MUCH RISK, HOW VIX AND SPX CAN BOTH BE UP, ROBINHOOD OPTIONS NOT FILLED

AROUND THE BLOCK

WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT
NASDAQ HOT SEAT: LUKE RAHBARI, EQUITY ARMOR INVESTMENTS

TRADING BLOCK SEGMENT

A LOT OF RED ON THE SCREEN TODAY
SPX STILL BELOW 3500
VIX: 32 - UP 3.75 FROM LAST SHOW
VVIX: 127.5 - UP 12.5 FROM LAST SHOW
VXX: 23.6 - UP 1.4 FROM LAST SHOW
VOLQ: 34.75 - UP 2.25 FROM LAST SHOW
MOST ACTIVE INDICES AND MOST ACTIVE OPTIONS
ELECTION VOLATILITY
NDX AND VOLQ UP ON THE SAME DAY
DOWNSIDE AND UPSIDE VOLATILITY
SAP SELLOFF
MSFT EARNINGS VOLATILITY

ODD BLOCK

MOMO CALL LOVE
LQDA LINE IN THE SAND PUTS

STRATEGIC BLOCK

OPTIONS STRATEGIES FOR THE ELECTION

MAIL BLOCK

ANSWERING YOUR QUESTIONS IN VOLQ, VLQ AND VIX

AROUND THE BLOCK

WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

TRADING BLOCK SEGMENT

A LITTLE RED ON THE SCREEN TODAY
SPX STILL BELOW 3500
VIX: 28.25 - UP .5 FROM LAST SHOW
VVIX: 115 - DOWN 1.6 FROM LAST SHOW
VXX: 22.25 - UNCHD FROM LAST SHOW
VOLQ: 32.5 UNCHD
MOST ACTIVE INDICES AND MOST ACTIVE OPTIONS
EARNINGS VOLATILITY: TSLA, T, LUV, AAL, INTC, MSFT, BA, AAPL, AMZN, FB, GOOGL, TWTR

ODD BLOCK

REVIEW MRVL CALL LOVE
SU LINE IN THE SAND PUTS
UNP LINE IN THE SAND PUTS

AROUND THE BLOCK

WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: MARK SEBASTIAN, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT
NASDAQ HOT SEAT: RUSSELL RHOADS, EQ DERIVATIVES

TRADING BLOCK SEGMENT

RED ON THE SCREEN TODAY
SPX NOW BACK BELOW 3500
VIX: 27.75 - DOWN .25 FROM LAST SHOW
VVIX: 116.6 - DOWN 3 FROM LAST SHOW
VXX: 22.25 - DOWN .25 FROM LAST SHOW
VOLQ: 33.1 DOWN .25
MOST ACTIVE INDICES AND MOST ACTIVE OPTIONS
MARKETS BEING IMPACTED BY ELECTION
VOLQ DISPERSION OPPORTUNITIES
EARNINGS VOLATILITY SEASON

ODD BLOCK

MTCH LINE IN THE SAND PUTS
MPW CALL LOVE
WSC CALL OVERWRITE

STRATEGY BLOCK

BREAKING DOWN THE MADNESS OF SHORT DELTAS

AROUND THE BLOCK

WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

TRADING BLOCK SEGMENT

RED ON THE SCREEN TODAY
SPX NOW BACK ABOVE
VIX: 28 - UP 3 FROM LAST SHOW
VVIX: 119.6 - UP 7.6 FROM LAST SHOW
VXX: 22.5 - UP .5 FROM LAST SHOW
VOLQ: 33.25 UP 3
MOST ACTIVE INDICES AND MOST ACTIVE OPTIONS
MARKETS BEING IMPACTED BY POTENTIAL STIMULUS, ELECTION
EARNINGS VOLATILITY SEASON

ODD BLOCK

FSLY LITS PUTS
PPL CALL LOVE
REVIEW MTCH PUTS

MAIL BLOCK

DISCUSSING GME OPTIONS AND MSFT DEAL

AROUND THE BLOCK

WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT
NASDAQ HOT SEAT: MATT AMBERSON, ORATS

TRADING BLOCK SEGMENT

MORE GREEN ON THE SCREEN TODAY
VIX: 25 - DOWN 2.25 FROM LAST SHOW
VVIX: 112 - UP 7.5 FROM LAST SHOW
VXX: 22 - DOWN 2.1 FROM LAST SHOW
VOLQ: 30.25
MOST ACTIVE INDICES AND MOST ACTIVE OPTIONS
HOW SOFTBANK WHALE IMPACTED AAPL VOLATILITY SKEW
VOLATILITY FOLLOWING VP DEBATE
EARNINGS VOLATILITY SEASON

ODD BLOCK

ARMK LITS PUTS
TXN LITS PUTS
REVIEW HUN LITS PUTS

STRATEGY BLOCK

HOW TO TRIM SOME BULLISH DELTAS IN NDX WITHOUT MISSING OUT ON THE UPSIDE

AROUND THE BLOCK

WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT

TRADING BLOCK SEGMENT

MORE GREEN ON THE SCREEN TODAY
VIX: 27.25 - DOWN 1.4 FROM LAST SHOW
VVIX: 104.5 - UP 1.2 FROM LAST SHOW
VXX: 24.1 - DOWN 1.2 FROM LAST SHOW
MOST ACTIVE INDICES AND MOST ACTIVE OPTIONS
OCC CLEARS NEW ANNUAL EXCHANGE-LISTED OPTIONS INDUSTRY VOLUME RECORD
LOOKING AT DPZ VOLATILITY AFTER EARNINGS

ODD BLOCK

MRVL CALL LOVE
HUN LITS PUTS
SWCH FEB CALL OVERWRITE

MAIL BLOCK

ANSWERING YOUR QUESTIONS ABOUT UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY, COVERED CALLS AND MINI OPTIONS.

AROUND THE BLOCK

WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: MARK SEBASTIAN, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT
NASDAQ HOT SEAT: SCOTT NATIONS, NATIONS INDEXES

INTERVIEW BLOCK SEGMENT

INTERVIEW WITH SCOTT NATIONS REGARDING THE NEW VOLQ PRODUCT

TRADING BLOCK SEGMENT

A LOI OF GREEN ON THE SCREEN TO BEGIN THE WEEK
VIX: 28.65 - UP 2.15 FROM LAST SHOW
VVIX: 103.3 - UP 2.8 FROM LAST SHOW
VXX: 25.3 - UP .5 FROM LAST SHOW
MOST ACTIVE INDICES AND MOST ACTIVE OPTIONS

ODD BLOCK

ATUS PUT LOVE

STRATEGY BLOCK

HOW TO TRADE LINE-IN-THE-SAND PUTS

MAIL BLOCK

ANSWERING YOUR QUESTION ABOUT THE RETURN OF THE MINI OPTIONS

AROUND THE BLOCK

WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK

OPTION BLOCK 939: RISE OF THE OPTIONS OVERLORD

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

TRADING BLOCK SEGMENT

A LITTLE BIT OF GREEN ON THE SCREEN TO END THE WEEK
VIX: 26.5 - DOWN .35 FROM LAST SHOW
VVIX: 100.5 - DOWN 2.25 FROM LAST SHOW
VXX: 24.85 - DOWN .65 FROM LAST SHOW
MOST ACTIVE INDICES AND MOST ACTIVE OPTIONS
THIS WEEK’S DEBATE, UPCOMING ELECTION AND VOLATILITY

ODD BLOCK

REVIEW COF LITS PUTS
PEP CALL LOVE
REVIEW CPRI CALL LOVE

MAIL BLOCK

DISCUSSING YOUR QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS ABOUT:

GME VS. BBBY
THE ALLIANZ STRUCTURED ALPHA DEBACLE
NICKNAMES FOR MARK LONGO
IRON CONDORS IN SILVER

AROUND THE BLOCK

WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK

OPTION BLOCK 938: THE GREATEST OPTIONS HEROES

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

TRADING BLOCK SEGMENT

A LITTLE BIT OF GREEN ON THE SCREEN TO START THE WEEK
VIX: 26.8 - DOWN 2 FROM LAST SHOW
VVIX: 102.75 - UNCHGD FROM LAST SHOW
VXX: 25.5 - DOWN .75 FROM LAST SHOW
MOST ACTIVE INDICES AND MOST ACTIVE OPTIONS
UPCOMING ELECTION AND VOLATILITY

ODD BLOCK

MTCH PUTS
BHC CALLS
REVIEW: KTOS CALLS

STRATEGY BLOCK

HOW TO TRADE A BULLISH CALL SPREAD WITH NO TIME DECAY RISK

AROUND THE BLOCK

WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK

Option Block 937: The Sexiest Man in Options

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

TRADING BLOCK SEGMENT

A LITTLE BIT OF GREEN ON THE SCREEN
VIX: 28.8 - UNCHD FROM LAST SHOW
VVIX: 102.75 - DOWN 8.65 FROM LAST SHOW
VXX: 26.25 - UP .65 FROM LAST SHOW
MOST ACTIVE INDICES AND MOST ACTIVE OPTIONS
EARNINGS VOLATILITY FOR DRI, RAD, COST, MU
DEBATING THE #SOFTBANK WHALE'S STRATEGY AND POSITIONS

ODD BLOCK

REVIEW COF LINE IN THE SAND PUTS
REVIEW COUP MISTIMED COLLAR
DRI LINE IN THE SAND PUTS

MAIL BLOCK

CLOSING A SILVER POSITION EARLY BEFORE EXPIRATION

AROUND THE BLOCK

WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK

OPTION BLOCK 936: ELECTION VOLATILITY, CORONAVIRUS, AIRWOLF...OH MY!

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

TRADING BLOCK SEGMENT

A RED DAY TO KICK OFF THE WEEK
RENEWED LOCKDOWN FEARS SPOOKING MARKET
VIX: 28.8 - UP 1 FROM LAST SHOW
VVIX: 111.4 - UP 7.2 FROM LAST SHOW
VXX: 25.6 - UP .8 FROM LAST SHOW
MOST ACTIVE INDICES AND MOST ACTIVE OPTIONS
CRUDE OIL PULL-BACK
EARNINGS VOLATILITY PREVIEW FOR NKE, DRI, RAD, COST

ODD BLOCK

SIX COLLAR
GPN PUT LOVE
REVIEW EQH LITS PUT LOVE

STRATEGY BLOCK

UNCLE MIKE SHARES SOME STRATEGIES THAT BENEFIT FROM WEEKEND RISK

AROUND THE BLOCK

WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK

OPTION BLOCK 935: WE'RE ALL SNOWFLAKES NOW

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

TRADING BLOCK SEGMENT

MARKETS DOWN TO END THE WEEK
VIX: 27.75 - UP 1.9 FROM LAST SHOW
VVIX: 104.2 - DOWN 6.1 FROM LAST SHOW
VXX: 24.86 - DOWN .14 FROM LAST SHOW
MOST ACTIVE INDICES AND MOST ACTIVE OPTIONS
THE RAMPAGE OF SNOW
POTENTIAL FOR A SURPRISE OCTOBER STIMULUS BEFORE THE ELECTION

ODD BLOCK

SU CALL LOVE
GEO PUT LOVE
REVIEW FOXA LITS PUT LOVE

MAIL BLOCK

DISCUSSING THE LATEST ON THE TSLA CATASTROPHE PUTS AND OPTIONS ON SNOW

AROUND THE BLOCK

WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK

OPTION BLOCK 934: We Love It When A Plan Comes Together

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

TRADING BLOCK SEGMENT

MARKETS RALLYING TO START THE WEEK
VIX: 25.8 - DOWN 3.2 FROM LAST SHOW
VVIX: 110.5 - DOWN 9.5 FROM LAST SHOW
VXX: 25 - DOWN 2 FROM LAST SHOW
MOST ACTIVE INDICES AND MOST ACTIVE OPTIONS
EARNINGS EXPECTATIONS FOR LEN, CBRL, ADBE

ODD BLOCK

COF PUT LOVE
AXTA CALL LOVE
DRI STRANGLE

STRATEGY BLOCK

ROLLING UP PUT SPREADS WHEN THE STOCK MOVES YOUR WAY

MAIL BLOCK

DISCUSSING THE LARGEST OPEN POSITION IN TSLA OPTIONS RIGHT NOW

AROUND THE BLOCK

WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK

OPTION BLOCK 933: RETURN OF VOL MAN, PLUS GME VS. BBBY DEATHMATCH

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

TRADING BLOCK SEGMENT

MARKETS MIXED ON JOBS DATA
VIX: 29 - UNCHD FROM LAST SHOW
VVIX: 120 - DOWN 5.6 FROM LAST SHOW
VXX: 27 - DOWN 2.25 FROM LAST SHOW
MOST ACTIVE INDICES AND MOST ACTIVE OPTIONS
VOLATILITY IN THE ELECTION CYCLE
EARNINGS EXPECTATIONS FOR PLAY, PTON, CHWY

ODD BLOCK

PRICEY GME PUT LOVE
CPRI CALL LOVE
BBBY PUT LOVE

AROUND THE BLOCK

WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK

Option Block 932: The Blood Red Tide

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

TRADING BLOCK SEGMENT

A RED END TO THE TRADING WEEK
STIMULUS DEADLOCK SPOOKING MARKETS?
VIX: 29 - UP 4 FROM LAST SHOW
VVIX: 125.6 - UP 13 FROM LAST SHOW
VXX: 29.25 - UP 5 FROM LAST SHOW
MOST ACTIVE INDICES AND MOST ACTIVE OPTIONS
THE TSLA SELLOFF
OPTIONS VOLUME NUMBERS FOR AUGUST FROM OPTIONS CLEARING CORP

ODD BLOCK

NOK PUT LOVE
HGV LINE IN THE SAND PUTS
ZUO EARNINGS CALL LOVE

AROUND THE BLOCK

WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK

OPTION BLOCK 931: BAYWATCH VS. KNIGHT RIDER

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

TRADING BLOCK SEGMENT

A MIXED START TO THE TRADING WEEK
SLOW MOTION BEACH RUNNING VS. TALKING CARS
VIX: 24.9 - DOWN 1.2 FROM LAST SHOW
VVIX: 112.5 - DOWN 7 FROM LAST SHOW
VXX: 25.25 - UP 1.25 FROM LAST SHOW
MOST ACTIVE INDICES AND MOST ACTIVE OPTIONS
TSLA AND APPL POST STOCK SPLIT MADNESS

ODD BLOCK

ACM CALL LOVE
WRE LINE IN THE SAND PUTS
TSLA COVERED CALL

STRATEGY BLOCK

WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU SELL PUTS AND THE UNDERLYING EXPLODES TO THE UPSIDE?

AROUND THE BLOCK

WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK

OPTION BLOCK 930: FED MURDERS THE INFLATION HAWKS

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

TRADING BLOCK SEGMENT

FED CHANGES ITS OUTLOOK ON INFLATION
VIX: 26.10 - UP 3.35 FROM LAST SHOW
VVIX: 106.75 - DOWN APPROX. 2.5 FROM LAST SHOW
VXX: 27.25 - UP2.75 FROM LAST SHOW
MOST ACTIVE INDICES AND MOST ACTIVE OPTIONS
WMT AND MSFT INTEREST IN TIKTOK

ODD BLOCK

SIRI SHORT CALL ROLL
ORCL CALL LOVE
SRE CALL OVERWRITE

MAIL BLOCK

DISCUSSING YOUR QUESTIONS ON AAPL OPTIONS AND VIX ACTION

AROUND THE BLOCK

WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK

OPTION BLOCK 929: MASTERS OF THE TRADING UNIVERSE

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: MARK SEBASTIAN, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

TRADING BLOCK SEGMENT

ANOTHER GREEN START TO THE WEEK
VIX: 22.65 - DOWN .325 FROM LAST SHOW
VVIX: 109.2 - DOWN 6.3 FROM LAST SHOW
VXX: 24.5 - DOWN .6 FROM LAST SHOW
MOST ACTIVE INDICES AND MOST ACTIVE OPTIONS
LOTS OF HEDGING IN AAPL
EARNINGS: BBY, INTU, DELL

ODD BLOCK

CRAZY VOLUME IN LB
OMC PUT PALOOZA
GPS CALL LOVE

MAIL BLOCK

DISCUSSING YOUR QUESTIONS ON NVDA CALLS AND TSLA CALLS

AROUND THE BLOCK

WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK

OPTION BLOCK 928: INSANITY ABOUNDS!!!

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

TRADING BLOCK SEGMENT

VIX: 23 - UP 1.25 FROM LAST SHOW
VVIX: 115.5 - UP 4 FROM LAST SHOW
VXX: 25.1 - UP .35 FROM LAST SHOW
MOST ACTIVE INDICES AND MOST ACTIVE OPTIONS
EARNINGS: NVDA, BABA, BBY, INTU, DELL

ODD BLOCK

SPX RISK REVERSAL TRADES
MASSIVE SABR PUT PALOOZA
ORCL CALL LOVE

MAIL BLOCK

DISCUSSING YOUR QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS ABOUT THE ROBINHOOD APP, IMPLIED VOLATILITY AND MORE.

AROUND THE BLOCK

WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK

OPTION BLOCK 927: OPTIONS...OPTIONS...OPTIONS...THUNDERTRADERS, HO!

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

TRADING BLOCK SEGMENT

VIX: 21.75 - UP .25 FROM LAST SHOW
VVIX: 111.5 - DOWN 2 FROM LAST SHOW
VXX: 24.75 - DOWN .5 FROM LAST SHOW
MOST ACTIVE INDICES AND MOST ACTIVE OPTIONS
TOS DOWN THIS MORNING
EARNINGS: WMT, LOW, NVDA, BABA

ODD BLOCK

JD CALL LOVE/ROLL
PRNB CALL LOVE
HCI PUT LOVE

STRATEGY BLOCK

DISCUSSING GAMMA AND DELTA ON SHORT PUT SPREADS

MAIL BLOCK

DISCUSSING A COVERED CALL TRADE

AROUND THE BLOCK

WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK

OPTION BLOCK 926: THE FUN-NESS of WWE ORIGINS

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: MARK SEBASTIAN, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

TRADING BLOCK SEGMENT

MIXED END TO THE WEEK
VIX: 21.5 - DOWN .25 FROM LAST SHOW
VVIX: 113.5 - UP 3.6 FROM LAST SHOW
VXX: 25.25 - DOWN .65 FROM LAST SHOW
MOST ACTIVE INDICES AND MOST ACTIVE OPTIONS
GEORGE SOROS IS OUT OF THE MARKET
AMC 15 CENT CELEBRATION
WE HAVE A DEMOCRATIC VP

ODD BLOCK

REVIEW SIZE GM RISK REVERSAL
GLU CALL LOVE
BHF PUT LOVE

MAIL BLOCK

DISCUSSING THE SERIES 7 EXAM AND A COVERED CALL TRADE

AROUND THE BLOCK

WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK

OPTION BLOCK 925: CRAZY COLLARS AND ROLLING DIAGONALS

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

TRADING BLOCK SEGMENT

MIXED START TO THE WEEK
KODAK LOOKING WORSE
VIX: 22.25 - DOWN 1.15 FROM LAST SHOW
VVIX: 110.9 - UP 4.3 FROM LAST SHOW
VXX: 25.9 - DOWN 1.3 FROM LAST SHOW
MOST ACTIVE INDICES AND MOST ACTIVE OPTIONS
EARNINGS: MAR, CSCO, LYFT, AMAT

ODD BLOCK

KODK CALLS
MTG CALL OVERWRITE
RIG MASSIVE COLLAR PUT PALOOZA

STRATEGY BLOCK

DISCUSSING AN AAPL DIAGONAL CALL SPREAD TRADE

AROUND THE BLOCK

WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK

OPTION BLOCK 924: BULLISH BUT TERRIFIED

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

TRADING BLOCK SEGMENT

MIXED MESSAGES DRIVE MIXED MARKETS TODAY
JOB-CUT ANNOUNCEMENTS SURGE 54% IN JULY TO THIRD-HIGHEST ON RECORD
WAR GAMES EXPLAIN ELECTION BUMP IN VIX
KODAK UNDER SEC INVESTIGATION
OCC JULY 2020 TOTAL VOLUME UP 52.5 PERCENT FROM A YEAR AGO
VIX: 23.4 - DOWN 1.2 FROM LAST SHOW
VVIX: 106.6 - DOWN 6.15 FROM LAST SHOW
VXX: 27.2 - DOWN 1.3 FROM LAST SHOW
MOST ACTIVE INDICES AND MOST ACTIVE OPTIONS

ODD BLOCK

AER MID-MARKET PUTS
CWH AFTER EARNINGS
CTVA LITS PUTS

AROUND THE BLOCK

WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK?

OPTION BLOCK 923: ROCK BUYOUTS, DUBIOUS KODAK PAPER AND MORE

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: MARK SEBASTIAN, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

TRADING BLOCK SEGMENT

MARKETS KICKING OFF THE WEEK IN RALLY MODE
NASDAQ SETTING NEW RECORD HIGHS
STRONGER THAN EXPECTED MANUFACTURING DATA
THE ROCK SCOOPS HALF OF THE XFL - TOTAL SALE PRICE $15 MILLION
EARNINGS: MSFT, MPC, CLX, CHGG, TTWO, BYND, DIS, FOXA, CVS, MRNA, ETSY, ROKU, SQ, PZZA, UBER
VIX: 24.6 - DOWN 1.6 FROM LAST SHOW
VVIX: 112.75 - DOWN 4.75 FROM LAST SHOW
VXX: 28.5 - DOWN 1.4 FROM LAST SHOW
MOST ACTIVE INDICES AND MOST ACTIVE OPTIONS

ODD BLOCK

KODK DUBIOUS TRADES
FOXA LITS PUTS
REVIEW FSM CALLS

STRATEGY BLOCK

HOW TO USE BOX SPREADS TO AVOID PATTERN DAY TRADING RULES

AROUND THE BLOCK

WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK?

Option Block 922: Hunting for Shady Business in Kodak

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

TRADING BLOCK SEGMENT

U.S. ECONOMY CONTRACTED RECORD 32.9% IN Q2 AMID STATE SHUTDOWNS, COVID-19 CONTAGION FEARS
EARNINGS TODAY FB, AMZN, APPL, GOOGL, WWE, GILD, EA, CBOE
VIX: 26.25 - UP .75 FROM LAST SHOW
VVIX: 117.5 - UP 1.8 FROM LAST SHOW
VXX: 29.9 - UNCHD FROM LAST SHOW
MOST ACTIVE INDICES AND MOST ACTIVE OPTIONS
HOT OPTIONS IN TSLA

ODD BLOCK

KODK EXPLODING OPTIONS
GILD OPTIONS ACTIVITY
EQH LITS PUTS

MAIL BLOCK

ANSWERING YOUR QUESTION ABOUT VIX

AROUND THE BLOCK

WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK?

OPTION BLOCK 921: SILVER...A THIEF IN THE NIGHT

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: MARK SEBASTIAN, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

TRADING BLOCK SEGMENT

MARKETS RALLYING HEADING INTO STIMULUS PLANS
DUELING STIMULI: REPUBLICAN PLAN UNVEILED TODAY VS. DEM PLAN
GOLD HITS NEW INTRADAY HIGH OF $1939.35
SILVER HIGHEST SINCE 2013 TO HIT $24.24
VIX: 25.50 - UP 1.5 FROM LAST SHOW
VVIX: 115.7 - UP 4.2 FROM LAST SHOW
VXX: 29.9 - UP 1.15 FROM LAST SHOW
MOST ACTIVE INDICES AND MOST ACTIVE OPTIONS
HOT OPTIONS IN TSLA
EARNINGS WEEK: DISCUSSING FB, SBUX, BA, GIL, GRUB, GOOGL, WWE

ODD BLOCK

COF LITS PUTS
COUP MISTIMED COLLAR
REVIEW DUK LITS PUTS

STRATEGY BLOCK

MODIFYING A CALL SPREAD DURING UNCERTAIN MARKETS

MAIL BLOCK

ANSWERING YOUR QUESTIONS ABOUT NAKED SHORT PUTS

AROUND THE BLOCK

WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK?

OPTION BLOCK 920: WHAT THE HECK IS GOING ON WITH TSLA

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

TRADING BLOCK SEGMENT

RED ON THE SCREEN. WHAT DOES THAT MEAN?
VIX: 24.10 - DOWN .65 FROM LAST SHOW
VVIX: 111.5 - DOWN 2.75 FROM LAST SHOW
VXX: 28.75 - DOWN .5 FROM LAST SHOW
MOST ACTIVE INDICES AND MOST ACTIVE OPTIONS
HOT OPTIONS IN TSLA

ODD BLOCK

TSLA CALLS
KTOS CALLS
REVIEW TSM CALL LOVE

MAIL BLOCK

ANSWERING YOUR QUESTIONS ABOUT BUYING CALLS IN CLNY

AROUND THE BLOCK

WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK?

OPTION BLOCK 919: We Are Legend

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

On today's show Mark, Andrew and Mike discuss:

Is this an "I Am Legend" type of market?
What's going on with $VIX?
Where are the hot spots in global derivative trading?
Unusual options activity in $JCI, $IBM and $GLYC
When to sell puts and when to sit in cash.
and much more...

OPTION BLOCK 918: A GODFATHER 3 MARKET

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: MARK SEBASTIAN, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

TRADING BLOCK SEGMENT

VACCINE HOPES
VIX: 28 - DOWN .25 FROM LAST SHOW
VVIX: 115 - UP 1 FROM LAST SHOW
VXX: 32.25 - UNCHD 1.5 FROM LAST SHOW
MOST ACTIVE INDICES AND MOST ACTIVE OPTIONS
STOCKS FINALLY TAKING A BREAK AFTER ANOTHER WEEK OF ENDLESS RALLY
EARNINGS SEASON - TALKING NFLX, SNAP, MSFT, TWTR, INTC AND MORE
AAPL

ODD BLOCK

CLNY CALLS
BE CALLS
LOGI LITS PUTS

MAIL BLOCK

ANSWERING YOUR QUESTIONS ABOUT BUYING AAPL AND GOOD BROKERS ALLOWING SHORTS

AROUND THE BLOCK

WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK?

OPTION BLOCK 917: SMOKEY AND THE BANDIT...THE WESTERN?

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: MARK SEBASTIAN, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

TRADING BLOCK SEGMENT

ANOTHER STRONG START FOR THE WEEK WITH VACCINE HOPES
TSLA IS NOW 10TH LARGEST STOCK BY MARKET VALUE
VIX: 28.25 - DOWN 2.25 FROM LAST SHOW
VVIX: 114 - DOWN 4 FROM LAST SHOW
VXX: 32.25 - DOWN 1.5 FROM LAST SHOW
MOST ACTIVE INDICES AND MOST ACTIVE OPTIONS
EARNINGS SEASON IS BACK - TALKING NFLX, BAC, DPZ, ABT, JPM AND MORE
THE MEATBALL ASKS WHAT THAT WESTERN STARRING BURT REYNOLDS WAS? HIS ANSWER - SMOKEY AND THE BANDIT

ODD BLOCK

STM CALL PALOOZA
MEATY MHK CALL LOVE
PSTG PUT LOVE

STRATEGY BLOCK

BEING NIMBLE WITH STRATEGY BASED ON IMPLIED VOLATILITY

MAIL BLOCK

ANSWERING YOUR QUESTIONS ABOUT THE NASDAQ ISE AND THE NASDAQ GEMX

AROUND THE BLOCK

WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK?

OPTION BLOCK 916: THE BERKSHIRE BACKDOOR TO APPLE

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

On this episode Mark, Mike and Andrew discuss:

Our current thoughts on market and volatility levels.
Is Berkshire Hathaway really just a cheap back door into Apple?
How did that crazy $GNUS call trade work out?
How to properly gauge $SPX skew.
Your thoughts on current $SPY valuation levels
and much more...

OPTION BLOCK 915: HOW AMERICA TRADES OPTIONS

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: MARK SEBASTIAN, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

TRADING BLOCK SEGMENT

VIX: 27.5 - UP .75 FROM LAST SHOW
VVIX: 114.5 - DOWN 5 FROM LAST SHOW
VXX: 31.75 - UP .25 FROM LAST SHOW
EARNINGS THIS WEEK IN PAYCX, LEVI, WBA

ODD BLOCK

BACK DOOR COVERED CALLS IN FIZZ
LINE IN THE SAND PUTS IN BABA
IN THE MONEY CALLS IN GNUS

STRATEGY BLOCK

TRADING OPTIONS IN AMERICA

AROUND THE BLOCK

WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK?

OPTION BLOCK 914: MORE MADNESS ON THE TAPE IN TSLA, SPY, GM, VIX AND MORE

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

TRADING BLOCK SEGMENT

VIX: 26.75 - DOWN 6.75 FROM LAST SHOW
VVIX: 119.5 - DOWN 6 FROM LAST SHOW
VXX: 31.5 - DOWN 5 FROM LAST SHOW
TSLA IS NOW WORTH MORE THAN XOM OR ANY AUTOMAKER IN THE WORLD
BREAK DOWN THE LATEST ACTION IN SPY, TSLA, VIX AND MORE
JOBS REPORT WAS BETTER THAN EXPECTED
OPTIONS VOLUME HIGHEST EVER IN JUNE 2020

ODD BLOCK

MASSIVE SIZE RISK REVERSAL IN GM
TSM CALL LOVE
REVIEW - MDLA LITS PUTS

MAIL BLOCK

ANSWERING YOUR QUESTIONS REGARDING NASDAQ, STRADDLES, OTM PUTS/CALLS

AROUND THE BLOCK

WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK?

OPTION BLOCK 913: WHISTLING PAST THE GRAVEYARD...AGAIN

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

TRADING BLOCK SEGMENT

VIX: 33.5 - DOWN .75 FROM LAST SHOW
VVIX: 125.5 - DOWN 9.25 FROM LAST SHOW
VXX: 36.5 - DOWN .25 FROM LAST SHOW
GILD CHARGING OVER $3K FOR REMDESIVIR
BREAK DOWN THE LATEST ACTION IN SPY, SPX, VIX, QQQ, IWM AND WKHS

ODD BLOCK

SIZE BLDP CALL LOVE
HST PUT LOVE
REVIEW - COF LITS PUTS

STRATEGY BLOCK

TAKING A DEEP DIVE INTO IRON CONDORS

AROUND THE BLOCK

WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK?

OPTION BLOCK 912:

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

TRADING BLOCK SEGMENT

VIX: 34.25 - UP 1.5 FROM LAST SHOW
VVIX: 134.75 - UP 2.25 FROM LAST SHOW
VXX: 36.75 - UP 1 FROM LAST SHOW
WHAT IS THE NEW MECCA FOR OPTIONS TRADING IN US
EARNINGS IN NKE,MU,FDX

ODD BLOCK

DUK LITS PUTS
AGGRESSIVE CALL OVERWRITING IN DHT
MID-MARKET HZNP CALLS

MAIL BLOCK

DISCUSSING THE TRAGIC DEATH OF THE ROBINHOOD TRADER AND UPDATES TO THEIR PLATFORM

AROUND THE BLOCK

WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK?

OPTION BLOCK 911: AN EXCITING ROAD TO NOWHERE

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

TRADING BLOCK SEGMENT

CORONAVIRUS CONCERNS CONTINUE TO WEIGH ON THE MARKET
VIX: 32.75 - DOWN .5 FROM LAST SHOW
VVIX: 132.5 - DOWN 5 FROM LAST SHOW
VXX: 35.75 - DOWN 1.5 FROM LAST SHOW
TVIX IS NO MORE
OPTIONS SEARCH INTEREST AT A 12-MONTH HIGH
OPTIONS TRADING INTEREST AT PEAK AS WELL

ODD BLOCK

INCOME PLAY IN A
HARVESTING THE RISK PREMIUM IN SBSW
TRAIN TRADE IN FSM

STRATEGY BLOCK

USING OPTIONS IN YOUR IRA ACCOUNT

AROUND THE BLOCK

WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK?

OPTION BLOCK 910: THE TRAGIC IMPORTANCE OF OPTIONS EDUCATION

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: MARK SEBASTIAN, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

TRADING BLOCK SEGMENT

VIX: 33.25 - DOWN 4 FROM LAST SHOW
VVIX: 137.5 - DOWN 13.5 FROM LAST SHOW
VXX: 37.25 - DOWN 2.25 FROM LAST SHOW

ODD BLOCK

CLDR CALL PALOOZA
CAMP LITS PUTS
GLPI PUTS
REVIEW NIO CALL LOVE

MAIL BLOCK

ANSWERING YOUR QUESTIONS ABOUT THE TRAGIC STORY OF THE INEXPERIENCED ROBINHOOD TRADER.

AROUND THE BLOCK

WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK?

OPTION BLOCK 909: AS THE WORM TURNS

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: MARK SEBASTIAN, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

TRADING BLOCK SEGMENT

IS THE BULL FINALLY WAKING UP TO THE CORONAVIRUS?: RENEWED CASES ACROSS THE COUNTRY, NY GOV THREATENING TO RESTORE LOCKDOWN, INDIA AND BRAZIL FACING MAJOR WAVE OF CASES ALL SEEM TO BE SPOOKING THE MARKET
VIX: 37.25 - UP 1.25 FROM LAST SHOW
VVIX: 151 - UP 21.5 FROM LAST SHOW
VXX: 39.5 - UP 4.5 FROM LAST SHOW
CBOE REOPENING THE TRADING FLOOR TODAY

ODD BLOCK

DISH CALL LOVE
ZUO PUT LOVE
TXT CALL LOVE

STRATEGY BLOCK

SELLING PREMIUM ON TREASURIES

AROUND THE BLOCK

WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK

OPTION BLOCK 908: THE DEATH OF THE RALLY

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

TRADING BLOCK SEGMENT

FED SPOOKS THE BULL: JEROME POWELL SAID WE HAVE “A LONG ROAD AHEAD” AND ESTIMATED RATES WOULD STAY NEAR ZERO UNTIL 2022
WHAT DO WE THINK OF THIS SELLOFF? IS THIS THE END OF THE V-SHAPED RECOVERY?
VIX: 36 - UP 10.5 FROM LAST SHOW
VVIX: 129.5 - UP 19.5 FROM LAST SHOW
VXX: 35 - UP 5.5 FROM LAST SHOW
CBOE REVIVES MINI VIX FUTURES PRODUCT

ODD BLOCK

SIX CALLS
ERIC LINE IN THE SAND PUTS
PPL CALL OVERWRITE

MAIL BLOCK

QUESTION FROM ENSCO11: THIS IS FOR THE OPTION BLOCK GANG. NOW THAT OUR PORTFOLIOS ARE ALMOST EVEN AFTER THE MARKET SELLOFF, WHAT HEDGING STRATEGIES WOULD YOU RECOMMEND?

AROUND THE BLOCK

WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK

Option Block 907: The Worldwide Option Block

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

TRADING BLOCK SEGMENT

ANOTHER STRONG START TO THE TRADING WEEK
VIX: 25.25 - UNCHD 3.5 FROM LAST SHOW
VVIX: 109.3 - UP .7 FROM LAST SHOW
VXX: 29.5 - UP 1 FROM LAST SHOW

ODD BLOCK

REVIEW ZNGA CALLS
REVIEW YNDX CALLS
CAH CALL LOVE

STRATEGY BLOCK

UNCLE MIKE IS REMINISCING LIKE A STOCK OPERATOR.

AROUND THE BLOCK

WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK

OPTION BLOCK 906: Revenge of the Clam Privateers

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

TRADING BLOCK SEGMENT

VELOCITY OF THE RALLY: FROM OPALESQUE: THE S&P 500 HAS NOW RALLIED +41% IN TEN WEEKS.
VIX: 25.25 - DOWN 3.5 FROM LAST SHOW
VVIX: 108.6 - UP 1.6 FROM LAST SHOW
VXX: 30.5 - DOWN 3 FROM LAST SHOW
OCC ANNOUNCED TODAY THAT MAY 2020 TOTAL CLEARED CONTRACT VOLUME WAS 545,272,318 CONTRACTS, UP 17.3 PERCENT FROM MAY 2019.

ODD BLOCK

LONG TERM AAL CALLS
LONG TERM MGM CALLS

MAIL BLOCK

QUESTION REGARDING USO AND A LONG CALL POSITION

AROUND THE BLOCK

WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK

OPTION BLOCK 905: MARKET RALLIES WHILE THE U.S. BURNS

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

TRADING BLOCK SEGMENT

THE STOCK MARKET ISN’T REFLECTING REALITY YET, BUT CITIGROUP WARNS THAT PAIN AND ‘COLLATERAL DAMAGE’ ARE ON THE WAY
AMERICAN CITIES ARE BURNING, THERE'S A LETHAL PANDEMIC, AND WE'RE IN A NEW GREAT DEPRESSION. OF COURSE, THE STOCK MARKET IS UP. WHY DO WE PERSIST IN CALLING IT A "MARKET?" S&P 500 IS REALLY THE S&P 6, STOCKS ARE TRADED BY ROBOTS AND FINANCED BY $5 TRILLION OF PRINTED MONEY AT 0%. - JIM RICKARDS
VIX: 28.75 - UP 1 FROM LAST SHOW
VVIX: 107 - DOWN 1.25 FROM LAST SHOW
VXX: 33.5 - DOWN .1 FROM LAST SHOW

ODD BLOCK

REVIEW RUTH LITS PUTS
REVIEW UNP LITS PUTS

STRATEGY BLOCK

ANYTHING THAT YOU CAN DO WITH STOCKS, WE CAN DO IT BETTER WITH OPTIONS. IS THIS THE TIME TO SELL YOUR STOCKS AND INSTEAD BUY CALLS TO REDUCE YOUR OVERALL PORTFOLIO RISK?

AROUND THE BLOCK

WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK?

OPTION BLOCK 904: IS THIS RALLY FOR REAL?

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT
TRADESTATION HOT SEAT: ANDREW ROCCO, MANAGER, EDUCATIONAL CONTENT STRATEGY

TRADING BLOCK SEGMENT

THIS RALLY IS UNSTOPPABLE: IN THE GREEN PRETTY MUCH EVERY DAY THIS WEEK.
VIX: 27.75 - DOWN 1.35 FROM LAST SHOW
VVIX: 108.25 - DOWN 15.25 FROM LAST SHOW
VXX: 33.6 - DOWN 1.3 FROM LAST SHOW

ODD BLOCK

NVDA
SDC
SLV

MAIL BLOCK

QUESTION ABOUT USING OPTIONS ON LEVERAGED ETFS SUCH AS TQQQ.

AROUND THE BLOCK

WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK

OPTION BLOCK 903: PRELUDE TO MADNESS

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT
TRADESTATION HOT SEAT: ANDREW ROCCO, MANAGER, EDUCATIONAL CONTENT STRATEGY

TRADING BLOCK SEGMENT

THE LOVE FEST IS FINALLY OVER: STIMULUS AND VACCINE OPTIMISM FINALLY WANING IN LIGHT OF MORE TERRIBLE ECONOMIC NUMBERS
VIX: 29.1 - UNCHD FROM LAST SHOW
VVIX: 123.5 - DOWN 2 FROM LAST SHOW
VXX: 34.9 - UP .2 FROM LAST SHOW

ODD BLOCK

CRAZY CALLS IN BA
UPSIDE CALL ACTIVITY IN TWTR
XOM CALL LOVE

MAIL BLOCK

QUESTION FROM MICHAEL HENDRICKS: I AM INTERESTED IN LEARNING OPTIONS I'M A VERY I'M A BEGINNER AND I'M NOT SURE WHERE TO START

AROUND THE BLOCK

WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK

OPTION BLOCK 902: PLAGUES, FLOODS AND MURDER HORNETS

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

TRADING BLOCK SEGMENT

THE MARKETS ARE FEELING THE LOVE AGAIN:MORE STIMULUS AND OPTIMISM OVER VACCINE ARE BOOSTING MARKETS
VIX: 29.25 - DOWN 7.4 FROM LAST SHOW
VVIX: 125.5 - DOWN 20.5 FROM LAST SHOW
VXX: 34.7 - DOWN 6 FROM LAST SHOW

ODD BLOCK

GE CALL ROLL
COF LITS PUTS
MDLA LITS PUTS

STRATEGY BLOCK

HOW TO TRADE OPTIONS IN A 401K

AROUND THE BLOCK

WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK

OPTION BLOCK 901: The End of the V-Shaped Recovery?

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT
TRADESTATION CO-HOST: ANDREW ROCCO, MANAGER, EDUCATIONAL CONTENT STRATEGY

TRADING BLOCK SEGMENT

VIX: 36.6 - UP 9 FROM LAST SHOW
VVIX: 146 - UP 27 FROM LAST SHOW
VXX: 40.8 - UP 6.8 FROM LAST SHOW
TOP NAMES AT TRADESTATION DON'T INCLUDE ANY CHIP STOCKS EXCEPT FOR AMD. THAT'S HIGHLY UNUSUAL.

ODD BLOCK

GE, GRUB, NVDA

MAIL BLOCK

WE ANSWERED YOUR QUESTIONS ON HOW NEGATIVE INTEREST RATES COULD IMPACT THE OPTIONS MARKETS, WHAT WE THINK OF JETS AIRLINE AND MORE.

AROUND THE BLOCK

WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK

OPTION BLOCK 900: The 900 Episode Spectacular

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT
TRADESTATION CO-HOST: ANDREW ROCCO, MANAGER, EDUCATIONAL CONTENT STRATEGY

THE 900th EPISODE!!!

THE OPTION BLOCK SNEAK PREVIEW WAS POSTED ON SEPTEMBER 16, 2010
THE OPTION BLOCK PREMIERE EPISODE WAS POSTED ON OCT 8, 2010

TRADING BLOCK SEGMENT

VIX: 27.5 - DOWN 3.5 FROM LAST SHOW
VVIX: 119 - UP 3 FROM LAST SHOW
VXX: 34 - DOWN 3.5 FROM LAST SHOW
TRADESTATION CLIENTS FLOODING BACK INTO NASDAQ STOCKS

ODD BLOCK

SRPT, BYND, TSLA

MAIL BLOCK

WE ANSWERED YOUR QUESTIONS ON OPTIONS STRATEGIES, LEAP OPTIONS, IN THE MONEY CALLS, CRUDE AND MORE

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WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK

OPTION BLOCK 899: Can You Trade Too Much?

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT
TRADESTATION CO-HOST: SARAH POTTER, TRADESTATION’S CHIEF EDUCATION OFFICER AND HEAD OF YOU CAN TRADE

TRADING BLOCK SEGMENT

VIX: 31 - DOWN 6.5 FROM LAST SHOW
VVIX: 116 - DOWN 6 FROM LAST SHOW
VXX: 37.5 - DOWN 3.5 FROM LAST SHOW
EXPLORING OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN MA, TSLA, PTON, LYFT, BYND
DISCUSSING A FUNKY CONTANGO IN VIX
10 YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF THE FLASH CRASH

ODD BLOCK

REVIEW DBX PUT LOVE
RUN CALL OVERWRITE
NRG PUT LOVE

MAIL BLOCK

QUESTION FROM JR: IS THERE SUCH A THING AS TRADING TOO MUCH? I THINK I HAVE A PROBLEM.
QUESTION FROM NLX: I KNOW THERE WAS A LOT OF TALK OF SELLING THE NOV BUMP IN VIX FUTURES. IS THAT STILL A THING NOW OR HAVE ELECTION CONCERNS BEEN “TRUMPED” BY ALL-THINGS COVID 19?
QUESTION FROM SCOTT SOMER: ARE YOU TRADING 0 DTE IRON CONDORS WHILE YOUR ACCOUNT IS UNDER 25K? BE AWARE OF THE RULES AND CLOSE BEFORE EITHER LONG GOES NO BID OR YOU WILL BE ASSESSED TWO TRADES FOR THAT ONE TRADE.

OPTION BLOCK 898: Option Block 898: Let's Talk Activity in SPY, VIX, X, IWM, DIS, ROKU, ATVI and More

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT
TRADESTATION CO-HOST: ANDREW ROCCO, MANAGER, EDUCATIONAL CONTENT STRATEGY

TRADING BLOCK SEGMENT

VIX: 37.55 - UP 2.35 FROM LAST SHOW
VVIX: 122 - UP NEARLY 4 FROM LAST SHOW
VXX: 41 - UP 2.5 FROM LAST SHOW
EXPLORING OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN GE, AMD, AAPL, SPY
APRIL WAS A GOOD MONTH FOR OPTIONS
EARNINGS REVIEW OF DIS, ATVI, ROKU

ODD BLOCK

SIZABLE UPSIDE CALL ROLL IN IWM
SOMEONE LOOKING FOR A BULLISH POP IN X
AN IN THE MONEY CALL IN ZM

MAIL BLOCK

QUESTION FROM TRADESTATION CLIENT: WHAT ARE YOU SEEING IN THE OIL MARKET AT THIS POINT?
QUESTION FROM AMATEUR TWIN MOM: WHERE'S THE BEST PLACE TO GET STARTED IF YOU'VE ONLY BEEN TRADING FOR A SHORT AMOUNT OF TIME (LIKE 1-2YRS)?

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WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK

OPTION BLOCK 897: A TALE OF TWO MARKETS

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT
TRADESTATION CO-HOST: ANDREW ROCCO, MANAGER, EDUCATIONAL CONTENT STRATEGY

TRADING BLOCK SEGMENT

VIX: 35.25 - UP 2.5 FROM LAST SHOW
VVIX: 118.3 - DOWN 1.2 FROM LAST SHOW
VXX: 38.5 - UP .5 FROM LAST SHOW
IT’S A WEEK OF CONFLICTING DATA. YESTERDAY WE WERE IN RALLY MODE. TODAY WE HAVE MORE BAD NEWS ON THE EMPLOYMENT FRONT.
ANYTIME AN ETF DOES A REVERSE SPLIT LIKE USO THAT'S A BIG CAUTION FLAG FOR US.
EARNINGS RESULTS FOR TSLA, FB, MSFT & TWTR

ODD BLOCK

INTERESTING PLAY IN BYND TODAY
SOMEONE LOOKING FOR A MASSIVE 50% JUMP IN GILD
REVIEWING BBBY IN THE MONEY CALLS

MAIL BLOCK

QUESTION FROM TRADESTATION CLIENTS: I WANT TO IMPROVE AS AN OPTIONS TRADER, WHAT IS THE BEST COURSE OF ACTION TO TAKE?
QUESTION FROM TRADESTATION CLIENTS: WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT VIX AT THESE LEVELS?
QUESTION FROM JELZE: ARE YOU MORE OR LESS UPBEAT ABOUT USO AT THESE LEVELS?

AROUND THE BLOCK

WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK

OPTION BLOCK 896: MOSCOWAN VOLATILITY

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: MARK SEBASTIAN, THE OPTION PIT

TRADING BLOCK SEGMENT

VIX: 32.75 - DOWN ALMOST 7 FROM LAST SHOW
VVIX: 119.5 - UP 2 FROM LAST SHOW
VXX: 38 - DOWN 5 FROM LAST SHOW
EARNINGS
LOOK AT BYND - ONE OF THE MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS TODAY
1 - 5 TRADE

ODD BLOCK

ZNGA AT THE MONEY CALLS
BBBY IN THE MONEY CALLS
YNDX

STRATEGY BLOCK

EXPLORING HOW RETAIL OPTIONS TRADERS SHOULD REBALANCE THEIR PORTFOLIOS

MAIL BLOCK

QUESTION FROM CLEANENRTYS: I WANTED TO ASK YOU IF THERE WAS SOMETHING THAT REALLY GAVE YOU THE AHA MOMENT IN STOCKS. IS THERE ANY BOOK YOU RECOMMEND, OR YOUTUBE CHANNEL TO FOLLOW TO FURTHER EXPAND MY KNOWLEDGE?

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WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK

Option Block 895: TIME FOR A CRUDE OIL MULLIGAN

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

TRADING BLOCK SEGMENT

CRUDE CAN NOW GO NEGATIVE!
USO IS IN TURMOIL!
JOBLESS CLAIMS HIT ANOTHER 4.4M
VIX: 39.5 - DOWN .5 FROM LAST SHOW
VVIX: 117.5 - DOWN 7.5 FROM LAST SHOW
VXX: 43.25 - UP 3 FROM LAST SHOW
OIV: 731 - AKA COMPLETELY MEANINGLESS
EARNINGS

ODD BLOCK

FE CALL OVERWRITE
MAY HL PUT LOVE
REVIEW XP MAR 30 PUTS

MAIL BLOCK

QUESTION FROM TONY WEBER: WILL THE FRONT MONTH CL CONTRACT GO NEGATIVE? TODAY?

AROUND THE BLOCK

WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK

Option Block 894: Crude Oil Apocalypse

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

TRADING BLOCK SEGMENT

CRUDE OIL WTH???
THE SENATE MAY APPROVE AN EMERGENCY $300 BILLION RELIEF PACKAGE FOR SMALL BUSINESS.
IN ADDITION, THE ADMINISTRATION AGREED TO DEFER COLLECTION OF MORE TARIFFS FROM U.S. IMPORTERS IN RELATION TO SOME CHINESE GOODS IN AN EFFORT TO EASE THEIR FINANCIAL SITUATION.
OVER THE WEEKEND, THE U.S. DEATH TOLL FROM THE VIRUS TOPPED 40,000.
VIX: 40 - DOWN 2.3 FROM LAST SHOW
VVIX: 125 - DOWN 8 FROM LAST SHOW
VXX: 40.25 - DOWN .75 FROM LAST SHOW

ODD BLOCK

RUTH LITS PUTS
HAL POST EARNINGS AGGRESSIVE CALL OVERWRITE
UNP LITS PUTS

STRATEGY BLOCK

HOW TO USE DIFFERENT OPTIONS ORDER TYPES TO BRING SANITY BACK TO YOUR TRADING.

MAIL BLOCK

COMMENT FROM SCOTT SOMER: IF YOU CHOOSE TO USE MARKET ORDERS, FULLY EXPECT TO GIVE AWAY AT MINIMUM TWO-THIRDS THE DISTANCE FROM THE "MID" TO THE "NATURAL" IN THAT OPTION TRADE.
QUESTION FROM TONY WEBER: WILL THE FRONT MONTH CL CONTRACT GO NEGATIVE? TODAY?

AROUND THE BLOCK

WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK

Option Block 893: Reverse Splits and Painful Legos

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

TRADING BLOCK SEGMENT

LABOR DEPARTMENT REPORTED MORE THAN 5 MILLION NEW UNEMPLOYMENT CLAIMS AND A STIMULUS PLAN TO HELP SMALL BUSINESS RAN OUT OF CASH THURSDAY.
U.S. DEATHS SPIKED TO A DAILY HIGH OF ALMOST 2,500.
VIX: 42.3 - DOWN .7 FROM LAST SHOW
VVIX: 133 - DOWN 6 FROM LAST SHOW
VXX: 41 - DOWN .3 FROM LAST SHOW

ODD BLOCK

CHK LONG TERM OTM PUTS
DVAX CALL OVERWRITE
REVIEW HGV

MAIL BLOCK

QUESTION FROM THEGRATE: DOES ANYONE OFFER A PRE-EARNINGS STRADDLE BASKET THAT YOU CAN BUY TO TRADE A LARGE NUMBER OF EVENTS AT ONCE? TELL TS I SIGNED UP THIS WEEK.
QUESTION FROM MACK: DO LONG STRADDLES STILL WORK HERE?

AROUND THE BLOCK

WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK

Option Block 892: Naked Cowboys and Impressive Bench Presses

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: MARK SEBASTIAN, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

TRADING BLOCK SEGMENT

OPEC FINALLY MAKES A DEAL
GOLDMAN SAYS WORST IS OVER
VIX: 43 - UP .25 FROM LAST SHOW
VVIX: 139 - DOWN 1 FROM LAST SHOW
VXX: 41.3 - DOWN 1 FROM LAST SHOW
EARNINGS SEASON IS BACK

ODD BLOCK

UNP CALL SALE
GD CALL WRITE
SWCH CALL WRITE

STRATEGY BLOCK

HOW TO OUTLINE THE PROPER OBJECTIVES FOR YOUR PORTFOLIOS USING OPTIONS

MAIL BLOCK

QUESTION FROM STIPOD: HAVE YOU HEARD ABOUT ANY MORE MARKET MAKERS BLOWING UP OUT THERE RIGHT NOW?

AROUND THE BLOCK

WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK

Option Block 891: Whispers Of Stimulus Scare Away Pandemic Shadows

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT
CO-HOST: ANDREW ROCCO, TRADESTATION

TRADING BLOCK SEGMENT

TERRIBLE DEATH TOLL OUT OF NEW YORK
MORE TERRIBLE JOBLESS CLAIMS NUMBERS
FORMER FED CHAIR BERNANKE PREDICTS GDP COULD DROP 30%
GE & STARBUCKS ALREADY WARNING ABOUT EARNINGS
BUT WE’RE STILL RALLYING!
MARKET REALLY LIKES NEW FED STIMULUS: $2.3T MORE
VIX: 42.75 - DOWN 1.5 FROM LAST SHOW
VVIX: 140 - DOWN 6 FROM LAST SHOW
VXX: 42.3 - DOWN .3 FROM LAST SHOW

ODD BLOCK

CORONAVIRUS INSPIRED ABT PAPER
LBTYK PUT LOVE
NLSN PUT LOVE

MAIL BLOCK

QUESTION FROM TRADESTATION CLIENTS: WHAT ARE SOME KEY THINGS YOU WOULD TELL EQUITIES TRADERS LOOKING TO MAKE THE MOVE TO OPTIONS?
QUESTION FROM TONY WEBER ON MIXLR CHAT: WHAT IS THE SIMPLE VIX EQUATION? VIX EQUATION "MADE EASY"?

AROUND THE BLOCK

WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK

Option Block 890: Who Needs Furniture in an Apocalypse?

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: MARK SEBASTIAN, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

TRADING BLOCK SEGMENT

WORST WEEKS UPCOMING FOR THE VIRUS
“LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL” - LATEST TALKING POINT FROM THE WHITE HOUSE
ACKMAN IS CLEARLY LONG
VIX: 44.3 - DOWN NEARLY 8 FROM LAST SHOW
VVIX: 146 - DOWN 5 FROM LAST SHOW
VXX: 42.5 - DOWN 5.3 FROM LAST SHOW

ODD BLOCK

W LINE IN THE SAND PUTS
REVIEW BGS
REVIEW NTAP AGGRESSIVE LITS PUTS

STRATEGY BLOCK

BREAKING DOWN THE BEST WAY TO SELL PUTS IN THIS MARKET

AROUND THE BLOCK

WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK

Option Block 889: How to Lose $15M Selling Puts

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

TRADING BLOCK SEGMENT

MORE TERRIBLE JOBS NUMBERS
HIGHEST VOLUME MONTH EVER FOR U.S. EQUITY OPTIONS INDUSTRY
VIX: 52.5 - DOWN 7.5 FROM LAST SHOW
VVIX: 151 - DOWN 9 FROM LAST SHOW
VXX: 47.8 - DOWN 2.2 FROM LAST SHOW

ODD BLOCK

REVIEW APD LINE IN THE SAND PUTS

MAIL BLOCK

QUESTION FROM BRIAN COLLAMER: HI GENTS! IN MY ROTH I'M LONG A COUPLE OF 300/305 CALL SPREADS IN SPY. ONE IS THE 19JUN20 {EXDIV DATE, $1.40 DIV} EXPIRATION AND THE OTHER IS THE 18SEP20 {EXDIV DATE}. BOUGHT THESE DURING THOSE 10% DOWN DAYS, COULDN'T RESIST… ANYHOW, AS I'M SHORT SOME CALLS, WILL I BE ON THE HOOK FOR THE DIVIDENDS SHOULD THESE 300 CALLS GO ITM? IF THE SHORT CALLS DO GO ATM/ITM, I NEED TO LOOK AT THE BID FOR THE 300 PUTS AND COMPARE TO DIVIDEND RIGHT? DO I NEED TO WORRY ABOUT THIS ON THE EX-DIV DATE OR THE PAYOUT DATE? THANK YOU FOR YOUR FANTASTIC PODCASTS!!! BRIAN PS - I STILL MISS THE O.O SHOW ON TOS......
QUESTION FROM DAMIAN: HEY THERE, LOVE THE SHOW! I HAVE A QUESTION ABOUT THE LONG PUTS SPREAD. IS IT POSSIBLE TO MODIFY IT BY ADDING A DIAGONAL COMPONENT? SPECIFICALLY, BUYING ONE ITM CALL WITH LONG EXPIRATION AND BUYING ONE ITM PUT AT SHORT TERM EXPIRATION? MY EXPECTATION FOR THE UNDERLYING IS LONG TERM BULLISH AND SHORT TERM OR PERIODIC WEAKNESS. I AM NEW TO OPTIONS AND THOUGHT ABOUT THIS STRATEGY AS A WAY TO HEDGE A LEAPS POSITION AND POSSIBLY PROFIT DURING SHORT TERM DOWN SWINGS. WOULD THIS EVEN WORK, TOO EXPENSIVE, OR IS THERE A BETTER WAY (PROBABLY) TO EXECUTE THIS STRATEGY? THANKS SO MUCH!
QUESTION FROM NIKOLAI: DOES UNCLE MIKE STILL LIKE $XLE TO PLAY ENERGY/OIL OR DOES HE PREFER $USO?

AROUND THE BLOCK

WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK?

Option Block 888: Why The Heck Are We Rallying?

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: MARK SEBASTIAN, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

TRADING BLOCK SEGMENT

WE’RE RALLYING YET AGAIN...FOR SOME REASON.
TERRIBLE JOBS NUMBERS...GROWING DEATH TOLLS….INCREASING THE CLOSURE AND DISTANCING UNTIL 4/30, TALKS OF SHUTTING DOWN THE MARKETS - AND WE’RE RALLYING!!
GS TRADING NEAR $4. PROBABLY $4 TOO HIGH
VIX: 60 - UP 2 FROM LAST SHOW
VVIX: 160 - DOWN 7 FROM LAST SHOW
VXX: 50 - UP 3 FROM LAST SHOW

ODD BLOCK

PM CALL CRUSHING
LYG LINE IN THE SAND PUTS

STRATEGY BLOCK

HOW TO EXPERTLY TAKE TAX LOSSES IN THIS MARKET

MAIL BLOCK

QUESTION FROM STOCKPICKER320: I HAVE A QUESTION. WITH THIS CRAZY CORONAVIRUS IMPACTED STOCK MARKET WHAT WOULD HAPPEN IF A PERSON OWNED A CALL OR PUT OPTION AND THE STOCK MARKET CLOSED FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME AND THE OPTIONS EXPIRATION DATE WAS DURING THIS TIME PERIOD? WOULD THE CALL OR PUT OPTION BECOME WORTHLESS IF THE STOCK MARKET OPENED AFTER THE OPTION EXPIRATION DATE HAD PASSED? AFTER 911 I THINK THAT THE STOCK MARKET WAS CLOSED FOR 6 DAYS.

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WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK?

Option Block 887: The Dead Cat Bounce That Wasn't

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: MARK SEBASTIAN, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT
CO-HOST: DAVID RUSSELL, TRADESTATION

TRADING BLOCK SEGMENT

WE FINALLY DID IT! SORT OF. FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE FEBRUARY 12, THE S&P 500 CLOSED HIGHER TWO SESSIONS IN A ROW.
INITIAL JOBLESS CLAIMS SURGED TO RECORD 3.3M LAST WEEK AS CORONAVIRUS TAKES HEAVY TOLL ON ECONOMY
VIX: 58 - DOWN 10 FROM LAST SHOW
VVIX: 167 - DOWN 15 FROM LAST SHOW
VXX: 47 - DOWN 9 FROM LAST SHOW

ODD BLOCK

LARGE CALL CREDIT SPREAD IN EEM
LARGE BULLISH CALL DEBIT SPREAD IN MTCH
REVIEW: MASSIVE, AND TIGHT, AAL COLLAR

MAIL BLOCK

QUESTION FROM NAK: EVERYTHING IS ELECTRONIC AT THE MOMENT. WHAT THE HECK DO WE DO IF EVERYTHING HAS TO SHUT DOWN?
QUESTION FROM ANTHONY: ARE YOU SURPRISED AT HOW WELL THE OPTIONS MARKETS ARE HOLDING UP DURING THIS CRISIS? WHAT ABOUT THE BROKERS? SEEMS LIKE OUTSIDE OF ROBIN HOOD WE HAVEN'T REALLY SEEN ANY MAJOR OUTAGES.
QUESTION FROM NLE334: WHERE DO YOU THINK VIX WILL TOP OUT HERE?

AROUND THE BLOCK

WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK?

Option Block 886: Market Intelligence, ITM Covered Calls and More

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: MARK SEBASTIAN, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT
CO-HOST: DAVID RUSSELL, TRADESTATION

TRADING BLOCK SEGMENT

WORST WEEK SINCE 2008 FOR ALL MAJOR INDICES
LIMIT DOWN ON SUNDAY NIGHT
FED ANNOUNCING “UNLIMITED” ASSET PURCHASES
NOW WE HAVE A FULLY ELECTRONIC MARKET
ST. LOUIS FED TALKING ABOUT 30% UNEMPLOYMENT
VIX: 68.30 - DOWN 8.3 FROM LAST SHOW
VVIX: 182 - UP 5 FROM LAST SHOW
VXX: 56 - DOWN 14 FROM LAST SHOW

ODD BLOCK

CS CALL PALOOZA

STRATEGY BLOCK

ONE POTENTIAL STRATEGY IN THIS ENVIRONMENT IS IN-THE-MONEY COVERED CALLS ON THE BIG INDEX ETFS.

MAIL BLOCK

TRADESTATION CLIENT QUESTION OF THE WEEK? SOMETIMES I GET CONFUSED ABOUT STRATEGIES. IS THERE AN EASY WAY TO PLAN TRADES?

AROUND THE BLOCK

WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK?

Option Block 885: Stay Small. Stay nimble. Stay Alive.

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

TRADING BLOCK SEGMENT

SELL EVERYTHING! - CAN WE FINALLY PUT TO REST THE NOTION THAT GOLD OR FIXED INCOME ARE GREAT “HEDGES” FOR AN EQUITY PORTFOLIO? WHEN IT ALL HITS THE FAN CORRELATION GOES TO ONE.
NAMES LIKE FORD APPROACHING CRISIS PRICE LEVELS.
BOEING THREATENING BANKRUPTCY
COMMODITIES GETTING ANNIHILATED
ANY ACTION ON THE SILVER COLLAR?
THE DAY WE ALL DREADED AS MARKET MAKERS IS FINALLY HERE!: AMEX, PCOAST AND PHLX ARE ALL CLOSED RENDERING THE OPTIONS MARKET 100% ELECTRONIC. STILL NO WORD ON “BOX TRADING FLOOR.”
VIX: 76.6 - UNCHD FROM LAST SHOW
VVIX: 177 - DOWN 15 FROM LAST SHOW
VXX: 70 - UP 24 FROM LAST SHOW

MAIL BLOCK

COMMENT FROM CENACLE CAPITAL: PSA FOR OPTION TRADERS. EQUITY OPTIONS STOP TRADING ON FRIDAY, BUT TECHNICALLY DON'T EXPIRE UNTIL SATURDAY. MEANIMG IF MKT CLOSES EARLY THIS WEEK, AND INCREDIBLY "LIMIT UP" NEWS OCCURS YOU CAN STILL GET ASSIGNED ON A "WORTHLESS" OUT OF THE MONEY CALL AND COME IN SHORT STOCK. IF YOU TRADE CALL OR PUT OPTIONS, CONSIDER "BUY TO CLOSE" ON YOUR SHORTS, IF IT'S NOT TOO EXPENSIVE.
QUESTION FROM DRNIC: WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON THE SCHWAB/TD MERGER’S IMPACT ON OPTIONS MARKET? WHAT ABOUT FREE COMMISSIONS? THX FOR ALL THAT YOU DO. YOU’RE THE GOOD GUYS.

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WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK?

Option Block 884: 1987 Redux...All Over Again

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: MARK SEBASTIAN, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT
GUEST: HENRY SCHWARTZ, TRADE ALERT

TRADING BLOCK SEGMENT

HERE WE GO AGAIN! - MARKETS HALT ON THE OPEN AND ARE DRIFTING LOWER.
THE FED PUT IS MEANINGLESS: THE MARKET IS COMPLETELY IGNORING YET ANOTHER EMERGENCY FED ACTION. FED CUTS RATES TO ZERO ON THE HEELS OF MASSIVE QUANTITATIVE EASING AND AN EARLIER EMERGENCY RATE CUT. ALL OF IT HAD LITTLE EFFECT.
WELCOME TO THE FUTURE!: WE’RE ALL LIVING IN AN ESSENTIALLY FULLY-ELECTRONIC OPTIONS MARKET!
VIX: 76.6 - UP 11.6 FROM LAST SHOW
VVIX: 192 - UP 38 FROM LAST SHOW
VXX: 46

MAIL BLOCK

QUESTION FROM MIKE WIENICK: IF THE MARKETS ARE SHUT DOWN DUE TO THE EXTRAORDINARY CIRCUMSTANCES AND I HAVE EXPIRING IN THE MONEY PUTS THAT I BOUGHT - WHAT HAPPENS? ARE THE EXPIRING OPTIONS AUTOMATICALLY EXERCISED OR ARE DO JUST EXPIRE WORTHLESS BECAUSE THE MARKET WAS SHUTDOWN?
QUESTION FROM TONY WEBER: ANY ADVICE FOR HANDLING LARGE BID/ASK SPREADS? IS IT BETTER TO SELL OPTIONS WITH THE HOPE OF THE OPTIONS EXPIRING WORTHLESS? ARE RESTING ORDERS A GOOD IDEA?
QUESTION FROM NIKTIX: WHY BOTHER WITH OPTIONS WHEN I CAN GET SHORT WITH SDS?

AROUND THE BLOCK

WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK?

Option Block 883: 1987 Redux

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

TRADING BLOCK SEGMENT

THE BULL IS OFFICIALLY DEAD - IT WAS A GOOD RUN. OVER 11 YEARS.
DOW, S&P AND NASDAQ ALL NOW OFFICIALLY IN BEAR MARKET TERRITORY.
TRIGGERED CIRCUIT BREAKERS TWICE IN ONE WEEK
GOLDMAN STUDIED BEAR MARKETS BACK TO 1835
VIX: 65 - UP 12 FROM LAST SHOW
VVIX: 154 - UP 11 FROM LAST SHOW
VXX: 46 - UP NEARLY 11 FROM LAST SHOW
TALKING $MSFT, $TSLA, $AAPL, $BA, $BAC, $AMD

ODD BLOCK

AGGRESSIVE LINE IN THE SAND IN CIM

MAIL BLOCK

QUESTION FROM ANGEL: DOES UNCLE MIKE STILL HAVE SHORT PUTS ON RIGHT NOW OR IS HE CANCELING ALL BULLISH EQUITY TRADES UNTIL ALL OF THIS CALMS DOWN? ALSO - FOR HIS BROAD EQUITY PORTFOLIOS DOES HE ALWAYS HAVE A HEDGE COMPONENT OR DOES HE ONLY PUT THEM ON SELECTIVELY DEPENDING ON MARKET CONDITIONS?

AROUND THE BLOCK

WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK?

Option Block 882: The Depths of Market Madness

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: MARK SEBASTIAN, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

TRADING BLOCK SEGMENT

THE WORLD HAS LOST ITS COLLECTIVE MIND: SAUDIS AND RUSSIA DECIDE TO RACE EACH OTHER TO THE BOTTOM IN PERHAPS THE MOST BEWILDERING PRICE WAR IN CRUDE HISTORY. NORTH KOREA DECIDES TO LAUNCH MORE MISSILES BECAUSE WHY NOT AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS TRIGGERED AT CME AND NYSE.
BLOOMBERG WRITING ABOUT 100 LOT OF VIX CALLS
VIX: 53- UP 16 FROM LAST SHOW
VVIX: 143: UP 28 FROM LAST SHOW
VXX: 35.35: UP 10 FROM LAST SHOW
ROBINHOOD APP HAD ANOTHER OUTAGE TODAY.

ODD BLOCK

SIZE MAT LITS PUTS
SIZE KTB LITS PUTS
REVIEW LBTYK CALL LOVE

MAIL BLOCK

QUESTION FROM TONY WEBER: THE GREASYIST OF MEATBALLS, WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE VIX OPTIONS STRATEGY FOR +50 VIX? DO YOU SELL ITM SHORT TERM (MAR 17) CALLS AGAINST LONG TERM CALLS? IS THIS "VIX MADE STUPID?"
QUESTION FROM ILIAN: THIS IS NUTS! I’M THINKING ABOUT STARTING TO NIBBLE AT THESE LEVELS. WHAT ARE YOUR PREFERRED WAYS TO USE OPTIONS NOW TO START NIBBLING WITHOUT LOSING MY SHIRT IF THE MARKET CONTINUES CRAPPING OUT? I DON’T WANT TO JUST LOAD UP ON OVERPRICED PUTS.

AROUND THE BLOCK

WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK?

Option Block 881: The Gamma Gods

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI AND MARK SEBASTIAN, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

TRADING BLOCK SEGMENT

SURPRISE FED RATE CUT AND IMPACT ON VOLATILITY.
VIX: 36.97- UP 3.37 FROM LAST SHOW
VVIX: 115.42 - DOWN 1.58 FROM LAST SHOW
VXX: 25.46 - UP 3.31 FROM LAST SHOW
OCC VOLUME NUMBERS FOR FEBRUARY

ODD BLOCK

UNUSUAL OPTIONS ACTIVITY IN RWT, APD, SNSS

MAIL BLOCK

QUESTION FROM DOM: WHAT IS A GOOD USE CASE FOR LONG STRADDLES? I KNOW THAT THEY ERODE QUICKLY AND ARE EXPENSIVE. WHAT’S THE UPSIDE?

AROUND THE BLOCK

WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK?

Option Block 880: The Dead Scaredy Low?

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI AND MARK SEBASTIAN, THE OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

TRADING BLOCK SEGMENT

HOW LONG CAN 35 VOL LAST?
VIX: 33.60- UP 2.4 FROM LAST SHOW
VVIX: 117-UP 3 FROM LAST SHOW
VXX: 22.15 - UP APPROX 1 FROM LAST SHOW
ROBINHOOD APP DOWN ALL DAY

ODD BLOCK

CALL SELLERS IN VALE
HUGE PUT CLOSE ROLL IN TEVA

STRATEGY BLOCK

KEEPING MONEY IN CASH DURING THIS TIME PERIOD

MAIL BLOCK

QUESTION FROM MIKE TOSAW: LOOK AT THE PRICING RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SPX AND SPY. THE PRICING IS OFF. I'M STILL IN CASH, SO IT ISN'T A BIG DEAL TO ME BUT DO ANY OF YOU GUYS HAVE ANY INSIGHT ON THAT?
QUESTION FROM OLADONEGRO: CAN U PLEASE TELL ME WHY TSLA PUT OPTIONS $920 EXPIRATION FEB 21, DIDN'T INCREASE THE VALUE AS THE STOCK PLUNGES TODAY AT 11:20 AM ? ACTUALLY THEY DROP A LITTLE MORE AS HE STOCK WAS FALLING , ONLY REALLY START TO INCREASE IN PRICE AFTER THE STOCK BREAK VWAP

AROUND THE BLOCK

WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK?

Option Block 879: Pandemic Volatility Madness

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

TRADING BLOCK SEGMENT

A CRAZY DAY/WEEK FOR OPTIONS VOLUME /VOLATILITY
NEW ALL-TIME OPTION VOLUME RECORD THIS WEEK.
VIX: 31.20 - UP NEARLY 7 FROM LAST SHOW - HIT A HIGH OF NEARLY 35 TODAY
VVIX: 114 -UP 3 FROM LAST SHOW
VXX: 21 - UP NEARLY 4 FROM LAST SHOW

ODD BLOCK

PLAN
HGV
PTLA

MAIL BLOCK

QUESTION FROM MARK BRANT: FITTY LOOKING PRETTY! HAS HE CASHED OUT?
QUESTION FROM MAZ: IS THE WHOLE ASP STILL IN CASH? WHAT WOULD BE SOME GOOD OPTIONS PLAYS TO START GETTING BACK INTO THE GAME HERE?
QUESTION FROM JORGE: ARE WE ALL DEAD?
QUESTION FROM JIM ROTH: IS THIS ALL CORONA OR IS THERE SOME SANDERS EFFECT GOING ON AS WELL?

AROUND THE BLOCK

WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK?

THE OPTION BLOCK 878: EVERYONE IS IN CASH

It's a historic day on The Option Block when both #UncleMike and #TheGreasyMeatball are both in cash! What does that mean for you? You'll have to tune in to find out. Plus we discuss unusual activity in $BGS, $ADM, $MAS and #UncleMike breaks down what to do when your short put spread moves against you. All that and more on this episode of The Option Block.

Option Block 877: Tasty Prunes and Exotic Elixirs

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

TRADING BLOCK SEGMENT

TSLA MYSTERY PUTS AND OPTIONS ACTIVITY
VIX: 14.15 - UP 1.15 FROM LAST SHOW
VVIX: 99 -UP 3 FROM LAST SHOW
VXX: 13.6 - DOWN .5 FROM LAST SHOW

ODD BLOCK

REVIEW - MDLA LINE IN THE SAND PUTS
REVIEW - MLCO CALL LOVE
NTAP AGGRESSIVE LINE IN THE SAND PUTS

MAIL BLOCK

QUESTION FROM NACEL: HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO REALLY BECOME AN EXPERT AT OPTIONS TRADING?

AROUND THE BLOCK

WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK?

OB 876: Where the Trees End and Volatility Begins

On this episode Mark, The Rock Lobster and Uncle Mike discuss:

How is the pandemic impacting, or not impacting, this market in SPY, VIX, QQQ, IWM and more.
Hot TSLA options
Earnings Vol Update: LYFT, CISCO, TEVA, BABA and more

Odd Block

One dollar collars in AAL
Funky XB puts
Earnings swings for the fences in LBTYK

Strategy Block

Managing Vertical Put Spreads

Around the Block

Pandemic fears lingering

Option Block 875: Options Origin Stories

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

TRADING BLOCK SEGMENT

THIS VIRUS IS CONSUMING LARGE SWATHES OF CHINA AND THE MARKET DOESN'T SEEM TO CARE
VIX: 15 - DOWN 2.65 FROM LAST SHOW
VVIX: 91.3 - DOWN NEARLY 10 FROM LAST SHOW
VXX: 14.1 - DOWN 1.6 FROM LAST SHOW
OCC ANNOUNCED THAT JANUARY 2020 TOTAL CLEARED CONTRACT VOLUME WAS 521,727,816 CONTRACTS, THE INDUSTRY’S HIGHEST JANUARY EVER – UP 23.5 PERCENT FROM JANUARY 2019, AND THE THIRD HIGHEST MONTH OVERALL.

ODD BLOCK

HL CALL PALOOZA
DBX PUT LOVE
TSG LONG TERM CALL LOVE

MAIL BLOCK

QUESTION FROM JOHNK: WHAT MADE YOU GET INTO OPTIONS?
QUESTION FROM RECIPE3Z: WHY DOESN’T ANYONE BECOME A MARKET MAKER IN OPTIONS ANYMORE? I BELIEVE ANDREW EVEN SAID THEY TRAINED A STUDENT TO BECOME A MARKET MAKER AND THAT IS EXTREMELY RARE NOW. WHY?

AROUND THE BLOCK

WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK?

Option Block 874:

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

TRADING BLOCK SEGMENT

BREAKING DOWN SURPRISING OPTIONS TRADES IN TESLA
VIX: 17. 65 - UP .35 FROM LAST SHOW
VVIX: 101 - UNCHANGED FROM LAST SHOW
VXX: 15.7 - UP .1 FROM LAST SHOW

ODD BLOCK

REVIEW - LAST MINUTE PREMIUM HARVESTING IN MO
REVIEW - JBL PUT LOVE
TPR CALL LOVE

STRATEGY BLOCK

HOW TO USE SHORT PUT SPREADS IN THIS VOLATILE MARKET

MAIL BLOCK

COMMENT FROM MIXLR CHAT - MARK BRANT: $TSLA CALLS ARE AS HOT AS SHAKIRA LAST NIGHT IN MIAMI!
COMMENT FROM JEFF THAYER: TESLA...DONT GO UP ANYMORE...LOL....1.00 BIDS I BOUGHT JUST SOLD FOR 4.35

AROUND THE BLOCK

WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK?

Option Block 873: Revenge of the TSLA Mystery Puts

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

TRADING BLOCK SEGMENT

PANDEMIC FEARS CAN’T STOP THE BULL
APPLE AND TESLA BLEW THE DOORS OFF THIS WEEK
VIX: 17.3 - DOWN .2 FROM LAST SHOW
VVIX: 101.5 - DOWN 3.5 FROM LAST SHOW
VXX: 15.6 - DOWN .1 FROM LAST SHOW

ODD BLOCK

LAST MINUTE PREMIUM HARVESTING IN MO
JBL PUT LOVE
SCHW CALL OVERWRITE

MAIL BLOCK

COMMENT FROM MIXLR CHAT - EDWARD ELSEWHERE: LOVE YOUR PODCASTS!!
QUESTION FROM FRIENDSTER: DO YOU THINK THE WHOLE MOVE TO ZERO COMMISSIONS HAS BEEN GOOD FOR OPTIONS TRADERS?

AROUND THE BLOCK

WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK?

Option Block 872: We're Not All Going To Die

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

TRADING BLOCK SEGMENT

PANDEMIC FEARS CONTINUE TO RATTLE THE MARKET
VIX: 17.5 - UP NEARLY 4 FROM LAST SHOW
VVIX: 105 - UP OVER 11 FROM LAST SHOW
VXX: 15.4 - UP 1.65 FROM LAST SHOW
EARNINGS: APPL, SBUX, BA, TSLA, FB, MSFT, AMZN

ODD BLOCK

REVIEW INTEL EARNINGS DAY CALL LOVE
LVS CALL SALE/ ROLLING DOWN IN WEIRD NON-SPREAD PAPER
ZNGA CALL LOVE

STRATEGY BLOCK

EXTRINSIC VALUE WITH OPTIONS

AROUND THE BLOCK

WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK?

OPTION BLOCK 871: INTC WASTED CALLS PLUS UNCLE MIKE CANNABIS CRAZINESS

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

TRADING BLOCK SEGMENT

VIX: 13.65 - UP 1.4
VVIX: 93.65 - UP 3.3 FROM LAST SHOW
VXX: 13.75 - UP .35 FROM LAST SHOW

ODD BLOCK

INTEL EARNINGS DAY CALL LOVE
CME LONG TERM PUT LOVE
MEGA DHT MARCH CALL LOVE

STRATEGY BLOCK

CANNABIS STOCK STRATEGY

AROUND THE BLOCK

WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK?

Option Block 870: Crazy Calls and Even Crazier Dividends

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

TRADING BLOCK SEGMENT

VIX: 12.25 - DOWN .25
VVIX: 90.3 - UP 1.4 FROM LAST SHOW
VXX: 13.4 - UP .5 FROM LAST SHOW
FEATURED DISCUSSION OF VIX AND SPIKES

ODD BLOCK

UNIT PUT LOVE
MRNA CALL SALE
MDT CALL LOVE

MAIL BLOCK

QUESTION FROM BILL: HOPEFULLY YOU CAN GO OVER THIS NEXT WEEK BEFORE JAN 23. NLOK (AKA OLD SYMC ) IS PAYING A 12 SPECIAL DIVIDEND WITH EX DATE OF FEB 3RD, SO WHY ARE THE PUTS SO CHEAP? IF THE STOCK IS AROUND 26 BUCKS, WOULDN'T THE 25 OR 26 PUT BE SELLING FOR MORE THAN A BUCK IF WE ASSUME THE STOCK WILL DROP BY 12 BUCKS AFTER THE EX DATE? THANKS
QUESTION FROM PAUL M. PAULINO: HELLO, WHAT IS THE OPTION STRATEGY I CAN TAKE IF THE CALL OPTION I BOUGHT DOES NOT GO AS PROJECTED, THAT IS, THE STOCK PRICE GOES DOWN INSTEAD OF GOING UP. OTHER THAN SELLING TO CLOSE THE CALL OPTION, IS THERE ANOTHER ACTION I CAN TAKE TO AVOID THE LOSS. WHEN CAN I HEAR YOUR ANSWER?

AROUND THE BLOCK

WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK?

Option Block 869: The Ticks in VIX

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

TRADING BLOCK SEGMENT

MARKETS RALLY AS MIDEAST TENSIONS EASE
VIX: 12.5 - DOWN .35
VVIX: 88.9 - DOWN .5 FROM LAST SHOW
VXX: 13.9 - DOWN .5 FROM LAST SHOW
FEATURED DISCUSSION OF TSLA AS IT WAS THE MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTION IN THE MORNING.
ALSO COVERED AAPL, BYND, BABA, AMD, ROKU and FB.

ODD BLOCK

REVIEW - KSS PUT LOVE
REVIEW - MNK PUT LOVE
FHN CALL LOVE

STRATEGY BLOCK

ASSET ALLOCATION USING OPTIONS

AROUND THE BLOCK

WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK?

Option Block 868: Back in Rally Mode

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

TRADING BLOCK SEGMENT

MARKETS RALLY AS MIDEAST TENSIONS EASE:
VIX: 12.85 - DOWN 1.65
VVIX: 89.4 - DOWN OVER 4 FROM LAST SHOW
VXX: 14.4 - DOWN .9 FROM LAST SHOW
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS OF MORNING - AAPL

ODD BLOCK

REVIEW - PUMP LINE IN THE SAND PUTS
REVIEW - ADI OUT-OF-SEQUENCE RATIO RISK REVERSAL/STRANGLE
REVIEW - BAKER HUGHES CALL OVERWRITE

MAIL BLOCK

COMMENT FROM SHELDON JORDAN: @ETRADE I DIDN'T GET THE MEMO WHERE YOU DISABLE REAL TIME QUOTES IF MY ACCOUNT DROPS UNDER $1000. AT LEAST GIVE US AN OPTION TO PAY FOR REAL TIME STREAMING QUOTES IF OUR ACCOUNTS ARE LESS THAN $1000. CAN'T TRADE OPTIONS WITHE THE DELAYED QUOTES. Y'ALL DON'T WANT ME TO WIN! @OPTIONS. I'VE BEEN A CUSTOMER FOR YEARS. I GUESS THIS IS WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU GO TO THE FREE FORMAT. SORRY I JUST DIDN'T MAKE A LOT OF SENSE TO ME. I FIGURE IF I MAKE MONEY IT'S GOOD FOR YOU GUYS. SO WHY WOULD YOU GIVE ME DELAYED QUOTES TO IMPEDED THE PROCESS. @OPTIONS.
QUESTION FROM DMITRY: HELLO GUYS, HAVE BEEN LISTENING TO YOU FOR YEARS. YOU ARE UNIQUE IN THE UPBEAT TONE AND AMOUNT OF DETAIL YOU ARE GOING INTO. UNTIL RECENTLY I WAS CONVINCED THAT WITH OPTIONS I COULD SYNTHESIZE ANY STOCK POSITION, HENCE THE QUESTION. I AM SETTING UP A VARIATION OF DOGS OF THE DOW STRATEGY WITH CALLS IN A REGISTERED ACCOUNT. ALL DOGS HAVE DIVIDENDS, WHICH I AM NOT GONNA GET AS I AM USING OPTIONS INSTEAD OF STOCK. IN A REGULAR ACCOUNT I WOULD HAVE JUST GONE WITH SELLING SOME SHORT TERM OTM CREDIT SPREADS TO SIMULATE THE DIVIDEND INCOME, BUT IN A REGISTERED ACCOUNT (IN CANADA) I CANNOT WRITE OPTIONS. THE ONLY WAY TO WRITE AN OPTION IN A REGISTERED ACCOUNT IN CANADA IS VIA A COVERED CALL, WHICH IS A WHOLE WHACK OF OTHER PROBLEMS IMHO, BUT THIS MEANS I NEED TO HAVE STOCK IN MY ACCOUNT. WHICH I EXPLICITLY DO NOT WANT TO. SO, WITHOUT MUCH UMBRAGE, CAN YOU PLEASE DISPENSE SOME LAST 2019'S WIT AND WISDOM UPON UNSUSPECTING OPTIONS AFICIONADOS UP NORTH WHERE TEMPERATURES NEVER RISE ABOVE FREEZING AND POLAR BEARS ARE COMMON PETS. ANYWAY I CAN SIMULATE THE DIVIDEND INCOME ALONG WITH MY LONG CALL POSITION? THANK YOU.
QUESTION FROM CAMILLA: ANY OPTIONS PREDICTIONS FOR 2020?

AROUND THE BLOCK

WHAT’S ON YOUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK?

Option Block 867: Kicking Off A New Decade

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

TRADING BLOCK SEGMENT

MARKETS MIXED AS MIDEAST TENSIONS ESCALATE: APPARENTLY THE TRADE WAR WASN’T ENOUGH
VIX: 14.5 - UNCHD
VVIX: 93.65 - DOWN 6 FROM LAST SHOW
VXX: 15.30 - DOWN .3 FROM LAST SHOW
OPTIONS CLEARING CORPORATION NUMBERS IN FOR DECEMBER AND FOR ALL OF 2019

ODD BLOCK

REVIEW - VIAC WEEKLY CALLS
REVIEW - APA CALL LOVE

MAIL BLOCK

QUESTION FROM OPTIONCBOE: HELLO, FIRST I WANTED TO SAY THANK YOU FOR PROVIDING THE BEST OPTIONS PODCASTS. TOP NOTCH AND EXTREMELY GRATEFUL FOR THEM. THERE ARE A LOT OF DIFFERENT OPTIONS OF PODCASTS THAT YOU GUYS OFFER. IF SOMEONE WANTED TO LEARN FROM A TO Z ABOUT OPTIONS WITH THE END RESULT LEARNING MORE ABOUT TRADING VOL THE OPTION PIT WAY. WHICH PODCAST SHOW WOULD YOU RECOMMEND. THERE ARE SO MANY EPISODES AND SHOW OPTIONS THAT I AM JUST CONFUSED ON WHERE TO START BUT ALSO WASN’T SURE ABOUT STARTING WITH EPISODES THAT ARE SEVERAL YEARS OLD. NOT THAT THEY ARE IRRELEVANT BUT MAYBE VIEWS HAVE CHANGED ON TRADING VOL NOW FROM THEN. IF YOU CAN HELP ME NARROW DOWN ON THE BEST SHOW AND EPISODE TO START WOULD BE MUCH APPRECIATED. I WANT TO START FROM THE BEGINNING AND LEARN IT ALL. THANK YOU AND I LOOK FORWARD TO HEARING FROM YOU AND THANKS AGAIN FOR OFFERING SUCH AN AMAZING PODCAST/WEBSITE.
QUESTION FROM PLC4: IS THERE SUCH A THING AS TOO MUCH HEDGING? HOW MANY PUTS OR HOW MUCH OF MY PORTFOLIO SHOULD I ALLOCATE TOWARD THIS STRATEGY?

AROUND THE BLOCK

WHAT’S ON YOUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK?

OB 866: 2019 Review Spectacular Plus 2020 Predictions

It's our Year End Spectacular as we look back on a crazy 2019. Plus we venture boldly into the future with our predictions for 2020.

Additionally, in our Trading Block Segment, Fidelity provides technical analysis and options activity on NIO, TSLA, SVRA, and AAPL.

Enjoy!

OPTION BLOCK 865: REIT Put Palooza Redux Plus DNE Order Nuances

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, OPTION PIT
FIDELITY HOT SEAT: KONSTANTIN VRANDOPULO, TRADING STRATEGY DESK, FIDELITY BROKERAGE SERVICES LLC

TRADING BLOCK SEGMENT

MARKETS RALLYING AFTER TRUMP IS IMPEACHED
VIX: 12.7 - UP .2 FROM LAST SHOW
VVIX: 99.75 - UP 1 FROM LAST SHOW
VXX: 15 - EFFECTIVELY UNCHD FROM LAST SHOW
TECHNICAL ANALYSIS AND OPTIONS ACTIVITY AT FIDELITY IN ITCI/ BA/ TSLA/ AAPL
S&P IS THE DECADE'S RUNAWAY WINNER

ODD BLOCK

REVIEW - NIKE PRE-EARNINGS CALL LOVE
REVIEW - REIT PUT PALOOZA
TO BE WATCHED - Macerich Co LITS PUTS

MAIL BLOCK

QUESTION FROM FIDELITY CUSTOMER: What happens when you put DNE (Do Not Exercise) instructions on your option contracts?

AROUND THE BLOCK

WHAT’S ON YOUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK? LOOKING TO SEE HOW THE MARKETS CLOSE OUT 2019, JOBLESS CLAIMS ON THURSDAY

OPTION BLOCK 864: Where Is The Impeachment Premium?

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, OPTION PIT
FIDELITY HOT SEAT: KONSTANTIN VRANDOPULO, TRADING STRATEGY DESK, FIDELITY BROKERAGE SERVICES LLC

TRADING BLOCK SEGMENT

MARKETS RALLYING AFTER TRUMP IS IMPEACHED
VIX: 12.5 - UP .75 FROM LAST SHOW
VVIX: 98.75 - UP 4.75 FROM LAST SHOW
VXX: 15 - EFFECTIVELY UNCHD FROM LAST SHOW
TECHNICAL ANALYSIS AND OPTIONS ACTIVITY AT FIDELITY IN MU, TSLA, RAD, AAPL
XLE SUCKED THIS DECADE
XLF BACK TO 2007

ODD BLOCK

MID-MARKET VIAC WEEKLY CALLS
DISCA LITS PUTS
SKT ROLL TO JUNE

MAIL BLOCK

QUESTION: When IV is at an extreme does that always suggest that premium buying is a bad idea?

AROUND THE BLOCK

WHAT’S ON YOUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK? LOOKING TO SEE HOW THE MARKETS CLOSE OUT 2019, GDP AND PERSONAL INCOME AND OUTLAYS TOMORROW MORNING

OPTION BLOCK 863: THE DANGERS OF SPY DIVIDENDS

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT
FIDELITY HOT SEAT: COLIN SONGER, TRADING STRATEGY DESK, FIDELITY BROKERAGE SERVICES LLC

TRADING BLOCK SEGMENT

MARKETS RALLYING AFTER TRUMP TWEET ON TRADE DEAL
BRITAIN VOTING YET AGAIN AROUND BREXIT
VIX: 11.75 - DOWN 2.75 FROM LAST SHOW
VVIX: 94 - DOWN 9.5 FROM LAST SHOW
VXX: 14.90 - DOWN 1.7 FROM LAST SHOW
TECHNICAL ANALYSIS AND OPTIONS ACTIVITY AT FIDELITY IN BA, AMRN, AAPL, ROKU, TSLA

ODD BLOCK

NIKE PRE-EARNINGS CALL LOVE
CORPORATE ACTION DRIVES PUT ACTION IN IFF
MEDALLIA INC LITS PUTS

STRATEGY BLOCK

THE DANGERS OF SPY DIVIDENDS

AROUND THE BLOCK

WHAT’S ON YOUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK?

SPX 3200
IMPEACHMENT VOTE THIS WEEK
VIX BELOW 12

Option Block 862: Why Bother Puts

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT
FIDELITY HOT SEAT: TREY JARRELL, TRADING STRATEGY DESK, FIDELITY BROKERAGE SERVICES LLC

TRADING BLOCK SEGMENT

MARKETS RALLYING AFTER TRUMP TWEET ON TRADE DEAL
BRITAIN VOTING YET AGAIN AROUND BREXIT
VIX: 14.5 - DOWN .25 FROM LAST SHOW
VVIX:103.5 - UP 5.5 FROM LAST SHOW
VXX: 16.6 - DOWN .4 FROM LAST SHOW
TECHNICAL ANALYSIS AND OPTIONS ACTIVITY AT FIDELITY IN LULU, AMD, GE

ODD BLOCK

CDEV LONG-TERM LINE IN THE SAND PUTS
MLCO CALL LOVE
AKRX PUT LOVE

MAIL BLOCK

QUESTION FROM Erik Norstedt: Hi Guys,Great show! So with most big funds creating skew by selling calls and buying puts could traders not arbitrage the skew by buying calls and selling puts & having a short position in the underlying?
QUESTION TEL8HJE: Why aren’t there free commissions on options. Just $.65 for every contract?

AROUND THE BLOCK

WHAT’S ON YOUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK? COST and ORCL earnings

OB 861: Crazy Size Collars

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER
CO-HOST: MARK SEBASTIAN, OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT
FIDELITY HOT SEAT: KONSTANTIN VRANDOPULO, TRADING STRATEGY DESK, FIDELITY BROKERAGE SERVICES LLC

TRADING BLOCK SEGMENT

MILD SELLOFF TO KICK OFF THE WEEK
VIX: 14.75 - UNCHD
VVIX: 98 - DOWN 1 FROM LAST SHOW
VXX: 17 - DOWN .6 FROM LAST SHOW
TECHNICAL ANALYSIS AND OPTIONS ACTIVITY AT FIDELITY IN UGAZ, ROKU, AAPL, CGC.

ODD BLOCK

MASSIVE PCG RISK REVERSAL/COLLAR
CRUSHING SOME CALLS IN GLW
CPRT CALL LOVE

STRATEGY BLOCK

WHEN TO DO STUFF AND WHEN NOT TO DO STUFF

MAIL BLOCK

QUESTION FROM GUY MCCLOSKEY: WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON $PCG?
QUESTION FROM NICTANE: What do you think of this trade? RE: LINK TO THIS ZERO HEDGE ARTICLE FROM TUESDAY 12/3 https://www.zerohedge.com/markets/mystery-sp-put-buyer-makes-31-million-profit-24-hours-covers-half-position

AROUND THE BLOCK

WHAT’S ON YOUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK? LULU, COST and MU earnings, commentary from White House sources regarding the upcoming tariff increase deadline on Dec 15th

Option Block 860: Baby Yoda vs. Gizmo

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI/MARK SEBASTIAN, OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT
FIDELITY HOT SEAT: COLIN SONGER, ACTIVE TRADER STRATEGY DESK

TRADING BLOCK SEGMENT

IMPEACHMENT AND TRADE WAR STILL WEIGHING ON MARKET
AN OUTSIZED MOVE IN VIX?
TECHNICAL ANALYSIS AND OPTIONS ACTIVITY AT FIDELITY IN AUPH, ROKU, SAGE, AAPL, AMZN
OCC NOVEMBER CLEARED VOLUME DOWN 9.6 PERCENT

ODD BLOCK

MAYBE LITS PUTS IN ETSY
BCS PUT LOVE
CBB LITS PUTS

MAIL BLOCK

QUESTION FROM @EURO2ZERO: IF YOU COULD ONLY TRADE 2-3 NON-CORRELATED OPTIONS STRATEGIES WHAT WOULD THEY BE? WHAT TIME FRAME WOULD THEY BE IN? IF YOU'RE NOT SURE AND NEED TO RESORT TO BACK TESTING FOR AN ACCURATE ANSWER PLEASE JUST GIVE US A GUESS. WE LOVE YOU NO MATTER WHAT.
COMMENT FROM MARKBRANT15: THANK YOU OIR!!!

AROUND THE BLOCK

WHAT’S ON YOUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK? TRADE DEAL, EMPLOYMENT SITUATION ON FRIDAY, GOLD SEEMS TO BE HANGING AROUND THIS LEVEL, PREMIUM OF VX FUTURES TO SPOT VIX

Option Block 859: Betting Against The Death of Outlet Malls

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT
FIDELITY HOT SEAT: Konstantin Vrandopulo, Trading Strategy Desk, Fidelity Brokerage Services LLC

TRADING BLOCK SEGMENT

Black Friday online sales hit all time high.
Trade Deal with China, tariffs on Brazil and Argentina
Technical analysis and options trading at Fidelity in ROKU, AMZN, CLVS, AAPL

ODD BLOCK

WWE Call Roll
SKT Line-In-The-Sand Puts
MAC Line-In-The-Sand Puts
TCO Line-In-The-Sand Puts

STRATEGY BLOCK

Covered Call writing and adjusting

AROUND THE BLOCK

CRM, ULTA, LULU earnings

OB 858: Thanksgiving Listener Mail Palooza

FULL SHOW NOTES AVAILABLE HERE:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1CUzD9FzYGAYlcX157hhDpjEC7dImbVg8QrhKseNA8GA/edit?usp=sharing

TRADING BLOCK SEGMENT

TSLA and the Cybertruck, ROKU, and NVDA
Breaking down our Ray Dalio volatility term structure trade

STRATEGY BLOCK

Looking at when to sell and take profits in your options positions.

Mail Block

Thanksgiving Listener Mail Palooza
Why aren’t there free commissions on options?

AROUND THE BLOCK

Mixed messages on trade deal, earnings BBY AND GME, Black Friday and more

OB 857: Front Row Seat To the Broker Wars

FULL SHOW NOTES AVAILABLE HERE:
- https://docs.google.com/document/d/1wsZlfA8t-ogDguSvJtUdTSwTYSL94G0Xcmpt6BuUZoU/edit?usp=sharing

TRADING BLOCK SEGMENT
- Schwab buying TD, VIX, Cannabis Craziness and more...

ODD BLOCK

Analyzing unusual activity in CGC, NWBI and NRG

Mail Block

The peril of Fig Leaves

AROUND THE BLOCK

Trade war madness, earnings and more

OB 856: Racing Back to New Highs

FULL SHOW NOTES AVAILABLE HERE: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1qr7Ke3j09Ddz-z2veL7EpJIuMQPqqwc1_VICeD2hlww/edit?usp=sharing

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT
FIDELITY HOT SEAT: THE LAST EMPEROR KONSTANTIN VRANDOPULO.

TRADING BLOCK SEGMENT

VIX, SPIKES Launch, Roku, Disney, AMD, Apple and more...

ODD BLOCK

Did the smart money make or lose money in GLW, SE and BZH? Let's find out...

STRATEGY BLOCK

CAN YOU TRADE OPTIONS IN YOUR COMPANY RETIREMENT PLAN?

AROUND THE BLOCK

STRONG WEEK FOR RETAIL EARNINGS AHEAD OF THE HOLIDAY VOL MELTDOWN.

OB 855: What is The Eye of Sauron?

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT
FIDELITY HOT SEAT: TREY JARRELL FROM FIDELITY’S TRADING STRATEGY DESK

TRADING BLOCK SEGMENT

VIX: 13.75 - UP .75
VVIX: 95.75 - UP 3.75 FROM LAST SHOW
VXX: 18.65 - DOWN .15 FROM LAST SHOW
FIDELITY REVIEW?: Disney, Wal Mart, and Cisco

ODD BLOCK

LPLA CALL OVERWRITE
ITCI PUT LOVE
CGC POST EARNINGS CALL OVERWRITE

MAIL BLOCK

QUESTION FROM STEMENT: What are the top 5 days in market history?
QUESTION FROM DEVANIKH IN RESPONSE TO HEADLINE THAT DEAN FOODS GOING INTO BANKRUPTCY: I have 2800 shares with over $1500 loss. Is this going to $0.0? Please advise.
QUESTION FROM TODD CHARLES: What is your eye of sauron? How do you find your unusual activity?

OB 854: Unusual Activity Review Plus Call Diagonals

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT
FIDELITY HOT SEAT: Konstantin Vrandopulo, Trading Strategy Desk, Fidelity Brokerage Services

TRADING BLOCK SEGMENT

HAPPY SINGLES AND VETERANS DAYS!

ODD BLOCK

ECA CALL PALOOZA REVIEW
CLOUDERA CALL LOVE REVIEW
NEPT LINE-IN-THE-SAND PUTS

STRATEGY BLOCK

OVERVIEW OF CALL DIAGONAL SPREADS

AROUND THE BLOCK

WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK: NVDA and WMT earnings, Economic data starting Wednesday including CPI, Jobless Claims, Retail Sales

OB 853: Mysterious Puts and Infinite Covered Calls

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT
FIDELITY HOT SEAT: Colin Songer, Active Trader Strategy Desk

TRADING BLOCK SEGMENT

TRADE WAR OPTIMISM CONTINUES TO BOOST MARKET
VIX 12.4 - DOWN .5
VVIX: 89 - UP 1 FROM LAST SHOW
VXX: 19 - UNCHD FROM LAST
MOST ACTIVE INDICES
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS

OTHER TRADING BLOCK DISCUSSION TOPICS

Monday - Uber, Shake Shack, Hertz, Marriott, Groupon
Tuesday - Chesapeake Energy, Allergan, Tapestry, Weight Watchers, Match
Wednesday - CVS Health, Roku, Qualcomm, fitbit, Wynn
Thursday - Teva, Cardinal Health, AMC Entertainment, Walt Disney Company, Activision/Blizzard, Yelp
Friday - Duke Energy

ODD BLOCK SEGMENT

MEGA SPRINT CALL LOVE
TEVA PUT LOVE
KOHL’S CORP PUT LOVE

MAIL BLOCK

QUESTION FROM deletethisaccount1: I have a quick question for you, if your option contract becomes in the money and worth something can you sell it on friday of expiration? The example is a paper trade i did with sirius xm and had bought 6.5 calls at .07 (x10) and on earnings it was worth .23 (er was on thursday). on paper i sold but it went up another ten cents on friday. Would i have been able to sell that as long as there was a bid?
QUESTION FROM NATCH: You guys see the infinite money covered call “glitch” on RobinHood?

AROUND THE BLOCK

WHAT’S ON YOUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK? Trade deal, uber post lock up, spx at all time highs, silver and gold will be interesting to watch

OB 852: Funky Puts, Ratio Rolldowns and More

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT
FIDELITY HOT SEAT: KONSTANTIN VRANDOPULO, TRADING STRATEGY DESK, FIDELITY BROKERAGE SERVICES LLC

TRADING BLOCK SEGMENT

TRADE WAR OPTIMISM CONTINUES TO BOOST MARKET - MCDONALD’S DRAGGING ON DOW BUT STILL THREATENING RECORD HIGH
VIX 12.95 - DOWN .4
VVIX: 88 - UP 1.5 FROM LAST SHOW
VXX: 19 - DOWN 1PT FROM LAST SHOW
FIDELITY REVIEW?: AAPL/ MCD/ BABA/ SPY

ODD BLOCK

REVIEWING MT CALL LOVE FROM LAST WEEK
MNK PUT LOVE
KNX CALL OVERWRITE

STRATEGY BLOCK

Discussing a 1x2 Ratio Rolldown

AROUND THE BLOCK

WHAT’S ON YOUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK? Roku and DIS earnings, International trade report on Nov 5th, and Jobless claims on 7th

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT
FIDELITY HOT SEAT: TREY JARRELL, TRADING STRATEGY DESK, FIDELITY BROKERAGE SERVICES LLC

TRADING BLOCK SEGMENT

DOUBTS ON THE TRADE DEAL SPOOK THE MARKET
VIX 13.35 - UP .35
VVIX: 86.5- UNCHD FROM LAST SHOW
VXX: 19.95 - NEARLY UNCHD FROM LAST SHOW
FIDELITY REVIEW?: AAPL, FB, TWLO

EARNINGS SEASON IS BACK BABY!!!

Monday - AT&T, Spotify
TODAY AFTER THE BELL: Hexo, Beyond Meat, Alphabet, TMobile
Tuesday - Shopify, Merck, GrubHub, Pfizer, GM, AMD, Herbalife Nutrition
Wednesday - GE, Sony, CME Group, Apple, FB, Lyft, Etsy, Starbucks
Thursday - WWE, Funko, Pinterest, Marathon, Abiomed
Friday - Alibaba, Chevron, ExxonMobil, abbvie

ODD BLOCK

SAND CALL LOVE
VAL CALL OVERWRITE
MT CALL LOVE

MAIL BLOCK

FIDELITY QUESTION OF THE WEEK: I bought calls on AAPL/FB today and am losing money even though the stock is up, what’s happening?
QUESTION FROM CANONNIER: Do you think the elimination of commissions will change the way people trade options?
COMMENT FROM KLEE: Happy Halloween to the OB All Stars. Never miss a show.

AROUND THE BLOCK

WHAT’S ON YOUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK? BABA and ABBV

OB 850: The Greatest Day In Market History

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT
FIDELITY HOT SEAT: The Last Emperor Konstantin Vrandopulo, Trading Strategy Desk, Fidelity Brokerage Services LLC

TRADING BLOCK SEGMENT

THE RALLY CONTINUES -
HAPPY BEST DAY IN MARKET HISTORY - From a statistical standpoint, Oct. 28 is the day that, on average, has produced the best gain for the S&P 500 over the past seven decades.
VIX 13
VVIX: 86.5-
VXX: 19.95
FIDELITY REVIEW: MSFT/ TSLA/ AMD/ BAC

EARNINGS SEASON IS BACK BABY!!!

Monday - AT&T, Spotify
TODAY AFTER THE BELL: Hexo, Beyond Meat, Alphabet, TMobile
Tuesday - Shopify, Merck, GrubHub, Pfizer, GM, AMD, Herbalife Nutrition
Wednesday - GE, Sony, CME Group, Apple, FB, Lyft, Etsy, Starbucks
Thursday - WWE, Funko, Pinterest, Marathon, Abiomed
Friday - Alibaba, Chevron, ExxonMobil, abbvie

ODD BLOCK

LETS SEE HOW THOSE JNPR EARNINGS PUTS WORKED OUT
GLW LINE-IN-THE-SAND PUTS
IROBOT POST-EARNINGS PUT LOVE

STRATEGY BLOCK

LET’S TALK ABOUT COLLARS

AROUND THE BLOCK

ANDREW/MARK - WHAT’S ON YOUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK?
MIKE - WHAT’S ON YOUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK?
FIDELITY HOT SEAT - Alphabet and FB earnings, Fed on Wednesday

OB 849: EQUAL OPPORTUNITY SCUMBAGGERY

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT
FIDELITY HOT SEAT: COLIN SONGER, ACTIVE TRADER STRATEGY DESK

TRADING BLOCK SEGMENT

MARKETS RALLYING AGAIN TOWARD THE END OF THE WEEK - MARKET SHRUGGING OFF BAD DURABLE GOODS DATA
VIX: 13.8 - DOWN .5PTS FROM LAST SHOW
VVIX: 86.5- DOWN 3 FROM LAST SHOW
VXX: 20.6 - DOWN .2 FROM LAST SHOW
FIDELITY REVIEW?: TSLA, TWTR, MSFT, AAPL, AMZN

ODD BLOCK

TWTR EARNINGS PUTS AND CALLS
JNPR EARNINGS PUTS
TPR CALL LOVE

MAIL BLOCK

QUESTION FROM KAREIM M. ABBOUDA @KMABBOUDA: @Options Why do they say "all-time-high" in apple when its less than half-way up towards all time high of $705.04 on the 28th of September 2012
COMMENT FROM Smart Option Seller @smartoptseller: If you're an options trading junkie like me, you should listen to The Options Insider @Options podcast. Great stuff! #options #optionstrading
QUESTION FROM stocktodaycashtomorrow: Can you please explain how to calculate potential profit with options?

AROUND THE BLOCK

WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK?

AMZN earnings, start eyeing fed decision on the 30th, SPX making a decision and break away from 3k, Brexit, and earnings earnings earnings

OB 848: Buy Nothing If You Know Nothing

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT
FIDELITY HOT SEAT: TREY JARRELL, ACTIVE TRADER STRATEGY DESK

TRADING BLOCK SEGMENT

SO MUCH FOR THE BREXIT DEAL EVERYONE HOPED FOR OVER THE WEEKEND.
VIX 14.25 - UP APPROX. .25PTS FROM LAST SHOW
VVIX 89.5- DOWN 3 FROM LAST SHOW
VXX 20.8 - DOWN .5 FROM LAST SHOW
FIDELITY REVIEW?: TSLA, CMG, MSFT

ODD BLOCK

SE LINE IN THE SAND PUTS
JCI CALL LOVE
SMAR LINE IN THE SAND PUTS

STRATEGY BLOCK

The magic of scaling into and out of covered calls and ratio put spreads.

AROUND THE BLOCK

WHAT’S ON YOUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK?

Earnings - TSLA, CMG

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT
FIDELITY HOT SEAT: COLIN SONGER, ACTIVE TRADER STRATEGY DESK

TRADING BLOCK SEGMENT

TENTATIVE BREXIT DEAL BOLSTERING MARKETS TODAY
VIX 13.90 - DOWN 1.1PTS FROM LAST SHOW
VVIX: 92.5- DOWN 3.5 FROM LAST SHOW
VXX: 21.3 - DOWN 1.2 FROM LAST SHOW - HIT A HIGH OF 26.84 EARLIER THIS WEEK
FIDELITY REVIEW?: NFLX, ROKU, IBM, HEPA, CRON

ODD BLOCK

MNK PUT LOVE
CFG CALL OVERWRITE
ZIOP CALL LOVE

MAIL BLOCK

QUESTION FROM FIDELITY CUSTOMER: Should you buy a put spread to hedge a portfolio?

AROUND THE BLOCK

WHAT’S ON YOUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK?

Earnings, start eyeing fed decision on the 30th

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT
FIDELITY HOT SEAT: KONSTANTIN VRANDOPULO, ACTIVE TRADER STRATEGY DESK

TRADING BLOCK SEGMENT

MARKET TRYING TO DIGEST WHAT’S HAPPENING IN THE TRADE WAR
VIX 15 - DOWN 3PTS FROM LAST SHOW
VVIX: 96- DOWN 4 FROM LAST SHOW
VXX: 22.5 - DOWN 2 FROM LAST SHOW - HIT A HIGH OF 26.84 EARLIER THIS WEEK
FIDELITY REVIEW?: AAPL/ SES (breakdown of adjusted options) / TSLA (technicals and options activity)

ODD BLOCK

NOV CALL LOVE IN ALXN
APA CALL LOVE
TLRD PUT LOVE

STRATEGY BLOCK

UNCLE MIKE HOLDS COURT ON THE PERILS OF OVERTRADING AND THE BENEFITS OF CASH AS A POSITION IN VOLATILE MARKETS.

AROUND THE BLOCK

WHAT’S ON YOUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK? NFLX, JPM, UNH earnings and Retail Sales on 10/16/19

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT
FIDELITY HOT SEAT: TREY JARRELL, ACTIVE TRADER STRATEGY DESK

TRADING BLOCK SEGMENT

WELCOME TO THE GAME - FIDELITY JOINS THE ZERO FEE BANDWAGON. DOES THAT INCLUDE OPTIONS?
MARKET BACK IN RALLY MODE.
VIX BACK OVER A 20 HANDLE ON TUES - HIGH OF 20.30 on WEDS.
VIX 18 - UP 1 PT FROM LAST SHOW
VVIX: 100- UP 3.5 FROM LAST SHOW
VXX: 24.5 - UP .5 FROM LAST SHOW - HIT A HIGH OF 26.84 EARLIER THIS WEEK

ODD BLOCK

PUMP LITS PUTS
DAL NOV CALL VERTICAL
ECA CALL PALOOZA

MAIL BLOCK

FIDELITY CUSTOMER QUESTION: If I want to buy options for an earnings play, should I buy now or wait?

AROUND THE BLOCK

WHAT’S ON YOUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK?

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT
FIDELITY HOT SEAT: KONSTANTIN VRANDOPULO, ACTIVE TRADER STRATEGY DESK

TRADING BLOCK SEGMENT

MARKET UNCHD AFTER A WEIRD WEEK
MASSIVE SELLOFF ON WEDS. LARGEST SINCE 8/23.
VIX BACK OVER A 20 HANDLE ON WEDS. HIGH OF 21.40 on WEDS.
VIX 17 - DOWN NEARLY 3 FROM LAST SHOW
VVIX: 96.5 - DOWN 3.5 FROM LAST SHOW
VXX: 24 - DOWN 2 FROM LAST SHOW
FIDELITY REVIEW: AAPL, NVDA, AMD, UBER

ODD BLOCK

HIGH OPTIONS VOLUME IN WWE
RIG PUTS
ETRN LONGER TERM CALL LOVE
OPK PUTS

STRATEGY BLOCK

Refresher on different risk/reward approaches - Straddles and Strangles vs. Iron Flies and Condors

AROUND THE BLOCK

WHAT’S ON YOUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK? DPZ and DAL earnings, J. Powell speaks Tuesday and Wednesday with FOMC minutes and CPI releases around the corner

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT
FIDELITY HOT SEAT: COLIN SONGER, ACTIVE TRADER STRATEGY DESK

TRADING BLOCK SEGMENT

MASSIVE SELLOFF ON WEDS. LARGEST SINCE 8/23.
VIX BACK OVER A 20 HANDLE ON WEDS. HIGH OF 21.40 on WEDS.
VIX 19.75 - UP 3.25 FROM LAST SHOW
VVIX: 100 - UP 1 FROM LAST SHOW
VXX: 26 - UP 2.3 FROM LAST SHOW
FIDELITY REVIEW: TSLA, AAPL, TVIX, AMZN, SPY

ODD BLOCK

CHECKING IN ON ETRN SEP CALL LOVE
REVIEWING SIZE CALL PALOOZA IN SIRIUS XM
LOOKING AT GOPRO CALL PALOOZA

MAIL BLOCK

COMMENT FROM Robert Rouse VIA YOUTUBE: Thanks guys. I'm listening every day. And looking up the stuff I don’t understand
COMMENT FROM NINJY: Looks like Brian won the crystal ball this week.
QUESTION FROM JERRY: Is fidelity going free to play like the rest of the big brokers?

AROUND THE BLOCK

WHAT’S ON YOUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK? employment situation, SPX going to meet up with 200 ma

OB 842: Behold The Power of Gamma

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI/MARK SEBASTIAN, OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT
FIDELITY HOT SEAT: KONSTANTIN VRANDOPULO, ACTIVE TRADER STRATEGY DESK

TRADING BLOCK SEGMENT

MARKET BACK IN RALLY MODE
VIX 16.5 - DOWN .35 FROM LAST SHOW
VVIX: 99 - DOWN 2 FROM LAST SHOW
VXX: 23.7 - DOWN .3 FROM LAST SHOW
FIDELITY REVIEW?: (technicals and options activity) AAPL/ AMZN/ BABA/ MU
AAPL SURGES TO 11 MONTH HIGH
TSLA BACK IN THE NEWS
PELOTON IS CRAP

ODD BLOCK

CHECKING IN ON SILVER LOVE IN PAAS
NET LINE-IN-THE-SAND PUTS
HAIN UPSIDE CALL SALE

AROUND THE BLOCK

WHAT’S ON YOUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK? STZ and PEP earnings on 10/03 before market open and COST after the close

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI/MARK SEBASTIAN, OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT
FIDELITY HOT SEAT: TREY JARRELL, Active Trader Strategy Desk - ATS East

TRADING BLOCK SEGMENT

IMPEACHMENT VOL PREMIUM IS IN THE AIR.
VIX: 16.85 - UP 1.7 FROM LAST SHOW
VVIX: 101.5 - UP 1 FROM LAST SHOW
VXX: 24- UP 1. FROM LAST SHOW - SO MUCH WASTED MONEY ON VXX OI LAST FRIDAY

ODD BLOCK

CHECKING IN ON THAT EARNINGS CALL SWEEP IN NIKE
CHECKING IN ON DISH CALL PALOOZA
KBH HAS HIGHEST OPTIONS VOLUME/20-DAY AVERAGE

MAIL BLOCK

QUESTION FROM VRNQEET: Hi where is market heading on Monday
QUESTION FROM Kevin Duggan: SPY paid a dividend today and is trading 67 cents lower this morning but, my SPY Calls are actually 6 cents higher. I expected them to fall! Can you please help me understand why the Calls are not down? Thanks!
QUESTION FROM Louis_Winthorpe_III: I’m in $CLDR call options. Let’s do a review.
QUESTION FROM NELSON: Is it realistic to always have a long put against an equity portfolio or is that just too much drag on returns? I've approached this with a few clients and had some embrace it and others push back against the cost.

OB 840: A Shiny Bauble For Your Sweetheart

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI/MARK SEBASTIAN, OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT
FIDELITY HOT SEAT: Colin Songer, Active Trader Strategy Desk - ATS East

TRADING BLOCK SEGMENT

SEEMED LIKE THE VOLATILITY WORM WAS TURNING ON FRIDAY.
VIX 15.15 - UP 1.3 FROM LAST SHOW
VVIX: 100.5 UP 4 FROM LAST SHOW
VXX: 23- UP 1.2 FROM LAST SHOW - SO MUCH WASTED MONEY ON VXX OI LAST FRIDAY
FIDELITY REVIEW?: ROKU- 48% buys 52% sells, new sophisticated measurement tools on tv, last trade 109.59 +1.54 (1.47%), below 20 and 50 but still above its 200 ma (down over 30% since high on 9/9). Volume call to put ratio is sitting at 1 call to 1.25 puts vs. 1.23 calls to 1 put for 90 day average. Amzn- 63% buys 37% sells, 1788.00 -6.16 (-.34%), sitting on 200 ma but below its 20 and 50 and 20 below 50. Call to put ratio is about the sameNflx- 47% buys 53% sells, 264.41 -6.41 (-2.36%), below all major ma. Not at year low of 231.23 which was created 12/26. Volume call to put ratio is 1 call to 1.25 put traded compared to 1.2 calls to 1 put for 90 day average volume. Aapl- 51% buys 49% sells, looking to make new mac pro pcs in us after some tariff exemptions to lower cost of imported components, 219.14 + 1.41 (.61%), above all its major ma, volume call to put ratio is 1.73 calls to every 1 put traded vs. 1.22 call to 1 put of the 90 day average. Tvix- 46% buy 54% sells, 12.80 -.30 (-2.29%), close to its 52 week low that was created just two days ago on 9/19, below all its major moving averages.
MOST ACTIVE INDICES
MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS

ODD BLOCK

ADI OUT-OF-SEQUENCE RATIO RISK REVERSAL
PRE-EARNINGS NIKE CALL SWEEP
DBX EARNINGS LITS PUTS

STRATEGY BLOCK

Don’t ignore the overall exposure of your positions (overleveraging) aka you can be assigned if even slightly otm. Careful about getting greedy

AROUND THE BLOCK

WHAT’S ON YOUR RADAR FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK?
GDP and how repo works itself out. Silver going to make its way back up to its high, spx going to break through that high or fail.

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT
FIDELITY HOT SEAT: KONSTANTIN VRANDOPULO, ACTIVE TRADER STRATEGY DESK, FIDELITY BROKERAGE SERVICES LLC

THE TRADING BLOCK

MARKETS RECOVERED FROM SAUDI OIL ATTACK - SPOOKED BY THE FED THOUGH
VIX 13.85 - DOWN 1 FROM LAST SHOW
VVIX: 96.6 - DOWN 4 FROM LAST SHOW
VXX: 21.8 - DOWN 1.6 FROM LAST SHOW
MARK/ANDREW REVIEW?
MIKE REVIEW?
FIDELITY REVIEW?: ROKU/ MSFT/ AAPL/ X (technicals and options activity)

THE ODD BLOCK

ATUS CALL LOVE
UNFI PUT ROLL
ATHM LITS PUTS

MAIL BLOCK

QUESTION FROM Barrett Wade @BarrettWade3 - Hey there. Do you guys have a rule of thumb to keep from overpaying for an option?

AROUND THE BLOCK

SPX levels and GDP/ jobless claims at the end of next week.

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT
FIDELITY HOT SEAT: TREY FARRELL, ACTIVE TRADER STRATEGY DESK, FIDELITY BROKERAGE SERVICES LLC

THE TRADING BLOCK

MARKETS SPOOKED BY SAUDI OIL ATTACK
VIX 14.85 - UP .75 FROM LAST SHOW
VVIX: 100.6 - UP 5 FROM LAST SHOW
VXX: 23.4 - UNCHD FROM LAST SHOW

THE ODD BLOCK

BP CALL EXPLOSION
DISH CALL PALOOZA
STRANGE ITM IGT CALL PRINT

STRATEGY BLOCK

Is it better to trade outright for smaller size or larger size via spreads.

MAIL BLOCK

FIDELITY CLIENT QUESTION OF THE WEEK: If I’m looking to trade a specific market, is it better to trade an option on an etf that tracks that market or to just trade the underlying index?

AROUND THE BLOCK

Saudis, Saudis, Saudis...oh and the Fed.

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT
FIDELITY HOT SEAT: COLIN SONGER, ACTIVE TRADER STRATEGY DESK, FIDELITY BROKERAGE SERVICES LLC

THE TRADING BLOCK

MARKETS BACK IN RALLY MODE AFTER A CRAZY WEEK
VIX: 14.15 - DOWN 1.15 FROM LAST SHOW
VVIX: 95.5 - UP 2.35 FROM LAST SHOW
VXX: 23.4 - DOWN 1.1 POINTS FROM LAST SHOW
MARK/ANDREW REVIEW?
MIKE REVIEW?
FIDELITY REVIEW? AAPL, ACB, ROKU, TVIX, T

THE ODD BLOCK

MYLAN NV PUTS
DXC TECHNOLOGY COMPANY PUT LOVE
NVO OCT PUT LOVE

MAIL BLOCK

JOE AND LINDA LOVE UNCLE MIKE: Yo Mark! First of all Linda says Hi! And Happy Belated Birthday! Hers is the same day. My question is for Uncle Mike though. He talks about rule number 1 and rule number 2 of Credit Spreads and I was curious if increasing the Delta exposure of the long side of the spread is another way of dealing with the Short Side being ITM. I have tried that with some success and wanted to know if I will eventually get bit? Thanks Again for all you guys do! Joe

AROUND THE BLOCK

What is on our radar for the rest of the week? SPX hold 3K?, Strong rallies in RUT and DJT, gold and silver continue trucking along, Fed Meeting next week.

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT
FIDELITY HOT SEAT: KONSTANTIN VRANDOPULO, TRADING STRATEGY DESK, FIDELITY BROKERAGE SERVICES LLC

THE TRADING BLOCK

MARKETS BACK IN RALLY MODE AFTER A CRAZY WEEK
VIX 15.25 - DOWN .5 FROM LAST SHOW
VVIX: 93.15 - DOWN 1.85 FROM LAST SHOW
VXX: 24.5 - DOWN .8 POINTS FROM LAST SHOW
ANDREW REVIEW?
MIKE REVIEW?
FIDELITY REVIEW?: T/ ROKU/ AAPL (technicals and options activity)
AND MORE…

THE ODD BLOCK

TLRD PUT LOVE
ETSY LITS PUTS
RCII CALL LOVE

STRATEGY BLOCK

What to do when your long calls make money quicker than you originally anticipated.

AROUND THE BLOCK

What is on our radar for the rest of the week?

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

THE TRADING BLOCK

MARKETS BACK IN RALLY MODE AFTER A CRAZY WEEK
VIX 15.75 - DOWN 2.5 FROM LAST SHOW
VVIX: 95 - DOWN 6.5 FROM LAST SHOW
VXX: 25.3 - DOWN 1.7 POINTS FROM LAST SHOW
TOP 10 MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS
INDEX OPTION VOLUME BREAKDOWN
OCC AUGUST CLEARED VOLUME UP 10.3 PERCENT
AND MORE…

THE ODD BLOCK

CRUSHING MET CALLS
TPR CALL LOVE
ATUS CALL LOVE

STRATEGY BLOCK

AROUND THE BLOCK

What is on our radar for the rest of the week?

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT
FIDELITY HOT SEAT: KONSTANTIN VRANDOPULO, TRADING STRATEGY DESK, FIDELITY BROKERAGE SERVICES LLC

THE TRADING BLOCK

MARKETS BACK IN RALLY MODE AFTER A CRAZY LAST WEEK
VIX 18.25 - DOWN 2.5 FROM LAST SHOW
VVIX: 101.5 - DOWN 9 FROM LAST SHOW
VXX: 27 - DOWN 1.5 POINTS FROM LAST SHOW
MARK/ANDREW REVIEW?
MIKE REVIEW?
FIDELITY REVIEW?: TVIX/ AMZN AAPL/ BBY
TOP 10 MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS
INDEX OPTION VOLUME BREAKDOWN
AND MORE…

THE ODD BLOCK

REVIEW GPRO CALL LOVE
ITW LINE IN THE SAND PUTS
RLGY PUT LOVE

MAIL BLOCK

QUESTION FROM STEVJ556: ANY NEWS ON YELP? LOOKS LIKE SOMEBODY KNOWS SOMETHING.
QUESTION FROM GUY MCCLOSKEY: WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON $PCG?

AROUND THE BLOCK

What is on our radar for the rest of the week? ULTA ER 08/29/19 after the close, Personal income and outlays 08/30/19 8:30 am ET

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT
FIDELITY HOT SEAT: TREY JARRELL FROM FIDELITY’S TRADING STRATEGY DESK

THE TRADING BLOCK

MARKETS BACK IN RALLY MODE AFTER A CRAZY LAST WEEK
VIX 20.75 - UP 3.75 FROM LAST SHOW
VVIX: 110.5 - UP 10.5 FROM LAST SHOW
VXX: 28.5 - UP NEARLY 3 POINTS FROM LAST SHOW
MARK/ANDREW REVIEW?
MIKE REVIEW?
FIDELITY REVIEW?: AAPL, AMZN, ROKU, and SHOP
TOP 10 MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS
INDEX OPTION VOLUME BREAKDOWN
AND MORE…

THE ODD BLOCK

BED LONG-TERM LITS PUTS
LONG-TERM PUT LOVE IN AXL
FGEN JAN CALL LOVE

STRATEGY BLOCK

Breaking down when to roll up your short calls.

MAIL BLOCK

QUESTION FROM Robert Stoute: Mark, Just a little about the option trades/strategy that I use. I trade the Short Put Verticals and have been doing well but am getting hammered on the max losses. I am looking to get into other strategies that has a better win/loss ratio. A friend mentioned that your show and contacts would be helpful to me.

AROUND THE BLOCK

What is on our radar for the rest of the week?

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT
FIDELITY HOT SEAT: KONSTANTIN VRANDOPULO, FIDELITY ACTIVE TRADER STRATEGY DESK

THE TRADING BLOCK

VIX: 17 - UNCHANGED FROM LAST SHOW
VVIX: 100 - DOWN 3 FROM LAST SHOW
VXX: 25.8 - DOWN .7 POINTS FROM LAST SHOW
MARK/ANDREW REVIEW?
MIKE REVIEW?
WHAT ARE FIDELITY’S CUSTOMERS TRADING TODAY - SPLK/ TVIX/ AAPL/ TGT/ JWN
TOP 10 MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS
INDEX OPTION VOLUME BREAKDOWN
AND MORE…

THE ODD BLOCK

SRE UPSIDE CALL PREMIUM HARVESTING
FOX CALL LOVE
AEO CALL LOVE

MAIL BLOCK

QUESTION FROM FIDELITY CUSTOMER: VIX is up (x) amount and I am trading TVIX long that is supposed to be 2x VIX, why am I not up more sometimes even down money?

AROUND THE BLOCK

What is on our radar for the rest of the week? - Presser from Jackson Hole and its effect on US treasuries and equity markets Friday, CRM er after the close and BBY earnings on 8/29

OB 831: OPTIONS AS AN EXIT STRATEGY

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT
CO-HOST: MARK SEBASTIAN, OPTION PIT
FIDELITY HOT SEAT: TREY JARRELL, FIDELITY ACTIVE TRADER STRATEGY DESK

THE TRADING BLOCK

MARKETS OFF TO THE RACES TODAY
VIX 17:15 - DOWN 4.5 FROM LAST SHOW -
VVIX: 103 - DOWN 10 FROM LAST SHOW
VXX: 26.5 - DOWN 3.5 POINTS FROM LAST SHOW
MARK/ANDREW REVIEW?
MIKE REVIEW?
WHAT ARE FIDELITY’S CUSTOMERS TRADING TODAY - FADING APPLE AND MSFT RALLIES
TOP 10 MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS
INDEX OPTION VOLUME BREAKDOWN
AND MORE…

THE ODD BLOCK

RVLV LINE IN THE SAND PUTS
FUNKY CNC RATIO TIME BULLISH RR
MERGER ARB COVERED CALL IN PVTL

STRATEGY BLOCK

USING OPTIONS AS AN EXIT STRATEGY

MAIL BLOCK

QUESTION FROM ADAM SAM: Hello, i notice interesting option action happening at 1 pm EST... almost everyday.. is there a reason known for that?

AROUND THE BLOCK

What is on our radar for the rest of the week? - Yield curve madness, JACKSON HOLE, HD/LOW EARNINGS and more...

OB 830: Paddington's Revenge

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT
FIDELITY HOT SEAT: COLIN SONGER, FIDELITY ACTIVE TRADER STRATEGY DESK

THE TRADING BLOCK

WHAT A WILD WEEK - YIELD CURVE INVERSIONS AND CHINESE/GERMAN ECONOMIC WEAKNESS SPARK WORST SELLOFF OF THE YEAR - HOT ON THE HEELS OF ONE OF THE BEST RALLIES OF THE YEAR. MARKETS ARE UNCERTAIN TODAY AFTER SUCH A DRUBBING YESTERDAY
VIX: 21.60 - UP NEARLY 2 FROM LAST SHOW
VVIX: 113 - UP 9 FROM LAST SHOW
VXX: 29.85 - UP 2 POINTS FROM LAST SHOW
MARK/ANDREW REVIEW?
MIKE REVIEW?
WHAT ARE FIDELITY’S CUSTOMERS TRADING TODAY - GE, CSCO, AMZN, AAPL, CGC
TOP 10 MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS
INDEX OPTION VOLUME BREAKDOWN
AND MORE…

THE ODD BLOCK

GE ROLLING DOWN ITM PUTS
CBS CALL LOVE
AEM PUT LOVE

STRATEGY BLOCK

How to adjust when positions move against you.

AROUND THE BLOCK

What is on our radar for the rest of the week? - Watch this wild ride around yield curve, China/US back and forth, Hong Kong protests

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: MARK SEBASTIAN, OPTION PIT
FIDELITY HOT SEAT: KONSTANTIN VRANDOPULO, FIDELITY ACTIVE TRADER STRATEGY DESK

THE TRADING BLOCK

VIX: 19.90 - UP 2.3 FROM LAST SHOW -
VVIX: 104.5- UP NEARLY 5 FROM LAST SHOW
VXX: 27.80 - UP 1.3 POINT FROM LAST SHOW
MARK/ANDREW REVIEW?
MIKE REVIEW?
WHAT ARE FIDELITY’S CUSTOMERS TRADING TODAY - ROKU, AMD and UBER.
TOP 10 MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS
INDEX OPTION VOLUME BREAKDOWN
AND MORE…

THE ODD BLOCK

LTHM PUT LOVE IN HARD TO BORROW STOCK
ATHM LINE IN THE SAND PUTS
YPF CALL LOVE

STRATEGY BLOCK

Going deep with Fidelity talking skip strike put butterflies

AROUND THE BLOCK

What is on our radar for the rest of the week? - Upcoming earnings (M, WMT, BABA), CPI data Tuesday morning and a slew of econ data on Thursday.

OB 828: Clam Pirates, Hobbits and Funky VIX Curves

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT
FIDELITY HOT SEAT: COLIN SONGER, FIDELITY ACTIVE TRADER STRATEGY DESK

THE TRADING BLOCK

WHAT A WILD WEEK - WORST SELLOFF OF THE YEAR FOLLOWED BY ANOTHER SELLOFF THAT ULTIMATELY ENDED UNCHD. NOW WE’RE IN RALLY MODE
VIX 17.60 - DOWN 4 FROM LAST SHOW -
VVIX: 99.88- DOWN 11 FROM LAST SHOW
VXX: 26.50 - DOWN 1 POINT FROM LAST SHOW
MARK/ANDREW REVIEW?
MIKE REVIEW?
WHAT ARE FIDELITY’S CUSTOMERS TRADING TODAY - ROKU, AMZN, AMD, KHC and more.
TOP 10 MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS
INDEX OPTION VOLUME BREAKDOWN
AND MORE…

THE ODD BLOCK

KHC FUNKY ITM CALLS
KR LINE IN THE SAND PUT REVIEW
LBTYK CALL LOVE REVIEW

MAIL BLOCK

QUESTION FROM Steven Tresser: Mark, I love the podcasts and have learned a ton from you guys. I have two questions about protecting profits with puts:
1. I've heard you mention around 2% as the appropriate amount of premium to pay to protect profits in a stock. Is this 2% of the overall position, or 2% of the profits?
1. How would this apply to profits in a long call. Say I am up $10,000 in a long call position and think it still has some upward run. How do I figure out how many ATM or slightly OTM puts I need to protect some percentage (say 50-100%) of that profit? Thank you and keep up the good work! Great show!

AROUND THE BLOCK

What is on our radar for the rest of the week? - Continued surge of gold and silver, ppi, yield curve, will vix futures work out of backwardation, spx wild ride

Option Block 827: China Strikes Back

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: MARK SEBASTIAN, OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT
FIDELITY HOT SEAT: TREY JARRELL, FIDELITY ACTIVE TRADER STRATEGY DESK

THE TRADING BLOCK

CHINA STRIKES BACK IN TRADE WAR - CHINESE YUAN FALLS BELOW 7 VS. USD -WIDELY SEEN AS THE FLOOR FOR THE CURRENCY AND A HEDGE FOR MANY TRADERS
HASN’T TRADED LOWER THAN 7 SINCE 2008
ALSO TOLD ALL STATE-OWNED COMPANIES TO HALT U.S. AG IMPORTS
VIX BREAKS 20 HANDLE!
VIX 21.60 - UP 7.70 FROM LAST SHOW -
VIX: 111 - UP 20 FROM LAST SHOW
VXX: 27.50 - UP NEARLY 5 POINTS FROM LAST SHOW
MARK/ANDREW REVIEW?
MIKE REVIEW?
WHAT ARE FIDELITY’S CUSTOMERS TRADING TODAY?
TOP 10 MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS
INDEX OPTION VOLUME BREAKDOWN
AND MORE…

OCC July Cleared Volume Up 7.9 Percent

Highest Total Volume Ever for July
Index Options Up 14.1 Percent

THE ODD BLOCK

PHM CALL LOVE
SKX EARNINGS PUT PLAY
AAP CALL LOVE

MAIL BLOCK

QUESTIONS FROM FIDELITY CUSTOMERS? -
Now that the market is ~5% off it's highs, how can i cheaply hedge my portfolio and make money on the downside?
How do I make the decision on when to get out of bullish options positions?

COMMENT FROM Scott Somer @ScottnearSMF ON 8/5/19: Be aware that if $SPX touches 2726.80 BEFORE 2:25PM CDT Today (August 5th) there will be a 15 minute marketwide trading halt. #MarketAwareness #NYSERule80B

AROUND THE BLOCK

What is on our radar for the rest of the week?

Option Block 826: As The Worm Turns

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: MARK SEBASTIAN, OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT
FIDELITY HOT SEAT: BRIAN ISABELLE, FIDELITY ACTIVE TRADER STRATEGY DESK

THE TRADING BLOCK

FIRST RATE CUT IN 10+ YEARS - SINCE THE DARK DAYS OF THE FINANCIAL CRISIS.
MARKET WANTED 50 BASIS POINTS YESTERDAY - 1% SELLOFFS ACROSS THE BOARD.
VIX 13.90 - UP 1.35 FROM LAST SHOW - HIT A HIGH OF 15.44 SINCE LAST SHOW
VVIX: 91.5 - UP 6.5 FROM LAST SHOW
VXX: 22.75 - UP 1.25 POINTS FROM LAST SHOW - HIT A HIGH OF 23.64 THIS WEEK
MARK/ANDREW REVIEW?
MIKE REVIEW?
WHAT ARE FIDELITY’S CUSTOMERS TRADING TODAY?
TOP 10 MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS
INDEX OPTION VOLUME BREAKDOWN
AND MORE…

OPTION PIT STOCK OF THE DAY

LOOKING AT APPLE AFTER EARNINGS THIS WEEK.

THE ODD BLOCK

GO PRO CALL LOVE
TME PUT LOVE
PAAS AGGRESSIVE CALL BUYING

MAIL BLOCK

Question from Eddie Matheney: Is selling options for a credit (bull put) more profitable than buying options and paying a debit (bull call)? Thanks.

AROUND THE BLOCK

What is on our radar for the rest of the week? Looking for the employment situation numbers tomorrow along with consumer sentiment and factory orders.

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: MARK SEBASTIAN, OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT
FIDELITY HOT SEAT: KONSTANTIN VRANDOPULO, FIDELITY ACTIVE TRADER STRATEGY DESK

THE TRADING BLOCK

MIXED DAY ON THE STREET
VIX 12.65 - DOWN .35 FROM LAST SHOW -
VVIX: 85 - DOWN 2.75 FROM LAST SHOW
VXX: 21.6 - DOWN .9 POINTS FROM LAST SHOW
MARK/ANDREW REVIEW?
MIKE REVIEW?
WHAT ARE FIDELITY’S CUSTOMERS TRADING TODAY?
TOP 10 MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS
INDEX OPTION VOLUME BREAKDOWN
AND MORE…

THE ODD BLOCK

BUD CALL LOVE
ETRN SEP CALL LOVE
ZGNX CALL SALE

STRATEGY BLOCK

EXPLORING THE MYSTERIES OF ASSIGNMENT RISK DURING EARNINGS SEASON WITH FIDELITY.

AROUND THE BLOCK

What is on our radar for the rest of the week? BYND earnings today after the close, AAPL earnings 7/30/19, Fed mid week rate announcement and market reaction.

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT
FIDELITY HOT SEAT: COLIN SONGER, FIDELITY ACTIVE TRADER STRATEGY DESK

THE TRADING BLOCK

VIX 13 - DOWN 1.25 FROM LAST SHOW - THREATENED THE 12 HANDLE RECENTLY
VVIX: 87.5 - UP 3 FROM LAST SHOW
VXX: 22.5 - DOWN .65 POINTS FROM LAST SHOW
MARK/ANDREW REVIEW?
MIKE REVIEW?
WHAT ARE FIDELITY’S CUSTOMERS TRADING TODAY?
TOP 10 MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS
INDEX OPTION VOLUME BREAKDOWN
AND MORE…

THE ODD BLOCK

SIZE CALL PALOOZA TODAY IN SIRI
DOMTAR CORP PUT LOVE
GOPRO CALL PALOOZA

MAIL BLOCK

QUESTION FROM Jayz - @Sheddda: I love swing trading but struggling. I have small acct n i trade options. Do you recommend 30Delta vs Atm or just trade in the money? Also 2wk options vs 30 or 60days? Thanks.
QUESTION FROM Mark Bobel: do you give credit spreads picks?

AROUND THE BLOCK

What is on our radar for the rest of the week and going into next week? Fed, Fed, Fed... and continuing with earnings announcement. Interesting to see what comes from the China and US trade meetings.

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT
FIDELITY HOT SEAT: TREY JARRELL, FIDELITY ACTIVE TRADER STRATEGY DESK

THE TRADING BLOCK

MILD SELLOFF ON THE STREET TODAY
VIX 14.25 – UNCHD FROM LAST SHOW
VVIX: 84.5 – DOWN 3 FROM LAST SHOW
VXX: 23.15 – DOWN .35 POINTS
MARK/ANDREW REVIEW?
MIKE REVIEW?
WHAT ARE FIDELITY’S CUSTOMERS TRADING TODAY?
TOP 10 MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS
INDEX OPTION VOLUME BREAKDOWN
AND MORE…

THE ODD BLOCK

CALL LOVE TODAY IN:

GEO
PHM
CLDR

STRATEGY BLOCK

How to scan for options trades with Trey and Uncle Mike.

AROUND THE BLOCK

Tons of earnings on the horizon including CMG and SNAP. Get the breakdowns for them all at www.TheOptionsInsider.com

OB 822: NFLX Debacle, SLV Thievery and More

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER MEDIA GROUP
CO-HOST: MARK SEBASTIAN, OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT
FIDELITY HOT SEAT: COLIN SONGER, FIDELITY ACTIVE TRADER STRATEGY DESK

THE TRADING BLOCK

MILD SELLOFF ON THE STREET TODAY
VIX 14.25 - UP 1.25 FROM LAST SHOW
VVIX: 87.5 - UP .75 FROM LAST SHOW
VXX: 23.5 - UP .75 POINTS
MARK/ANDREW REVIEW?
MIKE REVIEW?
WHAT ARE FIDELITY'S CUSTOMERS TRADING TODAY?
TOP 10 MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS
INDEX OPTION VOLUME BREAKDOWN
AND MORE...

THE ODD BLOCK

A PUT PALOOZA TODAY IN:
CVNA
SKX
EB

MAIL BLOCKQUESTION FROM ThomasAWeberPhD: Hi Ho SLV away! Uncle Mike, what options strategy do you suggest for SLV with a 30 day bullish outlook. The OTM options are usually cheap, but the range is tight. Is it time to ride SLV into the sunset or take SLV to the glue factory?

QUESTION FROM MomoRob (@MauriceRobicha4): I was wondering, do you give courses how to trade options?

AROUND THE BLOCK

Tons of earnings on the horizon including NFLX, BBBY, EBAY, JPM, WFC and more. Get the breakdowns for them all at www.TheOptionsInsider.com

OB 821: A Prime Day For Trading Options

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT
FIDELITY HOT SEAT: TREY JARRELL FROM FIDELITY’S TRADING STRATEGY DESK

THE TRADING BLOCK

A relaxing day in the markets.
VIX, VVIX up slightly.
VIX 12.95 - UP .2 FROM LAST SHOW
VVIX: 86.8 - UP .3 FROM LAST SHOW
VXX: 22.8 - DOWN .4 POINTS
MARK/ANDREW REVIEW?
MIKE REVIEW?
WHAT ARE FIDELITY'S CUSTOMERS TRADING TODAY?
TOP 10 MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS
INDEX OPTION VOLUME BREAKDOWN
AND MORE...

THE ODD BLOCK

A PUT PALOOZA TODAY IN:
WRK
SYMC
MRV

STRATEGY BLOCKUNCLE MIKE HOLDS COURT ON HOW TO SURVIVE LONG PREMIUM OPTIONS POSITIONS DURING BORING MARKETS.

MAIL BLOCK#Options #QuestionOfTheWeek - The markets are hitting new highs and equity #Volatility is eroding yet again. So where are you getting your #Volatility fix these days?
24% - Energy - WTI, $USO, etc
38% - Metals: $GLD, $SLV, etc
21% - Crypto: $BTC.x, $ETH.x,
17% - Index: $VIX, $SPIKE, $VXX

AROUND THE BLOCK

Tons of earnings on the horizon including NFLX, BBBY, EBAY, JPM, WFC and more. Get the breakdowns for them all at www.TheOptionsInsider.com

OB 820: That Chinese War Thing Plus Helen of Troy

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI, OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT
FIDELITY HOT SEAT: TREY JARRELL FROM FIDELITY’S TRADING STRATEGY DESK

THE TRADING BLOCK

THE POWELL RALLY IS IN FULL EFFECT
CME FEDWATCH IS GETTING MORE AGGRESSIVE.
VIX 12.75 - DOWN 1.6 FROM LAST SHOW
VVIX: 86.5 - UP 3.5 FROM LAST SHOW
VXX: 23.2 - DOWN 1.2 POINTS
MARK/ANDREW REVIEW?
MIKE REVIEW?
WHAT ARE FIDELITY'S CUSTOMERS TRADING TODAY?
TOP 10 MOST ACTIVE EQUITY OPTIONS
INDEX OPTION VOLUME BREAKDOWN
AND MORE...

THE ODD BLOCK

CAR CALL LOVE
CVNA PUT LOVE
GES PUT REVIEW FROM 6-3: LOOKS LIKE PAPER POCKETED $300K ON THIS ONE.

MAIL BLOCK#Options #QuestionOfTheWeek - The markets are hitting new highs and equity #Volatility is eroding yet again. So where are you getting your #Volatility fix these days?

Energy - WTI, $USO, etc
Metals: $GLD, $SLV, etc
Crypto: $BTC.x, $ETH.x,
Index: $VIX, $SPIKE, $VXX
QUESTION FROM JIGS: What is the coolest tool that Fidelity offers for options traders?

AROUND THE BLOCK

Tons of earnings on the horizon including NFLX, BBBY, EBAY, JPM, C, WFC and more. Get the breakdowns for them all at www.TheOptionsInsider.com

The Option Block 819: A Benevolent Dictatorship

Today on The Option Block Mark, Uncle Mike, The Rock Lobster and the Last Emperor discuss:

The Trading Block

Fidelity's Most Actives
Options Market Most Actives
Option Pit Stock of the Day: Discussing back spreads in Weight Watchers - ticker WW

Odd Block

CROX Call Love
CHWY Earnings Calls
TAL Earnings Puts

The Strategy Block

The importance of liquidity in your strategy and underlying selections

Around the Block

Fed, Fed and More Fed

TRADING BLOCK

We got a little bit of insight into the trade war - no new tariffs.

North Korea stole all the trade war thunder over the last weekend.

S&P had best June performance since 1955.

MU up around 6%

Financial (XLF) and China (FXI) ETF’s up on trade news and bank stock buyback announcements.

NVDA, MU, AMD, (Chip makers and trade talks) AMZN,& AAPL - no surprises, often on the list of most traded.

Most active indices - VIX: 366k, SPY: 1.7M, SPX, 720k

Most active equity options - AAPL, BABA, MU, TSLA, AMD, BAC, FB, NVDA, T, MSFT

ODD BLOCK

Covered calls in Element Solutions Inc (ESI)

Put love in Domtar Corp (UFS)

Call love in (BP)

MAIL BLOCK

Question from Fidelity Customer - I bought some puts for a hedge and now they’ve lost 90% of their value, should I just close them out?

Question from Jigs - What is the coolest tool that Fidelity offers for options traders?

Question from WAWL - I like when you guys talk old-school WWE on the show. I know the stock was one of the best performers of last year but is now about 30% off its high. How are the options shaping up these days? Also when are the mini metals making a comeback?

AROUND THE BLOCK

This Week in the Market:

Jul 1 - Construction Spending

Jul 3 - International Trade, Jobless Claims, Factory Orders

Jul 5 - Unemployment, Fed Balance Sheet

TRADING BLOCK

BA, GBTC, AMD, BYND, MU and more

Most active indices: VIX - 246k, SPY - 849k, SPX - 448M

Most active equity options: AAPL, AMD, MU, BAC, BABA, TSLA, NVDA, FB, BA, INTC

Earnings:

Tuesday - FedEx, Lennar

Wednesday - General Mills, KB Home, Paychex, Rite Aid

Thursday - Nike, Walgreens Boots Alliance

Friday - Constellation Brands

ODD BLOCK

Call love in Vistra Energy Corp (VST)

Lits puts in Kroger Co (KR) - from May 20

Put love in Conagra Brands Inc (CAG)

STRATEGY BLOCK

Uncle Mike Tosaw discusses selling a short put spread vs. selling a levered OTM put

MAIL BLOCK

Question from Fidelity Customers - Everyone has implied volatility skew on the brain these days.

AROUND THE BLOCK

This Week in the Market:

Jun 27 - Jobless Claims, GDP

Jun 28 - Personal Income, Consumer Sentiment

TRADING BLOCK

Market up and Vol up again too.

VIX - 15.5, VVIX - 82.5

Most active indices: VIX - 157k, SPY - 840k, SPX: 519k

Earnings:

Tuesday - FedEx, Lennar

Wednesday - General Mills, KB Home, Paychex, Rite Aid

Thursday - Nike, Walgreens Boots Alliance

Friday - Constellation Brands

ODD BLOCK

Covered calls in Caesars Entertainment Corporation (CZR) Long-term call love in Mallinckrodt PLC (MNK)

Call love in Laureate Education Inc (LAUR)

STRATEGY BLOCK

Uncle Mike Tosaw discusses box spreads

MAIL BLOCK

#QuestionoftheWeek: Let's play a guessing game. Which of the following names has the highest 30-day REALIZED volatility? No cheating. What does your gut tell you?

38% - $TSLA
30% - #BITCOIN
28% - #WTI #CRUDE OIL
4% - $QQQ

AROUND THE BLOCK

This Week in the Market:

Jun 25 - New Home Sales, Consumer Confidence

Jun 26 - Durable Goods, International Trade

Jun 27 - Jobless Claims, GDP

Jun 28 - Personal Income, Consumer Sentiment

TRADING BLOCK

VIX - 14.3, 1-point lower than last show

VVIX - 82.8, Unchanged from last week

Most active indices - VIX: 310k, SPY: 2.5M, SPX: 1.1M

Most active equity options - GE, AAPL, TSLA, AMD, BAC, FB, BABA, ORCL, AMZN, MSFT

Just a reminder - SPY goes ex-div June 21

Earnings:

Tuesday - Adobe

Wednesday - Oracle, Barnes & Noble

Thursday - Kroger, Darden Restaurants (Yard House, Capital Grill, Seasons 52, Longhorn Steakhouse, Olive Garden)

Friday - Carmax

ODD BLOCK

July covered calls in Iqvia Holdings Inc (IQV)

Call love in Pure Storage Inc (PSTG)

Crushing puts below bid in Sea Ltd (SE) - from 4/22

MAIL BLOCK

#QuestionoftheWeek: Let's play a guessing game. Which of the following names has the highest 30-day REALIZED volatility? No cheating. What does your gut tell you? $TSLA #BITCOIN #CRUDEOIL #NASDAQ $QQQ #WTI

$TSLA
BITCOIN
WTI #CRUDE OIL
$QQQ

AROUND THE BLOCK

TRADING BLOCK

Most active indices: VIX - 287k, SPY - 846k, SPX - 446k

Most active equity options: FB, TSLA, DIS, AMD, AAPL, BYND, NFLX, BABA, CNX, AMZN

SPY goes ex-div on June 21

Option Pit Stock of the Week: Target

Earnings:

Tuesday - Adobe

Wednesday - Oracle, Barnes & Noble

Thursday - Kroger, Darden Restaurants

Friday - Carmax

ODD BLOCK

Lits puts in Enerplus Corp (ERF)

Call love in Canadian Natural Resources Ltd (CNQ)

Long-term puts in Scorpio Tankers Inc. (STNG)

STRATEGY BLOCK

Konstantin discusses trading back spreads in a low volatility environment

MAIL BLOCK

#QuestionoftheWeek: Let's play a guessing game. Which of the following names has the highest 30-day REALIZED volatility? No cheating. What does your gut tell you?

$TSLA
BITCOIN
WTI #CRUDE OIL
$QQQ

AROUND THE BLOCK

TRADING BLOCK

VIX - 15.80, Still locked near the 16 handle

Most active indices - VIX - 240k, SPY - 804k, SPX - 333K,

Most active equity options: DIS, AAPL, AMD, TSLA, FB, LULU, GE, NFLX, AMZN, BABA

SPY goes ex-div on June 21

Earnings:

Tuesday - Dave & Busters

Wednesday - Lululemon

Thursday - Broadcom

ODD BLOCK

Call love in Tellurian Inc (TELL)

Call love in EQT Corporation (EQT)

MAIL BLOCK

#Options #QuestionoftheWeek - #Bitcoin $BTC is hovering around $8500 right now. If you had to make a 1-month #options trade expiring 6/31 - would you rather...

Buy $9000 Call
Buy $8000 Put
Sell $8000 Put
Other - reply/dm w/strat

The hilarious story of /u/1R0NYMAN and Robin Hood.

SirSoliloquy - What's hilarious is that, with the way robinhood is set up, /u/1R0NYMAN was somehow able to cash out $10,000 of robinhood's money before everything disappeared. So robinhood lost hundreds of thousands, but /u/1RONYMAN gained thousands

TheRealOneTwo - Basically Robin hood screwed up. They were giving people leverage without margin. Basically saying you are good for $200k in trades though you only had $1k in the account. No agreement for a loan (margin). Trader was shortboxing and lost. The actual risk to him was nothing since he did not agree to a loan (will be determined by the SEC). Robin hood is on the hook for his losses. RH has since blocked shortboxing.

AROUND THE BLOCK

This Week in the Market:

Jun 13 - Jobless Claims, Import and Export Prices

Jun 14 - Retail Sales, Consumer Sentiment

TRADING BLOCK

VIX : 16.2

BYND has better than expected quarterly earnings

Most active indices: VIX - 312k, SPY - 1.35M, SPX - 547k

Most active equity options: AMD, AAPL, TSLA, FB, BABA, AMZN, MSFT, BAC, BYND, NFLX

Earnings:

Tuesday - Dave & Busters

Wednesday - Lululemon

Thursday - Broadcom

ODD BLOCK

Calls trade in QuinStreet Inc (QNST)

OTM puts in Coupa Software Inc (COUP)

Calls trade in Shutterfly, Inc (SFLY)

STRATEGY BLOCK

Colin Songer from Fidelity discusses selling box spreads.

AROUND THE BLOCK

This Week in the Market:

Jun 10 - JOLTS

Jun 11 - PPI

Jun 12 - CPI, Treasury Budget

Jun 13 - Jobless Claims, Import and Export Prices

Jun 14 - Retail Sales, Consumer Sentiment

TRADING BLOCK

Option Pit Summit review

Most active indices: VIX - 242k, SPY - 3.27M, SPX - 1.28M

Most active equity options: AAPL, BAC, TSLA, AMD, NVDA, FB, BABA, PEP, ROKU, BIDU

OCC May volume up 13.1%

Earnings:

Thursday - Beyond Meat, Ciena

ODD BLOCK

Puts trade in Tesla Inc (TSLA)

Call love in Public Storage (PSA)

Call palooza in PG& E Corporation (PCG)

MAIL BLOCK

Live questions from the fans!

Question from Bertim3r - If I register for the archive of the option pit summit will the meatball send me a Gibson’s steak in the mail?

Question from Ali - What's the best time zone to buy protection on a stock?

AROUND THE BLOCK

This Week in the Market:

Jun 6 - Productivity and Costs

Jun 7 - Unemployment

TRADING BLOCK

VIX : 17.5, VVIX: 92

Here are the top five things you need to know in financial markets on Monday, June 3:

Risk aversion escalates amid trade threats
Global manufacturing in contraction ahead of U.S. ISM
Apple preps for WWDC
Boeing warns of defective parts
Google slumps after network congestion caused outage

Earnings

Monday - Box

Tuesday - GameStop, salesforce

Wednesday - Stitch Fix, Campbell Soup Company, Vera Bradley, ABM

Thursday - Beyond Meat, Ciena

ODD BLOCK

Puts list in (GES)

Call love in (DOCU)

Below bid puts in Tallgrass Energy Lp (TGE)

STRATEGY BLOCK

Trey discusses lower cost alternatives when hedging

AROUND THE BLOCK

TRADING BLOCK

Trade war premium was fleeting.

Most active indices - VIX: 187k, SPY: 1.23M, SPX: 515k

Most active equity options - AAPL, JCI, BAC, TSLA, AMD, NIO, X, SNAP, AMZN, BYND

Earnings:

Tuesday - Momo

Wednesday - Dick’s Sporting Goods, Abercrombie & Fitch

Thursday - Uber, Costco & Gap (after bell), Dollar General, Dollar Tree, Burlington, Express (before bell)

Friday - Big Lots

ODD BLOCK

Puts trade in (FOLD)

Hedging in (STLD)

Call love in (HON) - from 4/18

MAIL BLOCK

Question from Mark Brant - What is the Meatball trading right now?

Question from Khan 9 - Is there such a thing as a stock being too cheap to trade options on it?

AROUND THE BLOCK

This Week in the Market:

May 31 - Personal Income, Consumer Sentiment

TRADING BLOCK

Lots of Tesla put love this week.

Most active indices - VIX: 211k, SPY: 1.75M, SPX: 672k

Most active equity options - TSLA, AAPL, BABA, GE, BAC, HAL, AMD, QCOM, AMZN, FB

Earning:

Tuesday - Home Depot, JCPenney, Kohl’s, Nordstrom

Wednesday - Target, Lowe’s

Thursday - Best Buy

Friday - Foot Locker

ODD BLOCK

Call love in Golar LNG Limited (GLNG)

Call love in Danbury Resources Inc (DNR)

Long-term puts in Washington Prime Group Inc (WPG)

MAIL BLOCK

#QOTW: In honor of #GameOfThronesFinale we'll have a special edition of our #options #QuestionOfTheWeek. If you could have bought calls on one character to win the #IronThrone - who would it have been? Quite simply - who did you want to end up on the #IronThrone

Tyrion Lannister
Jon Snow
Daenerys Targaryen
Arya Stark

Question from a Fidelity Customer - Can I trade options to play an interest rate cut/hike? Question from Grey - You want to sell those $AAPL $150 puts now?

AROUND THE BLOCK

Pinterest has first earnings today after bell since going public - $PINS

2 big reports after the bell today $NVDA & $AMAT

TRADING BLOCK

Trade war premium was fleeting.

Most active indices - VIX - 238k, SPY - 1.15M, SPX - 450k

Most active equity options - AAPL, TSLA, BABA, T, AMD, S, MU, QCOM, BAC, FB

Option Pit stock of the day - NVDA

Earnings:

Tuesday - Home Depot, JCPenney, Kohl’s, Nordstrom

Wednesday - Target, Lowe’s

Thursday - Best Buy

Friday - Foot Locker

ODD BLOCK

Puts trading in Kroger Co (KR)

Call love in Beazer Homes USA, Inc. (BZH)

Rolling calls in Fifth Third Bancorp (FITB)

STRATEGY BLOCK

Uncle Mike Tosaw discusses options strategy.

MAIL BLOCK

#QOTW: In honor of #GameOfThronesFinale we'll have a special edition of our #options #QuestionOfTheWeek. If you could have bought calls on one character to win the #IronThrone - who would it have been? Quite simply - who did you want to end up on the #IronThrone

Tyrion Lannister
Jon Snow
Daenerys Targaryen
Arya Stark

AROUND THE BLOCK

TRADING BLOCK

Trade war premium was fleeting.

The bulls are back in town.

Most active indices - VIX: 577k, SPY: 1.51M, SPX: 629k

Most active equity options - AAPL, AMZN, BABA, AMD, CSCO, MSFT, NVDA, FB, WMT, MU

Uber struggling post IPO

ODD BLOCK

Call love in ServiceNow Inc. (NOW)

Line-in-the-sand puts in TransDigm Group Incorporated (TDG)

Put love in Qurate Retail Inc (QRTEA)

MAIL BLOCK

Comment from Tim Alfred - Love your show !! Keep up the good work Mark!

Question from L78er - What is your preferred delta and duration for stock replacement?

AROUND THE BLOCK

This week in the market:

May 16 - Jobless Claims, Housing Starts

May 17 - Consumer Sentiment

TRADING BLOCK

Trade war premium is back

VIX : 20.6 - 1.5-points lower than last show

VVIX: Back up to 106
Most active indices - VIX: 764k, SPY: 1.9M, SPX: 776k

Most active equity options - AAPL, AMD, TSLA, BAC, BABA, FB, NFLX, AMZN, NVDA, MSFT

UBER struggles post IPO

ODD BLOCK

Call love in PagSeguro Digital Ltd (PAGS) - from 3/25

Call palooza in Mylan NV (MYL)

Call overwrite in Cummins Inc (CMI)

STRATEGY BLOCK

Uncle Mike Tosaw discusses the advantages and disadvantages when buying and selling options

AROUND THE BLOCK

This week in the market:

May 14 - Import and Export Prices
May 15 - Retail Sales, Industrial Production, Business Inventories
May 16 - Jobless Claims, Housing Starts
May 17 - Consumer Sentiment

TRADING BLOCK

Trade war premium is back

Most active indices - VIX: 564k, SPY: 2.16M, SPX: 825k

Most active equity options - AAPL, INTC, DIS, AMD, ROKU, FB, BABA, BAC, TSLA, AMZN

Uber IPO pricing at the middle of its range.

Earnings Highlights

Friday: JD.com (JD), Marriott International (MAR), Tribune Media (TRCO), Viacom (VIAB) before market open

Uber IPO on Friday, May 10.

ODD BLOCK

Lits puts in Apple Inc (AAPL) - from 3-21

Put love in Barclays PLC (BCS)

Put love in Nordstrom, Inc. (JWN)

MAIL BLOCK

#Options #QOTW - Looks like the #TradeWar premium is back in effect. $VIX is back over 22. Our question this week is will this premium last? Quite simply - where will $VIX close NEXT Friday 5/17?

Here: 21-23

Higher: >23

Lower: 19-21

Still Lower: <19

Question from KO - You guys buying this $VIX pop here?

Question from Tela - Question for Fidelity Hot Seat host - does Fidelity offer zero commissions when closing out short option trades below $.10?

AROUND THE BLOCK

This week in the market:

May 9: Jobless Claims, International Trade, PPI

May 10: CPI, Treasury Budget

TRADING BLOCK

Big earnings week ahead.

Highlights:

Monday: Tyson Foods (TSN) before market open; Hertz (HTZ) after market close

Tuesday: Allergan (AGN), Anheuser-Busch Inbev (BUD), Crocs (CROX), Mylan (MYL), Regeneron (REGN) before market open; Electronic Arts (EA), Lyft (LYFT), Match Group (MTCH), Papa John’s (PZZA), TripAdvisor (TRIP), Wingstop (WING) after market close

Wednesday: Chesapeake Energy (CHK), Coty (COTY), Honda Motor (HMC), Wendy’s (WEN) before market open; ANGI Homeservices (ANGI), Etsy (ETSY), IAC/InterActiveCorp (IAC), Roku (ROKU), Disney (DIS) after market close

Thursday: Cronos Group (CRON), Norwegian Cruise Line (NCLH) before market open; Booking Holdings (BKNG), Dropbox (DBX), GoPro (GPRO), Sonos (SONO), Yelp (YELP), Zillow (ZG) after market close

Friday: JD.com (JD), Marriott International (MAR), Tribune Media (TRCO), Viacom (VIAB) before market open

Uber IPO on Friday, May 10.

ODD BLOCK

Size paper in Walt Disney Co (DIS)

Call overwrite in Iqvia Holdings Inc (IQV)

Put sale in 3D Systems Corporation (DDD)

STRATEGY BLOCK

Uncle Mike Tosaw discusses the advantages and disadvantages of getting out before your target fill.

MAIL BLOCK

#Options #QOTW - #EarningsSeason continues to rock and roll. Many big names are on the docket this week including $GOOGL, $APPL, $GE, $MCD and many more. Which of these big names are you most excited to trade in your #Options portfolio this week?

GE

- AAPL

GOOGL
MCD

Question from Son Of Algos - Do you have Spock look-a-likes?

Question from Bluz - Does Tosaw do long term collars on more than just silver?

AROUND THE BLOCK

This Week in the Market

May 7: JOLTS

May 9: Jobless Claims, International Trade, PPI
May 10: CPI, Treasury Budget

INTERVIEW BLOCK

Guest: Greg Stevens, Vice President - Fidelity Investments

MAIL BLOCK

Question from Mart03 - What is the cheapest way to buy a put?

Question from Flyer - What are some of the best ways to trade put options?

Question from Lincan - My go to options strategy is to sell covered puts on stocks that I want to buy then get paid to wait. If the stock comes my way I eventually trade out of it using a covered call. What do you think? Savvy or stupid?

TRADING BLOCK

Most active equity options: DIS, BAC, AAPL, TSLA, GE, FB, COTY, INTC, TWTR, AMD

Earnings Highlights:

Monday - Spotify (before bell), Alphabet (after bell)

Tuesday - GE, McDonalds, Pfizer, Merck, GM, Apple

Wednesday - Qualcomm

Thursday - Activision Blizzard, Herbalife

Friday - Cboe

ODD BLOCK

Call love in Hartford Financial Services Group Inc (HIG)

Line-in-the-sand puts Nordstrom, Inc (JWN)

Put love in Qurate Retail Inc (QRTEA)

STRATEGY BLOCK

This week we discuss some thoughts on calculating the expected move of a stock going into earnings

MAIL BLOCK

#Options #QOTW - #EarningsSeason continues to rock and roll. Many big names are on the docket this week. Which of these big names are you most excited to trade in your #Options portfolio this week?

- $GE
- $AAPL
- $GOOGL
- $MCD

Question from AGDC - How much did you guys love #Endgame?

AROUND THE BLOCK

This week in the market:

Apr 29 - Personal Income and Outlays

Apr 30 - Consumer Confidence

May 1 - Construction Spending, FPMC Meeting

May 2 - Jobless Claims, Factory Orders

May 3 - Unemployment, International Trade

TRADING BLOCK

Welcome to our 800th episode!

Most active indices: VIX - 348k, SPY - 1.14M, SPX - 572k

Most active equity options: FB, TSLA, MSFT, AAPL, DIS, AMD, TWTR, T, SNAP, BAC

Earnings Highlights:

Tuesday - Twitter, Snap

Wednesday - FB, Tesla, Microsoft, Boeing, Chipotle, PayPal, WWE

Thursday - Amazon, Starbucks, Intel, Grubhub, Mattel

800th EPISODE MAIL BLOCK PALOOZA

#Options #QOTW: $TSLA open interest continues to be dominated by far #OTM "Mystery Puts." The lion's share of the OI is at the 100 strike and below. There are many reasons for this. But it leads to a simple question - do you think $TSLA be below $100 by Jan expiration?

Yes?
No?

Question from Arbitar - What’s the real reason that you think so many people are gobbling up crazy Tesla puts?

Comment from BTCVIX - Way back in 2012 and 2013 I started listening Longo and the rest of the crew -- I am pretty sure I am on record at some point asking the first Bitcoin question late 2013. Obviously I choose to stick with my taste in volatility world and choose my name as @BTCVIX lol

Question from Rayman5839 - Hi! Is the option premium counted toward exercising an option when in the money?. New to options, thanks...So it would only be profitable if the intrinsic value heavily outweighs extrinsic?

Question from Vaseris - Hello OB. Do you guys think there is one thing that all options traders do that is a mistake?

Question from Big T - I’ve been listening to this show since the early days and am incredibly thankful for the years of great content and education you have provided. I would like to show my support and gratitude in some way for all that you’ve done. Do you have a store or a Patreon or something that I can buy to say thanks for making such a great network?

TRADING BLOCK

VIX - 12.75, 0.5-points higher than last show.

SBUX made a new 52 week high. TSLA, 4 of 11 directors expected to leave, and company investigating what appears to be exploding Model S sedan in shanghai. PINS, IPO had offering price of $19 and closed at 24.40.

Most active indices - VIX: 139k, SPY: 771k, SPX: 449k

Most active equity options - GE, AAPL FB, TSLA, NFLX, TWTR, QCOM, AMD, F, MSFT

Earnings Highlights:

Tuesday - Twitter, Snap

Wednesday - FB, Tesla, Microsoft, Boeing, Chipotle, PayPal

Thursday - Amazon, Starbucks

ODD BLOCK

Call overwrite in YPF SA (YPF)

Crushing put below bid in Sea Ltd (SE)

Call overwrite in US Silica Holdings Inc (SLCA)

STRATEGY BLOCK

The fidelity discussion topic this week is the common misperceptions of calendar spreads.

AROUND THE BLOCK

This Week in the Market

Apr 22: Existing Home Sales

Apr 23: New Home Sales

Apr 25: Jobless Claims, Durable Goods

Apr 26: GDP, Consumer Sentiment

TRADING BLOCK

Fidelity Hot Seat - Konstantin Vrandopulo, Trading Strategy Desk, Fidelity Brokerage Services LLC

VIX - 12.25, 0.5-points lower than last show.

Most active indices - VIX: 162k, SPY: 1.13k, SPX: 558k

Most active equity options - AAPL, QCOM, BAC, NFLX, TSLA, AMD, PFE, FB, CGC, SQ

ODD BLOCK

Call love in Liberty Global PLC (LBTYA)

Call love in Las Vegas Sands Corp. (LVS)

Above offer call love in Honeywell International Inc. (HON)

MAIL BLOCK

Question from Giddy Franciscan - Sell in May and go away. What option strategy benefits from the profound market malaise that occurs over the summer?

AROUND THE BLOCK

This Week in the Market:

Apr 19 - Housing Starts

TRADING BLOCK

VIX : 12.70 - 0.6-points lower than last show.

Most active indices: VIX: 125k, SPY: 713k, SPX: 272k

Most active equity options: DIS, BAC, TSLA, AAPL, AMD, BABA, GE, NVDA, NFLX, WFC

Earnings Highlights:

Netflix (NFLX)

Walt Disney Company (DIS)

ODD BLOCK

Mystery put update in Tesla Inc (TSLA)

STRATEGY BLOCK

This week’s topic discusses applying technical analysis to option trading.

MAIL BLOCK

Question from Douglas Tilley - Hello!--Regarding long stock substitution:

With call options, are deltas additive? ie. why are (2) 40-delta calls so much cheaper than (1) 80-delta call ? This seems like buying equivalent total delta for about half the cost.
For more accurate stock substitution, do you ever use the technique of buying an ATM call while selling an ATM put ? (vs. buying calls for a desired total delta).

What are the pros and cons (or nuances) of the 2 methods? I do notice that the 2nd method definitely requires more buying power, due to the short put. Thanks for all the education

AROUND THE BLOCK

This Week in the Market:

Apr 16 - Industrial Production

Apr 17 - International Trade, Beige Book

Apr 18 - Jobless Claims, Retail Sales, Business Inventories

Apr 19 - Housing Starts

TRADING BLOCK

LYFT Options Update: Rumors of Uber IPO hitting stock and driving LYFT volume - 61k on the tape so far today.

Most active indices - VIX: 384k, SPY: 845k, SPX: 323k

Most active equity options - AAPL, TSLA, BAC, EBAY, BA, AMD, X, FB, NVDA, BBBY

TSLA, AMZN, AMD and AAPL - no surprises, often on the list of most traded.

ODD BLOCK

Mystery put update in Tesla Inc (TSLA)

Size put love in eBay Inc (EBAY)

Call write JetBlue Airways Corporation (JBLU)

Call love in Weight Watchers International Inc. (WTW)

MAIL BLOCK

The Broker Madness Final is upon us! Vote today!

TD Ameritrade vs tastyworks.

Question from Zack Maenpaa - Hi, long time listener, first time questioner. If you’ve covered it already can you point me to where in case I have missed it. But what is going on at the $15 May (monthly) strike in COTY. Daily size opening transactions for two weeks now? Trying to figure out what they are trying to do here. Sorry if you receive this message more than once. I kept clicking submit on the website and nothing happens. Many thanks. There is the share purchase offer, but thats at $11.65, not way up at the 15 strike.

Question from a Fidelity Customer - I’m thinking about selling covered calls on a stock that my father left to me and I don’t want to sell the shares, is this a good way to get some extra income?

AROUND THE BLOCK

Bank Earning coming up, JPM and WFC tomorrow and BAC next week. Macro headlines: China, Trade tariffs and Euro tariffs.

This week in the market:

Apr 12 - Import and Export Prices

Apr 13 - Consumer Sentiment

TRADING BLOCK

VIX - 13.3

Boeing cutting production, down around 4%.

TSLA - Jefferies cuts price target to $400 from $450, up 1%.

LYFT options update - $72.75, 15k today, ADV: 64k, Total 86k (54k Calls, 32k Puts)

Most active equity options - GE, AAPL, SNAP, BA, TSLA, AMD, BABA, FB, NVDA, CVE

ODD BLOCK

Call love in (BP)

Upside call roll in Lowes (LOW)

Upside call overwrite in AGNC Investment Corp (AGNC)

STRATEGY BLOCK

Uncle Mike Tosaw discusses out of the money gamma

MAIL BLOCK

Broker Madness!!! Final 4 voting continues until the end of today.

Question from Fidelity Customers - What should I know before trading options on the VIX/volatility products?

AROUND THE BLOCK

This week in the market

Apr 9: JOLTS

Apr 10: CPI, FOMC Minutes

Apr 11: Jobless Claims, PPI

Apr 12: Import and Export Prices

Apr 13: Consumer Sentiment

TRADING BLOCK

LYFT options trading today

Tesla off 64 handle on the day

ODD BLOCK

Call love in BorgWarner Inc. (BWA)

Call love in Dana Inc (DAN) - review from 11/8

Call love in Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. (BR)

MAIL BLOCK

Broker Madness Round 3 - The Final Four!

TD Ameritrade vs. Fidelity Investments

Interactive Brokers vs. tasty works

Question from Joe and Linda - My question is for Trey: Being that you are the “Chart” guy... I have had some success with The ADX, 50/200 SMA and Bollinger Bands. My question relates to time frame for those. Should I set the time for the option? Meaning, should I set those for 2-week view if I plan to sell a credit spread 2 weeks out, or keep it 6 months, 1 year, etc? I have been using the straddle for those time frames but was looking for another point of ref. Thanks.

AROUND THE BLOCK

TRADING BLOCK

Lyft options coming on Thursday. Cboe Global Markets Plans Listing of Options on Lyft, Inc. (LYFT)

Most active indices - VIX: 181k, SPY: 1.4M, SPX: 662k

Most active equity options - AAPL, BAC, AMD, MSFT, JD, COTY, FB, TSLA, F, BA

Earnings:

Tuesday - Gamestop

Thursday - Duluth Trading Company

ODD BLOCK

Options palooza in SPDR S&P Oil & Gas (XOP) - review from 2/11

Opening put love in California Resources Corp (CRC) - review from 11/26

Opening call love in Analog Devices, Inc. (ADI) - review from 11/26

STRATEGY BLOCK

Colin Songer discusses three different ways a trader might use delta.

AROUND THE BLOCK

Round 2 of Broker Madness continues!! Vote today!

TRADING BLOCK

Most active indices - VIX: 119k, SPY: 1M, SPX: 444k

Most active equity options - AAPL, FB, AMD, LULU, COTY TSLA BAC, NVDA, GE, AMZN

Earnings:

Monday - Winnebago Industries, Redhat

Tuesday - Cronos Group (marijuana stock)

Wednesday - Lennar, Lululemon

ODD BLOCK

Put love in (PAH) - review from 1/24

Opening Feb call love in (LEN) - review from 12/6

Size call love in Knight-Swift Transportation (KNX)

MAIL BLOCK

Broker Madness continues!!

Round 2: TD Ameritrade vs Schwab, Fidelity Investments vs TradeStation, Ally Invest vs Interactive Brokers, E*Trade vs tastyworks.

Cast your vote today!

AROUND THE BLOCK

This Week in the Market:

Mar 29 - Personal Income, New Home Sales, Consumer Sentiment

TRADING BLOCK

VIX - 16.5, up 3-points from last show

Earnings:

Monday - Winnebago Industries, Redhat

Tuesday - Cronos Group (marijuana stock)

Wednesday - Lennar, Lululemon

Wall Street set for lower open. Apple's 'Show Time' event.

ODD BLOCK

Call love in PagSeguro Digital Ltd (PAGS)

Call overwrite in Viacom, Inc. Class B(VIAB)

Lits puts in Newmark Group Inc (NMRK)

STRATEGY BLOCK

Trey Jarrell discusses credit spreads.

MAIL BLOCK

It’s Broker Madness time!!! Round One continues.

AROUND THE BLOCK

This Week in the Market

Mar 26: Housing Starts, Consumer Confidence

Mar 27: International Trade

Mar 28: Jobless Claims, GDP

Mar 29: Personal Income, New Home Sales, Consumer Sentiment

TRADING BLOCK

Most active indices: VIX - 110k, SPY - 1.3M, SPX - 363k

Most active equity options: AAPL, MU, AMD, BAC, NVDA, FB, NFLX, AMZN, COTY, DIS

Earnings:

Monday - Tilray (TLRY), Lumber Liquidators (LL), Overstock.com (OSTK)

Tuesday - Michaels (MIK), China Telecom (CHA), FedEx (FDX)

Wednesday - General Mills (GIS), Guess (GES), Micron Technology (MU), Williams-Sonoma (WSM)

Thursday - Nike (NKE)

Friday - Hibbett Sports (HIBB), Tiffany & Co. (TIF)

ODD BLOCK

Put love in Nordstrom, Inc. (JWN)

Lits puts in Apple Inc. (AAPL)

Put love in Barclays PLC (BCS)

MAIL BLOCK

It’s Broker Madness time!!! Vote for your favorite at theoptionsinsider.com

Match-ups this round: TD Ameritrade vs. SogoTrade, Schwab vs. LightSpeed Trading, Fidelity Investments vs. Merrill Edge, TradeStation vs. Trading Block, Ally Invest vs. Firstrade, Interactive Brokers vs. TradeHawk by Tradier, E*Trade vs. Robin Hood, eOptions vs. Tastyworks

Question from JDog - Why don’t you guys talk about unusual index activity?

Question from Bob Lasy - What would you say is the #1 go-to options strategy? Is it just buying a call or is it something more elaborate?

AROUND THE BLOCK

This Week in the Market

Mar 22: Existing Home Sales, Treasury Budget

TRADING BLOCK

A fairly quiet day in the market.

Most active indices - VIX: 329k, SPY: 1.2M, SPX: 500k

Most active equity options - AAPL, COTY, FB, BAC, TSLA, GE, BA, AMZN, NFLX, ACB

Earnings:

Monday - Tilray (TLRY), Lumber Liquidators (LL), Overstock.com (OSTK)

Tuesday - Michaels (MIK), China Telecom (CHA), FedEx (FDX)

Wednesday - General Mills (GIS), Guess (GES), Micron Technology (MU), Williams-Sonoma (WSM)

Thursday - Nike (NKE)

Friday - Hibbett Sports (HIBB), Tiffany & Co. (TIF)

ODD BLOCK

Call overwrite in Boston Scientific Corporation (BSX)

More call overwriting in USA Technologies, Inc (USAT)

Call love in Fidelity National Information Services Inc (FIS)

STRATEGY BLOCK

This week Trey Jarrell discusses portfolio hedging.

MAIL BLOCK

March Madness is back! Vote for your favorite options firm today!

AROUND THE BLOCK

This Week in the Market:

Mar 18 - Housing Market Index

Mar 19 - Factory Orders

Mar 20 - FOMC Meeting

Mar 21 - Jobless Claims, Fed Balance Sheet

Mar 22 - Existing Home Sales, Treasury Budget

TRADING BLOCK

Co-Host: Trey Jarrell, Fidelity Trading Strategy Desk

Most active indices: VIX - 224k, SPY - 1.06M, SPX: 432k

Most active equity options: LLY, AAPL, BA, FB, ELAN, GE, NIO, AMD, NVDA, TSLA

Boeing shares tumble 9% after deadly crash of popular 737 jet.

ODD BLOCK

Call activity in QuinStreet Inc (QNST) - from Feb 7

Harvesting risk premium in Plains GP Holdings LP(PAGP) - from Feb 4

More risk premium harvesting in Canadian Pacific Railway Ltd (CP) - from Feb 4

STRATEGY BLOCK

Uncle Mike Tosaw discusses the cover call strategy.

MAIL BLOCK

#QOTW: Everyone in our audience thought 2019's #options volume would eclipse 2018's record volume. But, through February, ADV is down nearly 19% from last year. 2019 is still young so we thought we'd take your pulse again - will 2019 beat 2018's record 5.1B #options contracts?

69% - Yes

31% - No

Question from Fidelity Client - As an options seller, is it better to close out of my options positions early or let them expire worthless?

AROUND THE BLOCK

This Week in the Market:

Mar 11 - Retail Sales

Mar 12 - CPI

Mar 13 - Durable Goods, PPI

Mar 14 - Jobless Claims, Import and Export Prices

Mar 15 - Industrial Production, Consumer Sentiment

TRADING BLOCK

Most active indices:

VIX - 352k, SPY - 1.65M, SPX - 567k

Most active equity options: LLY, NIO, AAPL, FB, GE, BAC, TSLA, AMD, BAB, MSFT

OCC February volume down 25.9% after strong 2018

ODD BLOCK

Put selling in Kraft Heinz Co (KHC)

Puts trading in General Electric Company (GE)

More puts trading in Kroger Co (KR)

MAIL BLOCK

#QOTW: Everyone in our audience thought 2019's #options volume would eclipse 2018's record volume. But, through February, ADV is down nearly 19% from last year. 2019 is still young so we thought we'd take your pulse again - will 2019 beat 2018's record 5.1B #options contracts?

Yes
No

Question from Tosaw Client - I have a client and listener who asked me an interesting question we can talk about on the show. Why is a call calendar (both above the price of the underlying) more expensive than a put calendar on GOOGL and CRM? This could be a really good discussion.

AROUND THE BLOCK

This Week in the Market:

Mar 8 - Unemployment

TRADING BLOCK

Most active indices:

VIX - 599k, SPY - 1.67M, SPX - 708k

Uber/Lyft drivers may be able to participate in IPO

ODD BLOCK

Call love in (BUD)

Call overwrite in Workday Inc (WDAY)

Call love in SandRidge Energy Inc. (SD)

STRATEGY BLOCK

Uncle Mike Tosaw discuses how trading based on a breakout can be beneficial to risk management.

MAIL BLOCK

#QOTW: We'll keep it simple to wind down the week. What is your go-to #options strategy right now? Don't see your fav on the list? Reply/DM with your suggestions.

49% - Long Call/Put/Vertical

14% - Short Call/Put/Vertical

20% - Fly/Iron Fly/Condor

17% - Calendar/Diagonal

Question from Holscreen - Is it safe to say that a large amount of the options business is devoted to paying for puts?

Question from Dana Mac - I’ve heard a lot of talk about contract numbers but how much dollar value is actually transacted in the options market?

AROUND THE BLOCK

This Week in the Market

Mar 4: Construction Spending

Mar 5: New Home Sales, Treasury Budget

Mar 6: International Trade

Mar 7: Jobless Claims, Productivity and Costs

Mar 8: Unemployment

TRADING BLOCK

Most active indices: VIX - 138k, SPY - 800k, SPX:477k

Most active active equity options: GE, JD, SQ, AAPL, TSLA, CELG, NIO, LLY, BAC, BMY

Earnings:

Monday - Etsy, Shake Shack

Tuesday - Home Depot, Macy’s

Wednesday - Lowe’s, Best Buy, Square, Hewlett Packard, Box, Fitbit

Thursday - Nordstrom, JcPenney, Gap, Dell, Crocs

Friday - Foot Locker

ODD BLOCK

Call love in Dell Technologies Inc (DELL)

Call overwrite in Fitbit Inc (FIT)

Call overwrite plus puts in General Electric Company (GE)

MAIL BLOCK

#QOTW: We'll keep it simple to wind down the week. What is your go-to #options strategy right now? Don't see your fav on the list? Reply/DM with your suggestions.

Long Call/Put/Vertical
Short Call/Put/Vertical
Fly/Iron Fly/Condor
Calendar/Diagonal

Question from Ben K. - You guys were talking about getting your short spy calls called away on a recent episode. Is that something that occurs often and I should be concerned about it?

AROUND THE BLOCK

TRADING BLOCK

Most active indices: VIX - 968k, SPY - 1.8M, SPX - 670k

Most active equity options: GE, AAPL, AMD, BAB, NIO, JD, TSLA, BAC, FB, NFLX

Earnings this week

Monday - (after the bell) Etsy, Shake Shack

Tuesday - Home Depot, Macy’s

Wednesday - Lowe’s, Best Buy, Square, Hewlett Packard, Box, Fitbit

Thursday - Nordstrom, JcPenney, Gap, Dell, Crocs

Friday - Foot Locker

ODD BLOCK

Call review from 2/7 in Mohawk Industries, Inc. (MHK)

Call palooza from 2/4 in Mattel Inc (MAT)

STRATEGY BLOCK

Uncle Mike Tosaw discusses using options with an IRA

MAIL BLOCK

5-Star Review from Jake Luttrell - Great content. Thank you

Question from Leg77 - MIAX making it official with 16 exchanges. What do you guys think about more players entering the options game?

AROUND THE BLOCK

TRADING BLOCK

More red on the street today.

VIX 14.75 - UP .75

Trader are focusing on FANG through Nasdaq futures -http://openmarkets.cmegroup.com/14669/traders-are-focusing-on-fang-through-futures

ODD BLOCK

Put review from 2/7 in (KAR)

Calls trade in (AGI)

Call sale in (PGR)

STRATEGY BLOCK

Uncle Mike Tosaw discusses his experience defending a client using the law.

MAIL BLOCK

Comment from Optionsgame: Translated from French: You should follow @Options. It's a good podcasts that will give you ideas.

Comment from Chris Imming: Maybe it is time to question the assumption about the accuracy of analysts estimates. Let's Make Analysts Great Again

Comment from Neil Wales - You should have another choice. Have no idea how to trader these things yet.

AROUND THE BLOCK

Best Of The Option Block: Back To The Beginning

The markets are closed for President's day so the All-Star Panel gets a day off. But that doesn't mean you don't get a show! Join us for a trip down memory lane to the very first "sneak preview" episode of The Option Block from September 2010. Enjoy!

TRADING BLOCK

Another mixed day of the street.

EA bouncing back after Fortnite crash and Apex rally.

Earning Highlights this Week:

Monday - Aurora Cannabis (ACB)

Tuesday - Activision Blizzard

Wednesday - Cisco

Thursday - Nvidia, The Coca-Cola Company, CME Group, Cannabis Growth (CGC), Applied Materials

Friday - PepsiCo

ODD BLOCK

Near-term ITM call love in Electronic Arts Inc (EA)

Call love in CBS Corporation Common Stock (CBS)

More paper trading in Centurylink Inc (CTL)

MAIL BLOCK #QOTW - $VXX is dead! Long Live $VXXB! There's a (somewhat) new kid on the #Volatility trading block. Are you trading $VXXB #options yet? If not, how are you getting your #Volatility fix these days? $VIX $TVIX $SVXY

Yes: Jumped into $VXXB
No: Spreads are too wide
No: Prefer $TVIX, etc
No: Prefer $VIX #options

Question from Dave B. - Hi, I have a question about what is the best strategy to use for my trading system. I typically am only right on about three or four trades out of every 10 with long stock. The trades that I am wrong on, I take a small loss - somewhere between 5 to 10% but only 1-2% of the total capital as I typically take 10% positions. The trades that I am right on, I typically make 50% up to 200% over a 3 to 12 month period. I want to find an options strategy to increase returns via leverage, but keep total portfolio risk per trade about the same. Would DITM calls or spreads make sense to you? Or is there another strategy I could (should) consider. Thank you! Dave B. Sent from my iPhone

Question from LLAZ - What do you think of call verticals in $USO here? Maybe 3-month 5 or 10% otm? Worth financing with a put?

Question from DaQuinta - I've been lured in by the ongoing selloff in crude oil and I'm thinking about setting up a longer-term stock replacement strategy in the USO ETF. I have a couple of questions:

A.) With $USO dropping below $11 is it even worth doing or should I just buy the shares instead? Is there a certain threshold where stock replacement stops making sense?

B.) My proposed construction is an almost six-month strategy with July 8 Calls for $3.10. So my outlay for 100 shares is $3100 versus $10,800.

C. Is it even worth selling a Jan 11.5 call and limiting all of my upside just to collect $.15 or should I keep it open from here?

AROUND THE BLOCK

This Week’s Economic Reports

Feb 15: Import and Export Prices, Industrial Production, Business Inventories, Consumer Sentiment

TRADING BLOCK

Earnings Highlights this Week:

Monday - Aurora Cannabis (ACB)

Tuesday - Activision Blizzard

Wednesday - Cisco

Thursday - Nvidia, The Coca-Cola Company, CME Group, Cannabis Growth (CGC), Applied Materials

Friday - PepsiCo

Pot, soda and videogame earnings are on Wall Street’s to-do list - https://www.marketwatch.com/story/weed-soda-and-videogames-are-on-wall-streets-to-do-list-2019-02-09

ODD BLOCK

Size paper trading in SPDR S&P Oil & Gas Explore & Prod. (XOP)

Put palooza in Centurylink Inc (CTL)

Call palooza in Sangamo Therapeutics Inc (SGMO)

STRATEGY BLOCK

Uncle Mike Tosaw discusses the dangers of over trading.

MAIL BLOCK #QOTW - $VXX is dead! Long Live $VXXB! There's a (somewhat) new kid on the #Volatility trading block. Are you trading $VXXB #options yet? If not, how are you getting your #Volatility fix these days? $VIX $TVIX $SVXY

Yes. Jumped into $VXXB
No. Spreads are too wide
No. Prefer $TVIX, etc
No. Prefer $VIX #options

Question from JVacx - Whatever happened to the $TSLA 50 put holders? Did they close out? Did they roll? Are they still slinging puts?

AROUND THE BLOCK

This Week’s Economic Reports

Feb 12: JOLTS

Feb 13: CPI

Feb 14: PPI, Jobless Claims

Feb 15: Retail Sales, Import and Export Prices, Industrial Production, Business Inventories, Consumer Sentiment

TRADING BLOCK

More Earnings Highlights This Week:

Monday - Clorox, Sysco

Tuesday - Walt Disney Company, Snap Inc., BP, TakeTwo, Electronic Arts, Viacom,

Wednesday - GM, Lilly, Spotify

Thursday - Twitter, WWE, Mattel, Grubhub

Friday - Cboe, Exelon, Hasbro

ODD BLOCK

Upside calls in Mohawk Industries, Inc. (MHK)

Calls trade in QuinStreet Inc (QNST)

Puts trade in KAR Auction Services Inc (KAR)

MAIL BLOCK #QOTW - With everyone still shaking off #SuperBowl haze, let's start the week by applying your trading mindset to next season. If you had to buy a call on one team to make it into next year's big game - which team are you buying? Feeling another team - let us know below.

Patriots
Rams
Bears (legally obligated)
Saints

Question from T Mal - Thoughts on the best options trading platform if most don’t do it right?

AROUND THE BLOCK

TRADING BLOCK

Are we out of correction? You betcha!

OCC January volume down 11.9% after record-breaking 2018

Earnings Highlights this week:

Monday - Clorox, Sysco

Tuesday - Walt Disney Company, Snap Inc., BP, ADM, Electronic Arts, Viacom,

Wednesday - GM, Lilly, Spotify

Thursday - Twitter, WWE, Mattel

Friday - Cboe, Exelon, Hasbro

ODD BLOCK

Harvesting the risk premium in Plains GP Holdings LP (PAGP)

Call palooza in Mattel, Inc. (MAT)

Harvesting more risk premium in Canadian Pacific Railway Ltd (CP)

STRATEGY BLOCK

Uncle Mike Tosaw discusses adjustments to a bullish butterfly and “line-in-the-sand” trades.

MAIL BLOCK #QOTW - With everyone still shaking off #SuperBowl haze, let's start the week by applying your trading mindset to next season. If you had to buy a call on one team to make it into next year's big game - which team are you buying? Feeling another team - let us know below.

Patriots
Rams
Bears (legally obligated)
Saints

AROUND THE BLOCK

TRADING BLOCK

Apple earnings: Did they do the right thing by pre-announcing the bad earnings?
Earnings Highlights:

Monday - Caterpillar (before bell), Whirlpool (after bell)

Tuesday - AMD, Apple, eBay, Harley-Davidson, Lockheed Martin, Pfizer, Verizon, 3M

Wednesday - Alibaba, AT&T, Boeing, Facebook, McDonalds, Microsoft, PayPal, Tesla, Visa

Thursday - Amazon, GE, MasterCard, Sprint, UPS

Friday - Chevron, ExxonMobil, Honeywell, Sony

ODD BLOCK

Opening call love in Dropbox Inc (DBX)

Opening line-in-the-sand puts in General Electric Company (GE)

Below bid puts in Tallgrass Energy LP (TGE)

MAIL BLOCK

#QOTW: It's that time again - #EarningsSeason! This week is a hot one! Which of the big #Tech names reporting are you most excited to trade in your #options account? Did we leave out your favorite? Let us know below.

$AMZN
$FB
$AAPL
$MSFT
Question from Jarryd Smith - I have a question for the podcast that, as a long-suffering Bills fan, I hope a long-suffering Bill can answer. I wouldn't turn down the greasy meatball, though. What is meant by 'the tent'? For example, stop the trade when it exits 'the tent'. Let's use an ATM Butterfly. Is it the ending 'tent', when at the end of the trade it would a max-loss? Or the end of the trade that would still be a profit? Or something else? For example, if I had a 100/150/200 ATM Butterfly on for $25, would I exit if it hit 100 or 200? Or 125/175? Or something else? Thanks!

Comment from David Lincoln - $NVDA and although it is not a tech stock I am still on that $TLRY kick....
Comment from FContangotrader - Check out $AAPL OI 215 and 210 put strikes

Comment from J3dingle - I'm going to leave a bad review for your pronunciation (Vale)!

Question from AllOrNothingRookieJan - $FB bought 2700 shares yesterday before ER......do I hold or lock in some profit guys?????...I’m thinking of moving it all over to amazon and seeing if I’m still lucky….I wish I could do Options but I don’t know enough and heard I can lose all my money?

AROUND THE BLOCK

Economic Reports This Week -

Feb 1: Unemployment, Construction Spending, Consumer Sentiment

TRADING BLOCK

Caterpillar missed its market expectations

NVDA off 15%
VALE S.A. estimated to report earnings on Feb 26

Earnings Highlights:

Tuesday - AMD, Apple, eBay, Harley-Davidson, Lockheed Martin, Pfizer, Verizon, 3M

Wednesday - Alibaba, AT&T, Boeing, Facebook, McDonalds, Microsoft, PayPal, Tesla, Visa

Thursday - Amazon, GE, MasterCard, Sprint, UPS

Friday - Chevron, ExxonMobil, Honeywell, Sony

ODD BLOCK

Put love in Digital RLTY (DLR)

Harvesting premium in Yum China Holdings Inc (YUMC)

Harvesting 1-year premium in Iron Mountain Inc (IRM)

STRATEGY BLOCK

Uncle Mike Tosaw discusses options buying power

MAIL BLOCK

#QOTW: It's that time again - #EarningsSeason! This week is a hot one! Which of the big #Tech names reporting are you most excited to trade in your #options account? Did we leave out your favorite? Let us know below. $AMZN $FB $AAPL $MSFT

$AMZN
$FB
$AAPL
$MSFT

AROUND THE BLOCK

This Week’s Economic Reports

Jan 29: International Trade, Consumer Confidence

Jan 30: GDP, FOMC Meeting

Jan 31: Jobless Claims

Feb 1: Unemployment, Construction Spending, Consumer Sentiment

In this episode, Mark, Uncle Mike and the Rock Lobster discuss:

Trading Block

LUV, JBLU, XLNX, INTC Earnings
VIX
AAPL
Today's most active options
and more..

Odd Block

Unusual options activity in

PAH
AVP
SPWR

Strategy Block

Uncle Mike talks stock replacement strategies.

Mail Block

Your 5,4 and 1 star Itunes reviews.

Around the Block

Anything but macro...

The Option Block 774: Time to Dance Once again

HOST: MARK LONGO, THE OPTIONS INSIDER
CO-HOST: ANDREW GIOVINAZZI/MARK SEBASTIAN, OPTION PIT
CO-HOST: MIKE TOSAW, ST. CHARLES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

Trading Block

We discuss AAPL, VIX, SPY and more

Odd Block

Today's tickers:

TRU
SIG
KEY

Strategy Block

How to manage a covered call portfolio.

Mail Block

You guys have puts and stocks on the brain this week.

Around the Block

Looking ahead to earnings in GS, BAC, BNY, JPM, NFLX and more...

The Option Block 773: Getting Gossipy Live With The Rock Lobster

In this episode Mark is joined live in the studio by the Greasy Meatball AND the Rock Lobster (along with Uncle Mike beaming in from St. Charles). Gossipy madness ensues...

The Option Block 772 - Still A Market For Crazy People

TSLA, AAPL, AMZN all in the news.
VIX still eerily flat.
What were the Top 10 OB Episodes of 2018? Tune in to find out.

Odd Block

Today we review the following unusual activity:

DAN call love
EXEL call love
CSOD call love

Strategy Block

Uncle Mike's advice - in a nutshell Stay Vertical

Mail Block

Gauging your thoughts about AAPL at these levels
Answering your questions about the mystery window after the close to exercise options on expiration.

TRADING BLOCK

VIX: 207k, SPY: 1.7M, SPX: 694k, QQQ: 476k

MVP of the Year:

We've got quite the horse race now to see who will be crowned the most valuable company by the end of the year.

Amazon was briefly number one today, but closed in the second spot. Now we have:

$MSFT at 860.43 billion market cap. - 779.2B on 12/31

$AAPL at 877.04 billion market cap. - Now 748.5B on 12/31

$AMZN at 866.63 billion market cap. - 734B on 12/31

ODD BLOCK

Put love in Avis Budget Group Inc. (CAR)

Call love in Bristol-Myers Squibb Co (BMY)

Opening call sale in Analog Devices, Inc. (ADI) - from 11/26

STRATEGY BLOCK

Uncle Mike Tosaw discusses selling call spreads.

MAIL BLOCK

#QOTW: Those $AAPL Jan 150 puts that everyone sold in our last poll for $2 are now ITM. So our question is - what do you do now? Do you keep the stock around $148? Sell covered calls to “wheel out?” Roll or close the position? Let us know here

Happily buy $AAPL at $148
Wheel out w/ Covered Call
Roll Put down
Close position

Question from NN56 - Have you used Robinhood for options? What’s your impression? The impressions of your listeners?

AROUND THE BLOCK

Originally published January 30, 2018

Trading Block: VIX is back into the 13 handle.

Earnings this week:

Wednesday - FB, Microsoft
Thursday - Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, Alibaba
The ORATS earnings report for 1/29/2018

Odd Block: More Jan 2019 50 "Catastrophe" puts in Tesla Motors (TSLA). Size call diagonal in Anheuser Busch Inbev NV (BUD). Near-term call paper in Colgate-Palmolive Company (CL).

Mail Block: Options question of the week

Earnings Season is upon us once again! It's time for #Tech to put its best foot forward. Which big #tech names are you looking to sling some #options on this week?

Amazon ($AMZN)
Microsoft ($MSFT)
Alphabet ($GOOGL)
Facebook ($FB)

Listener questions and comments:

Question from Michael Smith - Any recommendations on where I can find help on calculating implied move into earnings?

Around the Block/Economic Reports this Week:

Jan 30: Consumer Confidence
Jan 31: Chicago PMI, FOMC Meeting
Feb 1: Jobless Claims
Feb 2: Unemployment, Consumer Sentiment, Factory Orders

Trading Block: A look back at the year in trading

The worst holiday week ever?
Dow rallies 1,000 points, logging its biggest single-day point gain ever

2018 YEAR END REVIEW

MVP of the Year: Now we've got quite the horse race to see who will be crowned the most valuable company by the end of the year. Amazon was briefly number one today, but closed in the second spot. Now we have:

MSFT at 860.43 billion market cap. - NOW 753B
AAPL at 877.04 billion market cap. - NOW 721B
AMZN at 866.63 billion market cap. - NOW 693B

Mail Block: Options question of the week.

The final #QOTW for 2018 is a big one! Time to play along w/ #VolatilityViews and dust off your #CrystalBall. Quite simply - where do you think $VIX will close for 2019? Bonus points: Reply/DM/Email w/ your specific pick. Closest (within 1pt) will win Fabulous Prizes.

Low: 8-11.99
Normal: 12 -16.99
Elevated: 17- 23
Very Elevated: > 23

Around the Block: What to look forward to in 2019?

TRADING BLOCK

Fed raises rates again - hints at slower raises to come, but not enough for the markets. Chair Powell pretty much says the Fed doesn’t need to respond to Trump or the market.

Most active:

SPY - 3.54M (ADV 3.72M)

VIX - 177k (584K ADV)

Earnings Highlights:

Thursday - Conagra, Nike

Friday - Carmax

ODD BLOCK

Tesla put summary

Call love in (PG)

Call love in (EXEL)

Put love in (GNW)

MAIL BLOCK

#Options #QOTW - Which upcoming #Volatility product are you most excited about trading in 2019? Or are you content to stay with the original despite lingering issues?

SPIKES
Realday/ #RealVol
Voldex/ #Skewdex
I’ll stick with $VIX

Comment from StockCats - 6 trading days left in the year…

Comment from TinSoldier - RE: Disney - Stock buybacks are not happening, but you have to be blind not to see future growth in every business segment(media, parks, studio)

Comment from Danny_Desert - RE: Disney - I can give a couple trillion why it won’t.

Comment from Koopus - Recent market jolts is when fake & bloated stocks like TSLA will race to the bottom!

Comment from PaulDrew2006 - Uncle Mike’s comment that this is a market for crazy people - Not really, smart people will be buying a sale

Comment from Scott Somer: 10,000 Jan 18th $XLF 22 puts have traded….$SPY STILL has 5 dollar expected move in Dec 21 cycle.

AROUND THE BLOCK

Trading Block: Looming government shutdown spooks the market.

Most active today:

SPY - 2.1M (ADV 3.44M)
VIX - 326k (603K ADV)

Earnings Highlights:

Monday - Oracle (after bell)
Tuesday - Darden, Navistar, FedEx
Wednesday - Rite Aid, General Mills
Thursday - Conagra, Nike
Friday - Carmax

Odd Block: Tesla put summary, opening call sale in (ONB), opening call love in (CG) and put love in Macy's (M)

Strategy Block: Uncle Mike Tosaw discusses 1256 contracts and wash sales.

Mail Block: Options qusetion of the week

Which upcoming volatility product are you most excited about trading in 2019? Or are you content to stay with the original despite lingering issues?

SPIKES
Realday/RealVol
Voldex/Skewdex
I'll stick with VIX

Listener question:

Question from CodeLife10 - What is your thought on JPM tomorrow?

Around the Block: What's on the radar for the pre-holiday week?

Trading Block: A mixed day today after a crazy week.

Most active today:

SPY - 1.62M (ADV 3.44M)
VIX - 332k (603k ADV)

Earnings Highlights:

Monday - Stitch Fix
Tuesday - Dave & Busters, American Eagle Outfitters
Wednesday - Vera Bradley, Peak Resorts
Thursday - Costco, Adobe

And, Apple falls after Chinese court bans sale of most iPhones

Odd Block: Tesla put summary, put breakdown in General Electric Company (GE), call sale in Tenet Healthcare Corp (THC), and call love in Liveramp Holdings Inc (RAMP)

Mail Block: Options question of the week

Everyone loves trading $AAPL #Options. So the #OpenInterest is always very high. But a few interesting #Options dominate the rest. What do you think is the largest open position in $AAPL right now? No cheating - try to use your #SpideySense.

Jan 2020 200 Call
Jan 250 Call
Dec 180 Put
Jan 100 Put

Listener questions and comments: Comment from Austyn41: Good shows today. The experienced and animated host makes it very entertaining and interesting to listen to.

Question from Bjorn L. - You still liking apple 150 puts here?
Comment from Mark Brant - Bought AAPL 8d/15d Calendar Straddle for $1.40! On a nice streak with this strategy. Multi bagger profit potential if you get lucky. I have come to favor +EV plays that have big upside but uncertainty per trade.
Question from Max Lee - What do you think about stock replacement in SPY here? How far out would you go?

Around the Block/This Week in the Markets:

Dec 14 - Retail Sales, Industrial Production

Options news you can use for Tuesday, December 11, 2018

Trading Block: Another day, another selloff

Most active today:

SPY - 2.71M (ADV 3.44M)
VIX - 299k (603K ADV)

Earnings Highlights:

Monday - Stitch Fix
Tuesday - Dave & Busters, American Eagle Outfitters
Wednesday - Vera Bradley, Peak Resorts
Thursday - Costco, Adobe

MVP of the Year: Now we've got quite the horse race to see who will be crowned the most valuable company by the end of the year. Amazon was briefly number one today, but closed in the second spot. Now we have:

AAPL at 877.04 billion market cap.
AMZN at 866.63 billion market cap.
MSFT at 860.43 billion market cap.

Odd Block: Tesla put summary; March put love in Tanger Factory Outlet Centers Inc. (SKT); puts lighting up in HD Supply Holdings Inc (HDS), and; call love in Hydrogenics Corporation (HYGS)

Strategy Block: Uncle Mike Tosaw discusses cash as a position.

Mail Block: Options question of the week.

Everyone loves trading $AAPL #Options. So the #OpenInterest is always very high. But a few interesting #Options dominate the rest. What do you think is the largest open position in $AAPL right now? No cheating - try to use your #SpideySense.

Jan 2020 200 Call
Jan 250 Call
Dec 180 Put
Jan 100 Put

Listener questions and comments:

Comment by Austyn41 - You've been nuggeted!
Question from RTS3 - Mark said he used to trade Activision a lot. Outside of trading it, do you also play their games? If so what's on your playlist these days? Also the Rock Lobster is a cool nickname. B52s?

Around the Block/This Week in the Markets:

Dec 11 - PPI
Dec 12 - CPI, Treasury Budget
Dec 13 - Jobless Claims
Dec 14 - Retail Sales, Industrial Production

Trading Block: A look back at the week in trading

Tariff Man spooks the market…again.
Exchanges were closed on Wednesday, December 5 in observance of a National Day of Mourning for the late George HW Bush.
Netflix blew $100M on Friends reruns for one year!

Most active this week:

SPY - 3.01M (ADV 1.43M)
VIX - 476K

Earnings Highlights:

Tuesday - Dollar General, HP
Wednesday - Five Below
Thursday - The Kroger Co., Broadcom, Michaels, Ulta
Friday - Big Lots

Odd Block: Tesla put summary, opening Dec put love in Signet Jewelers Ltd. (SIG), opening Jan put love in Teradyne, Inc. (TER), and opening Feb call love in Lennar Corporation (LEN)

Mail Block: Listener questions and comments

Question from Daleon - Hey! I'm something of an options noob but I'm learning from listening to you guys. Still haven't pulled the trigger on my first trade. My question - what's the best and easiest starting point for noobs? I mostly have SPY in my portfolio right now. Is it selling calls on SPY? Am I correct that those calls would be considered covered? Fun show. Also liking the playbook program.

Around the Block/This Week in the Markets:

Dec 7 - Unemployment, Consumer Sentiment

Trading Block: Exchanges closed on Wednesday, December 5 in observance of a National Day of Mourning for the late George HW Bush.

Earnings Highlights:

Tuesday - Dollar General, HP
Wednesday - Five Below
Thursday - The Kroger Co., Broadcom, Michaels, Ulta
Friday - Big Lots

Also:

Oil selling off - WTI Crude back in the $40 handle.
Bitcoin crushed - BTC threatening 4000.

Odd Block: Tesla put summary, possible opening call sale in (GPOR), put love in (PVG), and put love in (BEL).

Strategy Block: Uncle Mike Tosaw discusses purchasing long delta in options.

Mail Block: Options question of the week

AAPL continues to take a beating - recently dropping below $175. We know many of you LOVE to trade $AAPL and this selloff creates opportunities. Looking ahead to Jan 2019 expiration- which trade would you prefer to make in AAPL right now?

Sell Jan 150P for $1.65
Buy Jan 150P for $1.65
Sell Jan 200C for $1
Buy Jan 200C for $1

Listener questions and comments:

Comment from Mark Brant: Bot a million DOGE because it was cheaper than BTC. Spikes off lows take about 60 days to show up. For free on Robinhood! Short put spreads USO OIH came in nicely! Andrew and Mark miss a lot of VIX trades because their bias is down. My bias is up. Always looking at the 16 delta Calls! NG RR is on fire! Eurodollar HV much lower than IV as per usual.

Around the Block/This Week in the Markets

Dec 3: Construction Spending
Dec 5: Productivity and Costs, Beige Book
Dec 6: Jobless Claims, Factory Orders
Dec 7: Unemployment, Consumer Sentiment

Trading Block/Earnings highlights from the week:

Tuesday - Salesforce
Wednesday - Box
Thursday - TD, GameStop, HP
Clothing Retailers: Burlington, Chico's, J Jill, Guess, Express, Abercrombie & Fitch

Plus,

Oil sells off - WTI Crude back in the $40 handle.
Bitcoin getting crushed - BTC threatening 4000

Odd Block: Tesla put summary, Dec lifts puts in (VOD), opening put love in (AEO), and opening call love in (IQV)

Mail Block/Options question of the week

AAPL continues to take a beating - recently dropping below $175. We know many of you LOVE to trade AAPL and this selloff creates opportunities. Looking ahead to Jan 2019 expiration- which trade would you prefer to make in AAPL right now?

Sell Jan 150P for $1.65
Buy Jan 150P for $1.65
Sell Jan 200C for $1
Buy Jan 200C for $1

Listener questions and comments

Question from Leot - Is Apple a good candidate for stock substitution here? If so how would you set it up?
Question from Burns - Is buying a call actually the best way to get long stock in this market?

Around The Block/This Week in the Markets

Nov 29: Jobless Claims, Personal Income and Outlays

Trading Block: Earnings!

Tuesday – Salesforce
Wednesday – box
Thursday - TD, GameStop, HP
Clothing Retailers: Burlington, Chico's, J Jill, Guess, Express, Abercrombie & Fitch

Also, Bitcoin (BTC) dropped to its lowest level since October 2017 on Monday, as losses are seen across the broader crypto market.

Odd Block: Tesla put summary, opening call sale in (ADI), opening put love in (CRC), and Jan call sale in (PAA)

Strategy Block: Tosaw discusses what a risk reversal is and how to use it.

Mail Block: listener questions and comments

Question from Khabib - What do you think is the best use for unusual activity? Is it the best for trading or for an indicator?

Around the Block/This Week in the Markets

Nov 27: Consumer Confidence
Nov 28: GDP

Trading Block: Review of the last trading day of the year. VIX barely holding on to double digits. Big meh into the end of the year. Silver is on a tear. The highs and lows of Bitcoin. Cboe announces six Bitcoin ETFs. Uncle Mike creates a new product...Fitcoin.

2017 Year-in Review: The good, the bad, and the unexplicable.

Final Options Question of the Week for 2017: What is your enduring market memory/event/trend/etc of 2017? Have a suggestion of your own? We encourage you to choose "Other" and send in your thoughts.

Death of Volatility/VIX
Rise of Bitcoin
The Unstoppable Bull
Other: Reply/DM w/ ideas
- Comment from OptionsAlliance: The surprise resurgence of #options volume in 2017.
- Comment from OliveWanaBroker: The oats bull market. Very important.
Uncle Mike's silver collar was not, in fact, the second coming of AAPL.
All smoke, no fire
Crypto fever

Odd Block: Crazy paper from the year

TSLA options tracker: The explosion of interest in TSLA catastrophe puts. OI exploded in 2017. Interest also expanded to Jan 2020 50 puts.
The 250,000 contract VIX three-way, rolled thrice
Extended Stay America - giving up the ghost
The way-out-of-the-money gold trade with a further out-of-the-money kicker.

Strategy Block: Uncle Mike waxes poetic about his trading strategy from 2017

Around the Block: Will the outlier trends continue? Andrew brings us down with debt talk. What would it take for volatility to return to normal?

Trading Block: Apple woes hitting the market again., Plus earnings.

Target
Best Buy
Lowe's
Kohl's

And growth in US corporate earnings expectations remains strong.

Odd Block: Tesla put summary; call love in JD.Com Inc. (JD); line in the sand puts in Mattel, Inc. (MAT); put love in ENSCO PLC (ESV).

Strategy Block: Uncle Mike Tosaw discusses premium selling

Mail Block: Options question of the week

You guys did great on last week's crystal ball so we've upped the ante. Where will VIX be at the end of Volatility Views in TWO WEEKS - aka Fri 11/30? Closest (within 1 pt) wins signed book from Option Pit Good Luck!

Here: 18.5-20.99
Higher: 21-23.5
Lower: 16-18.49
Crazy: Above 23.5

Listener questions and comments:

Question from Steve Giannakopoulos - Seems right that you can write 1 put option when you already own 100 shares of the underlying stock. Brokerage can lock and keep the 100 shares as collateral instead of holding cash as collateral. It doesn't happen though. Why? You could have your long 100 shares forced sell at the put option strike price if it's ITM and you get assigned. I read you said I just don't understand it. Thank you.
Question from Matthew Grabarczyk - First of all thank you for the programming and knowledge! Coming from the technical side of equities trading I need some help and I could not really find a direct answer in the archives. A trade I'm in went long at 149.05 with a target of 152.75. At 150.90 (midway) I legged into a diagonal spread long the Jan 151 calls, short the weekly 152.50 trying to optimize skew. It is currently at 152.20 and gamma is kicking my ass. If I wanted to be out completely by 152.75, how would you suggest adjusting this trade?

Around the Block/This Week in the Markets

Nov 20: Housing Starts
Nov 21: Jobless Claims, Durable Goods, Consumer Sentiment, Existing Home Sales
Nov 23: Fed Balance Sheet

Trading Block: Vol creeping back in as Brexit woes. Bad numbers and Walmart spooking the market. Buffett likes financials. WMT, NVDA earnings.

Odd Block: TSLA Flash Poll

The top 10 TSLA options positions are DOMINATED by OTM puts. Only one Call position makes the list. Which one is it? No cheating - what does your gut tell you?

Feb 450 Call
Dec 365 Call
Jan 2020 465 Call
Jan 600 Call

Mail Block: It's crystal ball time! Where will $VIX bet at 1pm central - aka the end of the show - next Friday? See if you can beat the Volatility Views crew.

Here: 17-18.50
Higher: 18.51 – 20
Even Higher: >20
Lower: 15.50-16.99

Question from J3dingle - Hi Mark, Thought you might like this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fQa-sx39Ltw. I wonder how he'd vote in March Madness! Joseph

Around the Block/This Week in the Markets:

Nov 16 - Industrial Production, Treasury International Capital

Trading Block: A look at the week in trading (so far).

Selloff mode is back - somewhat.
Apple iPhone XR slack demand spooking markets.
GE continues to decline on power weakness.
Vol creeping back in.
Equities: Growth in US corporate earnings expectations remains strong.

Odd Block: Tesla put summary Opening call love in (ZNGA) - from 11/5. Opening call love in (ETM) - from 11/1. Put love in (BCS).

Strategy Block: Uncle Mike Tosaw discusses adjusting a short call and short put.

Around the Block: What do we think will shake the market this week?

Trading Block: A look back at the week in options trading

Goodbye backwardation!

Earnings Highlights for the Week

Monday - Sysco, Mylan, Marriott
Tuesday - Eli Lilly, CVS Health, Gogo, Etsy, Match, Papa John's
Wednesday - Groupon, Roku, Square
Thursday - Dropbox, Walt Disney
Equities: Growth in US corporate earnings expectations remains strong.

Odd Block: TSLA put summary, calls trading in Ctrip.com Internation Ltd (CTRP), and call love in Cornerstone OnDemand, Inc. (CSOD)

Mail Block: Option block flash poll

All of these downgrades are crushing AAPL. It's back below $1T. Heresy! Are you part of the AAPL faithful or do you have your bear claws out? Quite simply - do you think AAPL will be above $200 one year from now?

72% - Yes: $Above $200
15% - No: Below $200
13% - I'm sick of $AAPL

Options question of the week - We always like to take the pulse of our audience. This week we're checking in on your favorite strategies. What is your go-to #options strategy?

Butterflies
Covered Call/Short Put
Verticals, call or put
Calendars/Diagonals

Listener questions and comments:

Question from NVD2 - Are we now out of the danger zone? Where does the danger zone officially start?
Question from Helio - Uncle Mike back in full bull mode? What's his biggest holding?
Question from Ilya - Why is iron condor the iron fly for cowards? Don't get it.
Question from Mark Brant - Sold SNAP 45d ATM Puts when it had the highest ATM IV of any stock! ATM IB is the one to watch for premium selling IMO.

Around the Block/This Week in the Markets:

Nov 9: PPI, Consumer Sentiment

Trading Block: Earnings Highlights for the Week

Monday - Sysco, Mylan, Marriott
Tuesday - Eli Lilly, CVS Health, Gogo, Etsy, Match, Papa John's
Wednesday - Groupon, Roku, Square,
Thursday - Dropbox, Walt Disney
Apple screwed the pooch:
Apple tumbles 7% after earnings on light guidance.
Market cap back below $1T

Plus, OCC Sets All Time Monthly Volume Record - OCC Clears Record Monthly Volume in October: Over 567 million contracts cleared in October, up 48.9 percent compared to 2017

Odd Block: Put summary in Tesla Inc (TSLA), line in the sand puts in (TRU), opening call love in (ZNGA) and call love in (ETM).

Strategy Block: Tosaw discusses the knockout collar strategy

Mail Block: Options question of the week
We always like to take the pulse of our audience. This week we're checking in on your favorite strategies. What is your go-to options strategy?

Butterflies
Covered Call/Short Put
Verticals -call or put
Calendars/Diagonals

Around the Block: Midterms elections 2018 tomorrow!

Trading Block: Earnings Highlights for the Week

Tuesday - GE, Sony, BP, FB, ebay, Pfizer, Coca-Cola
Wednesday - GM
Thursday - Apple, Starbucks, Weight Watchers, Spotify, Cigna, Dow/DuPont
Friday - ExxonMobil, Cboe, Alibaba, Chevron, Berkshire Hathaway
Equities: Growth in US corporate earnings expectations remains strong.

Odd Block: More puts in Tesla Motors Inc. (TSLA) and "Line in the sand" puts in Yelp Inc (YELP)

Mail Block: Options question of the week

Volatility is all over the place these days. Some say it's too cheap, others say it's too expensive. Either way they want to trade it. What's your weapon of choice when trading the wacky world of volatility?

VIX options/futures
VXX options/ shares
TVIX shares
SPX / $SPY options

Listener questions and comments:

Question from Mark Davis: Hello, I have written in previously and got some great feedback on my question, so hoping you can help me out again.I am still playing (paper trading) with options while in my real account I purchase shares outright. After having quite a few good years, with the increase in volatility lately I have taken some pretty rough hits, so far for the YTD I lost about 16% of my portfolio. I should also mention I currently only deal with Index funds (S&P, International, & Small cap). I go in and out of these stocks based on various parameters that may have me holding a certain stock for less than a month to a little more than a month. Is your stock replacement strategy a good use for this or maybe not since time horizon is generally not long.

Example. Tomorrow I may buy 100 Shares of SPY @ 25 each, likely selling the shares in about 20 days. I am trying to figure a way to get the same (or close to same) movement as if I owned the shares outright while limiting the downside of at least setting a li e in the sand. I am having trouble wrapping my head around the right strategy or if what I want to do is even possible. So in the example above my portfolio had I bought outright and the stock is at 30 in 20 days I'm at $500 but what do I do to get close to this using Options. On the flip side if SPY was at 20, I am thinking there is a way that I would can protect myself from losing some of that $500.

Another thing I'm not sure of when doing this should I only be buying enough Contracts that I could afford it were I to exercise the options, i.e. if I have $200 in my account and the underlying is $1/share would I only want to buy 2 calls even though I would ideally have enough money to buy more contracts? Thanks for your feedback.

Around the Block/This Week in the Markets

Nov 2 - Unemployment, International Trade, Factory Orders

Trading Block: And we're back up!

Earnings highlights for the week:

Tuesday - GE, Sony, BP, FB, eBay
Wednesday - GM
Thursday - Apple
Friday - ExxonMobil, Cboe, Alibaba, Chevron
IBM buys Red Hat for $34B

Odd Block: Put summary in Tesla Motors Inc. (TSLA), calls going up in Proctor & Gamble Co (PG), call love in Exelixis (EXEL) and put love in Ford Motor Company (F).

Strategy Block: Uncle Mike discusses butterflies for buying the dip

Around the Block/This Week in the Markets

Oct 29: Personal Income
Oct 30: Consumer Confidence
Nov 1: Jobless Claims, Construction Spending
Nov 2: Unemployment, International Trade, Factory Orders

Trading Block: Holy crap and holy crap!

Earnings:

World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE): Earnings topped views but revenue missed as ticket sales to live events fell, and the company plans to go ahead with an event in Saudi Arabia.
Twitter (TWTR): The stock shot up 16%, near 32, during morning trading on the stock market today.
Amazon (AMZN): ATM straddle: $102, approx. 6%
Alphabet (GOOGL): ATM straddle: $57, approx. 5%

AND Chinese operatives were able to infiltrate motherboards made by a US company that sold to Apple and Amazon: Bloomberg

Odd Block: Put summary in Tesla Motors Inc. (TSLA), call sale in Plains All American Pipeline (PAA), and call sale in Magellan Midstream Partners (MMP)

Mail Block: Options question of the week

Earnings are back with big tech names on the docket. Which of the following will be lighting up your #Options trading this week? Bonus points for your preferred strategies - e.g. call vertical, straddle, etc.

Microsoft $MSFT
Amazon $AMZN
Alphabet $GOOGL
Twitter $TWTR

Listener questions and comments

Question from RonS6 - What's your suggested minimum account size to start trading options?
Question from Tony - Is $HMNY the most option-like stock on the planet?

Around the Block/This Week in the Markets

Oct 26: GDP, Consumer Sentiment

Trading Block: Economic Calendar - Top 5 Things to Watch This Week and U.S. midterms a mere blip on equity options traders' radar.

Odd Block: Call sale in EnLink Midstream Partners LP (ENLK), puts trade in Mellanox Technologies, Ltd. (MLNX), and risk reversal/collar in Harley-Davidson Inc (HOG)

Mail Block: Options question of the week

Earnings are back with big tech names on the docket. Which of the following will be lighting up your options trading this week? Bonus points for your preferred strategies - e.g. call vertical, straddle, etc.

Microsoft MSFT
Amazon AMZN
Alphabet GOOGL
Twitter TWTR

Listener questions and comments:

Comment from Kelly Lef - Thought the user tip to exercise deep ITM calls to save on the spread was a good one. So I checked a few of my stock replacement positions that had gone ITM. Turned out the spreads were fairly similar to the spread on the underlying stock index so the any savings were pretty small. Not really worth the hassle to go through the exercise process. Maybe I'm just trading a more liquid index than that listener or am I missing something?

Around the Block/This Week in the Markets

Oct 24 - New Home Sales, Beige Book
Oct 25 - Durable Goods, International Trade, Jobless Claims
Oct 26 - GDP, Consumer Sentiment

Trading Block: What a week - volatility is coming back down, and the crystal ball is looking nice! Dow tumbles 350 points as technology and communication-services stocks tank in midday trading.

Odd Block: Tesla put summary, funky put palooza in General Electric Company (GE), put sale in Activision Blizzard Inc. (ATVI) and call palooza in KeyCorp (KEY).

Mail Block: Options question of the week

Time to break out your crystal balls. Volatility is on everyone's mind these days. Will earnings season add to the growing storm? Or will cooler heads prevail this week? Quite simply - Where will $VIX close this Friday 10/19?

Here: 19-22
Higher: > 22
Lower: 17-18.99
Even Lower: <17

Listener questions and comments:

Question from N45 - When is it not worth closing out losing long options positions and just keep them on as lottery ticket flyers? Is it a nickel?
Comment from Mark Brant - SPX -4d/-6d/+8d Calendar Ratio Straddle div +35% PREMIUM! Easily getting filled at the mid-point. Also sold SNAP 41d $7 Puts 0.81! Just get the crash over with. Why drag it out for years? Also bought June 2020 TSLA $10 puts for a buck!

Around the Block/This Week in the Markets:

Oct 19: Existing Home Sales

Trading Block: What a week! Uncle Mike leaves and the market falls apart. Earnings move reports available now. Chinese operatives were able to infiltrate motherboards made by a US company that sold to Apple and Amazon: Bloomberg

Odd Block: TSLA 50 mystery put update. Plus, TSLA put palooza.

Strategy Block: Uncle Mike Tosaw discusses how to get bullish in a market like this. 20,360 RRC Jan20 13.0 puts traded for $1.19. 3599 HBAN Nov 15.0 calls trade for $0.24. 2000 LPI Nov 7.0 calls traded for $0.21.

Mail Block: Options Flash Poll

Time to break out your crystal balls. Volatility is on everyone's mind these days. Will #EarningsSeason add to the growing storm? Or will cooler heads prevail this week? Quite simply - Where will $VIX close this Friday 10/19?

Here: 19-22
Higher: > 22
Lower: 17 - 18.99
Even Lower: < 17

Around The Block/ This Week In the Markets

Oct 15: Retail Sales
Oct 16: Industrial Production, JOLTS
Oct 17: Housing Starts, FOMC Minutes
Oct 18: Jobless Claims
Oct 19: Existing Home Sales

Trading Block: OCC cleared contract volume up 8.7% in September. Total cleared volume up 18.6% year-to-date. Equity options volume up 14.3% in September and up 21.7 percent year-to-date.

Odd Block: Call sale in Glu Mobile Inc. (GLUU), Puts trade in AMETEK, Inc. (AME), and Call-palooza in Delta Air Lines, Inc. (DAL)

Mail Block: Volatility flash poll, plus live questions from Duke University

VIX has soared to 18.50 & $VVIX hit 120. Is this the new normal or a quick blip? Let's put that to the test starting with this week. Quite simply - Where do you think VIX will close this Friday?

Here: 18-19.5
Higher: > 19.5
Lower: 16 - 17.99
Lowest: < 16

Around the Block: What's on the radar going into the weekend?

Trading Block: An overview of STA 2018: Stocks, stocks and more stocks. Google searches for hedges is ticking up. VIX searches anemic compared to Feb.

Strategy Block: Uncle Mike Tosaw discusses 1x2 ratio spreads

Mail Block: Listener questions and comments

Question from David Kotlyar - Hey mark, Could you discuss the Jun 2019 400 SPY calls? Very cheap and getting some love (5000+ contracts OI)
Question from JL Smith - How important is OI when you're trading options? Are there other indicators that you focus on instead?
Question from One0761 - Are we in the midst of a major correction.
Question from JustinCredible18 - Any thoughts on BBD Nov calls? Nice Brazil stock rally going on.
Question from KBX32 - What is the cheapest way to hedge my portfolio with options?

Around the Block/This Week in the Markets

Oct 5: Unemployment, Consumer Credit

Trading Block: The Trump trade deal: Bringing Canada and Mexico back to the table. The Tesla investigation was a farce: seems like the SEC just wanted some headlines.

Odd Block: A summary of Tesla (TSLA) puts, options palooza in New Age Beverages Corp (NBEV), put love & call stupid in WisdomTree TR/Japan Hedged Equity (DXJ) and opening put palooza in AVEO Pharmaceuticals (AVEO)

Strategy Block: Uncle Mike Tosaw discusses investing 101.

Mail Block: Volatility Flash Poll

The CBOE Skew Index alarmed many when it soared above 150. Of course, every index tells its own skew story. Which index do you think has the steepest skew right now (aka 25D put vol vs. 25D Call vol)?

41% - Russell 2000
26% - S&P 500
30% - Nasdaq
3% - Other

Listner questions and comments:

Question from Oytrate - What is a reason that someone would write ITM covered calls? Seems like a waste of time to me since you're capping all of your upside.
Comment from J3dingle - Thanks Mark, I really enjoyed that segment. There was so much going on at that time, I actually forgot all about the short selling ban. I remember seeing Morgan Stanley at sub-$10. Bear Stearns bought for $2, then up-ed to $10. Citi trading for less than a $1? (Pre-reverse split)
Question from UpwardMomentum - Approximately what percentage of your unusual option activity trades are winners?

Around the Block/This Week in the Markets:

Oct 1 - Construction Spending
Oct 4 - Jobless Claims, Factory Orders
Oct 5 - Unemployment, Consumer Credit

Trading Block: Earnings!

Disney
Blackberry

Plus, Google searches for hedges are ticking up.

Odd Block: Puts trade in Bed Bath & Beyond Inc. (BBBY), call love in Ally Financial Inc. (ALLY) and call love in Virtu Financial Inc. (VIRT).

Mail Block: Volatility Flash Poll

The CBOE Skew Index alarmed many when it soared above 150. Of course, every index tells its own skew story. Which index do you think has the steepest skew right now (aka 25D put vol vs. 25D Call vol)?

Russell 2000
S&P 500
Nasdaq
Other

Around the Block/This Week in the Markets

Sep 28: Personal Income, Consumer Sentiment

Trading Block: Snap stock rises after company announces new Amazon partnership; Earnings: Walt Disney Co (DIS)

Odd Block: Aggressive call sale in TransUnion (TRU), call sale in Williams Companies Inc. (WMB) and puts/calls deal in Sirius XM Holdings Inc. (SIRI).

Strategy Block: Uncle Mike Tosaw discusses both trading in a low Vol market and how to pay for puts.

Mail Block: Is it just me?

Question from Niny3 - Is it me? I seem to only get filled on my limit option order when the stock moves aggressively against me. At that point I’m almost better off canceling the order. What am I doing wrong? Should I just go to market?

Around the Block/This Week in the Markets:

Sep 25 - Consumer Confidence
Sep 26 - New Home Sales, FOMC Meeting
Sep 27 - Jobless Claims, GDP, Durable Goods
Sep 28 - Personal Income, Consumer Sentiment

Trading Block: Earnings and major moves

Oracle Corporation (ORCL) after the bell - $49.25, ATM straddle: $2.75, approx. 5.5%
FedEx Corporation (FDX) after the bell - $255.25, ATM straddle: $8.50, approx. 3.3%
Reefer madness hits the options markets as cannabis shares continue to climb. $TLRY $CORE $MJ

Odd Block: Tesla Inc. (TSLA) put summary, call love in KKR & Co Inc. (KKR), put love in Meet Group Inc. (MEET) and call love in Delek US Holdings Inc. (DK).

Mail Block: Options question of the week

Some people look to analysts for their market outlook. We prefer to analyze actual #options positions. This week we're looking at $SPY. In a nutshell - what do you think is the largest #options position in $SPY right now? No cheating - what does your gut tell you?

SPY Mar 255.0 P
SPY Oct 272.0 P
SPY Dec 31st 320.0 C
SPY Sep 300.0 C

Listener questions and comments:

Question from Gallion - I need an income trade that produces about 7-8% per year, what should I be looking at?
Question from Salsot - Pennies! Did they help or hurt options?

Around the Block/This Week in the Markets

Sep 20: Jobless Claims, Existing Home Sales, Fed Balance Sheet

Trading Block: Trade war concerns are renewed as Trump keeps turning up the rhetoric. $AMZN in Chicago! A new Amazon Go store opens down the street from our studio - the first outside of Seattle. Amazon spinoff AWS heats up. FedEx (FDX) - $255.23, ATM straddle: $8.50 approx. 3.3%. Oracle (ORCL) - $49.25, ATM straddle: $2.75 approx. 5.5%.

Odd Block: Call love in Cigna Corporation (CI), calls trade in Bed Bath & Beyond Inc. (BBBY), and call love in Antero Resources Corp (AR).

Strategy Block: Uncle Mike Tosaw discusses how to trade the Wheel strategy.

Mail Block: Listener questions and comments

Question from Liznder -If you had to start over with learning about and trading options what would you do differently?
Question from Tamavil - Does it make sense for an active trader to become a member of the exchanges anymore or are those days gone?

Around the Block/This Week in the Markets:

Sep 18: Treasury International Capital
Sep 19: Housing Starts
Sep 20: Jobless Claims, Existing Home Sales, Fed Balance Sheet

Trading Block: Volatility Flash Poll!

VIX is threatening 15 and $VXX is back above 30. Is this the return of volatility or just a blip? Quite simply - where will we be at the end of next week?

14% - Here: VIX=14, VXX=30(ash)
32% - Low: VIX=<13, VXX=<29
15% - Lower: VIX=<12, VXX=<28
39% - Higher: VIX=<15, VXX=<30

Earnings!

Kroger, Adobe, Radiant
Apple unveils iPhone 10plus

Odd Block: Call love in Caesars Entertainment Corp (CZR), XRX Call weirdness in Xerox Corp (XRX), call sweep in MGM Resorts International (MGM).

Strategy Block: Uncle Mike Tosaw discusses the joys and dangers of gamma

Mail Block: Listnener questions and comments

Question from TNKA - I 've got about $25k worth of SPY. How many puts do I need to protect myself?

Around The Block/This Week In the Markets

Sep 13: Retail Sales, Consumer Sentiment

Trading Block: VIX is back to 14, and VXX is back below 30. Earnings. If Apple made phone in U.S. they would cost 20% more, according to BAML analyst. SEC rejects bitcoin ETFs.

Odd Block: Upside calls in Altice USA Inc. (ATUS), short puts in PagSeguro Digital Ltd (PAGS) from 4-16, and size calls in Regions Financial Corp (RF) from 2-26.

Mail Block: Listner questions and comments

Question from EB18 - What do you think of $FB calls profiled on Options Action last week?
Question from Anzew - If I go out of the money with my options are they more sensitive to price movements in the stock? I've had out of the money positions move over 25% when the stock only moved 5%.

Around the Block/This Week in the Markets

Sep 10: JOLTS
Sep 11: PPI
Sep 12: CPI, Jobless Claims, Treasury Budget
Sep 13: Retail Sales, Consumer Sentiment

Trading Block. There are still names reporting earnings. Namely, Barnes & Noble and GameStop.

Odd Block: Cheapie calls in Northern Oil & Gas, Inc. (NOG) from 5/21. Crazy put palooza in Dean Foods Co (DF) from 4/30. Call love in Devon Energy Corp (DVN) from 4/16

Mail Block: Listener questions and comments

Question from Jason Anstey: Would you or your followers have a recommendation on best discount brokerage? Ideally low cost per contract and the ability to enter spread orders on a mobile device. Thanks. Appreciate it.
Question from Florence: When trades go against you do you close or roll the whole thing out or only the losing parts?

Around The Block/This Week In the Markets:

Sep 4 - Construction Spending
Sep 5 - International Trade
Sep 6 - Jobless Claims, Productivity and Costs, Factory Orders
Sep 7 - Unemployment

This episode was originally posted on August 29th, 2017

Trading Block: A quiet day in the market.

Odd Block: Ratio put spread in Expedia Inc. (EXPE), ratio risk reversal in Dollar General Corp. (DG), and put-palooza in Pure Storage Inc. (PSTG).

Mail Block: Options Question of the Week

Look at #MayweatherMcGregor as #Options traders. @TheNotoriousMMA calls cost $1, pay $3. #Floyd calls cost $4, pay $1. Your trade?

30% - Buy #Connor Calls?
32% - Buy #Floyd Calls?
16% - I'd rather sell premium
22 - Whoever Wins We Love

Listener questions:

Question from Allan8 - Did Mark cash any calls on Floyd?
Question from LAXX - Is it me or do the Vegas odds makers do a very similar job to options market makers?

Another Options Question of the Week:

Let's get cheap! If you had to buy "lottery ticket" December calls for $.05 in one name - which would you choose? #HomeRun

AMZN
AAPL
Tesla
VIX

MORE listener questions:

Comment from The_Quantum_Revloution - Which options are trading at $0.05 though that's the question?
Comment from Randy Wright - AAPL, and I just might join you.
Question from NTT - Can you clarify the question from last show. Was that SPX put-call spread guy asking about selling OTM calls vs. OTM puts or same strike?
Comment from Dennis Lyrintzis - Wow over 15,000 Jan 55 calls bought for AAL. Thanks for the Alert.
Question from ReallyG? - Love your #podcasts! Question: market profile displays limit orders. Is there a service that displays stop orders? Just wondering
Question from KBX32: What is the cheapest way to hedge my portfolio w options?

Around the Block: Upcoming Earnings LULU (8/31)

This episode was originally posted on April 25th, 2017

Trading Block: Earnings today

Alcoa: $33, ATM Straddle $2 - approx. 6%
Chipotle: ATM Straddle $25.25, approx. 5.4%
VIX 'fear' gauge plummets as French election results spark global relief rally.

Odd Block: Calls and puts trade in GGP Inc. (GGP), puts trade in Exelon Corp. (EXC) and calls trade in MGM Resorts Intl. (MGM).

Mail Block: Question of the Week:

Earnings Season is upon us. Big names are reporting soon. Which is your pick for the largest % move post-earnings?

$AMZN
$GOOGL
$CMG
$MSFT

Listener questions and comments:

Follow-up comments from GameDay Dog:

You nailed it. I was assigned on 2 of the options. I knew that, but the (-) in my margin account was "alarming". My main thought was losing more than my spread safety net. The math did not make sense immediately. Glad to ask a question that made others ask questions. My bad...just heard episode 608...Yeah, I got assigned 2 of 3 my put spread. Way too early! I will get into better detail next time. Episode 208 had an excellent answer. That big negative number was stupid scary! I closed all the positions & sold the stock. The 1 short put & 3 long puts made it a back ratio spread when I closed it. It's funny now! PS - thanks for managing to get my questions on air. Once I closed the positions, I was able to sleep that night!!! Feels like I lost more than $300 though. By getting assigned the shares, it felt like I had more at risk and loss was influenced by the price of the underlying instead of the option. If that makes sense. Seeing the large margin number was not pleasant. My credit spread had a 30% chance of being ITM when I sold it too! Hahaha.

Question from Lesnod -How do you get out of the straddles? One side of a straddle is always a loss correct?

Around the Block/This Week in the Market

Apr 25: New Home Sales, Consumer Confidence
Apr 27: Jobless Claims, International Trade, Pending Home Sales
Apr 28: GDP, Consumer Sentiment

Trading Block: Trump trade war is back on the tape - China implemented more tariffs on U.S. goods.

Earnings:

Thursday - HP, Intuit, Gap
Friday - Foot Locker

Odd Block: Rolling calls in Union Pacific Corporation (UNP), bullish paper in Coty Inc. (COTY) and opening puts in CBL & Associates Properties, Inc. (CBL)

Strategy Block: Uncle Mike Tosaw discusses investing in marijuana stocks.

Mail Block: Options question of the week

We're talking about #Crypto #Derivatives at the upcoming @BlockchainVoice Conference (register at http://VoiceOfBlockChain.com). So this week we want to know which #Crypto product you'd like to see listed on a major venue next.

72% - Bitcoin Options
8% - Ripple Options/Futures
15% - Ether Options/Futures
5% - Litecoin Options/Futures

Listener questions and comments: What's on your mind?

Comment from TradingTrooper -$CGC begins trading weekly options today
Comment from FContangotrader -@OptionPit @OptionVol greasy meatball and rock lobster combo lol
Re: Olive Garden $300 all you can eat pass: Comment from Volatility Trading -Low carb diets be damned

Around the Block: What are we watching?

Trading Block: Earnings!

Wednesday - Target, Lowe's, Barnes & Noble
Thursday - HP, Intuit, Gap
Friday - Foot Locker

Plus, TSLA has major issues - SEC investigation, drug cartels, etc.

Odd Block: Put roll in QEP Resources Inc (QEP), Roling puts in Flower Foods Inc (FLO), Call palooza in PayPal (PYPL)

Mail Block: Options question of the week

This week we would like to know more about your level of #options expertise. Quite simply - how would you describe yourself at a dinner party?

13% - Current/Former Pro
18% - Retail Options Wiz
47% - Retail Options Dabbler
22% - Looking to Get Started

ANOTHER Options question of the week: We're talking about #Crypto #Derivatives at the upcoming @BlockchainVoice Conference (register at http://VoiceOfBlockChain.com ). So this week we want to know which #Crypto product you'd like to see listed on a major venue next. Reply/DM w/others #Bitcoin $XRT $ETH $LTC

Bitcoin Options
Ripple Options/Futures
Ether Options/Futures
Litecoin Options/Futures

Listener questions and comments:

Question From Cbade: Looking to sell some Ford weekly 9.50 puts for $.25. My broker says I don't have enough cash in my account to cover a 10 lot. How much money do I need to have to sell 10 puts on a $9 stock?

Around the Block: What's coming up this week?

Trading Block: A look back at the week from a trading perspective

VIX briefly back over 14.

Earnings:

Wednesday - Macy's, Cisco
Thursday - Walmart, JD.com, Nordstrom, Nvidia
Friday - John Deere
Walmart (WMT) had a blowout quarter and shares are surging.
Nvidia (NVDA) - ATM straddle: $16.50, approx. 6%

Odd Block: Bullish risk reversal in Discovery Communications Inc. (DISCA) (From 7/19), Well-timed bullish stupid in Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. (CLF) (From 7/16), and earning bet in Interpublic Group of Companies Inc. (IPG) (From 7/16).

Strategy Block: Uncle Mike Tosaw discusses bad practices in financial advisors who claim to know options.

Mail Block: Options question of the week

This week we would like to know more about your level of #options expertise. Quite simply - how would you describe yourself at a dinner party?

12% - Current/Former Pro
21% - Retail Options Wiz
48% - Retail Options Dabbler
19% - Looking to Get Started

Around The Block/This Week In the Markets:

Aug 16 - Jobless Claims, Housing Starts
Aug 17 - Consumer Sentiment

Trading Block: The week in trading (so far!)

VIX is back over 14!

Earnings:

Tuesday - Home Depot
Wednesday - Macy's, Cisco
Thursday - Walmart, JD.com, Nordstrom, Nvidia
Friday - John Deere

Odd Block: Shares surge in Rent-A-Center Inc. (RCII) (from 6/18), put spread in IQIYI Inc. (IQ) (from 6/21), ratio call spread in Melco Resorts & Entertainment (MLCO) (from 6/4)

Mail Block: Listeners take over

QOTW: This week we would like to know more about your level of #options expertise. Quite simply - how would you describe yourself at a dinner party?

Current/Former Pro
Retail Options Wiz
Retail Options Dabbler
Looking to Get Started

Listener questions and comments:

Comment from CNelsen - Puts, calls. Calls, puts. Does it really matter?
Question from Ling - I've heard some educators say that you should never hold out for the max profit in an options spread trade because that means you held onto it too long. Is this the case? Do you agree? Thx.
Question from GunPowderJim - How do you calculate profit/loss on a ratio spread? If I buy 1 call and then sell 2 more do I average across the 3 contracts to determine the P/L on the spread?

Around the Block/This Week in the Markets:

Aug 14 - Import and Export Prices
Aug 15 - Retail Sales, Industrial Production, Treasury International Capital
Aug 16 - Jobless Claims, Housing Starts
Aug 17 - Consumer Sentiment

Trading Block: A week in review from a trading perspective.

The 30 handle is in the rear-view mirror for VXX - more puts hotting the tape.
OCC Cleared Contract Volume Up 15 Percent in July

Earnings:

Monday - Tyson, Marriott, Tenet, NeoPhotonics, Vericel
Tuesday - Snap, Disney
Wednesday - CVS, Roku
Thursday - Coca-Cola, Viacom, Dropbox

Odd Block: Review from 7/9: Rolling July put spread in iShares Russell 2000 Growth Index (IWO), vertical opening in Endo International PLC (ENDP), and small verticals in Amgen, Inc. (AMGN)

Strategy Block: Uncle Mike Tosaw discusses both metals to buy now and WWF Champs from 1984-1988!

Mail Block: Volatility quesiton of the week

VXX has finally broken through the 30 handle. Many of you are fascinated with the ongoing saga of the $VXX Jan 10 Puts. OI is over 200k and thousands continue to trade for $.01. Our question: Would you trade these puts?

Yes: Buy for $.01
Yes: Sell for $.01
No. It's Just Gambling
I have enough $VXX Puts

Around the Block/This Week in the Markets:

Aug 7 - JOLTS
Aug 9 - Jobless Claims, PPI
Aug 10: Consumer Price Index, Treasury Budget

Sometimes technology gets the best of us. This was one of those cases.

We were able to discuss:

Picard vs. Kirk
VXX breaking the 30-handle
OCC volume numbers for July
Options question of the week
How to handle the fixed time aspect of trading options?

Trading Block: A review of the week from a trading perspective.

APPL (earnings were on Tuesday)
Apple makes history by becoming first U.S. company to reach $1 trillion market value

Earnings:

Thursday - Activision/Blizzard, Shake Shack, Blue Apron, Go Pro
Friday - CBOE

Odd Block: WMB Call-palooza and GRPN Pre-Earnings Call 1x2.

Strategy Block: Uncle Mike Tosaw discusses the possible outcome of more rate hikes.

Mail Block: Listener questions and comments

Question of the week: EarningsSeason is still in full swing. Which names will dominate your #Options trading this week?

Apple - $AAPL
Tesla- $TSLA
GoPro - $GPRO
CBOE - $CBOE

Listners weigh in:

Question from Andrew Lane - I tried searching for options on the major advisor news sources including Pensions & Investments and Financial Advisors magazine and came up blank. Why do these mainstream outlets ignore this space? Where should I go to learn more about options for advisors?

Around the Block: What's coming up of interest?

Trading Block: The week in trading (so far)

Social media tech stocks are taking a bath

Earnings:

Tuesday - Apple
Wednesday - Tesla
Thursday - Activision/Blizzard, Shake Shack, Blue Apron, Go Pro
Friday - CBOE

Odd Block: More Jan 2019 50 Puts in Tesla Motors Inc. (TSLA), line-in-the-sand puts in Adient PLC (ADNT), and put sweeps in AK Steel Holding Corporation (AKS).

Mail Block: Options question of the week

EarningsSeason is still in full swing. Which names will dominate your options trading this week?

Apple, $AAPL
Tesla, $TSLA
GoPro, $GPRO
CBOE, $CBOE

Listener comments:

Comment from Value Dissenter -Tesla. Yay puts.
Question from Ellen - When would you buy those $TSLA Jan 50 puts?
Question from LOO7 -I think the market is top heavy here. What should I be looking at in terms of options trades? I mostly own spy in my portfolio. Straight 5% OTM puts or something else?

Around the Block: What's on the radar for the rest of the week?

Trading Block: A review of the week from a trading perspective

Earnings: Thursday - Amazon, McDonalds, Comcast, Starbucks, Nokia
Friday - Twitter, Merck
Facebook (FB) is 'face-planting' after hours tonight.

Earnings Flash Poll: Facebook (FB) is getting crushed post-earnings, trading down nearly 20% after-hours. Assuming it opens at that level, what's your next FB options trade? Other suggestions? Submit them below:

Buy Calls/Spreads
Buy Puts/Spreads
Sell Puts/Spreads
Sell Calls/Spreads
Comment from ProBuck:Sell OTM monthly puts
Comment JackDanielsTrades:Prob stay away

Odd Block: More Jan 2019 50 Puts in Tesla Motors

Strategy Block: Uncle Mike Tosaw discusses pros and cons of getting long Facebook.

Mail Block: Listener questions and comments

Volatility Flash Poll: VXX is back in the erosion zone. Many short vol traders are anxiously waiting for it to break the 30 handle. When do you think VXX will finally break 30? This week? Next Week? Never? Let us know below:

5% - Week Ending Fri 7/20
32% - Week Ending Fri 7/27
32% - Week Ending Fri 8/3
31% - Never! I'm Long Vol!

Listener question:

Question from Allen T. -Does it count as a calendar if it’s on two different underlyings? Or is that more of a pairs trade?

Around the Block/This Week in the Market:

Jul 27 - GDP, Consumer Confidence

This best of Option Block episode was originally p>osted on July 22nd, 2016

Trading Block: Most major markets off 0.5% or more. VIX cash watch. Earnings today (before) Dunkin Brands,General Motors, Marriott Vacations, Southwest Airlines; (after) AT&T, Chipotle Mexican Grill, E*Trade Financial (ETFC). Apple Watch is a flop!

Odd Block: Calls trade in Nobel Corporation (NE), calls trade in Teucrium Corn Fund (CORN), calls and puts trade in Ebay Inc (EBAY), and calls trade in Mattel Corp (MAT).

Mail Block: Listener questions and comments....LIVE!

Size aside, what are the primary benefits of using SPX instead of SPY.
What is going on in the VIX Aug 13 puts?
Which names are the most reliable premium writes each quarter?
Is there a tradeable pair between VIX and another member of the family of volatility products?
What to do with the upcoming UVXY reverse split?

Around the Block: Earnings on Friday: American Airlines, General Electric Company, TCF Financial, Whirlpool Corporation.

Trading Block: A review of the week in trading

Amazon and Apple: The race to $1 trillion.

Earnings!

Thursday - Microsoft
Friday - GE, Honeywell
MSFT (after the bell) - $104.70, ATM straddle: $3.70, approx. 3.5%

Odd Block: Bullish risk reversal in Discovery Communications Inc. (DISCA), Rolling call speeds in Omnicom Group Inc. (OMC), Call 3-way in Hanesbrands Inc. (HBI)

Strategy Block: Uncle Mike Tosaw discusses options pairs vs. stock pairs.

Mail Block: Listeners weigh in

Volatility Flash Poll: $VXX is back in the erosion zone. Many short vol traders are anxiously waiting for it to break the 30 handle. When do you think $VXX will finally break 30? This week? Next Week? Never? Let us know below:

Week Ending Fri 7/20
Week Ending Fri 7/27
Week Ending Fri 8/3
Never! I'm Long Vol!

Last week's option question of the week: Yup it's earnings season once again. Options traders are gearing up for a busy season. Which names do you think will dominate your options trading this season?

17% - $NFLX
44% - $AMZN
22% - $TSLA
17% - $GOOGL

Around The Block/This Week in the Markets:

Jul 19 - Jobless Claims

Trading Block: A review of the week so far from a trading perspective

Amazon.com down on its biggest day of the year.
The trade war continues to scare no one.

Earnings!

Monday - Netflix
Tuesday - Goldman Sachs, Johnson & Johnson, United
Wednesday - IBM, eBay, American Express
Thursday - Microsoft
Friday - GE, Honeywell
NFLX - ATM Straddle: $35, approx. 9%

Odd Block: Bullish stupid in Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. (CLF). Risk reversal in Interpublic Group of Companies Inc. (IPG). Put roll in QEP Resources Inc. (QEP).

Mail Block: Listeners have their say

Options question of the week: Yup it's earnings season once again. Options traders are gearing up for a busy season. Which names do you think will dominate your options trading this season?

NFLX
AMZN
TSLA
GOOGL

Listener questions and comments:

Question from FlyGuy - Hey what do you guys do with your long calendar spreads? Do you close out the short leg if the stock doesn't move then keep the long leg or just close the whole spread out?
Question from Flyer - What are some of the best ways to trade put options?

Around the Block/This Week in the Markets:

Jul 17 - Industrial Production
Jul 18 - Housing Starts, Beige Book
Jul 19 - Jobless Claims
Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell is set to deliver the semiannual monetary policy statement on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Trading Block: Earnings!

Tuesday – PepsiCo
Thursday - Delta Airlines
Friday - JPMorganChase, Citi, Wells Fargo, PNC Bank

Plus, crude is taking it on the chin this week.

Odd Block: Call love in D.R. Horton Inc. (DHI), call vertical in PagSeguro Digital Ltd (PAGS), put/call palooza in Materials Select Sector SPDR (XLB).

Strategy Block: Uncle Mike Tosaw discusses premium buying vs selling.

Mail Block: Options question of the week

Options during earnings season can be challenging. Some live for it while others avoid it. Do you hold options positions through earnings announcements? If so, what is your approach? Or do you prefer to trade just before/after the event? Or is it all too risky?

Yes, Short Premium
Yes, Long Premium
No, Too Risky
I trade around the event

Around the Block/This Week in the Markets:

Jul 13 - Import and Export Prices, Consumer Sentiment

Trading Block: The trade war scares no one???

Earnings:

Tuesday - PepsiCo
Thursday - Delta Airlines
Friday - JPMorganChase, Citi, Wells Fargo, PNC Bank
SPX is celebrating its 35-year anniversary.

Odd Block: Rolling put spread in iShares Russell 2000 Growth Index (IWO), vertical roll in Endo International PLC (ENDP) and small verticals in Amgen, Inc. (AMGN)

Mail Block: Listeners have their say

Options question of the week: Traders generally fade vlatility going into holidays (today notwithstanding). What's your favorite vehicle when you want to wager on the dark side of volatility? Short-term or Long-term - that's up to you.

27% - Short VIX Futures
17% - Long $VIX Puts/Spread
33% - Long $VXX Puts/Spread
23% - Short $VIX Calls/Spreads

Another options question of the week: Trading options during earnings season can be challenging. Some live for it while others avoid it. Do you hold options positions through earnings announcements? If so, what is your approach? Or do you prefer to trade just before/after the event? Or is it all too risky?

Yes, Short Premium
Yes, Long Premium
No, Too Risky
I trade around the event

Listener questions and comments:

Question from Splitsville - Why is long put/covered call a "collar" while short put/long call is a "risk reversal." Never understood that one.
Question from Alto - Which do you think has a better chance of happening - no more earnings calls or after hours options trading? And which do you think would be more impactful for options traders? Do you have a preference?

Around the Block/This Week in the Markets:

Jul 10 - JOLTS
Jul 11 - PPI
Jul 12 - Jobless Claims
Consumer Price Index, Treasury Budget
Jul 13 - Import and Export Prices, Consumer Sentiment

Originally posted on July 7th, 2017

Trading Block: VIX ends near the top of the range. It was up to 13.05 at its highest. Tesla down 7.2% yesterday, due to concerns of slowing Model S and Model X sales. The numbers are out: OCC announced today that cleared contract volume in June reached 387,597,223 contracts, a 2% increase from the June 2016.

Odd Block: TSLA Jan 2019 50 puts and Jan 2018 20 puts continue to trade. Back and forth trading in Tesla Motors (TSLA). Puts trade in LG Display Company LTD. (LPL)

Strategy Block: Uncle Mike Tosaw discusses the recent silver environment.

Mail Block: Options question of the week

Blue Apron $APRN is down over 10% from its #IPO price. Assuming #Options were listed, what trade would you make?

Buy Dec 10 Call for $1
Buy Dec 9 Put for $1
Sell Dec 10 Call for $1
Not Touching $APRN

Listener Questions: What's on your mind?

Question from Sal06 - Do you think AAPL $147 call for June 30th is a good idea?
Question from Nelly2 - Just so I am clear on the spread assignment thing. If I am in SPX, then I just get cash if the index closes inside my spread. But if I am in a stock, then I get the stock?

Around the Block: WTH is happening in North Korea? VIX responds in kind. S&P 2400. Non-farm payrolls. Google fine.

Trading Block: Canadian revenge tariff are on the docket today. VIX cash sits above 17. OCC Cleared Contract Volume up 6% in June - the highest June for total options volume on record.
It's SPX's 35-year anniversary.

Odd Block: July 4 calls in Limelight Networks, Inc. (LLNW), Funky multi-leg in BP Prudhoe Bay Royalty Trust (BPT), Rolling puts in (FLO).

Strategy Block: Uncle Mike Tosaw discusses trading short put spreads

Mail Block: Options question of the week

Traders generally fade volatility going into holidays (today notwithstanding). What's your favorite vehicle when you want to wager on the dark side of volatility? Short-term or Long-term - that's up to you.

Short VIX Futures
Long $VIX Puts/Spread
Long $VXX Puts/Spread
Short $VIX Calls/Spreads

Around the Block: 'Murica. Mired in tariff talk. Negotiating trade deals is tough!

Trading Block: A review of the week in trading

VIX Cash - started at 18.99, ended at 16.70
Earnings: Nike after the bell - $71.70, ATM straddle - $3.40, approx. 5%

Odd Block: Size money call roll in Devon Energy Corp (DVN). Call vertical in CVS Health Corp (CVS). Size puts in PowerShares DB US dollar Index (UUP)

Strategy Block: Uncle Mike discusses selling a call spread versus selling a call.

Mail Block:

Question form Jack Daniels trades: Pump me up $WWE don't fade! Huge TV deal billionsss. Let's go.
Question from BuddyBoy79: Can you please explain what relative strength and weakness mean as they pertain to options trading?

Around the Block/This Week in the Market

Jun 28: Jobless Claims, GDP
Jun 29: Personal Income, Consumer Sentiment

Trading Block: Trump's trade war spooks the market. Again. Bitcoin manipulation via tether. Who out there is trading or interested in Crypto? What are you trading?

Odd Block: Call writing frenzy in Campbell Soup Company (CPB). Call palooza in Market Vectors Oil Services ETF (OIH). Call love in Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCAU).

Mail Block: Listeners take over

Options question of the week. Let's have some fun. These "entertainment" stocks are pricing in big moves. Gun to your head: Which July ATM straddle would you rather own in your portfolio? $WWE $DIS $WYNN $SEAS #DegeneratePremiumBuyers #PalmsIn #FearNoTheta

17% - $WWE July ATM Strad: $7
37% - $WYNN July ATM Strad: $12
16% - $SEAS July ATM Strad: $2
30% - $DIS July ATM Strad: $5

Listener questions and comments:

Comment from SecretlyPsyched: Is it possible to short-sell a campaign? Or how about an entire state party? Some sort of derivative strategy?
Question from Nowledg3ispowerl: So turns out you guys are absolutely right. I have a very poor understanding of options. What's the best podcast episode for beginners?
Comment from the chat room re: TSLA.
Question from HeyBartenderman: Hi. I have a question for you. If I'm interested in buying options in a stock, what's the best way to go about finding the best strike/expiry?...Basically, if I sold a stock for a nice profit, but then wanted to participate in a move higher should it keep going up (for example $IQ). Or if I've been watching something, and think it's about to break out, but don't know exactly when, which options should I be looking at? Weeklies, monthlies, leaps, etc....When is it better to do one length of option over another, I think is basically the question I have. Thanks.

Around the Block: Will they or won't they re: trade wars.

Trading Block: Trump trade war spooks markets again. We are fully into zone two. Will vol explode, or is it just a bunch of nothing? Will there be a 50-handle move in the S&P within the next three days? Will this be another year of record volume? Which exchange is dominating the flow so far?

Odd Block: TSLA takes a drubbing. Returning to the Rent-A-Center trade from Tuesday. SBUX closing some locations. Is IQIY Inc. being impacted by the threat of trade war?

Strategy Block: Managing risk comes before sentiment. Going from a diagonal spread into a put spread.

Mail Block: Listener questions and comments

Options question of the week: Let's have some fun. These "entertainment" stocks are pricing in big moves. Gun to your head: Which July ATM straddle would you rather own in your portfolio? WWE? DIS? WYNN? SEAS? #DegeneratePremiumBuyers #PalmsIn #FearNoTheta

WWE July ATM Strad: $7
WYNN July ATM Strad: $12
SEAS July ATM Strad: $2
DIS July ATM Strad: $5
@PatrickSnoke: Just pull the trigger so I don't have to choose the least worst option.

Listener questions:

Question from Running Roger: Forgive me for asking but I need some help and have done something I didn't mean to. I bought ETSY puts at 40.00 strike and then wanted to sell to close. I accidentally sold a put contract, same strike price and same expiration date. Do they wash out? At this point I'm not even worried about the couple of hundred bucks I lost on the spread. I'm worried about selling the put contract. I used Robinhood on this one (instead of TOS) and I can't find a way to sell to close. Some help would be appreciated.
Question from nowledg3ispower: I think I understand most things about calls. But I can't figure out and no one is able to give me an estimate if I have an option in the money. And I want to sell the option as opposed to letting the contract expire and buying the shares. What's my ballpark profit? I've been looking at this option for Twitter. If you have to provide an example.

Around the Block: What are we watching for the near future? Watching VIX. Andrew doubles down on a big move in the S&P.

Ttrading Block: Making up for lost ground. Weekend risk. Silver give up gains on tarriff talks.New low in the July VIX futures.Square up for no discernible reason. TWTR. TSLA. Put buyers. VIX zones. Fifty cent is back.Why are there so few market makers left? IL Rep takes it on. Where should regulators focus their attention?

Odd Block: Mystery TSLA puts. Rally-ho in Dropbox. Finding value in Rent-A-Center.

Mail Block: Listeners take over

Last week's question of the week: We've broken down the weekly ATM straddles expiring 6/22 for the follow popular names. Gun to your head, which ATM straddle would you reather buy? TSLA? FB? SPY? GLD?

42% - TSLA
25% - FB
15% - SPY
18% - GLD

This week's question of the week: : Let's have some fun. These "entertainment" stocks are pricing in big moves. Gun to your head: Which July ATM straddle would you rather own in your portfolio? WWE? DIS? WYNN? SEAS? #DegeneratePremiumBuyers #PalmsIn #FearNoTheta

WWE July ATM Strad: $7
WYNN July ATM Strad: $12
SEAS July ATM Strad: $2
DIS July ATM Strad: $5
Comment from ThetaSeller: Can't we just sell an O.T.M. strangle instead? LOL
Comment from traderjrae: I'm trying to decide which would be worse... Placing an ATM straddle when long options are overpriced, or getting shot in the head.
Comment from 1SimpleTrader: Re: TSLA. Musk sells $600 million worth of stock in 2016, nobody bats an eye. He buys $10 million back and everyone loses their s*#t.

Around the Block: Trade wars? Watching the POTUS Twitter account.

In this episode, the all stars are live at the annual Option Pit Pro Trader Summit. Chaos, hilarity, and options discussion ensued.

Trading Block: What is happening in the markets this week?

Stocks shake off G7 row as investors await US-North Korea summit
Bitcoin tumbles as hackers hit South Korean exchange Coinrail
New research shows European demand for US equity options remains strong

Odd Block: Funky closing spread in Owens Corning (OC), call love in BGC Partners, Inc. (BGC) and playing with house money in Beacon Roofing Supply (BECN).

Strategy Block: Uncle Mike Tosaw discusses Bitcoin/crypto future.

Mail Block/Options Question of the week

GoogleTrends is full of interesting, and surprising, data. When you analyze the "options" search data you uncover some surprising results. Which brings us to this week's question: Which "subregion" is currently ranked 1 for overall "options" interest by Google?

33% - Illinois
23% - California
32% - New York
12% - Maine

Listener questions and comments:

Question from EAQ -Can you always rely on the bid ask spread when you're analyzing unusual options activity? Seems like that can be gamed?

Around the Block/This Week in the Market

Jun 12 - Consumer Price Index, Treasury Budget
Jun 13 - PPI, FOMC Meeting
Jun 14 - Jobless Claims, Retail Sales
Jun 15 - Industrial Production, Consumer Sentiment

Trading Block: Earnings!

Monday - Dell, PaloAlto, CSMC, Orion
Tuesday - HD Supply, Duluth Trading, Navistar
Wednesday - Signet, Knot, SecureWorks,
Thursday - Smuckers, Broadcom, At Home
Warren Buffett and Jamie Dimon join forces to convince CEOs to end quarterly profit forecasts

Odd Block: Size opening puts in Banco Bradesco (BBD), Size opening call sale in Analog Devices, Inc. (ADI).

Mail Block: Options question of the week

Google Trends is full of interesting, and surprising, data. When you analyze the "options" search data you uncover some surprising results. Which brings us to this week's question: Which "subregion" is currently ranked one for overall "options" interest by Google?

Illinois
California
New York
Maine

Flash Poll: Let's stick with our Volatility theme to round out the week. Quite simply - which product do you think has the highest 30-day implied Volatility? No cheating (or checking with your broker)! What does your gut tell you? VIX? Bitcoin? TSLA? RUSSELL2000? RUT? IWM?

Tesla, TSLA
VIX
Bitcoin
Russell 2000: Emini, RUT

Listener questions and comments:

Comment from Till - I'm looking forward to the rock lobster's ongoing webinar series on Asian options.
Question from DollClub - How do you price ratio spreads. If it's a long 1x2 do you just multiply the cost of the second leg by 2 and then subtract it from the long leg? Is it just that simple?
Question from Division1 - Why has there never been a cool trading video game? Options or stocks I don't care. Maybe Insider should do it?

Around the Block: What's on the radar for next week?

Trading Block: Last week in review

Is the trade war back on the table?
The May number are in: OCC cleared contract volume increased 8% in May.
Credit Suisse announces 1-to-10 reverse split for $TVIX and $TVIZ effective June 8th.

Odd Block: Ratio call spread in Melco Resorts & Entertainment (MLCO), put apocalypse in Nektar Therapeutics (NKTR), and put roll in iShares MSCI Turkey Index Fund (TUR).

Strategy Block: Uncle Mike Tosaw discusses how to trade skew.

Around the Block: What are we looking at for the upcoming week?

Trading Block: Trade wars are back on the table. Credit Suisse announces 1-to-10 reverse split for TVIX and TVIZ effective June 8th.

Odd Block: Put palooza in Deutsche Bank AG (DB). Opening size call sale in Exeton Corporation (EXC). Calls and puts trade in PagSeguro Digital Ltd (PAGS)

Mail Block: Options question of the week

Holiday Weekends are notoriously tough for VIX traders. The markets love to crush Volatility going into these events. So we thought we'd poll the savvy VIX traders in our audience - where do you think VIX will OPEN on Tues 5/29?

39% - Here: 12-14
30% - Higher: 14-16
18% - Lower: 10.5-12
13% - Much Higher: >16

Options Flash Poll: Let's stick with our Volatility theme to round out the week. Which product do you think has the highest 30-day implied Volatility? No cheating (or checking with your broker)! What does your gut tell you? VIX? Bitcoin? TSLA? RUSSELL2000/RUT? IWM?

Tesla, TSLA
VIX
Bitcoin
Russell 2000: Emini, RUT

Listener questions and comments:

Comment from Charlie Tunsen - I would like to add my vote for after hours options trading. It's ridiculous that the underlyings keep trading while the derivatives of those products are locked in an artificial deep freeze. I don't care if it's entirely illiquid or just a resting order book. Some liquidity is better than none when everything is melting down.
Question from Mads Melken - Why don't you guys talk about Asian options?

Around the Block: What is on our radar?

Trading Block: Earnings!

Friday - Foot Locker
Best Buy reaffirms guidance - renews concerns about the inroads of Amazon.
Monday review: Intuit - 191.30, ATM straddle: 11, approx.7%
Gap Inc. (GPS) - 33, ATM straddle: 2.60, approx. 8%
Netlifx vs. Disney - Who will come out ahead in the long run?

Odd Block: Big selloff in Petroleo Brasil (PBR). Size opening risk reversal in iShares JPMorgan USD (EMB). Call buyer giving up the ghost in Deutsche Bank AG (DB).

Mail Block: Options question of the week

Holiday Weekends are notoriously tough for VIX traders. The markets love to crush Volatility going into these events. So we thought we'd poll the savvy VIX traders in our audience - where do you think VIX will OPEN on Tues 5/29?

Here: 12-14
Higher: 14-16
Lower: 10.5-12
Much Higher: >16

Listener questions and comments:

Question from Scott Somer - When doing earnings trades do you ALWAYS default to nearest Friday expiration.
Question from Charlotte - How about that move in WWE? You buying calls like crazy?
Question from Justin - I know you guys hate cheapie options trading but your comments about HMNY got me thinking. I could sell the June ½ straddle for about .25. If I could do that again in July then in two months I could have the stock almost for free. A free stock is even better than a cheap stock.
Question from LTTW - HMNY AUG .5 strad is currently around .25-.30. I agree it makes no sense to buy that when the stock is .46 but I'm liking selling this straddle to get the stock for .16 by Aug exp. Maybe even work a .01 or .05 bid for some 1 calls further out on a ratio in case stock recovers aggressively?

Around the Block/Economic Reports:

May 25 - Durable Goods, Consumer Sentiment

If you are interested in what the Federal Reserve has to say or has been saying, this is the week for you. Not only are the notes from the last meeting going to be released on Wednesday, several Fed presidents will be talking this week including three on Monday and on Friday.

Trading Block: Earnings!

Tuesday - Kohl's
Wednesday - Lowe's, Target
Thursday - Best Buy
Friday - Foot Locker
Intuit - $191.30, ATM Straddle: $11, approx. 5.7%

Odd Block: Call palooza in PayPal Holdings Inc. (PYPL). Rolling calls in Union Pacific Corporation (UNP). Cheapie calls in Northern Oil & Gas, Inc. (NOG)

Strategy Block: Uncle Mike Tosaw discusses how to profitably buy OTM calls

Around the Block/Economic Reports:

May 23 - New Home Sales, FOMC Minutes
May 24 - Jobless Claims, Existing Home Sales
May 25 - Durable Goods, Consumer Sentiment

If you are interested in what the Federal Reserve has to say or has been saying, this is the week for you. Not only are the notes from the last meeting going to be released on Wednesday, several Fed presidents will be talking this week including three on Monday and on Friday.

Trading Block: Featuring special guest host Greg Stevens, VP of Product Development for Options at Fidelity.

Earnings!

Tuesday - Home Depot
Wednesday - Cisco, Macy's
Thursday - Walmart, Applied Materials, JC Penney, Nordstrom
Friday - John Deere
AMAT - 54.30, ATM straddle: 2.25, approx. 4%

Odd Block: Line in the sand puts in Teva Pharmaceutical Industries (TEVA). Call love in General Electric Company (GE). Roll/stupid in Mylan NV (MYL).

Mail Block: Options question of the week.

CME Group just announced a new Ether index this week - expanding the universe of Crypto indices. But, at the end of the day, we all want more tradeable products. Which derivatives product would you like to see next in the Crypto space? Bitcoin Ether Ripple LightCoin

Bitcoin Options
Ether Futures
Ripple Futures
LightCoin Futures

Listener questions and comments:

Question from Litnic - What is the best "secret" options indicator that you use that isn't widely known or followed?
Question from Brian P. - What's your favorite underlying to trade options on?
Question from Alexi K. - How large do you think the universe of readily tradeable options is for the investing public?
Question from QZ98 -Do you trade options on stocks below 5? What's the cutoff? 1

Around the Block: What are the all-stars keeping their eyes on?

Trading Block: Earnings!

Tuesday - Home Depot
Wednesday - Cisco, Macy's
Thursday - Walmart, Applied Materials, JC Penney, Nordstrom
Friday - John Deere

Odd Block: Crazy call palooza in Caesars Entertainment Corp (CZR). Bullish risk reversal in QUALCOMM, Inc. (QCOM).

Strategy Block: Uncle Mike Tosaw discusses what skew is.

Mail Block: Options question of the week

CME Group just announced a new Ether index this week - expanding the universe of Crypto indices. But, at the end of the day, we all want more tradeable products. Which derivatives product would you like to see next in the Crypto space? Bitcoin Ether Ripple LightCoin

73% - Bitcoin Options
13% - Ether Futures
7% - Ripple Futures
7% - LightCoin Futures

Listner comment:

Shared from Sonic Merlin - My Monday SPY puts.

Around the Block/Economic Reports:

May 15 - Retail Sales, Business Inventories, Treasury International Capital
May 16 - Housing Starts, Industrial Production
May 17 - Jobless Claims

Trading Block: Earnings!

Thursday - Nvidia
NVDA - ATM straddle: 17, approx. 6.5%

Odd Block: More Jan 2019 50 “catastrophe” put in Tesla Motors (TSLA). Crazy option palooza in Helios and Matheson Analytics (HMNY). Line in the sand puts in HP Inc. (HPE). Call trade in Nabors Industries Ltd. (NBR).

Mail Block: Options Question of the Week

VIX is back in the mid-teens but the Volatility space is hotter than ever. This is breathing new life into old Volatility products as they try to elbow their way into the VIX spotlight. Which do you think has the best chance of hitting it big with traders?

23% - RealVol- S&P Realized Vol
16% - VolDex -S&P ATM Vol
29% - Spikes- aka SPY VIX
32% - None: There's Only 1 VIX

Around the Block/Economic Reports:

May 11 - Import and Export Prices, Consumer Sentiment

Trading Block: What's moving the options market?

Options Volume for April: OCC announced that total cleared contract volume in April reached 405,853,179 contracts, a 27% increase from April 2017 volume of 320,547,848 contracts and marking the highest April on record.

Earnings!

Tuesday - The Walt Disney Company
Thursday - Nvidia

Odd Block: Bullish paper opening in Coty Inc. (COTY). Rolling calls in Marathon Oil Corporation (MRO). Near ATM earnings calls in Amicus Therapeutics, Inc. (FOLD).

Strategy Block: Uncle Mike Tosaw discusses when it might be better to use verticals or diagonal/calendars.

Around the Block/Economic Reports:

May 8: JOLTS
May 9: PPI
May 10: Jobless Claims, Consumer Price Index, Treasury Budget
May 11: Import and Export Prices, Consumer Sentiment

Originally Posted January 24th, 2017

Trading Block: The Trump Effect: President Donald Trump is set to unleash a cascade of stock-market anxiety - The day of reckoning for the Wall Street is here. McDonalds (MCD) earnings today. Friday close - $122.26; ATM Straddle - $3.52, approx. 3%; Open down $.75, Traded as low as $2.44; No more love for all-day breakfast.

Odd Block: Calls and puts trade in Morgan Stanley (MS), calls trade in Home Depot Inc (HD) and calls trade in Lending Club Corp (LC)

Mail Block: Questions, Comments, Polls, and more

Options #QuestionOfTheWeek

Earnings Season awakens! How do you play earnings using options? Are you an Earnings #Jedi or #Sith?

41% - Dark Side (Short Premium)
26% - Light Side (Long Premium)
25% - No Side - Avoid earnings
08% - Other (Reply/DM w/ideas)

Options #QuestionOfTheWeek - Lots of earnings on the horizon. Which company will outperform their earnings straddle by the largest margin?

Alphabet - $GOOGL
Microsoft - $MSFT
Intel - $INTC
Starbucks - $SBUX

Listener questions and comments

Comment from Steve Place - CREE it is always CREE
Question from Chris - Is there a way to subscribe to your posts as they go up on the website so you can get notified via email or mobile phone? Thanks, Chris
Question from Fundconcept - Do you think activist investors opportunities will rise considering their experience with mkt volatility?

Around the Block/Earnings Highlights this Week:

Tuesday - Alibaba Group, Verizon, Johnson & Johnson, 3M, Kimberly-Clark
Wednesday - Boeing, Abbott Labs, eBay, Qualcomm, AT&T
Thursday - Alphabet, PayPal, E-Trade, Microsoft, Southwest, Caterpillar, Intel
Friday - Honeywell

Trading Block: Earnings!

Monday - McDonalds
Tuesday - Apple, Snap Inc.
Wednesday - Tesla
Thursday - Activision/Blizzard, WWE
Friday - CBOE

Odd Block: Jan 2020 50 "catastrophe" puts in Tesla Motors Inc. (TSLA). Closing/rolling paper in ILG Inc. (ILG). Buying a put stupid in PowerShares DB US Dollar Index (UUP). Crazy put-paoolza in Sea Foods Co (DF)

Strategy Block: Uncle Mike Tosaw discusses ways in which to look at covered calls in a channeling market.

Around the Block/Economic Reports:

Apr 30: Personal Income, Chicago PMI
May 1: Construction Spending
May 2: FOMC Meeting
May 3: Jobless Claims, International Trade, Factory Orders
May 4: Unemployment

Trading Block: Earnings:

AMZN - 1460, ATM straddle 90, approx. 6%
MSFT - 92, ATM straddle 4, approx. 4%
INTC - 51.38, ATM straddle 2.40, approx. 5%
GOOGL - ATM straddle 54, approx. 5%

Odd Block: More Jan 2019 50 "catastrophe" puts in Tesla Motors (TSLA). Apr 12.5 Puts in CNH Industrial NV (CNHI). Line in the sand puts in L Brands Inc. (LB). Line in the sand puts in Dicks Sporting Goods Inc. (DKS).

Mail Block: Options question of the week

We dig up many strange options positions at the Options Insider. Some seem credible while others are just head scratching. Which of the following open options positions do you think has the best chance of actually becoming a winner?

49K TSLA Jan 2019 50 P
197K VXX Jan 2019 10 P
65K GLD Jan 2019 200 C
146K SPY Dec 2019 150P

Listener questions and comments:

Question from BTavares -Hey great show. I'm looking at this chart from FT and it makes me wonder if I should concentrate my trading in the last 30 minutes of the day to increase the liquidity for my options trades. I wonder if this also applies to less-liquid options names.
Question from Yancy - I heard Tom Sosnoff say on your interview show that there are 20 active names and 75 tradeable names in the options market for retail and that's about it. Do you concur?

Around the Block: What's on the radar for the all-stars?

Trading Block: VIX down. Vol futures down. Gold vol is very low. 10-year yield at 3%. Metals get the crap kicked out of them.

Earnings: GOOGL - ATM straddle: 54, approx. 5%. More tech earnings to come.

Odd Block: More Jan 2019 50 "catastrophe" puts in Tesla Motors (TSLA). Puts trade in Chicago Bridge & Iron Company (CBI). Calls trade in D. R. Horton Inc. (DHI). Puts trade in CBL & Associates Properties, Inc. (CBL).

Strategy Block: Uncle Mike Tosaw discusses hedging during earnings.

Mail Block: Options question of the week

VIX is back in the mid-teens. Are you buying this Volatility reprieve or is this merely calm before the storm? Quite simply - Where do you think VIX will end the week?

24% - Here: 16-18
19% - Higher: 18-20
18% - Even Higher: 20-25
39% - Lower: 14-16

Options Flash Poll: The proposed third exchange from @MIAXexchange will raise the total number of U.S. Options Exchanges to 16. Is this a good thing for the options market? Is it the straw that finally breaks the camel's back? Or are you too busy getting great fills to care?

44% - More Exchanges the Better
22% - Please Make It Stop
34% - Don't Care: I get filled

Listener feedback:

Question from LNC - SVXY calls suck now. What about selling the puts? Is there any juice in those or have they been drained as well by the bid redo last week?

Around the Block: GOOGL post-earnings. Andrew wants to let it all out. SVXY makes him angry. Will tech earnings produce a higher SPX?

Trading Block: That's right. We are up to 16 exchanges now. MIAX Options and MIAX PEARL options exchanges, today announced that it intends to launch MIAX Emerald as its third fully electronic options exchange in 2019.

Options Flash Poll: The proposed third exchange from MIAX exchange will raise the total number of U.S. Options Exchanges to 16. Is this a good thing for the options market? Is it the straw that finally breaks the camel's back? Or are you too busy getting great fills to care?

More Exchanges the Better
Please Make It Stop
Don't Care: I get filled

Earnings:

E-Trade - 58.50, ATM straddle ~ 2, approx. 3.5%
Netflix (from Monday) - 307, ATM straddle ~ 28, approx. 9%

Odd Block: Well-times paper in VIX (VIX). Put love in Market Vectors Semiconductor ETF (SMH). Deep ITM calls in NXP Semiconductors NV (NXPI). Call spread in Alcoa Corp (AA).

Mail Block: Last week's options question of the week.

SPOT is the latest hot IPO to join the Options market. So many recent Options listings started off hot then suddenly cooled so we have to ask - which hot recent IPO will you be slinging Options on in 2019?

38% - SPOT
16% - DBX
41% - SNAP
5% - Other

This week's options question of the week:

VIX is back in the mid-teens. Are you buying this Volatility reprieve or is this merely calm before the storm? Quite simply - Where do you think VIX will end the week?

Here: 16-18
Higher: 18-20
Even Higher: 20-25
Lower: 14-16

Listener questions and comments:

Comment from J3dingle -Mark, do you realize this is what almost won your Broker Madness tournament?
Question from Dhasone Riley -I have a general question because I'm struggling with hedges. Do most people buying calls or put options as hedges, hedge in, at or out the money?

Around the Block: ETrade rallied a bit after earnings, but still a meh. The more exchanges the better? Silver is moving again. Will the maket move back above 2700? Sebas is more bullish than Tosaw.

Trading Block: What is happening that might move the markets?

Calm coming soon? A silent Trump Twitter account helps.
A calmer backdrop for equities would bring pain to speculators, or more kindly, reduce the value of their hedges.
Earnings Season Is Set to Crush Volatility Once Again

Earnings:

Monday - Netflix (after the bell) $307, ATM straddle $28, approx. 9%
Tuesday - IBM, Johnson & Johnson, United
Wednesday - American Express, Alcoa, Abbott
Thursday – E*Trade
Friday - GE, P&G, Honeywell, Waste Management

Odd Block: More Jan 2019 50 "catastrophe" puts in Tesla Motors (TSLA). Closing roll to puts in Yandex NV (YNDX). Call love in Devon Energy Corp (DVN). Short puts in PagSeguro Digital Ltd (PAGS).

Strategy Block: Uncle Mike Tosaw discusses synthetic trades.

Around the Block/Economic Reports:

Apr 16 - Retail Sales, Business Inventories, Treasury International
Apr 17 - Housing Starts, Industrial Production
Apr 18 - Beige Book
Apr 19 - Jobless Claims

Trading Block: A look back at what moved the market this week

Volatility ETFs nearly double.
Top Performing ETFs of the Year
Bitcoin’s Price Jumps $1,000 In 30 Minutes Of Market Growth Across The Board
Why Bitcoin Behaves Like the Flu

Odd Block: More Jan 2019 50 "Catastrophe" puts in Tesla Motors (TSLA), sweep puts in CNH Industrial NV (CNHI), line in the sand puts in L Brands Inc (LB), call butterfly in Facebook (FB)

Strategy Block: ;Uncle Mike Tosaw discusses when to close shorts

Mail Block: Options question of the week

SPOT is the latest hot #IPO to join the #Options market. So many recent #Options listings started off hot then suddenly cooled. So we have to ask - which hot recent #IPO will you still be slinging #Options on in 2019?

SPOT
DBX
SNAP
Other (Reply/DM w/choice)

Listener questions and comments:

Question from Ladmos - Feeling the pain on this TSLA rundown. Probably should have rolled my puts last week rather than waiting for this week when they are now ITM. If stock hits $295 then I’m definitely pulling the trigger. How do you guys determine when to roll? Is it stock based or option price/volatility based? Question from Bob Thompson: I would like to know the best options strategy to use with a small account?
Around the Block/Economic Reports:
Apr 13: Consumer Sentiment, JOLTS

Trading Block WWE stock selling off post Wrestlemania - still very lofty. Big contracts today - April 34 puts and April 40 calls. Spotify options starting on April 9. Big launch day for Dropbox with nearly 10k contracts.

Odd Block: Some of the stranger paper we saw trade today

More Jan 2019 50 "Catastrophe" puts in Tesla Motors (TSLA)
Weekly call palooza in GameStop Corp. (GME)
Someone spooked in VanEck Vectors Russia ETF (RSX)
Rolling down calls in Yandex NV (YNDX)

Mail Block: Options question of the week

SPOT is the latest hot #IPO to join the #Options market. So many recent #Options listings started off hot then suddenly cooled. So we have to ask - which hot recent #IPO will you still be slinging #Options on in 2019?

SPOT
DBX
SNAP
Other (Reply/DM w/choice)

Listener questions and comments:

Question from Mark Davis - Hello, I have written in previously and got some great feedback on my question, so hoping you can help me out again.I am still playing (paper trading) with options while in my real account I purchase shares outright. After having quite a few good years, with the increase in volatility lately I have taken some pretty rough hits, so far for the YTD I lost about 16% of my portfolio. I should also mention I currently only deal with Index funds (S&P, International, & Small cap). I go in and out of these stocks based on various parameters that may have me holding a certain stock for less than a month to a little more than a month. Is your stock replacement strategy a good use for this or maybe not since time horizon is generally not long. Example. Tomorrow I may buy 100 Shares of SPY @ 25 each, likely selling the shares in about 20 days. I am trying to figure a way to get the same (or close to same) movement as if I owned the shares outright while limiting the downside of at least setting a li e in the sand. I am having trouble wrapping my head around the right strategy or if what I want to do is even possible. So in the example above my portfolio had I bought outright and the stock is at 30 in 20 days I'm at $500 but what do I do to get close to this using Options. On the flip side if SPY was at 20, I am thinking there is a way that I would can protect myself from losing some of that $500. Another thing I'm not sure of when doing this should I only be buying enough Contracts that I could afford it were I to exercise the options, i.e. if I have $200 in my account and the underlying is $1/share would I only want to buy 2 calls even though I would ideally have enough money to buy more contracts? Thanks for your feedback

Around the Block/Economic Reports:

Apr 10 - PPI
Apr 11 - CPI, FOMC Minutes, Treasury Budget
Apr 12 - Jobless Claims
Apr 13 - Consumer Sentiment, JOLTS

Trading Block: TSLA - up $50 in a few days. FB up over $7 since yesterday. SPOT options start on April 9. Dropbox has a big launch day with nearly 10k contracts. OCC cleared contract volume up 15% in March.

Odd Block: More Jan 2019 50"Catastrophe" puts in Tesla Motors (TSLA), weekly call-palooza in GameStop Corp. (GME), crazy call spread in Energy Transfer Partners LP (ETP), and call love in Array Biopharma Inc. (ARRY).

Strategy Block: Uncle Mike Tosaw discusses selling a spread vs buying a spread.

Mail Block: Options Broker Madness

The battle is over - there can only be one. Congratulations to the 2018 #Options #BrokerMadness champions @TheTastyWorks! Thanks to all who participated.

Listener questions and comments:

Question from Jilian - The whole inverse volatility thing has me spooked about other inverse ETFs like SQQQ (3X short nasdaq 100), UVXY and SDS (2X short S&P 500). Should I be worried that these can be wiped out next?

Around the Block/Economic Reports:

Apr 4: Jobless Claims, International Trade
Apr 5: Unemployment

Trading Block: OCC Cleared contract volume up 15% in March. Highest first quarter volume and highest first quarter for equity options on record. Cleared futures average daily volume for quarter up six percent from Q1 2017.

Odd Block: More Jan 2019 50 "Catastrophe" puts in Tesla Motors (TSLA); put-palooza in SPDR S&P Biotech (XBI), call-palooza in GameStop Corp. (GME), and rolling puts in The Hartford Financial Services Group (HIG).

Mail Block: It's the finals!

TastyWorks vs Lightspeed!
Comment from MarkClydeBrant1 -Got free options from Robin Hood and very impressed! Super-fast but only cash secured trades for now. Ideal for newbies because everything is explained simply at every step. Pros will love the speed! App trading is the best! Remember SS futures? Ha-ha
Comment from KToddMorgan - WNSSS, while a cool new name, haven't fared much better lately. I'm betting that changes, but as of yet, they're getting whacked too.

Around the Block: What are we looking at for the rest of the week?

TRADING BLOCK

Is the trade war over? Market back in rally mode.
VIX off a few handles.
Have the FANGs been de-fanged?
Opinion: If the FAANGs have got you down, it's time to win with the WNSSS stocks
https://www.marketwatch.com/story/if-the-faangs-have-got-you-down-its-time-to-win-with-the-wnsss-stocks-2018-03-29
Tesla hit $250 yesterday - off over $100 in a few weeks.
Facebook annihilation continues - hit $150.80 yesterday.

ODD BLOCK

More Jan 2019 50 "catastrophe" puts in Tesla Motors (TSLA)
Call love in Kellogg Company (K)
Mid-market love in Eldorado Resorts Inc. (ERI)

STRATEGY BLOCK

The Rock Lobster discusses the "VIX Zone" concept

AROUND THE BLOCK

It's Final Four time!

Battle 1: Tasty vs. Ally Invest (TradeKing)
Battle 2: Tradestation vs. Lightspeed

Trading Block: The market is back in rally mode, is the trade war over? VIX off a few handles. Tesla breaks the magical $300 level. The Facebook selloff continues.

Odd Block: More Jan 2019 50 "Catastrophe" puts in Tesla Motors (TSLA), funky stupid in MGM Resorts International (MGM), buying Jan upside in Newmont Mining Corp (NEM), and size call sweep in Finish Line Inc. (FINL)

Mail Block: It's Madness

We have 2 more match ups to see who makes it to the #FinalFour of #BrokerMadness. Next up, @TradeStation vs. @IBKR.
Second match up for #options #brokermadness #FinalFour placement sees @AllyInvest taking on @RobinhoodApp. @AllyInvest (as TradeKing) won the whole tournament two years ago. Will @RobinhoodApp crush that dream?

Around the Block: Will the uptick continue? What about Facebook?

Trading Block:

The market is tanking on trade war concerns: Trump is at it again.
Volatility returns - VIX back in the 20s.
The tech selloff continues - FB closed $185 on 3/16 - traded as low as $163.72 today, down nearly 12%.
Fed hikes rates as expected.
US weekly jobless claims total 226,000, in line with expectations
Earnings: NKE: $65.30, ATM straddle - $3.60, approx. 5.5%

Odd Block: Calls trade in Deere & Company (DE), puts trade in CNH Industrial NV (CNHI) and split ticket calls in TC Pipelines LP (TRP).

Strategy Block: Uncle Mike Tosaw discusses selling naked puts

Mail Block: Listener questions and comments

Question from Ed Bankert - Debating on using covered calls or short puts. Which is better for a less experienced options trader who wants to make money?
Question from Scott Somer‏ - WMT now below 100 premarket @Options @OptionPit @OptionVol How is that proposed @CBOE premarket earnings related equity options pilot going?

Around the Block/Economic Reports

Mar 23: Durable Goods, New Home Sales

Trading Block: VIX is back in the 20's. Facebook is taking it on the chin as Russia fallout continues - down 7% and leading other tech stocks into the toilet. Fed Meeting with New Chairman on Wednesday. Earnings: Oracle - ATM straddle - $2.75, over 100k contracts on the tape.

Odd Block: Call palooza in Olin Corporation (OLN), put palooza in UnitedHealth Group Inc. (UNH), split ticket puts in Criteo SA (CRTO).

Mail Block: Vote in our Options Broker Madness competition each day by going to @Options on Twitter.

Results:

Interactive Brokers vs. Sogo - Interative Brokers
TDAmeritrade (TOS) v. Choice Trade - TD Ameritrade
Schwab (OptionsXpress) v. Tastyworks- Tastyworks
Fidelity v. RobinHood- RobinHood
Lightspeed v. eOption- Lightspeed
E-Trade (OptionsHouse) v. TradeHawk- E-Trade

Listener questions and comments:

Question from Malthe Have Musaeus:If I buy a call option and afterwards sell it for a profit, I'm not the one obligated to sell 100 shares if that option is exercised later right? How do I close my call option position completely and take my profit/loss?
Question from The Chazz - What do the option block all-stars think the skew will look like in bitcoin options?
Question from Jack K. -How do people afford to sell puts in TSLA? In order to do any size (like a 10 lot) you have to be able to put up the cash to buy 330k worth of stock. Even a one lot costs 33k. Maybe we need some minis on TSLA?

Around the Block/Economic Reports:

Mar 21 - Existing Home Sales, FOMC Meeting
Mar 22 - Jobless Claims
Mar 23 - Durable Goods, New Home Sales

Trading Block: Looking back at the week's news:

US weekly jobless claims total 226,000, in line with expectations
Dow up more than 200 points, attempts to snap 3-session skid, as Boeing's stock rises
ToysRUs closing all stores.
iHeartMedia files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.
SNAP tanks due to controversial Rihanna ad on platform.
Spotify says it will begin trading shares April 3.

Strategy Block: Uncle Mike Tosaw discusses limit orders

Mail Block: Listener questions and comments

Question from Matt M. - Why does Mark always say that Andrew doesn't understand expiration of vertical spreads in SPX? Is that true or some inside joke I missed?
Question from Jello Fan - VXX 1-yr 50% OTM puts plus VIX 3 month 15% OTM call verticals - 5 or 10 handles wide. Is that the secret sauce?

Around the Block/Economic Reports:

Mar 16: Housing Starts, Consumer Sentiment, JOLTS

Trading Block: Discovering the plight of liquidity providers at CBOE RMC today. It's ironic timing since Spot Trading just shut down. Potentially changing tick sizes in VIX futures and options. VIX options breakdown is 90/10 standard vs weekly volume.

Odd Block: Line in the sand puts in Dick's Sporting Goods Inc (DKS). Buying more Tim in Johnson Controls International (JCI). Size put/call kickers in The Western Union Co (WU)

Mail Block: It's madness!

The Options Insider: It's time for our annual Options Broker Madness Tournament! Reply/DM to nominate your broker to compete in this year's BrokerBattle. 16 firms can enter....but in the end there can be only one. Get your nominations in now & prepare to battle. Broker Madness starts 3/12.
Question from Scott Somer -VolView The $VIX Apr 29-35 call spread is going for about 40 cents, are you more willing to buy or sell it to open? Comment from Oscar Stanko:Hi Mark. I am an avid listener to your options podcasts and wanted to sincerely thank you for your time and energy you've put into creating this valuable (and often humorous) content!
Question from BigBlanc -I'm liking the VXX erosion play. Question though - Why does everyone talk puts on this trade? Why not selling calls or call spreads? Or maybe the combo - buying puts and selling calls or call spreads? Any back tests on that?

Around the Block: What's coming up this week?

Trading Block: Markets unchanged mid-day. VIX back around the 17-handle. A rundown of CBOE RMC.

Earnings: Highlights:

Friday- Revlon, Big Lots
A lot of big box retail this week, too - Costco, Target, Kroger, etc.

Odd Block: More Jan 2019 50 "Catastrophe" puts in Tesla Motors Inc (TSLA). Line in the sand puts in Victoria's Secret (LB). Size call fly/roll in Electronic Arts (EA).

Strategy Block: Mike Tosaw discusses rolling SPY puts.

Mail Block: Are you ready for Broker Madness?

The Options Insider: It's almost time for our annual Options Broker Madness Tournament! Nominate your broker to compete in this year's #BrokerBattle. 16 firms can enter....but in the end there can be only one. Get your nominations in now & prepare to battle. #BrokerMadness starts 3/12.
Question from CVT -The Rock Lobster suggested other ways to play VXX erosion other than buying puts. What was he talking about?

Around the Block/Economic Reports:

Mar 9: Unemployment

Trading Block: Today we feature special guest host Lex Luthringshausen founder and CEO of Tradehawk, powered by Option Eyes.

Headlines of the day:

What trade war?
SPX up over 1% intraday.
VIX is back into the teens.

Earnings Highlights:

Tuesday - Target
Wednesday - Dollar Tree, Costco
Thursday - Kroger
Friday - Revlon, Big Lots

Odd Block: More JAN 2019 50 "Catastrophe" puts in Tesla Motors Inc (TSLA). Trade war sparks put roll in Materials Select Sector SPDR (XLB). Long-term call action in Ultra Petroleum Corp (UPL).

Mail Block: Listeners have their say

It's almost time for our annual Options BrokerMadness Tournament! Reply/DM to nominate your broker to compete in this year's BrokerBattle. 16 firms can enter....but in the end there can be only one. Get your nominations in now & prepare to battle. BrokerMadness starts 3/12.
Comment from AlphamakerChris - A lot of people were robbed in their sleep, it's absolutely disgraceful. They should've given several weeks notice, not 1 day. People lost fortunes overnight for reasons not of their own doing.
Comment from Scott Somer - NO fun if you were long anything accept deep ITM Options on SVXY or UVXY. Highlights unexpected danger of trading options on leveraged products. TVIX TVIZ...Would have caused disorderly option markets if they did during the trading day. SVXY UVXY Shot across the bow if you are trading options on VolocityShare products as well....Wonder how many of them took people to "The Horse"?
Question from Stifl - Great show. Agree with Mark about the OI change graph in LiveVol it's very useful. Only problem is that it only goes back a few months. Any tools out there that go back farther?
Comment from DannyBzak - These funds are tracking an index. The index itself was down 96% on 2/5. This is a flaw in index design, not a fund problem. ETP's just can't decide to suddenly not track the index they are mandated to track. Someone needs a better mousetrap to track short vol in index form….Or a more realistic conclusion is that short vol is not a realistically scalable concept in index/ETP form. IMO short vol is something that is better served by active management, not a passive index...Which is the design flaw of thinking one should make an index designed to replicate a short position on anything. In reality someone who is smart enough to be short is smart enough to manage the risks of being short. These indexes have zero risk management built in.

Around the Block/Economic Reports This Week

Mar 6: Factory Orders
Mar 7: International Trade, Productivity and Costs, Beige Book
Mar 8: Jobless Claims
Mar 9: Unemployment

Trading Block: Trump's trade war is spooking the market. SPX off nearly 2%. VIX is back into the 20s. Equity Markets: It's worth noting that at a forward P/E ratio of just over 17x for the S&P 500, valuations do not appear to be stretched. The great SVXY debacle. The numbers are in for February, and they were good (surprise).

Odd Block: More Jan 2019 50 "Catastrophe" puts in Tesla Motors Inc. Puts roll in iShares S&P 500 Index Fund (XSP). Bullish call love in Salesforce (CRM).

Mail Block: Options question of the week.

There's much debate about SVXY these days. Will it survive 2018? Is it poised for serious upside? We'll table those questions for now and instead ask all of you out there slinging SVXY - what is your weapon of choice? Reply/DM with other suggestions.

59% - Naked Long SVXY
22% - Long SVXY Calls/Spreads
10% - Long SVXY Puts/Spreads
9% - Long SVXY w/ Put Hedge

Volatility FlashPoll. Three weeks ago out audience was evenly split on whether SVXY would survive 2018. But the recent changes to its investment objectives have us asking once more - Do you think SVXY will survive 2018?

50% - Yes
24% - No
26% - I'm done with inverse VIX
Comment from Matt Thompson - Everyone say thank you to ProShares for de-levering SVXY for a day like today.

Around the Block/Economic Reports:

Mar 1: Jobless Claims, Personal Income
Mar 2: Consumer Sentiment

Trading Block: Earnings Highlights

Monday - Fitbit
Tuesday - Macy's, Lumber Liquidators, Priceline.com, Weight Watchers, Papa John's
Wednesday - Valeant, Lowe's, Mylan, Crocs
Thursday - Best Buy, Kohl's, AMC Entertainment, Barnes & Noble, Nordstrom
Friday - JCPenney, Foot Locker

In other news:

Warren Buffett: 'We've bought more Apple than anything else' in the last year
Nearly half of 2017's Cryptocurrency 'ICO' Projects Have Already Died

Odd Block: More Jan 2019 50 "Catastrophe" puts in Tesla Motors Inc. (TSLA), size "line in the sand" in Dicks Sporting Goods Inc. (DKS), bullish risk reversals in American International Group Inc. (AIG), and size calls in Regions Financial Corp. (RF)

Mail Block: Options question of the week

There's much debate about SVXY these days. Will it survive 2018? Is it poised for serious upside? We'll table those questions for now and instead ask all of you out there slinging SVXY. What is your weapon of choice? Reply/DM with other suggestions.

Naked Long SVXY
Long SVXY Calls/Spreads
Long SVXY Puts/Spreads
Long SVXY w/ Put Hedge
Comment from Vixland‏ - Tight Covered Calls !!!!!!!!!!!!

Listener questions and comments:

Question from Mark Brandt - Has OIR discussed Peter Thiel buying $240M of SVXY puts days before the vol spike? He is smart but that smells fishy.
Comment from Matt Williamson - @OptionVol $431 outlay ($430 for the covered spread, $1 for the put) to make $69.69/431 = 16% less assignment fees (likely just a few in large blocks) and commissions.
Comment from CheeButter - We've been waiting for this day - RE: VIX EXPLOSION LAST WEEK
Question from Allanc - What are the odds of a reverse split for SVXY?

Around the Block/Economic Reports:

Feb 26: New Home Sales
Feb 27: Durable Goods, International Trade, Consumer Confidence
Feb 28: GDP
Mar 1: Jobless Claims, Personal Income
Mar 2: Consumer Sentiment

Trading Block:

Half-time report for earnings:
INTU - $173, ATM straddle - $10.50, approx. 6%
GDDY - $55.45, ATM straddle - $4.30, approx. 7.8%

Odd Block:

More Jan 2019 50 "Catastrophe" puts in Tesla Motors Inc.
Puts roll in iShares S&P 500 Index Fund (XSP)
Size 1x2s in ILG Inc. (ILG)

Strategy Block: Mike Tosaw discusses the 1x2 ratio call spread

Around the Block: What are we looking at for the upcoming week?

Trading Block: Is the VIX "Whistleblower" just more noise or it there some teeth this time? Volatility's awakening spurs record long position in VIX futures.

Strategy Block: Discusses legging into OTM vertical call spreads

Odd Block: More JAN 2019 50 "Catastrophe" puts in Tesla Motors (TSLA), long-term put love in Community Health Systems (CYH), and calls trade in Radian Group Inc. (RDN).

Mail Block: Options question of the week

It's been a rocky week for the markets. People are understandably scared and confused. That raises the question: Which product are you most concerned about over the next 30 days? Which product would you not touch with a 10-foot pole?

VIX
SVXY
SPY
Bitcoin: XBT, BTC, etc.

Listener questions and comments:

Comment from Matt Williamson - Good guesses and discussion. It's much simpler. $5 covered calls trading for $4.30. Again, why? How? Buy the $5 put and arb for 15% ROI!...Sure. I bought some 15s, some 20s, some 5s. Guess no one is concerned about a 97% correction over the next year...
Question from J3dingle - Hi Mark, In yesterday's Option Block, you said you personally took an options position in SVXY. I was curious, if you could say, what kind of position a pro takes. Thanks, Joseph
Comment from Scott Somer - Another day another day with a very large sell off heading into the start of the Option Block and an up move in the S&P Futures during the "Trading Block" #OptionInsiderRadio #OptionBlock #GreasyMeatball #RockLobster...If we get a Rule 80B Sell off, that will finish off $SVXY unless second month VIX Futures are north of 40.
Comment from MrMagoo‏ - There are no regulators working under Trump. It's a free for all with HFTs eating retailers for lunch.

Around the Block: How will VIX run going forward? S&P closed three points above the 200-day moving average. Can we make another run at the all-time highs?

Trading Block: One week later, how is everyone doing? SPY is back in rally mode. VIX back in the mid-20s. It's been a wild week for CBOE. Stock took a hit, threatened $100, now rallying up 4%. Earnings this week include APRN, before the bell tomorrow. ATM straddle $0.65, approx. 20%. Volatility's awakening spurs a record long position in VIX Futures

Odd Block: Review from 2/8: Someone unloading calls in (UNP), Pre earnings action in Under Armor (UAA).

Mail Block: Options question of the week

VIX is moving like crazy today. It's already blown past 23 and is threatening 35. So let's dial up our $VIX threshold for extra #ZombieApocalypse fun. You buying or selling these levels? Quite Simply: Where will $VIX close on Friday?

21% - Crazy Town: 30-35
22% - ZombieApocalypse: >35
19% - Crazy: 25-30
38% - Mildly Crazy: <25

Options question of the week, part two: It's been a rocky week for the markets. People are understandably scared and confused. That raises the question: Which product are you most concerned about over the next 30 days? Which product would you not touch with a 10-foot pole?

VIX
SVXY
SPY
Bitcoin: XBT, BTC, etc.

Listener questions and comments:

Follow-up from Matt Williamson - Disclosure time: I'm in those FB $5.00 calls. But why??? I think Mike will see it first...No, you were actually close with your box theory. I just think Mike be the first to slap his forehead.
Question from JohnnyBananas1 - If you buy a put option and the strike price is $5 and the drops to $3. Is it still worth $ even if it's 3$ under...even though my strike price is 5$?? So if the stock price is $7 drop to 5(strike). But end up going to 3 and my option is worth ~$4?...so I don't have to sell if I reach my strike price? Is the same with call options? That's what confuses me is the strike$. #learning
Question from Chris T. - The most I can lose buying SVXY is the price I pay, correct? So can I buy it ~$10 and treat it like a lotto ticket call?

Around the Block: Earnings! Blue Apron, Under Armor. Can we get back into positive territory for the year in the S&P? Can get get three days of up? Or a couple of days of "not up so much"?

Trading Block: A review of the week to date.

VIX back up over 30
S&P is back in selloff mode despite decent earnings.
We are all now living in a post VIX/Monday selloff world.
Everyone is attacking the "Frankenproducts" like XIV and SVXY.
VXX was briefly back above its post-split levels.
Earnings are getting lost in the macro maelstrom - TSLA, CMG, TWTR, SNAP, ETC
Earnings Highlights:
- NVDA: ATM Straddle - $18, approx. 8%
- ATVI: ATM Straddle - $5.50, approx. 8%
- CBOE stock is getting crushed.

Odd Block: More Jan 2019 50 "catastrophe"puts in Tesla Motors (TSLA); Unloading Mar 30 calls in (UNP).

Strategy Block: Mike Tosaw discusses buying the dip

Mail Block: Options question of the week

VIX is moving like crazy today day. It's already blown past 23 and is threatening 35. So let's dial up our $VIX threshold for extra #ZombieApocalypse fun. You buying or selling these levels? Quite Simply: Where will $VIX close on Friday?

Crazy Town: 30-35
Zombie Apocalypse: >35
Crazy: 25-30
Mildly Crazy: <25

Listener questions and comments:

Question from Matt Williamson - What's up with FB $5 calls (yes, FIVE DOLLAR calls) in Jan 2019? OI climbing past 12k…
Question from Johnny Bananas - Quick question. If you buy a put option and the strike price is $5 and the drops to $3. Is it still worth money even if it's $3 under?

Around the Block/Earnings This Week:

Thursday - Twitter, Nvidia, Activision/Blizzard
Friday - CBOE

Trading Block: Dow loses over 1,000 points on the day. SPX opened at 2,683 on Jan 2. VIX cash now threatening 35! XBT below $7000; good thing for "uncorrelated assets."

Earnings Highlights this Week:

Tuesday - GM, Snap Inc., Walt Disney Company
Wednesday - Tesla, ICE
Thursday - Twitter, Nvidia, Activision/Blizzard
Friday - CBOE

Odd Block: From last Monday: Near-term call paper in (CL)

Mail Block: Question of the week

Holy Crap! $VIX is threatening 23! Is this the beginning of the #ZombieApocalypse or a great time to sell some #Volatility? In a nutshell - how do you think $VIX will finish the week?

Elevated: 21-25
Crazy Town: 25+
Frothy: 17-21
Bubbly: < 17

Updated Question of the Week #2

$VIX is moving like crazy today day. It's already blown past 23 and is threatening 35. So let's dial up our $VIX threshold for extra #ZombieApocalypse fun. You buying or selling these levels? Quite Simply: Where will $VIX close on Friday?

Crazy Town: 30-35
ZombieApocalypse: >35
Crazy: 25-30
Mildly Crazy: <25

Listener Questions and Comments:

Question from Matt Williamson - What's up with FB $5 calls (yes, FIVE DOLLAR calls) in Jan 2019? OI climbing past 12k…

Around the Block/Economic Reports this Week:

Feb 5: ISM Non-Mfg Index
Feb 6: International Trade, JOLTS
Feb 8: Jobless Claims

Trading Block: Earnings! Wednesday's big names: FB, MSFT. Thursday's big names: AAPL, GOOGL, AMZN, BABA. OCC cleared contract volume increased 42% in January; highest January for cleared volume, highest month ever for index options.

Odd Block: TSLA options tracker. Review from Monday's near-term call paper in CL.

Strategy Block: Uncle Mike takes us to strategy school.

Mail Block: Options question of the week, plus listener questions and comments

EarningsSeason is upon us once again! It's time for #Tech to put its best foot forward. Which big #tech names are you looking to sling some #options on this week?

Amazon - $AMZN
Microsoft - $MSFT
Alphabet - $GOOGL
Facebook - $FB

Around the Block/Upcoming Economic Reports:

Feb 1: Jobless Claims
Feb 2: Unemployment
Feb 2: Consumer Sentiment
Feb 2: Factory Orders

Trading Block: VIX is back into the 13 handle.

Earnings this week:

Wednesday - FB, Microsoft
Thursday - Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, Alibaba
The ORATS earnings report for 1/29/2018

Odd Block: More Jan 2019 50 "Catastrophe" puts in Tesla Motors (TSLA). Size call diagonal in Anheuser Busch Inbev NV (BUD). Near-term call paper in Colgate-Palmolive Company (CL).

Mail Block: Options question of the week

Earnings Season is upon us once again! It's time for #Tech to put its best foot forward. Which big #tech names are you looking to sling some #options on this week?

Amazon ($AMZN)
Microsoft ($MSFT)
Alphabet ($GOOGL)
Facebook ($FB)

Listener questions and comments:

Question from Michael Smith - Any recommendations on where I can find help on calculating implied move into earnings?

Around the Block/Economic Reports this Week:

Jan 30: Consumer Confidence
Jan 31: Chicago PMI, FOMC Meeting
Feb 1: Jobless Claims
Feb 2: Unemployment, Consumer Sentiment, Factory Orders

Trading Block: Earnings!

Monday: Netflix
Tuesday: Johnson & Johnson, Procter & Gamble, Travelers, Verizon
Wednesday: GE, United Technologies
Thursday: Caterpillar, 3M, Intel (Caterpillar doing crazy volume today - over 130k contracts on the tape.) Netflix, Intel and Starbucks.

Odd Block: Size near-term put sales in (NWL). Crazy move sparks crazy volume in (MNKD). Size short call roll in (SAN).

Strategy Block: Mike Tosaw discusses his most recent SPY trades

Mail Block: Options questions of the week

Since we're down at #InsideETFs this week we thought we'd make our #Options #QOTW about #ETFOPTIONS. Quite simply - what is your favorite ETF/ETP #option to trade?

$SPY
$GLD
$VXX
Other (reply w/answer)

Bitcoin #Futures are currently trading around $11,500. If #Options existed, how would you trade them? Assuming one-month to expiration would you...?

27% - Buy 5% OTM Call
32% - Buy 5% OTM Put
16% - Sell 5% OTM Covered Call
25% - Just Short The Future

Around the Block: Economic Reports This Week

Jan 26: GDP, Durable Goods

Trading Block: The Dow sets all-time intraday record as Senate votes to end government shutdown

Earnings This Week:

Monday: Netflix
Tuesday: Johnson & Johnson, Procter & Gamble, Travelers, Verizon
Wednesday: GE, United Technologies
Thursday: Caterpillar, 3M, Intel

Odd Block: Calls and puts trade in Patterson UTI Energy (PTEN). Puts trade in Harley Davidson Inc (HOG). Puts roll in HCA Healthcare Inc (HCA).

Strategy Block: Mike Tosaw discusses buying OTM calls in this current market

Mail Block: Options question of the week

Bitcoin futures are currently trading around $11,500. If #Options existed, how would you trade them? Assuming one-month to expiration would you...?

27% - Buy 5% OTM Call
32% - Buy 5% OTM Put
16% - Sell 5% OTM Covered Call
25% - Just Short the Future

Listener questions and comments:

Question from CharlieC - What's the weirdest thing you've seen in the options market?
Question from Markit - What's the truth about all the talk about VIX being moved using SPX puts? Is this a thing? Can you please discuss on the network?

Around the Block/Economic Reports This Week:

Jan 24: Existing Home Sales
Jan 25: Jobless Claims, International Trade, New Home Sales
Jan 26: GDP, Durable Goods

Trading Block: VIX at 12.40! In the double digits for the first time in a long while. Earnings season ahead. IBM - $168.70, ATM straddle - $7.20, approx. 4%. A rough start to the year for Bitcoin. Tuesday selloff hits crypto hard.

Odd Block: Yet more Jan 2019 50 "catastrophe" puts in Tesla Motors (TSLA). Massive call party in Guggenheim CurrencyShares Euro Trust (FXE). Size bullish strangle in Kinder Morgan Inc. (KMI). Size put roll in MBIA Inc. (MBI).

Strategy Block: Uncle Mike Tosaw discusses exercising caution in this current market.

Mail Block: Options question of the week.

Which name are you looking forward to trading options on during the upcoming earnings season? Your fav not here? Choose "Other" and send it in. Best will be shared on #OptionBlock

Apple ($AAPL)
Tesla ($TSLA)
Amazon ($AMZN)
Other

Another options question of the week: Bitcoin futures are currently trading around $11,500. If options existed, how would you trade them? Assuming one-month to expiration would you...?

Buy 5% OTM Call
Buy 5% OTM Put
Sell 5% OTM Covered Call
Just Short the Future

Listener Questions and Comments:

Question from PJamesLamar - Can you guys recommend an options platform for active option trader? I'll try to add a link to what I used to be able to do on my old platform but am no longer able to do. But I would like to find another platform that has single click entry and exit for options. If you know one please let me know. Thanks.

Around the Block: IBM off a little over 4%. Earnings. Shutdowns.

Trading Block: Crude is hitting new near-term highs. Brent breaks above 70 for the first time since 2014. Kodak is now a crypto company!?

Odd Block: Massive call party in (FXE); Options-palooza in (XOP); Call frenzy in (XLE).

Strategy Block: Uncle Mike Tosaw discusses risk reversals.

Mail Block: Options question of the week

Another "easy" one to help kick off the New Year. Which name are you looking forward to trading options on during the upcoming earnings season? Your fav not here? Choose "Other" and send it in. Best will be shared on #OptionBlock.

Apple (AAPL)
Tesla (TSLA)
Amazon (AMZN)
Other

Options Flash Poll: The options industry insists that things have never been better for retail traders. Do you agree?

Yes
No

Options Flash Poll, Part Deux: Overhead at @stachicago: We need a #speedbump in #Options to create a "level playing field" for all participants. Agree?

Yes
No
What is a #speedbump?

Around the Block: Earnings! JPMorgan Chase (JPM) and Wells Fargo (WFC) release results before market open on Friday, January 12.

Trading Block: Nvidia stocks rises on new of chips being used in handle processing of driverless cars. Intel was aware of the chip vulnerability when its CEO sold off $24 million in company stock & options.

Odd Block: More Jan 2019 50 "Catastrophe" puts in Tesla Motors (TSLA). Massive call party in Guggenheim CurrencyShares Euro Trust (FXE). Buying more time in Johnson Controls International PLC (JCI)

Mail Block: Options question of the week

2017 was the "Year that Volatility Died." So our 1st #QOTW for 2018 is a puzzler: Where do you think $VIX will close at the end of the year?

16% - Between 7.5-9.99
35% - Between 10- 12.49
13% - Between 12.50 -14.99
36% - Above 15

Listener questions and comments:

Question from Ensco8651: Question for the Option Block crew. As learned from this program, cash secured puts are a great way to enter a position on a stock I want to own. Just recently, I sold 2 puts with a strike price of $24. At expiration, the stock was at $23.95 so I anticipated getting 200 shares assigned to me but only received 100. Upon contacting my broker, he explained that the holder of the other 100 shares had a "do not assign" flag on them. Please clarify. I don't believe I have to "option" to not accept the shares if they fall below the strike price. Why should he have the "option" to not assign the stock to me? Thanks guys, GREAT show.

Around the Block: Earnings are on the horizon. Will the SPX hit 2800 by the end of the week? Ally Invest clients are talking about options as protection. Momentum is ridiculous going into earnings.

Trading Block: The numbers are in for 2017

OCC announced 2017 volume reached the third highest total cleared contract volume ever with 4,327,576,930 contracts, a 4% increase from 2016.
December cleared volume was 346,006,092 contracts, up 3% from December 2016.
OCC also reported record-breaking 2017 volume for cleared futures with 138,029,762 cleared contracts; a 32% increase from 2016.
What were our top 5 Option Block episodes for 2017?
Odd Block: Call spreads trade in (EWJ); Funky ratio call spreads in Marriott; Calls closing out in (DWDP).

Mail Block: Listener feedback

Our final options question of the week for 2017 was an easy one. Quite simply: What is your enduring market memory/event/trend/etc. of 2017? Have a suggestion of your own? We encourage you to choose "Other" and send in your thoughts. We'll share the interesting ones on the network. Happy New Year!

16% - Death of Volatility/VIX
32% - Rise of Bitcoin
49% - The Unstoppable Bull
3% - Other

2017 was the "Year that Volatility Died." So our first options question of the week for 2018 is a puzzler. Quite simply: where do you think $VIX will close at the end of the year?

Between 7.5-9.99
Between 10-12.49
Between 12.50-14.99
Above 15

Listener Questions and Comments:

Question from Scott Somer - At 11 AM on December 22, RIOT stock traded at 24.20 , normally you would expect the 23 call to trade for 1.20 more than the 23 put, this morning the January 19th 23 calls were only trading TEN CENTS above the 23 put, Am I missing something for this to be normal pricing? Or is there something else I need to know about this? With this stock at 4.24, I can buy a June 5 call and Sell a June 5 put for a credit of 2.30. Looks like I'm getting the stock for 2.70. What am I missing since we now the options market does NOT give money away?
Comment from MCgILLmONTREAL -Had a question regarding $GIL and two large 3K 30 strike puts on 10/9 with earnings 11/2. Can you guys explain any rationale around that? Had a question regarding $GIL and two large 3K 30 strike puts on 10/9 with earnings 11/2. Can you guys explain any rationale around that?

Around the Block: VIX. Earnings are coming. Dow 25,000. SPX 2700. Non-farms. Will there be a sell-off in Q1?

Trading Block: Review of the last trading day of the year. VIX barely holding on to double digits. Big meh into the end of the year. Silver is on a tear. The highs and lows of Bitcoin. Cboe announces six Bitcoin ETFs. Uncle Mike creates a new product...Fitcoin.

2017 Year-in Review: The good, the bad, and the unexplicable.

Final Options Question of the Week for 2017: What is your enduring market memory/event/trend/etc of 2017? Have a suggestion of your own? We encourage you to choose "Other" and send in your thoughts.

Death of Volatility/VIX
Rise of Bitcoin
The Unstoppable Bull
Other: Reply/DM w/ ideas
- Comment from OptionsAlliance: The surprise resurgence of #options volume in 2017.
- Comment from OliveWanaBroker: The oats bull market. Very important.
Uncle Mike's silver collar was not, in fact, the second coming of AAPL.
All smoke, no fire
Crypto fever

Odd Block: Crazy paper from the year

TSLA options tracker: The explosion of interest in TSLA catastrophe puts. OI exploded in 2017. Interest also expanded to Jan 2020 50 puts.
The 250,000 contract VIX three-way, rolled thrice
Extended Stay America - giving up the ghost
The way-out-of-the-money gold trade with a further out-of-the-money kicker.

Strategy Block: Uncle Mike waxes poetic about his trading strategy from 2017

Around the Block: Will the outlier trends continue? Andrew brings us down with debt talk. What would it take for volatility to return to normal?

Trading Block: NKE after hours. ATM straddle - $3.40, approx. 5%. Looking back on 2017: The year without volatility.

Odd Block: More Jan 2019 50 "Catastrophe" puts in (TSLA). Size roll/diagonal in Autodesk Inc. (ADSK). Size call party in First Data Corp. (FDC). Closing call party in Blackstone Group LP (BX).

Strategy Block: Uncle Mike Tosaw discusses his most recent trading strategy in SPY.

Mail Block: Options question of the week.

Now it's a party! Bitcoin futures are live on both CME Group and CBOE. But everyone's asking us the $1M question, "When will we get Bitcoin Options?" So we thought we'd ask you: When will we be able to trade options on these futures?

Q1 2018
Q2 2018
Q3 2018
Q4 2018

Breaking News Poll: Are you interested in the new Bitcoin futures, except you hate futures? Maybe an ETF is more your speed? Are you interested in trading the new Bitcoin ETF announced today by ICE?

Yes
No
I prefer the Futures
This is getting crazy!

Listener questions and comments:

Comment from Tom - Let's be honest. If any of us had size Bitcoin we would have sold out ages ago and probably be kicking ourselves right now.

Around the Block/Economic News: Dec 22: Durable Goods, Personal Income, New Home Sales, Consumer Sentiment

Trading Block: JPMorgan is lighting up Twitter. It's one of the bank's best ideas for 2018. A lot of div plays lighting up the tape today. Now it's a party! CME Bitcoin futures are live! Volume a little lighter in XBT now. Taleb is not a fan of Bitcoin - at least not without options. Petterrfy also hates Bitcoin - but it didn't stop him from buying ads on the futures.

Odd Block: More Jan 2019 50 "Catastrophe" puts in Tesla Motors (TSLA). Size call party in Regions Financial Corp (RF). Ratio call vertical in CSX Corporation (CSX). Rolling puts in Synchrony Financial (SYF).

Mail Block: Time to hear from you.

This week's Options Break: Finally seeing Star Wars "The Last Jedi." Did you see it? What did you think?

24% - Better than Force Awakens
24% - Worse than Force Awakens
39% - Not a Star Wars fan
13% - Better than Empire

Options Question of the Week: Now it's a party! Bitcoin futures are live on both CME Group and CBOE. But everyone's asking us the $1M question - "When will we get Bitcoin Options?" So we thought we'd ask you - When will we be able to trade options on these futures?

Q1 2018
Q2 2018
Q3 2018
Q4 2018

Listener questions and comments

Question from LLN8 - What products would you like to see on the bitcoin/crypto front?
Comment from TMal - Rumors that Donald Trump is long Bitcoin, hence why he hasn't opined on the big story of the year.

Around the Block/This Week in the Market

Dec 19: Housing Starts
Dec 20: Existing Home Sales
Dec 21: Jobless Claims, GDP
Dec 22: Durable Goods, Personal Income, New Home Sales, Consumer Sentiment

Trading Block: Volume is a little lighter in XBT now. Taleb is not a fan of Bitcoin, at least not without options.

Apparently Bitcoin is destroying the world.

Question of the week: Everyone's caught Bitcoin fever these days. The first "real" futures launched at CBOE. Our question is simple - are you going to trade them this week?

Heck Yes!
Hell No!
I already traded them
Sticking w/Coinbase et al

Odd Block: Closing vertical w/ puts in Time Warner Inc. (TWX). Closing upside calls in Symantec Corp. (SYMC). Size ITM put roll in Sanchez Energy Corp. (SN)

Mail Block: Options question of the week

Options during earnings is a coin flip. But you know you love to do it. What's your earnings options MO?

Buy Calls/Call Spreads
Buy Puts/Put Spreads
Sell Puts/Put Spreads
Fly/Iron Fly/Iron Condor

Listener Questions: What's on your minds?

Comment from Tom - Let's be honest. If any of us had size bitcoin we would have sold out ages ago and probably be kicking ourselves right now.
Question from GiddyFranciscan - Sell in May and go away. What option strategy benefits from the profound market malaise that occurs over the summer?
Question from KBX32 - What is the cheapest way to hedge my portfolio with options?

Around the Block/Economic Reports:

Dec 15 - Industrial Production

Trading Block: We are living in the Bitcoin futures world. At 5:00 pm CT on Sunday, XBT futures opened at $15,000 and 890 contracts were traded by 7:15 pm. Total volume Sunday overnight was a reported 3,001 contracts, with nearly 20 trading firms actively participating.

Apparently Bitcoin is destroying the world.

Options Question of the Week: Everyone's caught Bitcoin fever these days. The first "real" futures launched today on CBOE. Our question is simple - are you going to trade them this week?

Heck Yes!
Hell No!
I already traded them
Sticking w/Coinbase et al

Odd Block: More Jan 2019 50 "catastrophe" puts in Tesla Motors Inc. (TSLA). Put-palooza in GameStop Corp. (GME). Call love in Nucor Corporation (NUE). Cheapie call roll in Glu Mobile Inc. (GLUU).

Mail Block: Last week's option question of the week

The war for Bitcoin derivatives is heating up again. CME Group is launching futures on 12/18. CBOE just announced a 12/10 launch date. Not enough? Nasdaq also announced futures with a planned Q2 2018 launch. With so many choices-How will you trade Bitcoin in 2018?

50% - CBOE Futures 12/10
28% - CME Futures 12/18
3% - Nasdaq Futures Q2 2018
19% - "Old School" Bitcoin

Listener questions and comments:

Question from WillyCat9 - Hi Mark great show keep up the good work! I am used to a diagonal call spread being buying a longer term call with lower strike while selling a shorter term call with higher strike, much like a covered call. However, the TOS platform option scanner often generate a diagonal spread with buying shorter long call while selling the longer term. Can you explain the difference between the two? Why is the TOS identifying selling the longer term while buying the shorter term as high probability trade? I want to trust the TOS scanning result but it seems kind of risky. Would love to hear your thoughts, Thanks!
Question from Taj Penaso - Hi, will there be options for bitcoin once the futures are traded?? Or just the futures until there are tradeable ETFs available? Thanks

Around the Block/Economic Reports:

Dec 12 - PPI, Treasury Budget
Dec 13 - CPI, FOMC Meeting
Dec 14 - Jobless Claims. Retail Sales
Dec 15 - Industrial Production

Trading Block: Someone has the gall to downgrade Tesla, but the stock still rallies. OCC Cleared contract volume increased 1% in November. It was the highest November ever for options volume.

Odd Block: Jan 2019 50 "Catastrophe" puts in Tesla Motors Inc. (TSLA) Paper doubling down in (JBLU). Calls trade in Union Pacific Corp (UNP). Puts trade in Amgen, Inc. (AMGN).

Strategy Block: Uncle Mike Tosaw discusses how to trade skew.

Mail Block: Options question of the week.

The war for Bitcoin Derivatives is heating up again. CME Group is launching futures on 12/18. CBOE just announced a 12/10 launch date. Not enough? Nasdaq also announced futures w/ for a planned Q2 2018 launch. With so many choices-How will you trade Bitcoin in 2018?

CBOE Futures 12/10
CME Futures 12/18
Nasdaq Futures Q2 2018
"Old School" Bitcoin

Listener Question:

Question from Scott Somer -How would movement to treat capital gains to FIFO for the underlying stocks be good or bad for the options market?

Around the Block/Economic Reports:

Dec 7: Jobless Claims
Dec 8: Unemployment, Consumer Sentiment

Trading Block: GOP tax plan passes the Senate. CBOE Plans December 10 Launch of Bitcoin Futures Trading

Odd Block: Size OTM call paper in Plains GP Holdings LP (PAGP). Funky ratio verticals/stupid in Him Technologies Inc. (HIMX). Weird backwards post-earnings roll in L Brands Inc. (LB).

Mail Block: Options question of the week

The war for Bitcoin Derivatives is heating up w/ both CME Group and CBOE jumping into the fray. How do you think you'll be trading Bitcoin in 2018?

CME BRR Futures
CBOE Gemini Futures
Stick w/ Regular Bitcoin
Still don't trust Crypto

Listeners weigh in:

Question from The Financial Grynch - Do you REALLY reckon long options is profitable?

Around The Block/ Economic Reports:

Dec 4: Factory Orders
Dec 5: International Trade
Dec 6: Productivity Costs
Dec 7: Jobless Claims
Dec 8: Unemployment, Consumer Sentiment

Trading Block: Dow sets new record by hitting 24,000 and SPX hits 2,657. This was the fifth 1,000-point milestone for the Dow this year, first hitting 20,000 on Jan. 25. The market is still in rally mode, awaiting tax deal. North Korea unable to spook the market.

Question from Henry Gannett - Is $VIX way up today due to call buying/pricing? It's at 11.70 right now, instead of maybe 9.0 at other, recent SPX all-time highs. The VIX is umbrage-ing me right now!

Odd Block: More Jan 2019 50 "Catastrophe" puts on the tape yesterday - OI breaks 30k. Funky ratio risk reversal in SPDR S&P Retail ETF (XRT). Put spread vs. near-term calls in Aetna Inc. (AET). Near-term Dec call love in Caesars Entertainment Corp. (CZR).

Strategy Block: Uncle Mike Tosaw discusses buying front month OTM calls and the power of gamma.

Mail Block: Listeners weigh in

Options question of the week: SPY always dominates the options volume charts. But what do you think people are actually trading in SPY? Take a guess at the Top OI position in SPY right now. No cheating (or checking with your broker) - use your grey matter & your "gut" to pick the right one.

Jan 262 Call
Dec 2019 150 Put
Dec 280 Call
Jan 240 Put

Questions and comments:

Comment from FContangotrader - @OptionPit @Options @OptionVol The best way to show off your Italian heritage :) gluten free. RE: Couple names first child after Olive Garden.
Question from Real Yute - I see that every strike have its own bid and ask prices, with different volatility. Now my question is.....can options be day trade....are scalped just like with stocks...? Are is volatility only move few times maybe a month....are from the options market open....the prices for options (strikes) will start to change just like how its changing in the stock market....?

Around the Block/ Economic Reports this Week:

Nov 30: Jobless Claims, Personal Income
Dec 1: Construction Spending

The Trading Block: SQ and QCOM dominating the options charts today. Looks like QCOM activity is actually a dividend play. Light on earnings this week. Goldman execs cash out decade-old options just days before they expire.

The Odd Block: TSLA tracker; Weird house-money put roll in WDC; Tons of Dec 26 puts in DKS; Size near-term call love in NEM.

The Mail Block: Options question of the week

SPY always dominates the #options volume charts. But what do you think people are actually trading in SPY? Take a guess at the top OI position in SPY right now. No cheating (or checking with your broker) - use your grey matter and your "gut" to pick the right one.

Jan 262 call
Dec 2019 150 put
Dec 280 call
Jan 240 put

Listener questions and comments

Question from PBiggers‏: how will the market react if the tax bill fails to pass in the senate on Thursday? Bullish, modest correction or major correction?
Comment from Robert Baker: in response to your questions regarding TSLA catastrophe puts Jan 19 $50; I believe that they are insurance policies for model 3 depositors to recover their $5000 deposit in the event that Tesla goes bankrupt. After all, it's the cheapest form of insurance because the $50 put will be worth $5000 if TSLA goes to zero. Keep up with your show - it's fun.

We are not letting the Thanksgiving holiday get in the way of you getting your Option Block fix on.

Mail Block: It's all listener questions and comments today

Options question of the week: The war for Bitcoin Derivatives is heating up w/ both CME Group and CBOE jumping into the fray. How do you think you'll be trading Bitcoin in 2018?

CME BRR Futures
CBOE Gemini Futures
Stick w/ Regular Bitcoin
Still don't trust Crypto

Questions and Comments:

Question from Nikbak - When do you think we'll have #bitcoin options?
Question from Scott Somer - Another question I would like to see is - Do you think that Nasdaq PHLX will have the most volume on a given trading day over CBOE as the leading medallion.
Question from MarkLitwin: Thank you for your time and explanation! Appreciate! I was thinking of using options leverage with a limited risk of losing premium by buying an option long enough to cover a span between earnings and the one which is already In the Money with the Delta of 1 and selling that option just before the next ER. Would you comment on that idea please!
Question from Albert Deckel - Two questions: While I understand how to convert a "Delta" into meaning, I really don't understand what consists of a "high" vs. "low" Gamma, Theta or Vega. For example, when is theta so high that it makes the purchase of a contract dubious, or Vega so high that it makes the purchase of an OTM contract desirable? Also, if I were to write an ITM put, what combination of Delta, Gamma, Theta or Vega am I looking for? Thanks so much!! Al
Question from USA Patriot - What is ADV??
Comment from Charlie T. - Not really an options guy. I don't need the headache of yet another unknown element aka time. It's hard enough just picking my stocks, deciding price points, exit points, etc.
Question from L Penguin - I'm a new options trader and I want to buy a LEAP call because it looks like the stock is going to go to up in the next 12 months, but I don't want to commit yet. I also want to generate income while I hold that position. What are your thoughts on selling the call while I have the leap? Also, this stock has an attractive dividend that I'd like to capture. Is this even possible? Interested in your thoughts, thanks! I was thinking about buying a deep in the money call for the LEAP, and then depending on where the stock is trading at the time, sell closer to the money.

Trading Block: Featuring special guest Dan Cook from NADEX.

What are the uses for binary options? Binaries as a way to trade options. VIX coming back to life. House passes tax reform, will congress unify behind a single plan? Uncle Mike speculates on winter weather and resulting oil demand. There is still earnings on the horizon, including: AMAT, GAP and WMT after the bell today.

Odd Block: More TSLA 50 "Catastrophe" puts. Put-palooza in Time Warner Inc. (TWX). Funky far OTM outs in Restoration Hardward (RH). Call vertical/roll in Dicks Sporting Goods Inc.DKS.

Strategy Block: Dan Cook discusses binary options.

Mail Block: Options question of the week

The war for #Bitcoin #Derivatives is heating up w/ both @cmegroup and @cboe jumping into the fray. How do you think you'll be trading #Bitcoin in 2018?

CME BRR Futures
CBOE Gemini Futures
Stick w/ Regular #Bitcoin
Still don't trust #Crypto

Listners weigh in:

Question from JLC8 - What is shortest term option available? Is it equity or commodity?

Around the Block: After-the-close earnings update. Will option vol come down? Are people going to take the money and run?

Trading Block: Earnings! Are we heading for more carnage? Putin says he didn't do anything to the election. GE gets smoked. Amazon up over 1% thanks to Lord of the Rings.

Odd Block: Catastrophe puts in Tesla Motors Inc. (TSLA). Size put roll in (SEAS). Put-palooza in Square.

Mail Block: Options question of the week

The war for Bitcoin derivatives is heating up w/ both CMEGroup and CBOE jumping into the fray. How do you think you'll be trading #Bitcoin in 2018?

CME BRR Futures
CBOE Gemini Futures
Stick w/ Regular #Bitcoin
Still don't trust #Crypto

Listnener Questions: What's on your mind?

Question from Nikster1001 - I am new to options trading and have been following you for three weeks now...thanks for all your insights...I am still holding NVDA calls for end of this week...any update on NVDA?

Around the Block: Earnings! WMT, DKS, BBY, and more.Uncle Mike is looking at oil and financials. Sebas is wondering what will happen on Tuesday.

Trading Block: The Return of the Viceroy! OCC cleared contract volume up 20% in October.

Earnings!

Disney - ATM straddle $5, approx. 4.5%
NVDA - ATM straddle $16, approx. 8%

Odd Block: Put roll in Time Warner Inc. (TWX). Size call love ENSCO PLC (ESV).

Strategy Block: Uncle Mike Tosaw discusses the pulse of the market.

Mail Block: Options question of the week

Trading #Options during #Earnings is a coin flip. But you know you love to do it. What's your #Earnings #Options MO?

28% - Buy Calls/Call Spreads
5% - Buy Puts/Put Spreads
33% - Sell Puts/Put Spreads
34% - Fly/Iron Fly/ Iron Cond.

Around the Block: Earnings check-in from DIS and NVDA. Uncle Mike is looking for 2600 in S&P. How many tax brackets? Taxes. Taxes. Taxes. High-yield bond charts look ugly.

Trading Block: Earnings!

Monday - Weight Watchers
Tuesday - CBOE, Valeant, Snap Inc.
Thursday - Nvidia, Macys, Kohl’s
Friday - JCPenney

Odd Block: Size call love in MRO. Opening calendar/stupid in RSX. Call 1x3 in RCX.

Mail Block: So many questions!

Options question of the week: Bitcoin just blew past $100B in "market cap." If #Options were available how would you trade them?

52% - Buy Calls/Call Spreads
18% - Buy Puts/Put Spreads
13% - Sell Covered Calls
17% - Other/Hate #Crypto

Listener questions and comments:

Comment from Tony Varriale‏ - HODL
Comment from Contrlkaos - Call broken wing butterflies

ANOTHER Options question of the week:

Earnings is a coin flip. But you know you love to do it. What's your #Earnings #Options MO?

Buy Calls/Call Spreads
Buy Puts/Put Spreads
Sell Puts/Put Spreads
Fly/Iron Fly/ Iron Cond.

More comments!

Comment from Ophir Gottlieb‏ - $TSLA oh, if there was after hours option trading @Options
Comment from Folfox - Do you prefer iron condor vs. iron butterfly? (I know 1 strategy wont work every time, but what scenario is preferred)
Question from ThinkTankTrading - I have a question regarding funds like vxx and this quote from its prospectus...In connection with these limits, the Dodd-Frank Act has required the CFTC to adopt regulations establishing speculative position limits applicable to regulated futures and OTC derivatives and impose aggregate speculative position limits across regulated U.S. futures, OTC positions and certain futures contracts traded on non-U.S. exchanges. In December 2016, the CFTC re-proposed rules on position limits with respect to the 25 physical delivery commodity futures and options contracts, as well...What happens with cheap low Vol prices and this position limit, and they can't get the Vol exposure needed to track the benchmark? ...Positive or inverse ETFs?...One will have massive margin lending/ borrowing costs and the other won't be allowed to buy more futures at some point...The second that happens the Nav will be out of wack and become a closed end fund with Arb to Nav opportunities aka the death spiral - would you agree? Or am I missing something - thanks in advance...Asking for a friend hahahah kidding.

Around the Block: RCM webinar on Wednesday, November 8th, 12:00 CST - How to Webinar: Trading Options on Stocks & Futures

Economic Reports this Week:

Nov 7 - JOLTS
Nov 8 - EIA Petroleum Status Report
Nov 9 - Jobless Claims
Nov 10 - Consumer Sentiment, Treasury Budget

Trading Block: Earnings season review:

Apple after the bell. ATM straddle - $7.25, approx. 4.3%
Facebook and Tesla

Odd Block: Options tracker in Tesla Inc. (TSLA), call-palooza ahead of earnings in Pandora Media Inc (P), and size upside buywrite in Marathon Oil Corporation (MRO).

Strategy Block: Uncle Mike Tosaw discusses tax savings.

Mail Block: Options question of the week

Bitcoin just blew past $100B in "market cap." If #Options were available how would you trade them?

52% - Buy Calls/Call Spreads
20% - Buy Puts/Put Spreads
19% - Sell Covered Calls
9% - Other/Hate #Crypto

Around the Block: RCM webinar on Wednesday, November 8th, 12:00 CST - How to Webinar: Trading Options on Stocks & Futures.

Trading Block: Earnings Season Review. This season's theme "Buy Premium"! Under Armor before the bell tomorrow. Review of: Chipotle, Twitter, Amazon, Google & Microsoft.

Odd Block: Size OTM call paper in Plains GP Holdings LP (PAGP). Pre-earnings put-palooza in Under Armor Inc. (UAA). Rolling puts in ENSCO PLC (ESV).

Mail Block: Options question of the week.

Bitcoin just blew past $100B in "market cap." If #Options were available how would you trade them.

Buy Calls/Call Spreads
Buy Puts/Put Spreads
Sell Covered Calls
Other/Hate #Crypto

Around the Block: RCM webinar on Wednesday, November 8th, 12:00 CST - How to Webinar: Trading Options on Stocks & Futures.

Trading Block: Earnings!

Chipotle (CMG) - ATM straddle: $20, approx. 6.25%
Twitter (TWTR) - ATM straddle: $1.50, nearly 9%
Amazon (AMZN) - ATM straddle: $39, approx. 4%
Google (GOOGL) - ATM straddle: $41, approx. 4%
Microsoft (MSFT) - ATM straddle: $1.75, approx. 2.2%

Odd Block: Review from 8/7: Call frenzy in Procter & Gamble (PG)

Strategy Block: Uncle Mike Tosaw discusses SPY and risk reversals.

Mail Block: Listener questions and comments

Question from Hawkeye - To ye merry band of Magical Voice, grease laden Meatballs, favorite Uncles, and Lobsters with Tubs of butter: I already get that SVXY, XIV, and other short ETF/ETNs can go bust overnight due to the front 2 futures doubling. What would happen if I held long SVXY puts in an IRA and the fund had to close because the SHTF? How would I exercise them if the fund doesn't trade? I can't cover due to underlying frozen, but I can't exercise without covering because that would put me short in an IRA? Or would they still allow it as an exception? How would it all unwind? Thanks for all you guys keeping me learning, laughing, and most of all, thinking.

Around the Block: Reviewing what's happening post-earnings. Earnings. Earnings. Earnings. Is North Korea testing hydrogen bombs? After-hours options trading would have been fun this week.

Trading Block: Earnings!

Tuesday - McDonalds, GM, Chipotle, AT&T. Chipotle Mexican Grill (CMG), ATM straddle - $20, approx. 6.25%
Wednesday - VISA
Thursday - Twitter, Amazon, Google, Microsoft
Friday - ExxonMobil, Merck

Odd Block: Calls trade in Fortuna Silver Mines Inc. (FSM). Combo/straddle trade in iShares MSCI Japan ETF (EWJ). Size buy/write in West Fraser Timber Co. Ltd.(WFT)

Mail Block: Options question of the week

It looks like you all REALLY want after-hours #Options trading. The question now - what is the best way to make it happen?

Pilot For Earnings Season
Top Names Only -$AMZN,etc.
Basic Limit Order Book
Other

Listener Questions and Comments: What's on your mind?

Question from John Hopkins - Hi I was inquiring if Al Sherbin's spreadsheets from his book, how to price and trade options is still available, it is not on the Wiley website anymore. And I can not get it from my O'Reilly subscription service either. I have developed my own kelly spreadsheet, but I would like an experts to see if I am right, mine works ok, it has increased my winning trades greatly. Thanks I realize this is not part of your usual discussion, many apologies.

Around the Block: What are we looking at for the rest of the week? Earnings!

Trading Block: Black Monday 30th Anniversary, October 19, 1987.

Earnings:

GE
Honeywell
P&G
SunTrust

Odd Block: Massive closing paper in Norfolk Southern Corp. (NSC), and review from 8/17 - Rolling winning puts in WisdomTree India Earnings Fund (EPI).

Strategy Block: Uncle Mike Tosaw discusses hedging stock

Mail Block: Options question of the week

EarningsSeason is here! Which name do you plan to trade most actively this cycle?

31% - Tesla, $TSLA
41% - Amazon, $AMZN
17% - Apple, $AAPL
11% - Alphabet, $GOOGL

Options question of the week, volume two:

Do you think #Options should be traded after-hours like stock?

71% - Yes!
25% - No!
4% - Don't Care!

Listener Questions and Comments: What is on your mind?

Question from Darqane - Assigned on short SPX puts means getting long the underlying? But how does that work if it’s cash settled?
Question from ButcherBoyz - What options trading strategy would you say is best suited to people with absolutely zero knowledge of options? Thanks.
Question from Axel D. - Why does open interest only update once a day?

Around the Block: Earnings, earnings, earnings.

Trading Block: Earnings!

Netflix, ATM straddle - $15.30, approx. 7.5%
Tuesday - IBM
Wednesday - Alcoa
Thursday - Verizon, PayPal, Etrade
Friday - Honeywell, P&G

Odd Block: Size upside love in Comcast Corp. (CMCSA), size roll in Alerian MLP (AMLP) and funky ratio vertical/stupid in Himax Technologies, Inc. (HIMX).

Mail Block: Options question of the week

Earnings Season is almost upon us! What's your favorite way to trade earnings using #Options?

Sell Strad./Fly/Condor
Buy Strad./Fly/Condor
Sell Puts/Put Spreads
Buy Calls/ Call Spreads

Listener questions and comments:

Comment from PeterPan @pierhk - ATM straddle...Buy with ATR>2
Comment from Trader J Rae @traderjrae - Usually a collar or protective put. Everything else held over earnings is a gamble, not a trade.

Another options question of the week:

Earnings Season is here! Which name do you plan to trade most actively this cycle?

Tesla - $TSLA
Amazon - $AMZN
Apple - $AAPL
Alphabet - $GOOGL
Comment from Trade With Bulls LLC - $INTC

Still more questions:

Question from McGillIMontreal: Had a question regarding $GIL and two large 3K 30 strike puts on 10/9 with earnings 11/2. Can you guys explain any rationale around that?
Question from Ascentaa - What can happen to the current options being held of KITE which is acquired by GILD and is being delisted

Around the Block: GS tomorrow before the bell, ATM straddle - $6.10, approx. 2.5%.

Trading Block: Roku hit the trading floor. We present some stats from the first week.

ADV: 4413 contracts
OI: 12,800 contracts, puts slightly outnumber calls 1.2/1.

Plus, the craziest gold trade of the year.

Odd Block: Size put roll in iShares S&P 500 Index Fund (XSP), funky prints in Applied Materials, Inc. (AMAT) and combo Swap/Roll in Edwards Lifesciences Corp (EWW).

Strategy Block: Uncle Mike Tosaw discusses managing vertical spreads.

Mail Block: Options question of the week

EarningsSeasons is almost upon us! What's your favorite way to trade earnings using #Options?

Sell Strad./Fly/Condor
Buy Strad./Fly/Condor
Sell Puts/Put Spreads
Buy Calls/Call Spreads

Around the Block: Everything macro and the lack of reactions to everything macro. VIX futures. Earnings are coming up. AI rally?

Recorded on March 20, 2017, this Best of Option block looks back on when the SKEW index finally popped. Posted March 21st, 2017

Trading Block: Apple continues to rally. NASDAQ touches fresh intra-day record, but stocks fight for traction. CBOE Skew Index trending higher. It's about time.

Odd Block: Puts trade in GameStop Inc. (GME), call spreads trade in FireEye Inc. (FEYE) and puts trade in Grupo Televisa SAB (TV).

Mail Block: Polls, upsets, questions, and more.

Options #BrokerMadness tournament going on now.

Tough battle today in #options #BrokerMadness as @optionsXpress takes on @IBKR, Who will emerge to take on @TradingBlock?
@LSFinancial crushing @tradier

Options #QuestionoftheWeek: In #BrokerMadness spirit, lets bring the fight to exchanges. What is your fav? Where do you send your business?

CBOE/BATS
NYSE/Arca/AMEX
NASDAQ/PHLX/ISE
Other: BOX,MIAX, etc

Listener question:

Question from JVao - Sell put + buy call = long delta exposure = cheaper than buying the underlying = maximizing skew = why does everyone not do this?

Around the Block: What's coming up this week?

Earnings!

Tuesday - Nike, FedEx
Thursday- GameStop

This week in the market:

Mar 22: Existing Home Sales
Mar 23: Jobless Claims, New Home Sales
Mar 24: Durable Goods

Trading Block: UPS and FedEx stocks fall as Amazon moves further into delivery space. CBOE Holdings plans listing of Roku (ROKU) options with an expected start date of October 6.

Odd Block: More TSLA “Catastrophe" puts. 8/28 - Ratio risk reversal in Dollar General (DG). 8/28 - Nickel put palooza in (PSTG). 8/17 - Call frenzy in (XLU).

Strategy Block: Tosaw discusses interest rates and a new fund through RCM.

Mail Block: Listeners have their say

Options question of the week: Everyone's got electric cars on the brain. How are you playing the shift to electric in your #Options trading? $TSLA $GM

Sell $TSLA Puts/Buy Calls
Sell $GM Puts/Buy Calls
Electric Cars Are A Fad!
Other - Reply/DM w/Choice

Listener qusetions and comments: What's on your mind?

Question from Yieldhawk - @Options is it true that MM's give each other signals tough pre specified order size?
Question from Nelly2 - Just so I’m clear on the spread assignment thing. If I’m in SPX then I just get cash if the index closes inside my spread. But if I’m in a stock then I get the stock?

Around the Block: What might happen to move the market?

Trading Block: A quick overview of our live show from last week. OCC cleared contract volume last month down 9% from September 2016.

Odd Block: A quick summary of the TSLA "catastrophe" puts. Size opening combo in General Motors Company (GM). Puts roll into collar in United States Natural Gas Fund (UNG). Size vertical roll in Caesars Entertainment Corp (CZR).

Mail Block: Listeners have their say

Options question of the week:

Everyone's got electric cars on the brain. How are you playing the shift to electric in your #Options trading?

Sell $TSLA Puts/Buy Calls
Sell $GM Puts/Buy Calls
Electric Cars Are A Fad!
Other, Reply/DM w/Choice

Listener Questions: What's on your mind?

Question from Salman Azhar - When are $ROKU stock options going to start trading?
Question from Intelligence Man - Where can I see existing active options contracts?

Around the Block: Las Vegas. Puerto Rico. Oil. VIX futures. Will we have five straight days of VIX below 10?

Featuring special guests Kevin "Lex" Luthringshausen, and Matt "Tubby" Benson.

Trading Block: What is the Pro Trader Summit? VIX is back in the single digits. Memories of trading floor days.

Mega Live Mail Block:

What's your favorite ETP?
Questions from the audience.
Question from Ryan Staddon - Any chance you could give me some information on how to or most effectively short ECB n feds QE programes or bond markets??
Question from ISU - Question for the option block: Let's say you're short naked a bunch of puts and the trade goes against you, and you don't have the money to pony up? What can your broker do?
Question from Matthew - Where do you source your Unusual Options Activity data from? We use TOS Option Hacker which is OK but you are getting the spreads in the Activities - would love to know how or where you get that level of data Many thanks, Matthew
Question from Tim - Why isn't it standard or maybe required to let people close out shorts for free below $.10?

Trading Block: VIX is back in the double digits hitting 11.21 today. VIX volume is exploding: Over 2.5M contracts traded so far. Will traders take a knee too? Return of the VIX whale?

Odd Block: Put palooza in the iShares MSCI Japan ETF (EWJ), Upside call vertical in United Parcel Service, Inc. (UPS).

Mail Block: Listener Questions and Comments

Comments regarding the possible Equifax insider trading:
Comment from Jedi Markus -Sounds easy enough for a jury to understand it then....#GUILTY
Comment from Sir Martin - Depends on which breach I guess? The one in March or the one which was discovered in July? Trying to say they definitely knew. If the first one was in March and they sold in August, they knew something was amiss.
Comment from Yell0wbuddha - What they did was so illegal...it makes Pablo Escobar look like an amateur $EFX.

Options question of the week: $VIX products come in many flavors. Pick your poison! What's your favorite way to trade $VIX?

$VXX
$UVXY
$XIV
$SVXY

More questions from listeners:

Question from Salman - Any recommendations on trading platform for mock trading? Options specifically
Comment from FContangotrader - Its easier to make $ with $VXX puts when VIX is low
Question from Molin - Why don't more options brokers offer trade recommendation engines like idea hub? I think a lot of people would like it and would trade more.

Around the Block: 2500. North Korea. Hurricanes. Presidential tweets.

Trading Block: VIX is back in the single digits, hitting 9.54 today. AAPL and the iPhone X. The Key Question on Equifax Options Trade Is Who Initiated the Order.

Odd Block: A funky fly/stupid in Finish Line Inc. (FINL). Put spread vs. calls in SPDR Euro Stoxx 50 ETF(FEZ). Size collar trade in Amicus Therapeutics, Inc. (FOLD).

Strategy Block: The listeners pick the strategy block: Uncle Mike discusses selling premium with a 9 VIX.

Mail Block: Listeners take control of the show

Comment from Salman Azhar - I've been selling out of money debit diagonals during earning, on both upside and downside. Essentially exploiting vega during volatility crush. I lose some money at times but the overall strategy has been great. Have I been lucky or does this make sense?
Comment from Jedi Marcus - Did the EFX executive know about the breach, but before they disclosed it to the public?

Around the Block: VIX futures have been consistently correct, VIX cash consistently wrong. What shoe will drop?

Trading Block: The S&P held 2500 today. Equifax gives away the keys to the kingdom. One exec even cashed in his options before the public disclosure. EFX options volume up is again today.

Odd Block: TSLA Options tracker is back. Size call vertical in Visa Inc. (V). Massive opening call print in T-Mobile US Inc. (TMUS).

Mail Block: Listeners have their say

Options question of the week: First #Harvey, then #Irma, now #Jose & more. We prep houses/cars/family for #disasters. How do you prep your portfolio?

Get Long $VIX/$VXX/$UVXY
Go To Cash/T-bills
Buy Index/Stock Puts
"Risk Assets" - Gold, etc.

ANOTHER options question of the week: $EFX exec. cashes out #Options worth $584k a month before disclosing massive breach. $EFX off near 35%. Well-timed, lucky or illegal?

He Got Very Lucky
He's a genius
He acted on inside info
Busy Freezing My Account

Listener Questions and comments:

Comment from Kathryn Corby: How do you guys know the put buyer is not selling near-the-money puts at the same time? That would be smart.
Question from Richard D - Dear Derivative Dignitaries, Its your long time listener "Richard D" again. I couldn't write over the last few weeks because I did not have a new appropriate salutation for you!

I have recently been looking at some Apple calendars. I'll see for example I can get near term Apple calendars near the strike using puts for about 5% less than calls.

For example, recently, with the equity price around $161 a long 162.5 Sept 22 / 29 call calendar would go for about $.62 while the puts about $.59. Aren't these supposed to be the same and since they are not can you arb this, especially if you do not have commission charges.

Thanks and I appreciate the wealth of knowledge AND laughs I get from your show. V/R, Richard

Question from SacMan12: What are the odds that SVXY gets back to 70?

Around the Block: Will we hold 2500? Is it a buying opportunity in SLV? Risk reversals in VIX?

Trading Block: Trading VIX iron condors. Crude up 10% over the last couple of weeks. New Apple iPhone rumored to cost $1,000.

Odd Block: Calls trade in Union Pacific Corp (UNP). calls trade in True Car Inc (TRUE), and puts trade in Amgen, Inc (AMGN).

Strategy Block: Uncle Mike Tosaw discusses rolling protective puts.

Question Block: Options question of the week.

First #Harvey, then #Irma, now #Jose & more. We prep houses/cars/family for #disasters. How do you prep your portfolio?

Get Long $VIX/$VXX/$UVXY
Go To Cash/T-bills
Buy Index/Stock Puts
"Risk Assets" - Gold, etc.

Around the Block: Watching Tesla, just because you can't help it. Who is calling the volatility shots?

Trading Block: Irma hits Florida, Jose next? Kiplingers releases its list of top online brokers:

Ally

Vanguard

TD Ameritrade

E-Trade

Charles Schwab

(Tie) Fidelity & Merrill Edge

Odd Block: Massive call vertical in PowerShares DB US Dollar Index (UUP), size roll in Guggenheim CurrencyShares Euro Trust (FXE) and calls trade in Array Biopharma Inc. (ARRY).

Mail Block: Options questions of the week:

As Q4 looms, where are you placing your bullish #Volatility bets? Which has most #Upside by end of 2017? $VIX $AMZN #WTI $GVZ

Gold Volatility
Crude Oil Volatility
S&P 500 Volatility - VIX
Single Names - $AMZN, etc

First #Harvey, then #Irma, now #Jose & more. We prep houses/cars/family for #disasters. How do you prep your portfolio?

Get Long $VIX/$VXX/$UVXY
Go To Cash/T-bills
Buy Index/Stock Puts
"Risk Assets" - Gold, etc.

Listener Questions and Comments:

Question from TT - What does it mean when an options trade is listed as SPIM?
Question from Mubs - What must I analyze before buying an #option

Around the Block: Irma watch. Will volatility continue to move? The Jose wildcard.

Joining the all-star panel is guest co-host Greg Stevens, VP of Product Development of Options at Fidelity Investments.

Trading Block: Hurricane Irma puts Florida in it's crosshairs. The numbers are in: August was surprisingly strong. Earnings season is in the rearview mirror now.

Odd Block: TSLA options tracker. Upside call love in Himax Technologies, Inc. (HIMX), massive put block in iShares MSCI Japan ETF (EWJ), and call frenzy from 8/17 in Utilities SPDR (XLU).

Mail Block: Options question of the week

As Q4 looms, where are you placing your bullish #Volatility bets? Which has most #Upside by end of 2017? $VIX $AMZN #WTI $GVZ

Gold Volatility
Crude Oil Volatility
S&P 500 Volatility - VIX
Single Names - $AMZN, etc.

Listener Questions and comments: What's on your mind?

Question from Ejh4isu - Question for the option block: What happens to puts I'm holding if the company files bankruptcy or becomes insolvent? Am I just out of luck?
Comment from Notyourcountry - What's the probability that Netflix $NFLX won't file for Chapter 11?
Question from CLT - Heard a rumor that minis were making a comeback. Any truth to it?

Around the Block: Hurricane cannon pointed at the southeast. NFL season kicks off tonight. Tension between China and North Korea.

Trading Block: A thin day in the market. Lululemon (LULU) after the bell: ATM straddle - $6.75, approx. 12%. Will invisible yoga pants strike again?

Odd Block: A review of past paper:

Paper buying strangles in Tesla Motors (TSLA) on Aug 3rd.
Call love in Extended Stay America (STAY) on Aug 7th.

Strategy Block: Uncle Mike Tosaw discusses call spread trades

Mail Block/Options Question of the Week:

Let's get cheap! If you had to buy "lottery ticket" December calls for $.05 in one name - which would you choose? #HomeRun

AMZN
AAPL
Tesla
VIX

Listener Questions: What is on your mind?

Question from Bobster - Can you trade options outside of US trading hours?
Question from Nanfran - What do you think would be a good option to buy right now heading into the end of summer?

Around the Block: One last look at Lululemon (LULU)

Trading Block: A quiet day in the market.

Odd Block: Ratio put spread in Expedia Inc. (EXPE), ratio risk reversal in Dollar General Corp. (DG), and put-palooza in Pure Storage Inc. (PSTG).

Mail Block: Options Question of the Week

Look at #MayweatherMcGregor as #Options traders. @TheNotoriousMMA calls cost $1, pay $3. #Floyd calls cost $4, pay $1. Your trade?

30% - Buy #Connor Calls?
32% - Buy #Floyd Calls?
16% - I'd rather sell premium
22 - Whoever Wins We Love

Listener questions:

Question from Allan8 - Did Mark cash any calls on Floyd?
Question from LAXX - Is it me or do the Vegas odds makers do a very similar job to options market makers?

Another Options Question of the Week:

Let's get cheap! If you had to buy "lottery ticket" December calls for $.05 in one name - which would you choose? #HomeRun

AMZN
AAPL
Tesla
VIX

MORE listener questions:

Comment from The_Quantum_Revloution - Which options are trading at $0.05 though that's the question?
Comment from Randy Wright - AAPL, and I just might join you.
Question from NTT - Can you clarify the question from last show. Was that SPX put-call spread guy asking about selling OTM calls vs. OTM puts or same strike?
Comment from Dennis Lyrintzis - Wow over 15,000 Jan 55 calls bought for AAL. Thanks for the Alert.
Question from ReallyG‏ - Love your #podcasts! Question: market profile displays limit orders. Is there a service that displays stop orders? Just wondering
Question from KBX32: What is the cheapest way to hedge my portfolio w options?

Around the Block: Upcoming Earnings LULU (8/31)

Trading Block: Amazon announces price cuts at Whole Foods, Hurricane Harvey bears down on oil central. Earnings are still happening! GameStop (GME) after the bell - ATM straddle $2, approx. 9%.

Odd Block: Rolling calls in Genworth Financial Inc. (GNW), rolling calls in SPDR S&P Metals and Mining (XME) and weird rolls in L Brand Inc. (LB).

Strategy Block: Uncle Mike Tosaw discusses strike price selection for a covered call.

Mail Block: Options Question of the Week

Look at #MayweatherMcGregor as #Options traders. @TheNotoriousMMA calls cost $1, pay $3. #Floyd calls cost $4, pay $1. Your trade?

Buy #Connor Calls?
Buy #Floyd Calls?
I'd rather sell premium
Whoever Wins We Lose

Listener questions: What's on your mind?

Question from Salman Azhar: To sell wkly $SPX opts against a long $SPX quarterly opt. Are call or put diagonals better for bears. Math is same but practice?

Around the Block: ULTA pared off the earlier selloff. GME off almost 8%. What's happening in Jackson Hole? AMZN + WFM closes on Monday. GoFundMe to buy Twitter.

Trading Block: The eclipse hits the U.S. market. Steve Bannon gone from the White House. Elon Musk urges the UN against the use of AI in warfare.

Odd Block: 105 More $TSLA Jan 2019 50 "Catastrophe" puts hit the tape today. Put spreads trade in Starbucks Corporation (SBUX). Size put spreads in Utilities SPDR ETF (XLU).

Mail Block: Poll review

Question of theWeek: Taking a break from #FireandFury & $VIX to talk #Earnings. Which #Options are you looking forward to trading this week?

18% - CSCO
57% - BABA
18% - HD
7% - WMT

FlashPoll: Which major index has experienced the largest % change in 30-day ATM #Volatility year-to-date?

15% - S&P 500
38% - Nasdaq 100
8% - Dow
39% - Russell 2000

Listener Questions: What is on the minds of our listeners?

Question from For Profits: What do you mean by TSLA catastrphe puts?
Question from Privateer - Hi guys, love the show. I have recently been learning about an exciting strategy called writing call options with CFDs. The claim by the teacher is that CFDs can leverage the return on premium selling by ten times, and reduce your break even significantly. I am very invested in how this could apply in selling both legs i.e covered strangles or straddles. Can you discuss the downsides, upsides and hedging strategies used in this scenario, and how to mitigate risk especially on the put leg? Sirs yes sir!
Question from LJC6V - Is gold looking good for a collar here? Maybe 2-3 months out?
Question from Tanzier - Who is left in broker world that has not been bought up? Any recs?
Question from Vic - What is Tosaw up to in AAPL now?
Question from Farimax - What options strategies do you use the most?

Around the Block: What is lurking in the misty ether of the future?

Trading Block: WMT and BABA earnings today before the bell. Donald Trump sympathizes with Confederate statues. A look at George Soros options positions.

Odd Block: More TSLA Jan 2019 50 "Catastrophe" puts hit the tape today. Call frenzy in Utilities SPDR ETF (XLU). Funky puts trade in Prospect Capital Corporation (PSEC). Rolling puts in WisdomTree India Earnings Fund (EPI).

Strategy Block: Uncle Mike Tosaw discusses his recent SPY diagonal spreads.

Mail Block/Options Question of the Week:

Taking a break from #FireandFury & $VIX to talk #Earnings. Which #Options are you looking forward to trading this week?

CSCO
BABA
HD
WMT

Listener questions:

Question from Amir - Hi have Apple on a strangle put 155 and call 162.50 until the end of this week. With all the good news I thought it would pop over the 162.50 but now it is at 160.84. Do you think it will go back up or am dead in the water?

Around the Block: VIX and its aftershocks. Feigned rotational love. Watch interest rates.

Trading Block featuring Matt "Tubby" Benson.

VIX back in the 12 handle - is Fire and Fury over?
Sept future down from 15.20 to 13.20
FIZZ and the Cook County soda tax

Odd Block: Puts trade in Urban Outfitters Inc. (URBN), risk reversal in Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co (HPE), calls trade in Teradyne Inc. (TER).

Mail Block/Question of the Week:

Taking a break from #FireandFury & $VIX to talk #Earnings. Which #Options are you looking forward to trading this week?

CSCO
BABA
HD
WMT

Volatility Flash Poll:

$VIX Hit 16.17 Thursday. Is this the end of low #Volatility? Or a temporary blip? Which level will $VIX hit first?

51% - Serious Vol >20
28% - Sindle Digits <10
21% - Heck with it - I'm in Cash

Last Week's Question of the Week:

Which #Options Exchange or group has carved out the largest piece of the #Options market so far in 2017?

72% - CBOE/BATS
17% - NASDAQ
3% - NYSE
8% - MIAX & BOX

Listener Questions:

Question from Richard D - Often on segments like the odd block or similar segments on your other shows you talk about someone going bullish or bearish on certain contracts. For example lets take the Tesla way OTM puts you have mentioned. You talk about someone wanting to be long those catastrophic Tesla puts, but for each trade there is some party taking the other side. Since there is always another party in these trades why isn't it the inverse analysis - in this case for example that someone really wants to sell way OTM TSLA puts? Thanks!
Question from JDiggs - Is the convention for quoting spreads ITM strike then OTM strike? What about time spreads?

Around the Block: Earnings! Investigating Trump. North Korea. China.

Trading Block: VIX getting some life again thanks to "fire and fury."

Earnings after the bell:

NVDA - ATM straddle: $15, approx. 9%
SNAP - ATM straddle: $2.25, approx.16.5%

Odd Block: Put spreads trade in iShares MCSI South Korea Index (EWY) , put rolls in SPDR Retail ETF (XRT) and puts sell and call in Urban Outfitters (URBN).

Strategy Block: Uncle Mike Tosaw discusses what happens when low volatility gets higher in the course of just one day.

Mail Block/Flash Poll:

BOX Options is opening a new trading floor. Do we need another floor to compete with Philly, NYSE, CBOE and all the rest?

Yes, for complex orders
No, there are too many exchanges
N/A, I only trade electronically
I am dusting off my trading jacket

Around the Block: What's coming up?

Earnings this week:

Thursday - Macys, Kohl's, Nordstrom, Blue Apron, Snap Inc., Coca-Cola, Nvidia
Friday -JCPenney

Big numbers:

Aug 11: Consumer Price Index

Get in the Middle of the Trading Action at the Professional Traders Summit

Trading Block: Investors Have Never Been More Short Volatility Futures

Odd Block: An update on the Tesla "Catastrophe Puts," call frenzy in Procter & Gamble Co (PG), size bullish combo/conversion/reversal in iShares IBoxx $ Invest Grade Corp. (LQD), and calls trade in Extended Stay America Inc (STAY).

Mail Block: More Tesla commentary

From Michael Smith - This is an obscene about of OI that far out of the money.
From Bart S. - Are those Puts bought or sold?
From Gary Paster - A very interesting Collar which I will watch until expiration - Re: TSLA MAR 250/470 strangle that paper bought 400 times last week.

Flash Poll: What do you think of the planned launch of cash-settled #Bitcoin futures later this year?

34% - I Can't Wait!
17% - I'm Not Interested!
41% - I'm Somewhat Curious
8% - I'm Waiting for Ethereum

Question from Upward Momentum: Is that a good thing you think?

#QuestionOfTheWeek: Which #Options Exchange or group has carved out the largest piece of the #Options market so far in 2017?

72% - CBOE/BATS
17% - NASDAQ
3% - NYSE
8% - MIAX & BOX

Comment from FContangotrader: Urban Dictionary: Scaramucci Maybe 2-week options should be called Scaramuccis?

Comment from Tim A. - For the guy who wrote in about trading with free commissions. What about a box?

Around the Block: Earnings!

Monday - Marriott
Tuesday - The Walt Disney Company, Valeant Pharmaceuticals
Wednesday - The Childre’s Place, Mylan, Live Nation, Office Depot
Thursday - Macys, Kohls, Nordstrom, Blue Apron, Snap Inc., Coca-Cola, Nvidia
Friday - JCPenney

Also this week:

Aug 8: JOLTS
Aug 9: Productivity and Costs
Aug 10: Jobless Claims, PPI, Treasury Budget
Aug 11: Consumer Price Index

Trading Block: Apple earnings after the bell on Tuesday. ATM straddle $6, approx. 4%

Options Earnings Poll - $AAPL earnings on Tuesday. The market is pricing a 4% move - approx. $6. Do you think $AAPL can do it?

32% - $6 is Cheap, Buy Straddle
25% - $6 is Rich, Sell Straddle
30% - $6 Seems Fair
13% - Can't Stand $AAPL

Tesla earnings on Wed - $322.87. ATM straddle - $22.50, approx. 7%

Odd Block: Puts trade in Flotek Industries Inc (FTK), calls trade in Mitek Systems, Inc. (MITK), risk reversal in InterActiveCorp (IAC).

Strategy Block: Uncle Mike Tosaw discusses recent trades within his SPY portfolio.

Around the Block: What's coming up this week?

Earnings: Aug. 4: CBOE
Aug 4: Unemployment, International Trade

Trading Block: AAPL earnings after the bell on Tuesday. ATM straddle $6, or approximately 4%.

Options Earnings Poll: $AAPL earnings on Tuesday. The market is pricing a 4% move, which is approximately $6. Do you think $AAPL can do it?

$6 is Cheap- Buy Straddle
$6 is Rich- Sell Straddle
$6 Seems Fair
Can't Stand $AAPL

Odd Block: Puts trade in Altria Group Inc (MO), puts trade in Pantheon NV (PTHN)

Mail Block: Listener Questions and Comments

Comment from Shawn St.Peter - I think someone would buy those puts like a life insurance policy if for any reason something happened to Elon Musk, Tesla could drop like a stone. Elon is the reason they are successful and without him I'm not sure they could make it!
Comment from Brian Collamer - I see 950 of the JAN19 50 puts go up @ $1.10 marked "spread". Market was 1.03x1.25. OI 28783 - FROM JULY 26
Question from Matthew Therrien: I would be interested to see the guys discuss this strategy.
Question from Richard D: Mark and the Option Crusaders (last time I called you Option Luminaries so I'm going to keep inventing new titles until one sticks!), I'm on a roll and got my questioned answered Tuesday, and I figured I'd try my luck with two more. I also included a 3rd less serious question!

Often on segments like the odd block or similar segments on your other shows you talk about someone going bullish or bearish on certain contracts. For example let's take the Tesla way OTM puts you have mentioned. You talk about someone wanting to be long those catastrophic Tesla puts, but for each trade there is some party taking the other side. Since there is always another party in these trades why isn't it the inverse analysis - in this case for example that someone really wants to sell way OTM TSLA puts? Thanks!

Around the Block:

Earning this week:

Tuesday - Apple, Lumber Liquidators, Herbalife
Wednesday - Tesla, Groupon, Fitbit
Thursday - Weight Watchers
Friday - CBOE

This week in the market:

Aug 1: Personal Income, Construction Spending
Aug 3: Jobless Claims, Factory Orders
Aug 4: Unemployment, International Trade

Trading Block: Amazon rallies 2%. Bezos surpassed Gates ever-so briefly as richest man in the world. Then there was a selloff.

Earnings Flash Poll - $AMZN is up next. ATM Straddle approx. $50 - aka 4.5%. Does a $50 earnings move seem reasonable or crazy to you?

39% - I'll buy that for $50
22% - I'll sell that for $50
28% - Seems Fair to Me
11% - I'm waiting for $AAPL

Odd Block: Call rolls in Dynavax Technologies Corporation (DVAX) and calls trade in JetBlue Airways Corporation (JBLU).

Strategy Block: Uncle Mike Tosaw gives us an update on the silver collar trade and discusses FAZ

Mail Block: Listner questions and comments

Tons of people giving us crap for not knowing the handle of our listener from the last show.

Comment from John King - Dude, Louis Wintrhope III. You must be overdue for a live cast Trading Places party - on a trading floor, of course.
Question from USA Patriot - What is ADV? the cheapest way to hedge my portfolio w options?

Around the Block/This Week in the Market:

Jul 28: GDP, Consumer Sentiment
Jul 28: ExxonMobil, AA

Trading Block: Earnings!

Monday - Alphabet earnings after close today

Earnings Flash Poll - $GOOGL is on deck. With $GOOGL around $993 the ATM Straddle is pricing in a 4% move. Are you a buyer or a seller?

Buy it - 4% is cheap
Sell it: 4% is expensive
4% is just right
I'm holding out for $AMZN

More earnings!

Tuesday - GM, McD, AT&T, Chipolte, AMD
Wednesday - FB, Coca-Cola, Boeing
Thursday - Amazon, Intel, UPS, Southwest
Friday - ExxonMobil, AA

Odd Block: Puts trade in Sirius XM Holdings Inc. (SIRI) and size ratio vertical in Scientific Games Corp. (SGMS).

Mail Block: Listener questions and comments

Question from Alberto - How does this earnings straddle thing work again? What does that tell me?
Question from Richard - Dear Option Luminaries, It has been a while years since I have written in (the last time I wrote in Alex was still one of the hosts)! Are there any trades that if you did not have a to pay brokerage fees would be excellent types of trades? I recently have been given the opportunity to trade options and equities for a near zero trading costs for about a year. I had in the past found some multi-leg spreads or underlyings with a really low prices unworkable because the trading costs made the potential gains or expected value too low. Thank you for your time and for the great shows you consistently point out! Uncle Mike after that 12 days of Christmas options parody from 2015 I think you should be given a "license to inflict umbrage" for at least a decade!
Question from Louis Winthrope III - What are best options trades for the upcoming earning release for Twitter?

Around the Block/This Week in the Market

Jul 25: Consumer Confidence
Jul 26: New Home Sales, FOMC Meeting
Jul 27: Jobless Claims, Durable Goods
Jul 28: GDP, Consumer Sentiment

Trading Block: Earnings after the bell today:

Ebay - $37.19
Microsoft - $73.81

Earnings season is back! $MSFT & $EBAY are up next. $MSFT ATM Straddle = 3.5%. $EBAY ATM Straddle = 7% Which trade would you make?

Buy $MSFT Straddle 3.5%
Buy $EBAY Straddle 7%
Sell $MSFT Straddle 3.5%
Sell $EBAY Straddle 7%

NFLX Closed $161.70 on 7/17, traded as high as $185 (up $23) the next day.

Odd Block: Put trade in Home Depot Inc (HD) and puts roll in Spider S&P Biotech (XBI).

Strategy Block: Uncle Mike Tosaw discusses call rolls

Mail Block: Listnener questions and comments

Comment from Roger Barone: Please advocate for ALL AMERICANS to be able to trade foreign equity or index options! Trying to get the SEC or Financial Services Committee to do the right thing is like talking to a wall. They are both controlled by the big banks and QIBs whose monopoly they protect. Insane archaic policy pushing Americans - and their money - offshore. Info: optionproject.wordpress.com/reform. I'm gonna try to change from the inside if all else fails: barone4congress2018.com.

Around the Block/This Week in the Market:

July 20: Jobless Claims

Trading Block: NFLX earnings after the bell. Netflix trading around $161.19.

Options Flash Poll: Earnings season is back! $NFLX ($161.19) is currently pricing in a $13 ATM straddle (approx. 8%). What's your take?

$13 is WAY too Cheap
$13 is WAY too expensive
$13 is JUST RIGHT
I'm sitting this one out

Amazon taking on Blue Apron - filing a trademark for a competing meal-kit service

Odd Block: Puts trade in (CHRW), puts roll in Harley-Davidson (HOG), size call diagonal in STZ.

Mail Block: Listener questions and comments

Question from FContangotrader: How about collaring a stock and seeing whats shakes out instead?
Question from Fund Concept: Interesting piece on the 3D printing market. Do you think M&A is expected to rise in this area? 3D Printing Market by Offering, Process, Application, Vertical, and Geography. Global Forecast to 2023.

Around the Block/This Week in the Market:

July 18: Import and Export Prices, Treasury International Capital
July 19: Housing Starts
July 20: Jobless Claims

Trading Block: Amazon Prime Day today. Lots of closing VIX puts. Waiting on what Yellen may say.

Odd Block: TSLA options tracker - 145 "catastrophe" puts hit the tape today, 20 more Jan 2018 20 puts also trade today. APRN first week review - paper buys 1080 Aug 9 calls for $0.40. Crazy tree or put spread in iShares MCSI Taiwan Index (EWT).

Strategy Block: A double strategy today! A put roll down trade in silver and a modified collar trade in XLF.

Mail Block: Options question of the week.

$APRN #options are live! Aug 8 calls top the charts so far. With $APRN at $8.15 Aug 8 calls are $.65-$.75. Would you rather?

28% - Buy Aug 8 Call for $.75
33% - Sell Aug 8 Call for $.65
6% - Buy $APRN Stock for $8.15
33% - Rather Eat $APRN's Food

Listener Question from Darqane: Assigned on short SPX puts means getting long the underlying? But how does that work if it is cash settled?

Around the Block:

This Week in the Market:

Jul 14: Consumer Price Index, Industrial Production, Consumer Sentiment

Earnings This Week:

Friday - Wells Fargo, Citi, and JP Morgan

Trading Block: Blue Apron options to list on CBOE exchanges on Monday."Amazon Prime Day" is today. A plan for new trading pit triggers a feud in the U.S. options market.

Odd Block: TSLA Options Tracker - 51 more "catastrophe" puts hit the tape today. Puts roll in L Brands Inc. (LB) Puts trade in Gap Inc. (GPS)

Mail Block: Listeners weigh in

Options question of the week: Blue Apron $APRN is down over 10% from its #IPO price. Assuming #Options were listed, what trade would you make?

Buy Dec 10 Call for $1
Buy Dec 9 Put for $1
Sell Dec 10 Call for $1
Not Touching $APRN

Listener questions and comments:

Question from Tomlyn - What the heck does StoppedIM mean? - From IB Website: SPIM Transaction was the execution of an order which was "stopped" at a price that did not constitute a Trade-Through on another market at the time of the stop. Process like a normal transaction except don't update "last".
Comment from PBiggers - Costco Could not get filled to close, then this happens! Need a bounce next week.
Question from Alfieg - Interesting artice in Barrons. Any truth to it? How to Tame Volatility? Nix VIX and Buy CBOE.

Around the Block:

This Week in the Market

Jul 11: JOLTS
Jul 12: Beige Book, OPEC monthly crude oil report.
Jul 13: Jobless Claims, Treasury Budget
Jul 14: Consumer Price Index, Industrial Production, Consumer Sentiment

Earnings This Week:

Thursday - Delta Airlines
Friday - Wells Fargo, Citi, and JP Morgan

Trading Block: VIX ends near the top of the range. It was up to 13.05 at its highest. Tesla down 7.2% yesterday, due to concerns of slowing Model S and Model X sales. The numbers are out: OCC announced today that cleared contract volume in June reached 387,597,223 contracts, a 2% increase from the June 2016.

Odd Block: TSLA Jan 2019 50 puts and Jan 2018 20 puts continue to trade. Back and forth trading in Tesla Motors (TSLA). Puts trade in LG Display Company LTD. (LPL)

Strategy Block: Uncle Mike Tosaw discusses the recent silver environment.

Mail Block: Options question of the week

Blue Apron $APRN is down over 10% from its #IPO price. Assuming #Options were listed, what trade would you make?

Buy Dec 10 Call for $1
Buy Dec 9 Put for $1
Sell Dec 10 Call for $1
Not Touching $APRN

Listener Questions: What's on your mind?

Question from Sal06 - @Options you think AAPL $147 call for June 30th is a good idea?
Question from Nelly2 - Just so I am clear on the spread assignment thing. If I am in SPX, then I just get cash if the index closes inside my spread. But if I am in a stock, then I get the stock?

Around the Block: WTH is happening in North Korea? VIX responds in kind. S&P 2400. Non-farm payrolls. Google fine.

Originally posted on February 19, 2016

Trading Block: Welcome to our 500th episode. Today's special panel includes: Mark Sebastian, Mike Tosaw, Andrew Giovanazzi, and our most beloved former panelist Alex "The Viceroy" Jacobson. They discuss:

How many exchanges are too many exchanges?
Options Insider question of the week
The SEC
Citadel
Transaction fees
Talking free of compliance issues
And so much more...

Odd Block: Rolling calls in Coca-Cola Company (KO), calendar spreads trade in Time Warner Cable (TWX), and put sellingHess (HES)

Mail Block: Listener questions and comments

Question from TennisGr8: I've been hearing a lot lately about gamma scalping. How does it work, and who should use it? Is this second-order greek becoming the new options darling?

Around the Block: Are the bulls back in force? Always be prepared for a downturn.

It's all strategy in this abridged episode of the Option Block. Today, uncle Mike discusses what you an do when you're not connected to your computer, including:

Take your mobile device with you
Have the phone number for the trading desk
Contingent orders and alerts
Why not to have a limit order on a contingency
Setting alerts

Trading Block: Wall St. boosted by tech stocks, rebound in oil prices; Bitcoin Tumbles to Lowest Level in More Than a Week

Odd Block: Put buying in Darden Restaurants (DRI), put spreads trading in iShares MSCI Taiwan Index (EWT) and puts trading in Iridium Communications (IRDM)

Mail Block: Options Question of the Week 1

Everyone is talking about #Bitcoin #Volatility these days. Where do you stand on #Bitcoin after last weeks aggressive downturn?

Too Volatile, I am out
I am still bullish
I want #Bitcoin #Options
I am sick of #Bitcoin

Options Question of the Week 2

Let's get back to basics. #Options are great way to get long (bullish) exposure to stocks & futures. What's your fav way to go long?

Long Call/Call Spread
Short Put/Put Spread
Stock(Future) Replacement
Bullish Risk Reversal

Listener Questions and Comments

Comment from FContangotrader - I cant wait to start trading options on bitcoin.
Comment from Mrs Wartsoff - Paper trading does not count!!!!
Question from Jeli - Can I buy longer term options than LEAPs?
Question from Andrew Freeman: I know mike is out of AAPL but if he had to make an options trade out there now what would it be? Theres no bid on the 70 puts and they only list December puts down to 80 where they are bid for nine cents.

Around the Block/This Week in the Market

Jun 27: Consumer Confidence
Jun 28: International Trade
Jun 29: Jobless Claims, GDP
Jun 30: Personal Income, Consumer Sentiment

Trading Block: Taking the weekend out of the market. Biotech and the effect of the AHCA bill. Crude and the energy section taking it on the chin.

Odd Block: Puts trade in Plains All American Pipeline, L.P. (PAA) call spreads trade in Praxair, Inc. (PX).

Strategy Block: Mike discusses trading size and closing positions.

Mail Block: Listener Questions and Comments

Question from Frank C. - Can you do a review of second order Greeks and when to use them? Thanks.
Question from ZX45 - Is now actually a good time to become a market maker? I read in Barons that there are not many of them left, so there is not much competition. And how did Mike get in it if he was not a trader?

Around the Block: Bargain shopping for a sub-10 VIX close.

Trading Block: Green screens. Did we turn a corner? Channeling Don S. Do we have a lack of shellac? AMZN needs WFM to grow? Everyone wants to be everything. Mike's disclosure moment.

Odd Block: Puts trade in Marriott Vacation Club (VAC), puts roll in Alerian MLP (AMLP) and put buying in Pattern Energy Group (PEGI).

Mail Block: Options question of the week

Everyone is talking about #Bitcoin #Volatility these days. Where do you stand on #Bitcoin after last week's aggressive downturn?

Too Volatile - I'm out
I'm still bullish
I want #Bitcoin #Options
I'm sick of #Bitcoin

Listener Questions:

Comment from Production One: SPX and VIX are far more fun
Question from Ejh4isu: What qualifications do I need to work in the industry as a professional, i.e. as a trader? Is that a career path I'd even want to consider?

Around the Block: Watching tech. 2500 on the S&P, 8 on the VIX?

Trading Block: The Federal Reserve announced a quarter-point rate hike Wednesday as expected. The market keeps shrugging off news about Trump. The news deluge, with its quasi facts, is making people numb.

Odd Block: Puts trade in Tesla Motors (TSLA), puts roll in Yamana Gold Inc (AUY) and puts trade in Accelerate Diagnostics, Inc. (AXDX).

Strategy Block: Uncle Mike Tosaw discusses closing out long SPY call spreads

Mail Block: VIX Limbo

Last Month 40+% of you said $VIX wouldn't break 9 in 2017. But recent events have us asking again: How low will $VIX get in 2017?

Still Won't Break 9
Won't Break 8.5
Won't Break 8.0
Lookout! 7 Handle in '17

Listener Questions and Comments:

Question from Sal06 - Hello, Just wondering if you could help me I have a $100 call strike for Shopify at a average of 5.88 I bought a week ago. Do you think I have a chance for it to recover?
Question from NanFran - Tomorrow is a triple witching hour. What does that mean for options?

Around the Block/This Week in the Market:

Jun 16: Housing Starts, Consumer Sentiment

Trading Block: What is up with VIX today? NASDAQ sells off, S&P not so much, VIX pops. How low should VIX go? Are you in the Goldman camp or the Barclay's camp? Gaming segment hot today. Big news out of the E3 show.

MSFT: $69.71 - .8%. Company too big to move much on gaming news.
Sony (SNE): Unchanged. Slight adv pop - about 2.5X
EA: $108.90 - off over 1%
TTWO: $73.83 - Off 2%
ATVI: $56.76, off 2.2%

Odd Block: Puts trade in Technology Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLK), calls trade in United Parcel Service, Inc. (UPS) and calls trade in SBA Communications Corp (SBA).

Mail Block: VIX Limbo!

VIXLIMBO: Last Month 40+% of you said $VIX wouldn't break 9 in 2017. But recent events have us asking again: How low will $VIX get in 2017?

Still Won't Break 9
Won't Break 8.5
Won't Break 8.0
Lookout! 7 Handle in '17

Listener questions: What's on your mind?

Question from Sal06 - Hello, Just wondering if you could help me I have a $100 call strike for Shopify at a average of 5.88 I bought a week ago. Do you think I have a chance for it to recover?
Comment from Lillith - I agree that the options market would benefit from more American options since the assignment process is confusing and risky.

Around the Block/This Week in the Market:

Jun 13: PPI
Jun 14: CPI, FOMC Meeting
Jun 15: Jobless Claims, Import and Export Prices
Jun 16: Housing Starts, Consumer Sentiment

Trading Block: Comey talks before the Senate - the markets shrug. VIX still in double digits, barely. Silver and Alibaba.

Odd Block: Puts trade in Tesla Inc. (TSLA), calls trade in CIT Group Inc. (CIT).

Strategy Block: Mike discusses the importance of having different strategies for different underlying, in similar scenarios.

Mail Block/Options Question of the Week:

Weird Fact: #1 $TSLA position= 26,760 Jan 2019 50 P. Weird Fact #2: 10k OI added in last 2 months (200 today). Why buy these puts?

Extreme Catastrophe Hedge
Newsletter Recommendation
Model S Extended Warranty
Only an idiot buys these

Comments on the QOTW:

Comment from BeardfistMcfist - Tesla bond holders
Comment from Gabe Rich - That's Elon Musk buying? Insider buying?
Comment from WallStChef - Because the company will be out of business in 2018?
Comment from Option Drone - Agree, although other alternatives seem even more head scratching

State of the Union:

Comment from John King - #Fired #FBI director completes televised #Testimony negative for sitting #president & #VIX DOWN .41 to 9.98. Just plain crazy. @Options #USA

Listener Question:

Question from Butcher Boys: What options trading strategy would you say is best suited to people with absolutely zero knowledge of options?

Around the Block: Comey swing and miss. British elections. Will we make a new all-time high? Fed news conference next Wednesday.

Trading Block: VIX at 960! The VIX is back to flirting with its lowest levels ever. Keep an eye on APPL. The World Wide Developer Conference begins this week. The year-to-date performance of Apple, Amazon, Netflix and FB is +34% right now.

Odd Block: Calls trade in Cenovus Energy Inc. (CVE), puts and calls trade in Dynavax Technologies Corp. (DVAX) and calls trade in MSCI Hong Kong Index (EWH) , update from 4/3/17.

Mail Block: Options Question of the Week

Weird Fact: #1 $TSLA position= 26,760 Jan 2019 50 P. Fact 2: 10k OI added in last 2 months (200 today). Why buy these puts?

Extreme Catastrophe Hedge
Newsletter Recommendation
Model S Extended Warranty
Only an idiot buys these

Listener questions and comments: What do you want to know?

Comment from Fed Zeppelin - Shorts are learning there's a better option than getting squeezed via equity…
Comment from Option Drone‏ - Short CDS or an OTC put in the name.
Question from Adam Linlan - Whats up OB? Thinking about getting a model S. It is not a small purchase (about 85k) so I am a little concerned about the future of Tesla motors. Will it be around to service my pricey vehicle in 3-5 years. So I thought I should purchase some insurance. The longest listed puts are Jan 19. I do not want to pay through the nose so I am thinking about picking up the Jan 100 puts for about $4. By my math if TSLA goes bankrupt I will be sitting on a cool 96k, more than the cost of my car. If it does not happen then I will probably roll about six months out so it will cost me a little more but all in all I do not foresee spending more than $1000 during the life of the car. Am I crazy for thinking about doing this?
Question from Parallelism - What site are you using paper on? I would like to learn options using paper.
Question from GiddyFranciscan - Sell in May and go away. What option strategy benefits from the profound market malaise that occurs over the summer?

Around the Block/This Week in the Market:

Jun 5: Productivity and Costs, Factory Orders
Jun 6: JOLTS
Jun 8: Jobless Claims

Trading Block: Today we welcome guest co-host Matt Amberson from ORATS. AMZN finally hits $1000. Who is next? Google? Do we need to bring back mini options with all of these high-priced stocks? The crude rally continues.

Odd Block: TSLA Options Tracker: Guess what the number one position in Tesla is right now? Calls trade in Taubman Centers (TCO).

Strategy Block: Mike discusses his SPY diagonal spread trade put on last week.

Mail Block/Options Question of the Week:

AMZN just hit $1000. Will GOOGL do it next? The GOOGL $1000 call expiring Friday = $4, $1000 Put = $8. How would you trade?

Sell $1000 Call for $4
Buy $1000 Call for $4
Sell $1000 Straddle: $12
Sell $1000 Put for $8

Listener Question: What's on your mind?

Question from GuruHawk -How do you know the shares were purchased as well? I see the volume on the option... But to know workings of intent?

Around the Block: What is going on in the June 16 SPY contract? Market reaction to the decision to pull out of the Paris Climate Agreement. Non-farm payrolls. How low can VIX go? What else will hit the $1000 mark?

Trading Block: A Retail Resurgence: Best Buy (BBY) - close $50.42, ATM straddle $4, approx. 8%. Earnings: Amazon, ULTA, Costco, GameStop.

Odd Block: Call spread buying in Southwestern Energy Corporation (SWN), calls buying in Macerish Co (MAC), puts and stock buying in Omega Healthcare Investors (OHI)

Strategy Block: Mike discusses what you can do to sell premium in this market environment.

Mail Block: Options Question Of The Week:

$VIX =11.20. $VIX June Future = 12.40 $VIX Weekly 11 puts = $.15, Weekly 13 Calls = $.15. What's your trade?

Buy 13 Call for $.15
Buy 11 Put for $.15
Sell 13 Call for $.15
Sell 11 Put for $.15

Listener Comment:

Comment from Production One - VR would excite the young to trade options! Not old fat guys for sure! MarketWatch: Who trades options the most? Millennial investors Industry should be OK going forward.

Around the Block/This Week in the Market:

A shortened week due to Memorial Day

Trading Block: Earnings highlights include Lowes (Wednesday), Best Buy, Costco, TD Ameritrade, GameStop (Thursday).

Odd Block: Calls trade in Pandora Media Inc. (P), calls trade in Energy Transfer Equity LP (ETE) and calls trade in MGM Resorts Int. (MGM).

Mail Block: Questions. Comments. More

Options Question Of The Week: $VIX =11.20. $VIX June Future = 12.40 $VIX Weekly 11 puts = $.15, Weekly 13 Calls = $.15. What's your trade?

Buy 13 Call for $.15
Buy 11 Put for $.15
Sell 13 Call for $.15
Sell 11 Put for $.15

Listener Questions:

Question from Game Daydog - Whoo Hooo !! I made the boot camp show!!! He's right.. I did take a bruise, but my position was good. The stock gapped thru my position. Is there an option strategy that offers the most gap-thru protection?
Question from Jlers -Best broker for Iron Condors?

Around the Block/This Week in the Market:

May 23: New Home Sales
May 24: Existing Home Sales, FOMC Minutes
May 25: Jobless Claims, International Trade
May 26: Durable Goods, GDP, Consumer Sentiment

Trading Block: Still in earnings season. Yesterday: Target, Cisco. Today: Alibaba, Walmart, Gap.

GAP (GPS) - $23.13, ATM Straddle: $1.85, approx. 8%
BABA - $120.72, ATM Straddle $6, approx. 5%
Dow moves higher amid Trump fears following worst drop of year
The Volatility Buyer Known as '50 Cent' Just Had a Huge Payday

Odd Block: Calls trade in Pandora Media Inc (P), calls trade in SBA Communications Corp (SBA) and calls trade in Kimberly Clark Corp (KMB)

Strategy Block: Mike discusses his adjustment in his silver collar.

Mail Block/Options question of the week:

There are still a lot of big names reporting in earnings season. Which ones are on your options watchlist this week?

Walmart, $WMT
Alibaba, $BABA
Home Depot, $HD
Cisco, $CSCO

Listener questions:

Question from Andrew McNichol: Big fan of your Options Bootcamp podcast. I appreciate how you start at square 1 and then walk listeners through every element of options and options trading. Is there another podcast you recommend that does the same but for stocks? Most of the ones I have found are all about what is hot now, or stock picking tips. Essentially, I am looking for a stock trading 101 podcast. If you do not know of any such podcast, what is the best stock 101 book? Thanks!
Question from Ejh4isu: If I buy/sell a vertical on SPX (or any equity stock for that matter) and hold until expiration, and SPX settles between the strikes, what happens? Example: sell 2395/2400 and SPX settles at 2397.

Around the Block/This Week in the Market:

May 18: Jobless Claims

Trading Block: A bull rally in the market. A short breakdown of the OIC 2017 Conference in Scottsdale, AZ.

Earnings Highlights:

Tuesday - Home Depot
Wednesday - Target
Thursday - Alibaba, Walmart, Gap

Odd Block: Calls trade in Fairmount Santrol Holdings (FMSA), calls trade in Ocwen Financial Corp (OCN) and calls trade in Home Depot Inc (HD).

Mail Block: Questions, comments, polls and more.

Options Question of the Week: Still a lot of big names reporting in earnings season. Which ones are on your options watchlist this week?

Walmart, $WMT
Alibaba, $BABA
Home Depot, $HD
Cisco, $CSCO

Listener question:

Question from Abdallah Badwan - Hey I am new to options but I have been studying them for awhile and the only thing I don't understand is how do I know what stocks to choose if I want short term gains. In other words I want to be a short term investor and I want to know how to narrow down the stocks I want to invest in on a daily basis. How do I make a watchlist of stocks that I can invest in on a daily basis for short term gains.

Around the Block/ This Week in the Market:

May 15: Treasury International, Housing Market Index
May 16: Housing Starts, Industrial Production
May 18: Jobless Claims

Trading Block: Yesterday's earnings: SNAP. Today's Earnings: Macys, Kohls, Nordstrom.

Strategy Block: Uncle Mike Tosaw discusses horizontal ratio spreads

Mail Block: Listener questions and comments

Options Question Of The Week: This volatility implosion is starting to make people nervous. $VIX #Limbo Time: How Low Can It Go in 2017?

9.0 is the bottom (38%)
No lower than 8.5 (18%)
Cannot get below 8.0 (15%)
<8.0, Lookout below! (29%)
Question from Fund Concept: Doubt that Trump will get rid of H1Bs considering global talent is crucial for U.S economy. Any thoughts?

Around the Block/This Week in the Market:

May 11: Jobless Claims, PPI
May 12: Consumer Price Index, Retail Sales, Consumer Sentiment

Trading Block: VIX near the single digits at the 10 handle. Is the VIX too low? Earnings: Tesla, Facebook, Disney and EA.

Odd Block: Puts trade in iShares MSCI Germany Index (EWI), call buying in JD.com Inc (JD) and calls trade in iShares MSCI South Korean Index (EWG)

Mail Block/Weekend Flash Poll:

These are crazy times for all markets from commodities to equities and volatility. Which crazy level will we hit first?

VIX Below 9
SPX Above 2500
WTI Below 40
AAPL Above $160

Listener Question:

Question from Paul - Mark, What is your take on the timing of an investment in silver right now? I just got out of the market and I am thinking of investing in silver - either the traditional options or an ETF that tracks physical bullion like SLV or SIVR. I am leaning towards SIVR for its lower expense ratio.
Question Real Yute - Greetings, could you please explain how stock option is priced? My Internet provider will not allow me to access other page than Facebook. I only need to know how the pricing work. For example can $2 buy a contract?
Comment from Charlie T. - Not really an options guy. I do not need the headache of yet another unknown element aka time. It’s hard enough just picking my stocks, deciding price points, exit points, etc.

Around the Block: Disney, EA and SNAP

Trading Block: The Trumpcare bill and French election, how might they affect vol? Tesla: Close - $311, ATM Straddle - $17, approx. 5.5%. Stock off over $20 at the lowest point today, closing off nearly 5%. FB: Close - $151.80, ATM Straddle - $5.63, approx. 3.7% Facebook grew its revenue by 49% during the first three months of the year. Thank you to Steve A for the fan art!

Odd Block: Calls trade in Whiting Petroleum Corp (WLL), puts trade in Alerian MLP Index (AMJ) and puts trade in US Silica Holdings Inc (SLCA).

Strategy Block: Uncle Mike Tosaw discusses his most recent trades and moves from Monday.

Mail Block/Earnings Season Flash Poll:

$ZNGA reports earnings today. Stock is trading $2.87. #Options ADV 3K. Do you trade options on cheap stocks?

Yes, down to $10
Yes, down to $5
Rarely
No, the stock is an Option

Around the Block/This Week in the Market

May 4: Jobless Claims, International Trade, Factory Orders
May 5: Unemployment

Trading Block: Green on the screen for the NASDAQ. Looking ahead to AAPL earnings. CNBC's Mr. Wonderful is loving AAPL right now. OCC cleared contract volume down 6% year over year.

Odd Block: Review of MGM time stupid from last week, puts trade in NBR, calls trade in CBI, and put buyers in NBL.

Mail Block/Options Question of the Week:

#Earnings #PopQuiz - $AAPL $146.50, #Weekly strad. $5 (3.5%). IV30 = 21%, Weekly 155 Call= $.27, 138 Put = $.27 Would you rather?

Buy Straddle/Iron Fly
Sell Straddle/Iron Fly
Buy Call
Buy Put

Listener questions and comments:

Question from Ron: I hear you mention the term stupid, "That's a put stupid," or "That's a call stupid." Is that strategy or an term of endearment? Thanks Ron
Question from Let's make best: Which broker is the best for option trading?
Question from Sharkcake: I've been approved to trade options by my Brokerage but I have yet to execute my first trade. What trade do you recommend?

Around the Block/This Week in the Market

May 1: Personal Income
May 1: Construction Spending
May 3: FOMC Meeting
May 4: Jobless Claims
May 4: International Trade
May 4: Factory Orders
May 5: Unemployment

Earnings this week: Quarterly earnings continue to roll with one of the biggest names of the season set to announce Tuesday after the close. Technology giant Apple Inc. is set to release their latest numbers and the way they are perceived could push the stock to new highs like last release. In addition, there are other big names announcing as well including Tesla Motors and Pfizer.

Trading Block with very special guest co-host: Henry Schwartz, Trade Alert

Earnings today after the bell:

Alphabet/GOOGL - $889, ATM Straddle - $29, approx. 3.2%
Amazon - $921.50, ATM Straddle - $37.50, approx. 4%
Intel - $37.25, ATM Straddle - $1.20, approx. 3.2%
Starbucks - $61.75, ATM Straddle - $2.40, approx. 4%

Odd Block: Calls trade in Applied Optoelectronics Inc. (AAOI), calls trade in Nabors Industries Ltd (NBR), and calls trade in Yandex NV (YNDX)

Strategy Block: Uncle Mike Tosaw discusses the six factors of option pricing.

Around the Block/Question of the Week:

Earnings Season is upon us. Big names are reporting soon. Which is your pick for the largest % move post-earnings?

$AMZN, 36%
$GOOGL, 26%
$CMG, 30%
$MSFT, 8%

Earnings this week: 3M, ATT, Chipotle, JetBlue, Xerox, Boeing, PepsiCo, Nasdaq, Google, Amazon, Ford, Intel, Southwest, Starbucks, Exxon, General Motors.

Trading Block: Earnings today

Alcoa: $33, ATM Straddle $2 - approx. 6%
Chipotle: ATM Straddle $25.25, approx. 5.4%
VIX 'fear' gauge plummets as French election results spark global relief rally.

Odd Block: Calls and puts trade in GGP Inc. (GGP), puts trade in Excelon Corp. (EXC) and calls trade in MGM Resorts Intl. (MGM).

Mail Block: QuestionoftheWeek:

Earnings Season is upon us. Big names are reporting soon. Which is your pick for the largest % move post-earnings?

$AMZN
$GOOGL
$CMG
$MSFT

Listner questions and comments:

Follow-up comments from GameDay Dog:

You nailed it. I was assigned on 2 of the options. I knew that, but the (-) in my margin account was "alarming". My main thought was losing more than my spread safety net. The math did not make sense immediately. Glad to ask a ? that made others ask ?s..

My bad...just heard episode 608...Yeah, I got assigned 2 of 3 my put spread.. Way too early! I will get into better detail next time. Episode 208 had an excellent answer. That big negative number was stupid scary! I closed all the positions & sold the stock.. the 1 short put & 3 long puts made it a back ratio spread when I closed it.. it's funny now! PS - thanks for managing to get my questions on air.. once I closed the positions, I was able to sleep that night!!! Feels like I lost more than $300 though. By getting assigned the shares, it felt like I had more at risk and loss was influenced by the price of the underlying instead of the option. If that makes sense. Seeing the large margin number was not pleasant.. My credit spread had a 30% chance of being ITM when I sold it too! Hahaha..

Question from Lesnod -How do you get out of the straddles? One side of a straddle is always a loss correct?

Around the Block/This Week in the Market

Apr 25: New Home Sales, Consumer Confidence
Apr 27: Jobless Claims, International Trade, Pending Home Sales
Apr 28: GDP, Consumer Sentiment

Trading Block featuring guest co-host Jill Malandrino, Global Markets Reporter NASDAQ.

The brand spanking new PHLX trading floor.
SPX and the VIX
North Korea and Trump meeting Italian PM

Odd Block: Call rolls trade in Walmart (WMT), puts trade in Bank of America (BAC) and ratio call spreads trade in Starbucks (SBUX)

Strategy Block: Uncle Mike Tosaw discusses the importance of gamma.

Around the Block: What are we looking at that might move the markets next week?

Trading Block: VIX preparing for the French election.

Earnings today (after the bell):

United Airlines - $UAL - 70.37USD, Price increase 1.29 (1.87%), ATM Straddle - $2.50, approx. 3.5%
Netflix - $NFLX, 146.56USD Price increase 3.64 (2.55%), ATM Straddle - $12, approx. 8%

Odd Block: Call spread selling in Thor Industries Inc. (THO), call buying in Texas Instruments Inc. (TXN), and put spread buying in SPDR Euro STOXX 50 ETF (FEZ).

Mail Block/Options #QuestionOfTheWeek

With $TSLA threatening $315 how are you leaning in your #Options trades this month? Would you rather:

Buy 1-month $300 put
Buy 1-month $330 call
Sell 1-month $300 put
Staying far away from it

Listener questions and comments concerning Game Day Dog question:

Question from Elio - Confused. How did that guy end up with only two of his short puts getting assigned to him? If he was short 3 should not all of them have been assigned?
Question from AddJack - You answered a question from Gamedaydog on Tuesday's episode about a put spread gone bad. Is this a reason not to trade spreads if these sort of complications can pop up? Think I would rather stick with stock thank you.
Question from Tony Rather - Fun show. Thanks to you and Rock Lobster and Uncle Mike for educating, informing and educating us each week. I have a follow up to the listener mail question from last show in which the listener and Uncle Mike said he was long stock against his put spread. They both said his stock would expire after seven days. But stock does not have an expiration date. Please clarify as I am obviously missing something.

Around the Block: What's on our trading screens for the rest of the week?

Earnings!

Bank of America
Charles Schwab

This week in the market:

Apr 18: Housing Starts, Industrial Production
Apr 19: Beige Book
Apr 20: Jobless Claims
Apr 21: Existing home Sales

Trading Block: Today we have very special guest co-hosts: Nick Howard, QuickStirke. Ophir Gottlieb, CMLVIZ.com

VIX blowing out the down side
MOAB bomb drops
Commodity update
Uncle Mike's silver collar

Odd Block: Puts trade in iShares Barclays 7-10 year bond ETF (IEF), puts trade in Hanesbrands Inc (HBI), calls trade in Whiting Petroleum Corp (WLL).

Strategy Block: Uncle Mike Tosaw discusses trading over a long weekend.

Mail Block/Options #QuestionOfTheWeek

With $TSLA threatening $315 how are you leaning in your #Options trades this month? Would you rather:

Buy 1-month $300 put
Buy 1-month $330 call
Sell 1-month $300 put
Staying far away from it

Listener Question:

Question from AndersonInvesting - New to options. I use TD Ameritrade but currently I do not like it for options. I was looking at Charles Schwab. Any recommendations for an options newbie? Also looking at AMD puts to protect gains (averaged in at 13.23. Earnings date has been announced for May 1st.) Any suggestions there?

Around the Block/This Week in the Market:

April 14: Consumer Price Index, Retail Sales, Consumer Sentiment

Trading Block: Tesla is now more valuable than GM.

Odd Block: Calls trade in MOMO Inc. (MOMO), calls trade in SunPower Corp. SPWR and calls trade in First Solar, Inc. FSLR.

Mail Block/Options QuestionOfTheWeek

With $TSLA threatening $315 how are you leaning in your #Options trades this month? Would you rather:

Buy 1-month $300 put
Buy 1-month $300 call
Sell 1-month $300 put
Staying far away from it

Around the Block: What is lighting up our trading screens for the coming week?

Trading Block: The 100-year anniversary of the vote to join WWI. VIX pops after Syrian attack. Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, VRX + $0.16 to $9.66.

Odd Block: Puts trade in iPath S&P 500 VIX Short Term Future ETN (VXX), puts trade in Ford Motor Co. (F) and calls trade in JetBlue Airways Corp (JBLU).

Strategy Block: Uncle Mike Tosaw discusses his most recent trade in SPY.

Mail Block: #Options #BrokerMadness

WINNER IS - Lightspeed

Around the Block/This Week in the Market:

Apr 7: Unemployment

Trading Block: New 52-week highs (132 new highs today): Amazon Inc. (AMZN + $2.62 to $889.16), Red Hat Inc. (RHT + $0.88 to $87.33), Veeva Systems Inc. (VEEV + $0.01 to $51.29), Tesla (TSLA + $11. 11 to $289.41). Tesla Inc is now more valuable than Ford Motor Company, and could very well surpass General Motors Company this week. General Motors Co. (GM - $1.55 to $33.81), Ford Motor Company (F - $0.34 to $11.30).

Odd Block: Calls trade in iShares MSCI Hong Kong Index (EWH), puts trade in Fitbit Inc. (FIT) and calls trade in Carmax, Inc (KMX).

Mail Block: #Options #BrokerMadness finals ARE ON!

Who will claim the prize of your favorite broker: @OptionsHouse or @LSFinancial?
The Winner is - Lightspeed
Question from Game Day Dog - Aww man! My vertical put spread has gone bad. I have +3 options at 61.5 and sold -3 at 62.5 ... Yesterday it gapped down to 50. I now have +200 shares of LULU in my account +3 put options at 61.5 and -1 put option at 62.5. I thought it was a $300 max risk spread. Do I have to do anything? Do I sell the shares? Everything expires in 7 days. Please help. Thanks! So I learned about selling shares and back ratio spreads and even got an $19 credit.

Around the Block/This Week in the Market:

Apr 4: International Trade, Factory Orders
Apr 5: FOMC Minutes
Apr 6: Jobless Claims
Apr 7: Unemployment

Trading Block: AAPL records. LULU craps the bed. Stock market climbs after economic data, with banks in lead. Tesla produces more PR noise.

Odd Block: Calls trade in ConocoPhillips (COP), puts trade in Lululemon Atheltica Inc (LULU) and call trade in CIT Group (CIT)

Strategy Block: Uncle Mike Tosaw discusses Roth IRA vs a traditional IRA

Around the Block/This Week in the Market: Mar 31: Personal Income, Consumer Sentiment

Trading Block: Vol skew gets dumped. Should technical analysis be applied to VIX? Stock-market fear threatens a return, as Dow stares at longest losing streak in 6 years.

Odd Block: Puts trade in SPDR KBW Regional Banking (KRE), puts trade in GoldCorp (GG), puts trade in Bank of New York Mellon Corp (BK)

Mail Block: Quizzes, question and more.

Options #BrokerMadness tournament going on now. Current #Options #BrokerMadness battle (Monday/Tuesday). @OptionsHouse v. @TradingBlock https://twitter.com/Options/status/846361692544024577

Question from Zanzibar - What is max pain? Does it matter?

Comment from VoiceOfReason1 -Options seems far too complicated - too much thinking involved. I follow the penny stock community - they are usually dead accurate.

Question from Symphox -If you trade options correctly, is it true you will always have the advantage over outright stock purchase/shorting?

Around the Block:

Trading Block: Earnings today - GameStop (GME). Why the bull run will stay in great shape even as the health bill troubles traders.

Odd Block: Calls roll in Fireeye Inc (FEYE), calls trade in Vale SA (VALE) and calls trade in GGP Inc. (GGP).

Strategy Block: Uncle Mike Tosaw discusses his latest put spread trade.

Mail Block: Quizzes, questions, comments and more.

With $SKEW so high we all need to prepare for the impending #ZombieApocalypse. What's your #Zombie weapon of choice?

Sword/Axe
Club/Hammer
Flame Thrower
Rifle/Shotgun

Options #BrokerMadness tournament going on now. Today's #Options #BrokerMadness battles:

@LSFinancial v. @TradeKing
@TradingBlock v. @IBKR

Around the Block:

Earnings this week:

Tuesday - Nike, FedEx

This Week in the Market:

Mar 24: Durable Goods

Trading Block: Apple continues to rally. NASDAQ touches fresh intra-day record, but stocks fight for traction. CBOE Skew Index trending higher. It's about time.

Odd Block: Puts trade in GameStop Inc. (GME), call spreads trade in FireEye Inc. (FEYE) and puts trade in Grupo Televisa SAB (TV).

Mail Block: Polls, upsets, questions, and more.

Options #BrokerMadness tournament going on now.

Tough battle today in #options #BrokerMadness as @optionsXpress takes on @IBKR, Who will emerge to take on @TradingBlock?
@LSFinancial crushing @tradier

Options #QuestionoftheWeek: In #BrokerMadness spirit, lets bring the fight to exchanges. What is your fav? Where do you send your business?

CBOE/BATS
NYSE/Arca/AMEX
NASDAQ/PHLX/ISE
Other: BOX,MIAX, etc

Listener question:

Question from JVao - Sell put + buy call = long delta exposure = cheaper than buying the underlying = maximizing skew = why does everyone not do this?

Around the Block: What's coming up this week?

Earnings!

Tuesday - Nike, FedEx
Thursday - GameStop

This week in the market:

Mar 22: Existing Home Sales
Mar 23: Jobless Claims, New Home Sales
Mar 24: Durable Goods

Trading Block: The stock market slipped following Fed rate-hike rally, declining in oil prices. The U.S. equity benchmarks slipped Thursday as investors reconsidered the Wednesday rally.

Odd Block: Calls trade in GoPro Inc (GPRO), calls trade in Hecla Mining Co. (HL) and calls trade in Momo Inc (MOMO)

Strategy Block: Andrew Giovinazzi discusses closing trades in his strategy block debut.

Mail Block: Options #QuestionoftheWeek

$VIX = 11.50, $SNAP IV30 =56, $AAPL IV30 = 14, $OIV= 33. If you had to buy #Volatility-which is the best value?

22% - $SNAP - aka Tween Vol
19% - $AAPL - aka #Iphone Vol
35% - $VIX - aka $VIX
24% - $OIV -aka #Crude $VIX

Listener questions and comments:

Question from NanFran - Tomorrow is a triple witching hour. What does that mean for options?
Question from Goose - What is the difference between weekly options and standard options?

Around the Block/This Week in the Market: Mar 17: Industrial Production, Consumer Sentiment

Trading Block: Are SNAP options set for strong demand on their market debut? Fed kicks off tomorrow.

Odd Block: Puts trade in Encana Corp. (ECA), calls trade in Texas Instruments Inc. (TXN) and calls trade in Rio Tinto PLC (RIO)

Mail Block:

Options #QuestionOfTheWeek - $VIX = 11.50, $SNAP IV30 = 56, $AAPL IV30 = 14, $OIV = 33. If you had to buy #Volatility, which is the best value?

$SNAP - aka Tween Vol
$AAPL - aka #iPhone Vol
$VIX - aka $VIX
$OIV - aka #Crude $VIX

Listener questions and comments:

Question from Anthony Carter - Snap puts, what the heck!?
Question from Dr X - I just saw The Big Short, what do you guys think of it? Also, check out Logan if you have not already.

Around the Block: Beware the Ides of Yellen. Earnings: Del Taco and Oracle.

Trading Block: What's going on in the market?

The BBI explained.
What would drive the VIX up?
Interactive Brokers to Stop Options Market-Making Activities.
Snap options set for strong demand on market debut.
Crude oil prices fall below $50 as US stockpiles rise.

Odd Block: Puts trade in ILG Inc (ILG), puts trade in SPDR S&P Oil and Gas (XES) and puts call and puts trade in SPDR S&P Oil and Gas (XOP).

Strategy Block: Uncle Mike Tosaw discusses credit spreads.

Mail Block: Listener questions and comments

Question from C.J. Magnuson: Is Interactive Brokers basically being squeezed by pay for play?
Question from Amy: What is the shortest expiration available for plain vanilla options?

Around the Block/This Week in the Market:

Mar 10: Unemployment, Export Prices

Trading Block: OCC announced that total cleared contract volume in February was 333,411,251 contracts, 1% from February 2016 volume. Index options volume was up 11% with 39,247,030 contracts in February. An escalating broker price war has begun.

Odd Block: Puts trade in iShares Iboxx $High Yield Corp (HYG), calls trade in NRG Energy, Inc. (NRG) and calls trade in Dicks Sporting Goods (DKS).

Mail Block: Options #QuestionOfTheWeek #Oscars Edition.

#WarrenBeatty screwed up Best Picture. What's your biggest #Options screwup?

37% - Held onto shorts too long
37% - Time Decay killed me
11% - Gamma Exploded In My Face
15% - Vega Snuck up on My Delta

Listener replies:

Comment from Matt Benson - Calls in TSLA last week, lol (in response to OQOTW)
Comment from John Dakota - Too soon to tell. My one mistake was putting an Iron Butterfly on wrong had to lose 20 and a DT for it. Just took off BBY for 200+!

#QuestionOfTheWeek, part deux

SNAP #Options arrive Friday. Assuming $SNAP is still $25 - price the 1-week straddle exp. 3/17 (aka how much movement)

Between $1 - $2
Between $2 - $3
Between $3 - $4
Over $4

Listener questions and comments:

Question from Hopgrower - Mark and The meatball, love your shows. My question is as follows: How much heart burn does this thought process give you. I have a directional bias and I buy a slightly in the money call 45 to 60 days out. The stock moves in my favor then stalls or retraces slightly. I then turn it into a vertical. Please fire away. Always learning. Thanks, Hopgrower
Question from Tom Drake - Whats up with Mike's SLV collar?
Question from Sean - You have discussed closing positions prior to earnings on past shows. Why would I take an OTM options off the table before the announcement? Is that not exactly when I want to have the option?

Around the Block:/This Week in the Market:

Mar 6: Factory Orders
Mar 7: International Trade
Mar 8: Productivity and Costs
Mar 9: Jobless Claims
Mar 10: Unemployment
Mar 10: Export Prices

Trading Block featuring special guest Ophir Gottlieb, CEO of Capital Market Laboratories, Editor in Chief @CMLviz

SNAP: The first big IPO of the year is off to the races. Supposed to list at $17, opened at $24 and traded up to nearly $26, up over 50% from the listing price.

Earnings earlier in the week:

Tuesday - Target
Wednesday - Best Buy
Earnings today: After the bell - Costco

Odd Block: Puts trade in Shake Shack Inc (SHAK), calls trade in Sirius XM Holdings (SIRI) and calls trade in Dollar Tree (DLTR).

Strategy Block: Uncle Mike Tosaw discusses profit-taking scenarios.

Mail Block: Options #QuestionOfTheWeek #Oscars Edition.

#WarrenBeatty screwed up Best Picture. What's your biggest #Options screwup?

37% - Held onto shorts too long
37% - Time Decay killed me
11% - Gamma Exploded In My Face
15% - Vega Snuck up on My Delta

Options Pop Quiz - If $SNAP opens at $17 what price would you give the ATM straddle expiring 3/10? AKA how much movement do you expect?

Between $1 - $2
Between $2 - $3
Between $3 - $4
Over $4

Around the Block/This Week in the Market: It is a very heavy week as far as economic reports go with a bulk of them coming on Tuesday and Wednesday. Where did February go? Mar 2 - Jobless Claims

Trading Block: Dow sets sights on 12th straight record close. PCLN - $1631.25, ATM straddle approx. $69, approx. 4.2%.

Odd Block: Calls trade in CurrencyShares Euro Trust (FXE), calls trade in SPDR Euro Stoxx 50 (FEZ) and calls trade in Square Inc. (SQ).

Mail Block: Questions, polls, and more.

Options #QuestionOfTheWeek - #Oscars Edition. #WarrenBeatty screwed up Best Picture. What is your biggest #Options screwup?

Held onto shorts too long
Time decay killed me
Gamma exploded in my face
Vega snuck up on my delta

Listener questions and comments

Question from Gabe Rich - Hi guys. Do you know of any instance where automatic assignment/exercise by the OCC failed? I am selling a lot of put spreads lately and I have this nightmare that if the stock drops (market crush) and my spread ends up big time in the money. It will be assigned the short leg but not exercised the long leg. Thus creating a huge stock position that might be fatal. I just wonder if that ever happened, something along the lines of flash crush but for options. I am assuming this automatic assignment/exercise process is computerized, and it could be subject to failures. This could be an interesting discussion with your panel of experts, with decades of experience! Thanks, and looking forward for some thoughts.
Comment from Game Daydog -Just had a successful vertical spread and wanted to thank you for encouraging me to step out of my comfort zone and try different option strategies. That Iron Condor is next, even though it sounds like a move from an old kung-fu movie!

Around the Block:

This Week in the Market:

Feb 28 - GDP, International Trade, Consumer Confidence
Mar 1 - Construction Spending, Beige Book
Mar 2 - Jobless Claims

Earnings this week:

Tuesday - Target
Wednesday - Best Buy
Thursday - Costco

Trading Block: Earnings!

Earlier this week: Tuesday - Home Depot, Macy's, Wal-Mart; Wednesday - Tesla, Fitbit
TSLA: Close - $273.51, ATM straddle - $17.16, approx. 6%, Open - $264.08, down 3.4%
FITBIT: Close - $5.88, ATM straddle - $.76, approx. 13%, Open - $5.92, effectively unchanged
Earnings today: Before the bell - Kohls; After the bell - Nordstrom, BIDU, Herbalife
NYSE plans a trial run for Snap IPO.

Odd Block: Calls trade in Carmax Inc (KMX), calls trade in Scientific Games Corp (SGMS) and calls trade in Fireeye Inc (FEYE)

Strategy Block: Uncle Mike Tosaw discusses specifics in a covered call wheel strategy

Mail Block: Quiz, questions and comments

Options #QuestionOfTheWeek - $VIX has already hit single digits under @realDonaldTrump. How low will it get during the rest of his term?

It will not break 10 again
Between 9 -10
Between 8 - 9
Below 8

Listener feedback:

Question from Bigtonutz - 9372 $WY Jul21 35 calls went up in 1 block on the PHLX. Are they looking for this to probably going above 35 by July? Oh another question since I asked the other one and you did not answer, ahhh why do insiders keep selling shares? Do they feel this will drop for some reason? Just want to get your opinion.

Around the Block: Earnings Friday: JC Penney; Earnings next week: Best Buy, Costco, Target

Trading Block: Earnings earlier this week. Tuesday - Potbelly, T-Mobile
Wednesday - PepsiCo, Inc., Cisco Systems, Inc., Groupon, Marriott International
Earnings today. AVP - Crush, stock down 17% intraday.

Odd Block: Calls trade in Himax Technologies, Inc (HIMX), Calls trade in Health Care SPDR (XLV), Calls and puts trade in Mondelez International Inc (MDLZ).

Mail Block:
#Options #QuestionOfTheWeek - Trading single #Calls and #Puts is fine, but smart #Options traders use spreads. What is your go-to spread?
- Vertical/Ratio Vertical
- Calendar/Diagonal
- Butterfly/ Iron Butterfly
- Iron Condor
Question from Gramercy - So I am interested in $ATVI ahead of earnings. I buy 1 Feb 39.50 call for $1.50. The stock opens up the next day and I sell it out for $5. What am I missing? Why does everyone say this earnings stuff is so hard?
Question from NIZ - Are there options on Snap?
*Note from IPO filing - “Like many burgeoning tech startups, Snap warned that it “may never achieve or maintain profitability.”
Question from Mark Tucker - You think MaxPain was the reason to hold $AAPL below $132.40 for closing? Rest of Nasdaq seemed bright green. Thoughts? Thank you.
Question from Richard R. - At 14:00 of episode 553 you stat that a $6 straddle was pricing an 8% move following earnings. Is this just the current ATM straddle?

Around the Block: The market will be closed Monday, February 20 for Presidents Day.
This week in the market - Feb 16: Jobless Claims, Housing Starts
Earnings next week - TSLA, BIDU

Trading Block: Earnings! Apple did not reach all time highs, but its close price is an all time highs. All time highs happened on April 28, 2015 @ 134.54. MIAX launches 15th options exchange with MIAX-Pearl. ICE Cool on Options: Speaking at the Credit Suisse Financial Services Forum in Miami Beach, Fla., Jeff Sprecher, founder, CEO, and chairman of ICE, painted a less than rosy picture of the options market.

Odd Block: Calls trade in True Car Inc (TRUE), calls trade in Union Pacific Corp (UNP) and puts trade in Amgen, Inc (AMGN)

Mail Block: Questions, comments, quizzes.

Options #QuestionOfTheWeek - Trading single #Calls and #Puts is fine, but smart #Options traders use spreads. What is your go-to spread?

Vertical/Ratio Vertical
Calendar/Diagonal
Butterfly/ Iron Butterfly
Iron Condor

Listener question:

Question from Game Day Dog - Hi. I have done well buying calls & puts, but have been practicing with credit & debit vertical spreads - see the DPZ trade picture. I am worried about max risk. How is this different than selling a naked option if my 195 protection is OTM at expiration? Can you discuss the "surprises" or things to watch for with vertical spreads? Thanks & great show.

Around the Block: What is on the radar for the rest of this week?

Earnings this Week:

Tuesday: Potbelly, T-Mobile
Wednesday: PepsiCo, Inc., Cisco Systems, Inc., Groupon, Marriott International
Thursday: Time Inc., Waste Management

This Week in the Market

Feb 14: Producer Price Index
Feb 15: Consumer Price Index, Retail Sales, Industrial Production, Business Inventories
Feb 16: Jobless Claims, Housing Starts

Trading Block: Oil prices prop up Wall Street; NASDAQ hits record high. MIAX launches 15th options exchange with MIAX-Pearl.

Earnings Today:

Before the bell: Coca-Cola, Dunkin Brands Group, Twitter, Viacom
After the bell: Activision, Nvidia, Zinga

DIS (earnings on Tuesday): Close: $109 - ATM straddle: $3.50, approx. 3.2%; Open: $109.52 - traded as high as $11.42, up 2.2%

Other earnings earlier this week:

Tuesday:General Motors, Walt Disney Company, Take Two Interactive
Wednesday: GrubHub, Time Warner

Odd Block: Calls trade in Foot Locker Group (FL), calls trade in Chesapeake Energy Co (CHK) and calls trade in Dicks Sporting Goods Inc (DKS)

Strategy Block: Uncle Mike Tosaw discusses his recent trades in Chevron.

Mail Block: Options #QuestionOfTheWeek - With so many different #Options expiration cycles available (weekly, etc) - which duration do you prefer?

Longer than 1 month
Monthly
Weekly
Daily/Intra-day

Listener Questions

Question from EdwardUhs - Hey guys, what do you think about CMG? (from Mixlr chat on Monday 2/6)

Around The Block/This Week in the Market:

Quarterly earnings continue to roll in as expected economic reports are very slow up until Friday.
Feb 9: Jobless Claims
Feb 10: Import and Export Prices, Consumer Sentiment, Treasury Budget

Trading Block: Earnings Today

Before the bell - Hasbro
After the bell - CBOE Holdings, Twenty-First Century Fox

But there is more than just earnings. OCC announces Total Cleared Contract Volume was down 9% in January. The Snapchat IPO looms ahead.

Odd Block: Calls trade in S&P 500 VIX Short Term (VXX), puts trade in T-Mobile Inc (TMUS), alls trade in TrueCar Inc (TRUE).

Mail Block: Options #QuestionOfTheWeek

Time for another Earnings #StraddleBattle : Which stock will outperform its straddle by the largest margin?

35% - Apple (AAPL) (ACTUAL WINNER)
13% - Facebook (FB)
39% - Amazon (AMZN)
13% - Chipotle (CMG)

Options #QuestionOfTheWeek - With so many different #Options expiration cycles available (weekly, etc) - which duration do you prefer?

Longer than 1 month
Monthly
Weekly
Daily/Intra-day

Listener question:

Question from In-to-it - Why can I not trade options on the Super Bowl?

Around the Block: Earnings!

Tuesday: General Motors, Walt Disney Company, Take Two Interactive
Wednesday: GrubHub, Time Warner
Thursday: Twitter, Coca-Cola, Dunkin Brands Group, Activision, Nvidia, Zinga

This Week in the Market:

Feb 7: International Trade
Feb 9: Jobless Claims
Feb 10: Import and Export Prices, Consumer Sentiment
Feb 10: Treasury Budget

Trading Block: Earnings edition

AAPL: Closed: $121.35, ATM Straddle: $4.25 approx. 3.5%. Opened: $127.09 - up 4.7%, traded as high as $130.49 - up 7.5%. iPhone 7 sales blew away estimates. Apple still sitting on over a quarter of a trillion in cash - excluding debt.
FB: Closed: $133.23, ATM Straddle: $6.70 approx. 5%. traded as high as $135.29 - up 1.5%, today down to $130.70, approx. 2%

After the bell: Amazon, Chipotle, Visa, GoPro

AMZN: $839.75, ATM Straddle: $41.50 - approx. 5%
CMG: $424.1, ATM Straddle: $20.55 - approx. 5%
GOPRO: $10.88, ATM Straddle: $1.25 - approx. 11.5%

Odd Block: Calls trade in Alcoa Inc (AA), calls trade in MetLife Inc (MET) and calls trade in Nordstrom, Inc (JWN).

Strategy Block: Uncle Mike Tosaw discusses hedging Apple going into earnings

Mail Block: Options #QuestionOfTheWeek

Time for another Earnings #StraddleBattle : Which stock will outperform its straddle by the largest margin?

Apple (AAPL)
Facebook (FB)
Amazon (AMZN)
Chipotle (CMG)

Listener Questions and Comments

Question from Geoff - Are straddles really better than analysts estimates for predicting stocks?
Question from Bob - Concerning earnings - I have been told to take an ATM call and a put and add them together and that is the expected move. Is that correct?

Around the Block: Numbers on the horizon

Feb 3: Unemployment
Feb 3: Factory Orders

Trading Block: Earnings today include Apple, Under Armour.

Odd Bock: Call writer in Coach Inc. (COH), call spreads trade in Constellation Brands, Inc. (STZ) and calls trade in Pfizer Inc. (PFE)

Mail Block: Questions, comments, and more.

Options #QuestionOfTheWeek - Time for another earnings straddle battle. Which company will outperform their earnings straddle by the largest margin?
Apple - $AAPL
Facebook - $FB
Amazon - $AMZN
Chipotle - $CMG

Listner questions:

Question from Michael Gavriel - Hey guys, I appreciate all the programming. As far as I can tell, the Option Block podcasts sort of arrive a day late. Maybe its my podcast client? I have not looked into it. What I mean is - for example, the recent Option Block show - Option Block 572, it seems like that is a recap of Thursdays action. But when is it published? I sort of 'need' it to be published on Thursday night i.e. the 10th, or very early in the morning, I guess, on the 11th, if I am going to sort of use it to keep me abreast of action ahead of the trading day? Just curious if this is just how your guys schedules work, maybe you record the next morning, and release mid day, in which case I am a bit out of luck in terms of it being a super timely source. But if it is something I am doing wrong on my end, please do let me know! Thanks.
Question from Tom - What does this article mean?
Question from Koukas - Researchers say we were in the most narrow equity range since 1933 just before the elction. What's the best way to trade that? Sell out a far out straddle?

Around the Block: Earnings! AAPL, XOM, CMG, AMZN. Trump Twitter watch. Confirmations.

Trading Block: Earnings!

Before the bell: Southwest, Caterpillar
After the bell: Alphabet, PayPal, E-Trade, Microsoft, Intel
GOOGL - $852.70. ATM Straddle: $34, approx. 4%
MSFT - $64.05. ATM Straddle: $2.75, approx. 4.3%
INTC - $37.6. ATM Straddle: $1.25, approx. 3.3%
PAYPAL - $41.52. ATM Straddle: $2.12, approx. 5%
SBUX - $58.51. ATM Straddle: $2.20, approx. 3.7%

Odd Block: Calls trade in Kate Spade Co. (KATE), calls trade in Technology SPDR (XLK) and puts trade in JPMorgan Alerian MLP index (AMJ)

Strategy Block: Uncle Mike Tosaw discusses dollar-cost averaging

Mail Block: Questions, comments, polls, and more.

Options #QuestionOfTheWeek: Lots of earnings on the horizon. Which company will outperform their earnings straddle by the largest margin?

Alphabet - $GOOGL
Microsoft - $MSFT
Intel - $INTC
Starbucks - $SBUX

Listener questions:

Question from Tim Avery - If I choose an advisor that uses options do they traditionally charge higher fees than straight-up equity advisors?
Question from Kddidy - I managed to buy 100 NAK Feb 3.00 Puts at .25 when the stock was trading at $3.30. Do you have any idea how this could happen? I am not sure if I should feel lucky or stupid.
Question from Yukoner - Are covered calls still a viable strategy in a 401k these days?

Around the Block/This Week in the Market:

Jan 26: Jobless Claims, International Trade, New Home Sales
Jan 27: Durable Goods, GDP, Consumer Sentiment

Trading Block: The Trump Effect: President Donald Trump is set to unleash a cascade of stock-market anxiety - The day of reckoning for the Wall Street is here. McDonalds (MCD) earnings today. Friday close - $122.26; ATM Straddle - $3.52, approx. 3%; Open down $.75, Traded as low as $2.44; No more love for all-day breakfast.

Odd Block: Calls and puts trade in Morgan Stanley (MS), calls trade in Home Depot Inc (HD) and calls trade in Lending Club Corp (LC)

Mail Block: Questions, Comments, Polls, and more

Options #QuestionOfTheWeek

Earnings Season awakens! How do you play earnings using options? Are you an Earnings #Jedi or #Sith?

41% - Dark Side (Short Premium)
26% - Light Side (Long Premium)
25% - No Side - Avoid earnings
08% - Other (Reply/DM w/ideas)

Options #QuestionOfTheWeek - Lots of earnings on the horizon. Which company will outperform their earnings straddle by the largest margin?

Alphabet - $GOOGL
Microsoft - $MSFT
Intel - $INTC
Starbucks - $SBUX

Listener questions and comments

Comment from Steve Place - CREE it is always CREE
Question from Chris - Is there a way to subscribe to your posts as they go up on the website so you can get notified via email or mobile phone? Thanks, Chris
Question from Fundconcept - Do you think activist investors opportunities will rise considering their experience with mkt volatility?

Around the Block/Earnings Highlights this Week:

Tuesday - Alibaba Group, Verizon, Johnson & Johnson, 3M, Kimberly-Clark
Wednesday - Boeing, Abbott Labs, eBay, Qualcomm, AT&T
Thursday - Alphabet, PayPal, E-Trade, Microsoft, Southwest, Caterpillar, Intel
Friday - Honeywell

Trading Block: Stocks tumble ahead of Trump inauguration - Dow off 100. Netflix: Another crazy earnings for NFLX. Close = $133.26, straddle = $12.60 / 9.5%. Spiked to $145 in the after-hours, opened at $142 today. How a one-two, Trump-Yellen punch may move interest rates.

Strategy Block: Uncle Mike Tosaw discusses the importance of event risk

Odd Block: Puts trade in 3D Systems Corp (DDD); Calls trade in Avon Products, Inc (AVP); Calls trade in Union Pacific Corp (UNP)

Mail Block/Options QuestionOfTheWeek:

Earnings Season awakens! How do you play earnings using options? Are you an Earnings #Jedi or #Sith?

Dark Side (Short Premium)
Light Side (Long Premium)
No Side - Avoid earnings
Other (Reply/DM w/ideas)

Listener questions and comments:

Comment from Scott Francis - Generally most short with puts unless stock has been hammered then you get short squeeze
Question from Piggyback - Learned about Lightspeed from the last show. Checked out their site and saw $.60 per contract but didn't see a ticket charge. Do they have one? Answer from Kevin:No ticket charge on options. We will tier commissions based on activity, at the lowest activity level we will charge $0.60/contract with $1.00 min. (So a 5 lot is $3.00, a 1 lot will be $1.00.) We can go down to $0.20/contact for active accounts, tiering schedule is on our website. Mention Option Insider when you call Lightspeed we will give them another nickel off the commission.
Question from Ski -As for the repealing and recall of Obamacare. How do you price LEAPs on spider biotech? Someone bought 340 Jan 2018 55 Puts on XBI. Is this a bet on the repel of Obamacare? If so, are LEAP puts a good way to go?
Question from Sean - If a trader thought that a price was going down, would a put not have been the best trade in the asian session?

Around the Block:

This Week in the Market -Jan 19: Jobless Claims, Housing Starts

Earnings This Week

Thursday - Union Pacific - Thursday am; IBM - Thursday pm
riday General Electric, Procter & Gamble Co.

Trading Block: Stocks sharply lower: Dow drops about 150 points. Who can slow down the Amazon juggernaut?

Odd Block: Calls trade in Cheasepeake Energy (CHK), puts trade in Fiat Chrysler Auto NV (FCAU) and puts trade in Ford Motor Co (F).

Mail Block: #QuestionOfTheWeek

$VIX hit a high of 28 last year. How high will $VIX get in 2017?

About the same (27-29)
Slightly Lower (24-26)
Slightly Higher (30 - 33)
Much Higher (Above 33)

Listner questions and comments:

Question from Ian Wagner: Overheard at #STACMWM retail #options panel: "Customers are market-takers. They do not deserve to trade on our bid." This would seem to be a pretty profound statement. Can you discuss on #OptionBlock?
Comment from Max: Who can stop Amazon? Well Trump surely can.
Question from RealRX: Hey fellas! Heavy call buying OTM in Bank of America. In particular the Jan 25.5 call expiring on the 20th, and other bank stocks. Looks like protection again massive short sales since smart money usually buys iTM (could be wrong). Do you guys see this as a sign of bearish sentiment on financials with the dollar weakness, multiple rate hikes priced in, etc? Smells funny to me.
Comment from The Real Justin: I am think gold will continue to run up to inauguration.

Around the Block/This Week in the Market:

Jan 13: PPI, Retail Sales, Consumer Sentiment

Earnings Highlights this Week

Thursday - Delta Airlines
Friday - Bank of America, JP Morgan, Wells Fargo, PNC, Blackrock

Trading Block: Oil drop stymies the Dows march to 20,000. Tech stocks send Nasdaq to record, Apple is celebrating the tenth anniversary of the iPhone. Gold prices settle at highest level in nearly 6 weeks. The options market is not too worried about retail (XRT) woes, but should it be? Is Amazon.com the mall killer?

Odd Block: Calls trade in 3D System Corp (DDD), calls trade in IAMGOLD Corp (IAG) and calls trade in Direxion Daily Junior Gold Minors (JNUG).

Strategy Block: Uncle Mike Tosaw discusses trading silver and other metals.

Around the Block:

This Week in the Market

Jan 10: JOLTS
Jan 12: Jobless Claims, Treasury Budget
Jan 13: PPI, Retail Sales, Consumer Sentiment

Earnings this Week

Thursday - Delta Airlines
Friday - Bank of America, JP Morgan, Wells Fargo, PNC, Blackrock

Trading Block: Looking back at 2016! The thrills of victory. The agonies of defeat.

Odd Block: Andrew's favorite Odd Block trades from 2016

Big winner: Calls trade in Market Vectors Gold Miners ETF (GDX). Size upside calls trade (buy Jun expiration $5 ITM) - 2/4/16
Favorite House Money Roll: Calls trade in Advanced Mico Devices Inc. (AMD). Calls roll up in Jan 2017 - 8/23/16
Big Jury is still out: Calls trade in Financial Select SPDR (XLF). Size calls trade - 11/17

Mail Block: Happy New Year!

First #QuestionOfTheWeek for 2017. Total #Options volume dropped 2% last year. How will 2017 #Options volume compare?

About the Same (+- .5%)
Modest Increase (up 1-2%)
Modest Drop (down 1-2%)
Big Change (+- over 2%)

Listener questions

Question from Scott - I benefited from your unusual activity report (of course there is due diligence on my part). Thank you! Do you have any subscription service for unusual activity? More in depth? Great insight, loved how you filtered the noise. Happy New Year!!"
Question from WilliamPZE - Does it make sense to buy Rite Aids puts March 7, as Walgreens will close the deal on 01-27-17? Your reply is much appreciated. Thanks, Bill
Question from RealRK - I just entered the industry. I passed the 7 and 66, but I will not be doing a lot in the options arena aside from hedging. I have a lot of time in the next month, do you guys have suggestions for furthering options knowledge and possibly becoming a specialist in the few years?
Comment from ELXDX86 - Options Bootcamp is THE best way to start learning options!

Around the Block/This Week in the Market: Nonfarms payrolls for December on Friday, Jan 6.

Trading Block: A look back at the year 2016 in the options market. An overview of Lightspeed Trading with guest co-host Kevin Ott. Oil falls for the first time in nine days as U.S. crude supplies climb.

Odd Block: Calls trade in Moblieye NV (MBLY), calls roll in Jetblue Corp (JBLU), puts trade in Kinross Gold (KGC).

Strategy Block: Uncle Mike Tosaw discusses 1256 contracts

Mail Block: Listener questions and comments

Question from Trader Taz1 - Do you have a broker recommendation for someone who is new to options? Maybe with a cash account since I do not want to do margin?
Question from Yukoner - Are covered calls still a viable strategy in a 401k these days?
Question from JLN84 - I bought a call on a major equity that is now in-the-money. What is my next step? Do I need to do something to get the stock?

Around the Block/This Week in the Market:

Will be a lighter trading week as many traders and investors will be taking the week off because of the holidays. There are a couple of economic reports worth noting listed below. Happy New Year!

Dec 27: Consumer Confidence
Dec 28: Pending Home Sales
Dec 29: Jobless Claims
Dec 29: International Trade

We dug through the archives to bring you the very best of the Option Block.

Trading Block: Gold, the Fed and volatility on this last episode before the holiday weekend.

Odd Block: Calls trade in Globalstar, Inc. (GSAT), calls roll in Michael Kors Holdings, Ltd (KORS) and call buyers in Eldorado Gold Corp (EGO)

Strategy Block: Uncle Mike Tosaw discusses the strategy of "boxing off"

Mail Block: Options question of the week, listener questions and comments

#QuestionOfTheWeek: Major market indices are pushing record highs. Everyone has protection on the brain. How do you protect your portfolio?

Just Move to Cash/Bonds
Protective ATM/OTM Put
Put Spread/Ratio Put Spread
Collar or Collar with a Kicker
Question from Yukoner - Are covered calls still a viable strategy in a 401k these days?
Question from Trader Taz1 - Do you have a broker recommendation for someone who is new to options? Maybe with a cash account, since I do not want to do margin?

Around the Block: Not much happening in the last week of the year.

Trading Block: The polar vortex might have snuck into the S&P, a narrow range of movement today. Vol off half a handle. How likely is the Fed to make an announcement before the end of the year?

Odd Block: Calls trade in GlobalStar, Inc (GSAT), calls trade in Walgreens Boots Alliance (WBA) and calls trade in Energy Transfer Equity LP (ETE).

Mail Block: Listener questions, comments, and opinions

#QuestionOfTheWeek: Financial advisors represent the last options frontier. What level of options knowledge do you expect from your advisor?

None: I will do it myself
Level 1: Buy Puts/Calls
Level 2: Income & Vol
Level 3:Option Specialist

Listener questions:

Question from Roiratpd81: @Options thanks! I am a new trader. How should I interpret this chart? Say for BAC? Thanks!
Question from Hitman - Is the crash priced in yet? What about black sawn events? Any options indicators showing one of those may be on the horizon?
Question from Martin Stann - I like to trade the 2X levered SSO ETF. What are your thoughts on this and is it a viable candidate for call writing and put writing?
Question from Aldo2 - Hey Mark, Lobster and UM. Just wanted to get your guys thoughts on Vanguard as an options broker. I know most people use them for mutual funds but I have most of my assets there. Is it a viable platform for the type of trading you guys advocate? Hope you're surviving the big chill in Chicago.

Around the Block: Expecting a very quiet week.

Trading Block: The market and everything else rallied. Vol drops. Fed forecasting. What's the scoop with the shiny stuff?

Odd Block: Call trade in Financial Select Sector SPDR (XLF), call spreads trade in Michael Kors Holding LTD (KORS), calls trade in KEY Corp. (KEY)

Strategy Block: Uncle Mike Tosaw discusses how to choose a financial advisor.

Around the Block: The Fed has spoken. Now what?

Trading Block: Stocks mixed as Dow hits another new record high, flirting with 20,000. Crude and XLE up too. Wealthy investors show a Trump bump in confidence, UBS Wealth Management Americas reported Thursday.

Odd Block: Puts trade in Transocean ltd (RIG), calls and puts trade in SPDR S&P 500 trust (SPY) and calls trade in Hain Celestial Group (HAIN).

Mail Block: Question of the week and listener questions

#QuestionOfTheWeek: Financial advisors represent the last options frontier. What level of options knowledge do you expect from your advisor?

None: I will do it myself
Level 1: Buy Puts/Calls
Level 2: Income & Vol
Level 3: Option Specialist
Question from Adam Sam - Hello again... I figured out a way to predict the direction of the market for the day with 75% accuracy. I am wondering what would be the smartest way to trade this info? Should i sell the opposite options OTM with 45 days? And buy them back at the end of the day? Or buy OTM in the direction it will move? I cannot predict the after hours so i want to get out at the end of the day. How would you hedge such trade? Thank you
Question from BGT - What happens to options if the fed raises rates in December?

Around the Block/This Week in the Market:

Dec 12 - Treasury Budget
Dec 13 - Import and Export
Dec 14 - PPI, Retail Sales, FOMC
Dec 15 - Jobless Claims, CPI
Dec 16 - Housing Starts

Earning Highlights:

Thursday - Adobe, Oracle

Trading Block: Stocks rise as NASDAQ joins Dow, S&P and notch new record highs. Understanding the minutiae of VIX. The Tao of Don: Sell or sell not. There is no buy.

Odd Block: Calls trade in CBOE Holding Inc (CBOE), Massive calls trade in Financial Select SPDR (XLF), Calls trade in Bank of America Corp (BAC).

Strategy Block: Uncle Tosaw discusses trading collars in Apple

Mail Block/Options#QuestionOfTheWeek:

#CrudeOil has been volatile lately. $OIV, aka Oil $VIX, is 37.33. Where will #Crude #Volatility close on Friday?

Between 37 - 38.5
Between 38.5 - 40
Below 37
Above 40

Around the Block/This Week in the Market: Dec 9: Consumer Sentiment

Trading Block: CBOE sets record volume with S&P 500 Index and CBOE Volatility Index in November. Apple still up on the year. What might next year look like? Lululemon on Wednesday closed $57.16. The ATM straddle is trading at $5.35, or approx. 9%.

Odd Block: Puts trade in Barrick Gold Corp (ABX), Calls trade in Market Vectors Russia ETF (RSX), Calls trade in Pandora Media Inc (P)

Mail Block/Options#QuestionOfTheWeek:

#CrudeOil has been volatile lately. $OIV, aka Oil $VIX, is 37.33. Where will #Crude #Volatility close on Friday?

Between 37 - 38.5
Between 38.5 - 40
Below 37
Above 40
Question from Trader Chad - Are ATM straddles really a good way of predicting a stock or are they just more noise like whisper numbers?

Around the Block/This Week in the Market:

Dec 6: International Trade, Factory Orders
Dec 7: JOLTS
Dec 8: Jobless Claims
Dec 9: Consumer Sentiment

Earnings Highlights:

Tuesday - Toll Brothers, Autozone
Wednesday - Costco, Lululemon

Trading Block: Earnings after the bell today: TD Ameritrade, Krogers, Lands End, Dollar General. OCC cleared contract volume increased 20% in November. Why was November such a massive month for markets around the world? XLE up 8% since Tuesday. Volume 1.5x ADV, calls slightly over puts.USO up over 10% since Tuesday - volume 2x ADV, calls over puts 2-to-1. VOLUME 2X ADV TODAY, CALLS OVER PUTS 2-TO-1. Trump plan to dismantle Dodd-Frank unlikely to be realized, says TABB Group.

Odd Block: (Review from Monday) Calls and puts trade in SPDR S&P Oil and Gas Exp (XOP), alls trade in Financial Select SPDR (XLF), calls trade in Seadrill LTD (SDRL) and calls trade in Ford Motor Co. (F).

Strategy Block: Uncle Mike Tosaw discusses his new modified collar strategy.

Mail Block/Options#QuestionOfTheWeek:

Commodities are capturing a lot of attention and generating a lot of #Volatility. What's your option of choice?

$GLD / Comex Gold
$USO / $WTI
$TLT / ED / 10YR
EUR/USD, GPB/USD
Question from Go Hoos - If I buy 10,000 XYZ calls at $1 and sell them for $2, who loses that $1M? The MMs who make $$ on expired option premiums? TIA!

Around the Block/This Week in the Market:

Friday - Nonfarm payrolls

Trading Block: Jobs report and the Fed set the holiday table this week. Opinion: How the "Trump bump" to the U.S. economy could fall flat?

Odd Block: Calls trade in VALE SA (VALE), calls and puts trade in SPDR S&P Oil and Gas Exp (XOP) and calls trade in ArcelorMittal SA (MT)

Mail Block/Options#QuestionOfTheWeek:

Commodities are capturing a lot of attention and generating a lot of #Volatility. What is your option of choice?

$GLD / Comex Gold
$USO / $WTI
$TLT / ED / 10YR
EUR/USD, GPB/USD

Listener questions: Listeners have their say

Question from Marco - Trading on election night was horses**t! What can an options trader do when the futures are plummeting but the options are not open? So frustrating.
Question from Chris Brecher - Is legal pot driving squeeze in $DRYS? Debating now on. Maybe if I was high, I would have believed all the bull flags on the way up:)

Around the Block/Earnings Highlights:

Tuesday - Tiffany & Co.
Thursday - TD Ameritrade, Krogers, Lands End, Dollar General

Trading Block: Stocks jump as S&P 500 and Nasdaq set new record highs. Goldman insiders underwater options were salvaged by the Trump election.There are still earnings being released.

Earnings today:

Tyson Foods (before the bell)
Palo Alto Networks (after the bell)

Odd Block: Calls trade in NRG Energy Inc (NRG), calls trade in Ultra DJ - AIG Crude Oil ProShares (UCO) and calls trade in Cypress Semiconductor Corp (CY).

Mail Block: Listener questions and comments

Question from RealRK - Juice for free is always nice. I would have never thought of mixing in the call time spread. Musk uses the massive short interest, tweets and it goes up ten points. Thanks fellas! Also, check out the call/put ratio on CY (Cypress Semiconductors). OI near and out of the money in the next three months contracts shows huge call buying (Probably 100 million plus in value). Buyout rumors, so I got long a small amount of January 11 calls. Let me know what you guys think Thursday! Thanks

Options#QuestionOfTheWeek

Great traders need many weapons in their arsenals. But everyone has a favorite. What is yours? Reply/DM w/others.

Vertical/Ratio Vertical
Iron Condor/Iron Fly
Straddle/Strangle
Covered Call/Short Put
Addition from Options_Addict - Options ratio spreads and naked purchases.

More questions:

Question from Rico Landa - Did you guys see this? Is Cuban talking about buying puts or something else? Guess he has a savvy financial advisor?
Question from JNic - When the market is rallying like it is now what is wrong with just buying calls? Seems to work or is that just too basic?

Around the Block/This Week in the Market:

Nov 22: Existing Home Sales
Nov 23: Durable Goods, Jobless Claims, New Home Sales, Consumer Sentiment, FOMC Minutes
Nov 24: Thanksgiving Day, markets closed
Nov 25: International Trade, Markets close at 1:00 pm Eastern.

Trading Block: A mild market rally today. VIX cash back below the 14-handle. TSLA recovering from some recent losses; was up over 2% at mid-day. Yellen says Fed might hike interest rates relatively soon. Jobless claims in U.S. declined to lowest level in four decades.

Odd Block: Size calls trade in Financial Select SPDR (XLF), calls trade in Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) and puts trade in Freeport Mc MoRan Inc. (FCX).

Strategy Block: Uncle Mike discusses trading in IBB

Mail Block: Listener questions and comments

Question from Mike The Bookie - Yeah, the ETF based volatility indexes. Is here a good place to bracket UVXY or VXX?
Question from Ian Wagner ‏- Why trade volatility vs direction or income? Preference? More favorable risk/reward profile.

Around the Block/Earning Highlights this Week:

Friday - Foot Locker, Abercrombie & Fitch

Trading Block: U.S. stock market Trump rally loses steam. Oil gets left behind in post-Trump rally. Trump presidency raises questions on the future of Wall St. regulation.

Odd Block: Calls trade in Canadian Natural Resources LTD (CNQ), calls trade in Financial Select SPDR (XLF) and calls trade in Square Inc (SQ)

Mail Block/Options #Question of the Week:

$TSLA ($182.50, down 3%, IV30:41, HV30:31) Straddle says $8.20 move (4.5%) by Friday close. How much will $TSLA actually move

In line: ($8-$8.50)
Beat Straddle: > $8
Less than Straddle: < $8]
Sick of #Musk / $TSLA

Listener questions:

Question from Moolla - WTF is up with $DRYS? Thing is going nuts - takeover? Lots of calls trading?
Comment from Burgh83: Can you explain what that means exactly?...thanks, I'm trying to figure options out still. But holding MRO, want to buy more...

Around the Block/Earnings Highlights:

Tuesday - Home Depot, Dick's Sporting Goods
Wednesday - Lowe's, Target, Cisco
Thursday - Walmart, Best Buy, Salesforce
Friday - Foot Locker, Abercrombie & Fitch

Trading Block: Volume in non-U.S. trading hours sets a new daily record. Pharma pop on Hillary loss.

Earnings After the Bell:

DIS - $95.72, ATM Straddle = $2.70, approx. 3%
NVDA - $68, ATM Straddle = $5.40, approx. 8%
JWN - $57.10, ATM Straddle = $4.85, approx. 8.5%

Odd Block: Calls roll in YRC Worldwide Inc (YRC), calls trade in Huntington Bankshares Inc. (HBAN) and calls trade in Financial Select SPDR (XLF)

Strategy Block: Uncle Mike Tosaw discusses what to do when you get called away from a covered call.

Mail Block/Options #QuestionOfTheWeek:

$SPX Weds Weekly straddle says 2% move through election. How much will SPX / $SPY move through Weds 11/9?

Over 3% - crazy move
Between 2-3% - big move
Between 1-2% - mild move
Less than 1% - meh

Comment:

Comment from Bongsong2: Trump win makes America great again.

Around the Block: Checking back on the earnings straddles from the top of the show. Who will be in the Trump cabinet? Funky sector rotation. Will tech buyers show up?

Trading Block: Dow soars 300 points after FBI clears Clinton again. Are certain volatility funds raising election risk for the stock market? Earnings today after the bell

Fogo de Chao
Hertz Global Holdings
Marriott International - ATM Straddle = $2.75, approx. 4%
The Priceline Group - ATM Straddle = $82, approx. 5.5%

Odd Block: Calls trade in SPDR KBW Bank ETF (KBE), calls and puts trade in iShares MSCI Mexico Fund (EWW) and puts trade in Marathon Oil Company (MRO)

Mail Block/Options #QuestionOfTheWeek:

$SPX Weds Weekly straddle says 2% move through election. How much will SPX / $SPY move through Weds 11/9?

Over 3% - crazy move
Between 2-3% - big move
Between 1-2% - mild move
Less than 1% - "meh"

Listener questions:

Question from RKintz - What do you guys think of out of the money puts on PBR? I noticed heavy buying across several expiries the last few weeks (possibly speculation of prolonged glut in oil supply)
Question from Real RK - What do you guys think of being long a little less than one standard deviation puts OTM for Jan in everyones favorite hyperbolic name Tesla?

Around the Block/Earning Highlights This Week:

Tuesday - Valeant, CVS Health
Wednesday - Valeant, Mylan, Shake Shack, Macys
Thursday - The Walt Disney Company, Nvidia, Kohls, Nordstrom
Friday - JCPenney

Trading Block: Wrapping up the week in options

Earnings this Week:

Alibaba (Wednesday before the bell). Close: $101.15, ATM Straddle: $5.46. Open up: $2.65, Traded up: $2.95.
Facebook (Wednesday after the bell). Close: $127.17, ATM Straddle: $6.68. Open down: $5.17, Traded down: $7.56.
Starbucks. Close: $52, ATM Straddle: $2.45 - 4.7%

OCC cleared contract volume down 13% in October.

Options #QuestionOfTheWeek: Special #Earnings, #Election, #WorldSeries edition $FB ATM strd=$7.30 $VIX=17.20. Which outcome is most likely?

$VIX > 20 before election
$FB beats ATM Straddle
@realDonaldTrump wins
@Cubs win World Series

Odd Block: Calls trade in Itau Unibanco Holding SA (ITUB), puts trade in Electronic Arts Inc. (EA), calls trade in Powershares QQQ Trust (QQQ)

Strategy Block: Uncle Mike Tosaw discusses ways to use money management in your favor

Around the Block: Prescient polling...so many correct answers on the #QuestionOfTheWeek. Does that mean Trump will win?

Trading Block: The tumultuous presidential election could peak the VIX today. Emotional uncertain about the election? Stick to your investing plan.

Odd Block: Calls trade in Metlife Inc. (MET), calls and puts trade in Holly Frontier Corp (HFC) and puts trade in Encana Corp (ECA).

Mail Block/ Options #QuestionOfTheWeek:

Special #Earnings, #Election, #WorldSeries edition $FB ATM strd=$7.30 $VIX=17.20. Which outcome is most likely?

$VIX > 20 before election
$FB beats ATM Straddle
@realDonaldTrump wins
@Cubs win World Series

Listener questions

Question from Nickel 45: Your talk of the P&G and COTY arb had my head spinning. So I did some research and came across terms like "put squeeze" and "GEX." Now my head is spinning even more. I included one of the links below for clarification. Is this stuff accurate or just noise? Thx.
Question from PFC11: Whats up with $PG/Coty options arb? Any updates?
Question from Barncat: I guess this is for the Options House crew. I am an Etrade customer but I am not happy with their platform. I have been thinking about making the switch to your firm for a few months. Will my account automatically switch over to Options House after the merger or I should I switch it manually now?

Around the Block/Earnings Highlights this Week:

Tuesday - Pfizer
Wednesday - Alibaba, Facebook
Thursday - Starbucks
Friday - Berkshire Hathaway

Trading Block/Earnings Palooza!

Before the Bell:

TSLA: stock up 1.5%, $12.30 (6%)
AAPL: stock closed $118.25, but dropped nearly $5 the next trading day - now trading around $115, straddle $5.25 (4.5%)
TWTR: ATM straddle - $2.10, approx. 12% - stock nearly unchanged today.

After the Bell:

GOOG: ATM straddle - $39.45, approx. 5%
AMZN: ATM straddle - $50 - approx. 6%

Odd Block: Calls trade in Gilead Sciences Inc (GILD), calls trade in Southwest Airlines Co. (LUV) calls trade in Marathon Petroleum Corp (MPC)

Strategy Block: Uncle Mike Tosaw discusses when you would sell a long-dated option.

Mail Block/Options #QuestionOfTheWeek

Is #Trumpocalypse done? Is $VIX already pricing in @HillaryClinton win? Where will $VIX close on election day?

UNCHD (Between 12-14)
Elevated (15-18)
Spike (Over 18)
Selloff (Below 12)

Listener questions:

Question from Trader Onki - I think you recently attended two trading conferences. Would you please share anything new for some of us retail traders who were not able to attend? Or if you already shared them, please direct me to right place?
Question from ItsGoodUntilTheBearRaid - @Options Does this mean someone picked up 19k $8 calls? Refers to this article.

Around the Block: The big story is the elections, even during earnings season. Will the VIX continue to roll up? 2016: A lot of up, a lot of down, but going nowhere.

Trading Block: Earnings today before the bell: T-Mobile USA, Inc. Earnings today after the bell: Visa Inc. S&P 500 Skew Unwind Shows Complacency Over Clinton Win: Analysis. TD Ameritrade to buy Scottrade in two-step deal with TD Bank: Read more.

Odd Block: Calls trade in Fiat Chrysler Auto (FCAU), puts trade in Time Warner Inc. (TWX), calls and puts trade in CBS Corp. (CBS).

Mail Block/QuestionOfTheWeek:

Is #Trumpocalypse done? Is $VIX already pricing in @HillaryClinton win? Where will $VIX close on election day?

Unchaged (Between 12-14)
Elevated (15-18)
Spike (Over 18)
Selloff (Below 12)

Listener question:

Question from Mark Brant: How do funds get orders routed to floor traders? If OH hosts HFs please discuss, thx. Starting one to run the Big Kahuna and favor OH!

Around the Block:

Earnings Highlights This Week:

Monday - Visa
Tuesday - Apple
Wednesday - Tesla
Thursday - Alphabet, Amazon, Twitter
Friday - Exxon Mobil

This Week in the Market:

Oct 25: Consumer Confidence
Oct 26: International Trade, New Home Sales
Oct 27: Jobless Claims, Durable Goods
Oct 28: GDP, Consumer Sentiment

TRADING BLOCK

Earnings highlights today:

Before the bell: American Airlines, Dunkin Brands, Verizon Communications, Textron (TXT), Illinois Tool Works (ITW) and Union Pacific (UNP)

After the bell: E*Trade Financial Corporation, Microsoft Corporation, PayPal Holdings

The return of pit trading?

CFTCs Massad wants access to automated trader source code.

A Nasdaq speed upgrade is threatening IEX.

Resources mentioned in the show:

http://www.valuewalk.com/2016/10/cftc-automated-trading/

http://www.wsj.com/articles/a-nasdaq-speed-upgrade-is-threatening-iex-1476982856

ODD BLOCK

Calls trade in Activision Blizzard, Inc (ATVI), calls trade in Groupon Inc (GRPN), puts trade in Bunge LTD. (BG)

STRATEGY BLOCK

Uncle Mike Tosaw discusses the Wash sale

MAIL BLOCK

Question from James T - What do you think about HIMX ?

Question from TradeCraft - Are there options on carbon trading right? Do they trade much volume?

Question from Trader Onki - MTG Earnings MGIC Investment Corporation is expected to report earnings tomorrow before open. I attached the OI book, Heavy volume 10K contracts -Oct 8 call -Nov 7 puts -Jan17 5 puts -Jan17 10 calls. Would you please share your thoughts? Thank

AROUND THE BLOCK

Earnings Highlights this Week:

Friday - General Electric Company, Honeywell International, McDonalds Corporation

Trading Block: Earnings today before the bell:

Bank of America (BAC) leading off before the market opened Monday with a positive result.

Earnings today after the bell:

IBM: $154.50, ADV 23K; Today over 50k, ATM Straddle: $6.50, approx. 4%

Resources mentioned in the show:

OptionsHouse blog
Options market sees Netflix as a coiled spring ahead of earnings
CEO sold millions in Wells Fargo stock before fraud revelations

Odd Block: Calls trade in SPDR KBW Bank (KBE), calls trade in Bank of America Corp (BAC) and calls trade in 3D Systems Corp (DDD)

Mail Block: Listener questions and comments

Question from Adam - Could you please explain what it means to "gamma scalp" and why this is not called delta scalping? Thanks and your show has saved me a lot of money now that I have come to the dark side!
Question from Ian Wagner - Why trade volatility vs direction or income? Preference? More favorable risk/reward profile?

Around the Block/Earnings Highlights this Week:

Tuesday - Dominos, Goldman Sachs, Intel, Johnson & Johnson, UnitedHealth.
Wednesday - Abbott Labs, American Express, eBay, Mattel
Thursday - American Airlines, Dunkin Brands, E*Trade Financial Corporation, Microsoft Corporation, PayPal, Verizon Communications
Friday - General Electric Company, Honeywell International, McDonalds Corporation

Trading Block: Dow drops amid weak China data and rate fears. Will it be a cold winter? Will that spike energy prices? WTF Fed? Airline earnings

Odd Block: Calls and puts trade in Johnson Controls Intl (JCI), call buyers in Blackstone Group LP (BX), calls trade in Tenet Healthcare Inc (THC)

Strategy Block: Mike Tosaw discusses income strategies.

Mail Block: Listener questions and comments

Question from TraderOnki Re: ULTA Guidance Increase - Wednesday Close: 238.97 - Thursday morning news: Ulta Beauty (ULTA) announced that is expects to report third quarter EPS of $1.35 to $1.38, up from prior expectations of $1.25 to $1.30. - Thursday Open: 246.35 - Stock traded as high as 266.74 (over 10%) as I write this 13:20 EST Looking at the yesterdays OI and Vol books - Oct 21 240 calls traded 1,066 contracts - Oct 21 230 puts traded 993 contracts - Oct 14 230 puts traded 680 contracts By looking at todays OI things I can say about yesterdays Vol - Most of Oct 21 240 calls were opening trades - Most of Oct 21 230 puts were closing trades - Most of Oct 14 230 puts were opening trades Would you please share some of your thoughts and conclusions about these trades? Do you think it was just a wide long strangle? Why do you think they closed the Oct 21 puts and opened more Oct 14 puts? Were they more certain about the timing of the news and wanted to decrease their insurance by buying cheaper puts??? Thank you in advance for your time.
Question from Meravol - Interesting piece in current Modern Trader about selling break-even strangles. Have you seen? What are your thoughts of this technique? Is it me or are there new techniques for selling strangles all the time that always tend to blow out? Aren’t you better off selling IC or IB due to limited risk?

Around the Block/This Week in the Market:

Oct 14: PPI, Retail Sales, Consumer Sentiment

Earning Highlights this week:

Friday - Citigroup, JP Morgan, PNC Financial Services, Wells Fargo

Trading Block: Deutsche Bank says derivatives exposure fears overblown. Twitter shares plunge on report bidders are scarce. TWTR off 11% - back around $17.50. Dow soars as traders await earnings season; Nasdaq near record high.

Odd Block: Calls trade in Energy Transfer Partners LP (ETE), calls trade in Boston Scientific Corp (BSX), and calls trade in Nabors Industries LTD (NBR).

Mail Block/Options #QuestionOfTheWeek:

What is your fav way to trade #Volatility? $VIX? $VXX? $XIV? $SPX? $SPY? Other? DM/Reply with alternatives?

42% - VIX Options/Futures
29% - VXX
18% - XIV
11% - S&P Strad/delta-neutral

Listener question:

Question from Jack Schwartz - RE: Stock Replacement Strategy. Hello Option Block All Stars. My question refers to the Stock Replacement Strategy you advocated on a recent episode (I'm sorry but I don't remember the episode number). The benefits you listed included reducing your capital outlay since equities can only be margined at 50% while options offer substantially higher leverage. So can I assume that I can receive the same benefits from this strategy using a stock future that I can using an equity option? Or are there elements that options provide that futures do not? Thanks. Jack.

Around the Block/This Week in the Market: The Federal Reserve releases the notes from its last meeting. There are several other economic reports worth noting listed below as Alcoa kicks off another round of quarterly earnings.

Oct 12: JOLTS, FOMC Minutes
Oct 13: Jobless Claims, Treasury Budget
Oct 14: PPI, Retail Sales, Consumer Sentiment

Earnings Highlights This Week:

Tuesday - Alcoa
Thursday - Delta Air Lines, Marriott Vacations Worldwide Corporation
Friday - Citigroup, JP Morgan, Wells Fargo

Trading Block: An anemic day in the market. Deutsche Bank does not need a bailout for now, IMF says. DB-$13.50; normal ADV is around 30k, today it was over 65k. Twitter shares plunge on report bidders are scarce. TWTR off 20%.

Odd Block: Puts trade in JP MorganChase and Co. (JPM), calls trade in Wal-mart Stores, Inc (WMT), puts trade in Lowes Companies, Inc (LOW).

Strategy Block: Mike discusses weekend risk.

Mail Block/ Options #QuestionOfTheWeek

What is your preferred way to trade #Volatility? $VIX? $VXX? $XIV? $SPX? $SPY?
VIX Options/Futures?

VXX?
XIV?
S&P Strad/delta-neutral?

Around the Block/This Week in the Market:

Oct 6: Jobless Claims
Oct 7: Unemployment (NonFarms Payroll)

Join us NEXT WEEK at Stocktoberfest

Thursday, October 13 - Saturday, October 15
Location: Hotel del Coronado, San Diego

Trading Block: It is that time of the month: OCC Cleared Contract volume up 2% in September. Exchange-listed options volume reached 357,041,027 contracts in September, up one percent from September 2015 volume of 354,782,668 contracts. TSLA: Quarterly sales numbers are strong. 70% increase in delivered cars over Q2. Production up 35%.

Odd Block: Puts trade in Deutsche Bank AG (DB), alls roll out in Pfizer Inc (PFE) and calls trade in Wells Fargo Co (WFC).

Mail Block: Listener questions and comments

Last Week Options #QuestionOfTheWeek -How will the election impact $VIX? Are we heading for #Trump-ocalypse or #Clint-astrophe? Share your feelings.

43% Spike > 20 - Blame Trump
11% Spike >20 - Blame Clinton
17% No impact (12-14 range)
29% Modest Increase (15-20)

This Week Options #QuestionOfTheWeek - What is your preferred way to trade #Volatility? $VIX? $VXX? $XIV? $SPX? $SPY? DM/Reply with alternatives

VIX Options/Futures?
VXX?
XIV?
S&P Strad/delta-neutral?

Comments for listeners:

Comment from Mark Brandt - About last episode, The Sex Appeal of Options: SPX is a hot chick! Liked the put diagonal collar concept for open upside!
Comment from Charlesturro - @OptionsInsider These are looking good today!! - regarding this activity - 6136 $DVAX Jan2017 18 calls went up on the PHLX marked buy write

Around the Block:

Earnings highlights this week include:

Tuesday - Micron Technology, Inc.
Wednesday - Monsanto Company and Yum! Brands, Inc.

This Week in the market:

Oct 5: International Trade, Factory Orders
Oct 6: Jobless Claims
Oct 7: Unemployment (NonFarms Payroll)

Join us at A Leg To Stand On's (ALTSO) Rocktoberfest

Date: Thursday, October 6 2016

Time: 6pm - 11pm

Location: City Winery, 1200 W Randolph Street, Chicago

For more information, please visit the Rocktoberfest website.

Today we have a very special guest co-host, Benjamin Londergan, Executive Managing Director and Head of Options Trading and Technology, Convergex.

Trading Block: Most indices closed sharply lower. That means the VIX closed higher. Was Deutsche Bank the biggest story of the day? The media dropped the dreaded "D" word. Crude is up again. Revisiting the CBOE/BATS deal.

Odd Block: Size PFE time spread goes up, size BHI call buyers and VNDA parity calls and combos trade.

Strategy Block: Uncle Mike discusses the biggest frustrations with collars and alternatives to that.

Mail Block: Listener questions and comments

What's the deal with PG?

Around the Block: Will the markets move from the election? The post-debate analysis.

Options #QuestionOfTheWeek:

How will the election impact $VIX? Are we heading for #Trump-ocalypse or #Clint-astrophe? Share your feelings.

Spike > 20 - Blame Trump
Spike > 20 - Blame Clinton
No impact (12-14 range)
Modest Increase (15-20)

Trading Block: Vol begins to head north again after a big selloff in VIX on Friday. The debates are coming! Merkel has no love for Deutsche Bank. Golf loses a king, Arnold Palmer. What can investors learn from his endorsements? Are you seeing Trump in the rearview mirror? CBOE agrees to buy market operator Bats for $3.2 Billion. With a B. Interesting turn into exchange consolidation rather than fragmentation.

Odd Block: Puts trade in EWG, calls trade in TCK and calls trade in DVAX.

Mail Block: Listener questions and comments

Question from @investor17 - Can you please highlight if PG puts were sold or bought? And give perspective on what these high Oct puts strikes 120 mean? (The information in question came from the Hot Options Report for 9.23.16.)

Around the Block: Have you checked out the OptionsHouse blog? OPEC meeting coming up, and they invited Russia. Deutsche Bank aftermath? The Fed.

Trading Block: VIX apocalypse post-Fed. It looks like we were not pessimistic enough on Vol Views last week! How will next weeks first Presidential debate effect vol? Wall Street extends rally after Fed rate decision. Fed is perilously close to losing its credibility, says economist.

Odd Block: Calls trade in ETSY Inc (ETSY), from Monday, calls trade in Bank of America Corp (BAC), calls trade in Encana Corp (ECA), and calls trade in Pandora Media Inc (P).

Strategy Block: Mike Tosaw discusses call spreads vs. put spreads.

Mail Block/Options #Questionoftheweek:

Where will $VIX close after FOMC decision on Wednesday 9/21?
Between 15.51 - 16.50
Between 14.50 - 15.50
Below 14.50
Above 16.50
Question from Sean O - Are there any options that had lopsided trading to one side - either puts or calls - leading into the Fed announcement?

Around the Block/This Week in the Market:

Sep 22: Jobless Claims, Existing Home Sales

Trading Block: AAPL! It is no longer the Feds market, it is now Apple's market. Last week Apple essentially carried the S&P 500, Dow, and NASDAQ, having one of its best weeks ever climbing 12% in only 5 days, or more than $75B in market cap! NASDAQ: The NASDAQ is now less than 1% away from hitting fresh all-time highs - The current all-time high is 5,287.61.

Odd Block: Calls trade in Infoblox Inc (BLOX), calls trade in Etsy Inc. (ETSY) and calls and puts trade in Plains GP Holdings LP (PAGP)

Mail Block: Listener questions and comments

OptionMonster question of the week: What is the difference between buying a debit call spread versus selling a credit put spread?
Question from Richard Russell: To clarify my question, at 14:00 of episode 553 you state that a $6 straddle was pricing an 8% move following earnings. is this just the current ATM straddle?
Question from Fred: I have listened to some of your broadcast and they were over my head. Which one should I focus on to listen to as a beginner?

Around the Block/This Week in the Market:

Sep 20: Housing Starts

Sep 21: EIA Petroleum Status, FOMC Announcement
Sep 22: Jobless Claims, Existing Home Sales

Earnings for the Week:

Tuesday: Adobe Systems Corporation, FedEx, KB Home, Lennar Corporation
Wednesday: Bed Bath & Beyond, CarMax, General Mills, Herman Miller
Thursday: Rite Aid

Trading Block: Volatility is coming back! Wall Street gains on Apple, dimmer chances of rate hike.

Odd Block: Calls trade in Lending Club Corp (LC), calls trade in Infoblox Inc (BLOX), and calls trade in Technology SPDR (XLK)

Mail Block: Listener questions and comments

Question from Yukoner: Do you ever do spreads in LEAPS? Why and how? So I used trade the LEAPS rather than guy the stock. Is that s good use case?
Question from Trader Shawn: What is the difference between USO and UCO?
Question from Vegs: I am seeing lots of big fat options OI tied to the big ES 2200 strike. Does this mean big traders are betting that the S&P will rally past 2200? Can all of this open interest have the net effect of forcing the S&P to that strike at expiration? Do you view this open interest solely coming from pros, or are retail reflecting there as well?

Strategy Block: Uncle Mike Tosaw discusses vertical LEAPS rolls.

Around the Block/This Week in the Market: Sep 16: CPI, Consumer Sentiment

Trading Block: Dow rebounds 130 points amid rate hike debate. Vol explodes higher and the bulls' confidence is tested. TSLA: Shares of Tesla Motors Inc. fell in pre-market trading but was slightly higher after the open. SSNLF: Shares of the world's biggest smartphone maker plunged 7% Monday.

Odd Block: Calls trade in Gold Fields Ltd (GFI), calls trade in Southwestern Energy Co. (SWN), puts trade in HCA Holdings Inc. (HCA).

Mail Block: Listener questions and comments

Question from JDiggs - What is up with Uber IPO? They crapped away over $1B in the first half of this year already. I can't wait to buy puts on them! Although I guess those puts would probably be pretty pricey since I can't be the only one who think these numbers are crazy.
Question from Begs - When ES shoots up and at an all-time high in summer, farms are slow. It was very likely Monday would be thin in the market. Is it possibly to sell premiums when this happens, and make money on quiet Monday?

Around the Block/This Week in the Market: It is a heavy week as far as economic reports go with Thursday at 7:30 CT being exceptionally busy for reporting. In addition, quadruple witching expiration takes place on Friday.

Sep 13: Treasury Budget
Sep 14: Import and Export Prices
Sep 15: Jobless Claims, PPI, Retail Sales
Sep 16: CPI, Consumer Sentiment

Trading Block: August this year was the lowest average daily volume for puts and calls since October 2012.

Stocks to Watch:

TWTR - Stock off over 5%
AAPL - World not enthused with new iPhone, stock off nearly 3%
TSLA - Stock back below $200 - With the combined weight of SCTY deal controversy, cash squeeze and SpaceX explosion.
SBUX - CEO endorses Hilary, stock off nearly 2%.
Crude stock drop sparks rally. U.S. crude stocks fell by a whopping 14.5 million barrels last week.

Odd Block: Calls trade in TransOcean LTD (RIG), calls trade in Chesapeake Energy (CHK), and calls trade in iShares FTSE / China ETF (FXI)

Mail Block: Listener questions and comments

Question from JPMTrader: What is the call and put volume like for expirery for the 110s and 107s in Apple?
Question from TradeCraft: Is there a correlation between high options OI and high options price levels?

Around the Block/ This Week in the Market:

Sep 7: JOLTS, Beige Book
Sep 8: Jobless Claims, EIA Petroleum Status

Earnings tomorrow include:

The Kroger Company
Mattress Firm Holding Corp

Trading Block: OCC Cleared Contract volume down 24% in August. Earnings today: (before the bell) Campbell Soup Co., Lands End, Vera Bradley; (after the bell) Lululemon Athletica Inc. Bill Gross says Janet Yellen has "Mastered the art of market manipulation." U.S. stocks turn lower to start September on unsteady footing as energy sinks.

Odd Block: Puts trade in Iridium Communications Inc. (IRDM), calls trade in Chevron Corp. (CVX) and calls trade in Pandora Media Inc. (P).

Strategy Block: Uncle Mike Tosaw discusses a real life collar example.

Mail Block: Listener questions and comments

Question from Richard Russell: Can you explain in detail how you use the spread trade parameters to predict the anticipated underlying movement at expiration?
Question from Fred: Can you talk about how you assemble a watch list for options trades? Including individual stocks and options trades.

Around the Block: Reviewing LULU, non-farms number released tomorrow.

Trading Block: Stocks to Watch: Mylan, Herbalife, and Caesars Entertainment.

Mylan on Monday said it would launch a generic alternative to EpiPen at a 50% discount after being criticized for dramatically raising the price of the lifesaving drug. Shares gained 2.4% to $44.05 in premarket trading.
Carl Icahn bought more shares in Herbalife on Friday, just days after he weighed selling his stake in the controversial nutritional-products maker. Herbalife shares rose 2.7% to $62.11 premarket.
Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen speaking from Jackson Hole indicated that the U.S. central bank was nearing the point of raising the short-term Fed Funds rate once again, possibly at their September meeting.
VIX index (13.65%) ticked slightly higher last week trading above 14% Friday, indicating that investors were once again increasing their bids for option premiums.

Odd Block: Reviewing a trade from last week in Big lots Inc. (BIG), MSFT strangle seller, Possible roll of MOMO calls, and breakout calls trading in GNW.

Mail Block: Listener questions and comments

Question from Hemet: What is the best way to trade diagonals on VRX?
Question from Jesse: So, I am LOVING The Options Insider, wish I had discovered you a long time ago. You were asking Rock Lobster listener feedback - and you mentioned something like "even though you get all your juice for free..." Was that a pop-culture reference, or is he somehow buying call options for free... or just super cheap that it seems free? Do you mind clarifying? Thanks for the great shows.

Around the Block/This Week in the Market:

Aug 29: Personal Income
Aug 30: Consumer Confidence
Aug 31: Chicago PMI
Sep. 1: Jobless Claims
Sep. 2: Unemployment, International Trade, Factory Orders

Trading Block: Earnings today include: Gamestop, Ulta Salon, Cosmetics and Fragrance. Gamestop (GME) is at $32.21, ATM straddle: $1.50, or approx. 4.6%. Stocks to Watch: Mylan, Medtronic, Signet Jewelers, Sears, Guess. Mylan NV responded Thursday to backlash over price increases for its EpiPen emergency allergy treatment by promising to reduce the costs that some patients pay, though the drugmaker stopped short of saying it would roll back prices or limit future increases. Shares rose 2.18% to $44.09 premarket. What to expect from Fed Chair speech at Jackson Hole.

Odd Block: From 8/24) Earnings call buyers in HP Inc. (HPQ), Jan vertical buyers in United Continental Holding Inc. (UAL), call buying across strikes in Goldcorp Inc. (CG), and put spread buying in Big Lots Inc.(BIG).

Strategy Block: Uncle Mike Tosaw discusses trading covered calls, even when they are not paying a lot.

Mail Block/Options #QuestionOfTheWeek:

$USO is trading at $11, up 19% in Aug. The Sep ATM straddle is at $.80, 10 Puts at $.10, 12 Calls at $.09.

Would you:

Sell the Straddle
Buy the Straddle
Buy put/Collar
Sell Put/Bull Risk Revers

Around the Block/This Week in the Market:

Aug 26: GDP, International Trade, Consumer Sentiment

Trading Block: The one- year anniversary of the 8/24 flash crash looms near. Yellen speech at Jackson Hole set to dominate mood on Wall Street. VRX continues its roller coaster ride. Up another 8% today - volume 1.5 ADV by 12PM. Calls 1.5 /1 over puts, IV 30 61. Sep. ATM straddle approx. $4, approx. 13%. Confirmed Monday that it has hired Zoetis executive Paul Herendeen as its new chief financial officer.

Odd Block: Calls trade in Starbucks Inc (SBUX), calls trade in Marvel Tech Group (MRVL), puts trade in General Growth Properties Inc (GGP)

Mail Block/Options #QuestionOfTheWeek:

$USO $11, up 19% in Aug, SEP ATM steaddle= $.80, 10 Put= $.10, 12 Call = $.09.

Would you:

Sell the Straddle
Buy the Straddle
Buy put/Collar
Sell Put/Bull Risk Reversal
Question from Natalie L. - I keep receiving email promotions from an “expert” who says his top rule of trading is that he never buys options. He only sells them. What is this about? Is this a reliable approach to options trading or should I delete these emails?

Around the Block: A look at this week in the market:

Aug 23: New Home Sales
Aug 24: existing Home Sales
Aug 25: Jobless Claims, Durable Goods
Aug 26: GDP, International Trade, Consumer Sentiment

Trading Block: Earnings today (before the bell): Wal-Mart, Hormel Foods, MSG Networks); (after the bell): Gap, Ross Stores. Wal-Mart closed at $73. ATM straddle $2.75, approx. 3.8%

Options #QuestionoftheWeek: $VRX $26.66 up 7% Monday. IV30 is 63. HV30 is 99. Looking out 1 month would you rather:

Buy Calls?
Buy Puts?
Sell Premium?
Will not touch $VRX

Odd Block: Calls trade in JA Solar Holdings Co. (JASO), puts trade in iPath SP Crude Oil ETF (OIL), puts roll in Eli Lilly and Co (LLY), and puts trade in Harley-Davidson Inc (HOG).

Strategy Block: Uncle Mike Tosaw discusses long-term collars and bonds.

Mail Block: Listener questions and comments

Question from RealRK: Speaking about bonds, any better option than buying puts on HYG in anticipation of rate hikes and since it was lagged the price of oil?
Question from Vegs: Lots of big fat options OI tied to big ES 2200. How do I see this information? Does this mean big traders are betting on 2200? Does that mean pros or retail?

Around the Block: Earnings highlights for Friday include: Deere & Company, Estee Lauder Companies, Foot Locker, Stein Mart

Trading Block: New all-time highs across most major indices. Oil rallies yet again; up 1.5%. VIX cash still below the 12-handle. Earnings Tuesday: BMO. Stock $137. ATM straddle approx. $4/3%.

Odd Block: Vertical put buying in Polaris Industries Inc. (PII), vertical call buying in Energy Transfer Partners LP (ETP), buying calls in Akamai Technologies Inc. (AKAM)

Mail Block/Options Question of the Week: What is your preferred way to trade crude oil? #QOTW

WTI Options/Futures
USO Options/ETF
XLE Options/ETF
Brent Options/Futures
Question from Joe736: Do you think VRX will selloff a buck to open tomorrow?

Around the Block: This Week in the Market

Aug 15: Treasury International
Aug 16: CPI, Housing Starts, Industrial Production
Aug 17: Fed Minutes
Aug 18: Jobless Claims

Trading Block: Strong earnings, surge in oil power Dow to record intraday high. Earnings today: Before the bell: Alibaba Group Holding Ltd, Kohls Corporation, Macys Inc.; After the bell: Cosi, Inc., Nordstrom Inc. VRX: ATM straddle approx. $3, 13%. So much for put buyers Stock opened $1.50 higher and closed nearly $6 higher - surrendered most of those gains today.

Odd Block: Calls trade in Twitter Inc (TWTR), calls trade in Alibaba Group Holdings (BABA), puts trade in SPDR Retail ETF (XRT)

Mail Block: Options Question of the Week

Options #QuestionoftheWeek. What is your preferred way to trade crude oil? #QOTW

WTI Options / Futures
USO Options / ETF
XLE Options / ETF
Brent Options / Futures
Question from Rpatel117 - Do you guys think DIS cross 100 this week?"
Question from Matrix - Never sold options before. Why do some people prefer to sell them when they can buy them instead?
Question from Cucas - What are the best resources for weeklies?

Around the Block: This Week in the Market

Aug 9: Productivity and Costs
Aug 10: JOLTS, Treasury Budget
Aug 11: Jobless Claims, Export Prices
Aug 12: Retail Sales, Consumer Sentiment

Trading Block: Earnings today include (before): Dean Foods, Sotheby's, Tyson Foods; (after) Hertz Global Holdings, Rackspace, WebMD Health Corp. Options bears descend on Valeant ahead of earnings. Traders are betting shares are due for even more pain. Non-farm payroll brightens the U.S. economic outlook.

Odd Block: Puts trade in Tupperware Brands Corp. (TUP), puts trade in SM Energy Co. (SM), calls trade in Targa Resources Corp. (TRGP)

Strategy Block: Uncle Mike Tosaw discusses money management

Around the Block: Earnings highlights for the week.

Tuesday: Coach, Exelon Corporation, Tribune Media Company, Valeant Pharmaceuticals, Walt Disney Company, Yelp
Wednesday: Michael Kors Holdings, JD.com, Ralph Lauren, Shake Shack, The Wendy Company
Thursday: Alibaba Group Holding Ltd, Kohls Corporation, Macys Inc., Nordstrom Inc.
Friday: JC Penney Company

Trading Block: Earnings today: AMC Networks, HH Gregg, Icahn Enterprises, MGM Resorts International, Nokia Corporation, Starwood Property Trust, Time Inc. (before); Activision Blizzard, Almo Group, Bats Global Markets, LinkedIn Corporation, Lions Gate Entertainment Corporation, Weight Watchers International, Zillow (after). ATVI at $40.84, approx. 7%. Takeover rumor sparks busy day in Twitter options.

Odd Block: Aug call buyers in Comcast Corp (CMCSA), selling calls in Noble Corporation PLC (NE), and put buying in Market Vectors Gold Miners ETF (GDX).

Mail Block/Options Question of the Week: Twitter poll AND listener questions and comments

What is most important to you when choosing an options broker?

Commissions
Platform Features
Support/Service
Educational Offerings
Question from Grasshopper: I have heard options strategies may be vulnerable to "dump like an elephant" concerns criticism. Are the losses big, are high win rate strategies a cause for suspicion?
Question from Fred: Would trading options change that way I look at/trade futures?
Question from Anthony Cioffi: I have got a somewhat off-topic question from the show. I know Mark is a fight fan. What does he think of the recent sale of the UFC for $4.2 billion?Good deal, or did they dramatically over pay? What are the odds that the UFC will eventually go public as a result of this deal? It would be fun to trade options on that name. They would probably be very volatile heading into big fight cards.

Around the Block: Earnings on Friday:Virgin America.

This Week in the Market:

Aug 4: Jobless Claims, Factory Orders
Aug 5: Non-Farm Payrolls, International Trade

Trading Block: Earnings today include: AMC Entertainment Holdings, Loews Corporation (before), and Dunn & Bradstreet, General Growth Properties (after). U.S. stocks pressured as oil losses mount. Crude back below $40. BATS to launch “BAM” Options Auctions, offering competitive price improvement opportunity.

Odd Block: Calls selling and buying in MetLife (MET), calls selling in FDC First Data Corp (FDC), and LEAPS put buying in Trina Solar Limited (TSL).

Strategy Block: Uncle Mike Tosaw discusses portfolio margining

Options Question of the Week: What is most important to you when choosing an options broker?

Commissions
Platform Features
Support/Service
Educational Offerings

Around the Block: Earnings Highlights for the Week.

Tuesday: Avis Budget Group, CVS Health Corporation, Ecolab, Electronic Arts, Etsy, Fitbit, Intercontinental Hotels Group, La Quinta, Pfizer, Potbelly Corporation, Royal Caribbean Cruises
Wednesday: Cedar Fair, Crocs, GoDaddy, Herbalife, Intercontinental Exchange, Office Depot, Tesla Motors, Time Warner, Twenty-First Century Fox
Thursday: Activision Blizzard, Almo Group, AMC Networks, Bats Global Markets, HH Gregg, Icahn Enterprises, LinkedIn Corporation, Lions Gate Entertainment Corporation, MGM Resorts International, Nokia Corporation, Starwood Property Trust, Time Inc, Weight Watchers International, Zillow
Friday: Virgin America

Trading Block: Big news! OptionsHouse is now the sponsor of The Option Block.

Earnings today include CME, FORD, DOW.

Ford off nearly 9%
AMZN: $748.50. ATM Straddle approx. $50, 6.6%
GOOG: $742. ATM Straddle approx. $38.50, 5%.

Odd Block: Calls trade in ETSY Inc. (ETSY), calls trade in The Technology SPDR (XLK), calls and puts trade in Yandex NV (YNDX)

Mail Block: Listener questions and comments

Question from AWorth: Can the Options House guys explain how their short buyback program works? Is it only for outright shorts, or if I have a short leg of a spread that is near the money on expiration but trading under $.10, can I close that out without commission or do I have to close the whole spread?
Question from Thomas Hatch: I like dividend yield stocks. I listened to an earlier show and you mentioned writing covered calls to generate dividends. Can I apply this strategy to dividend yield stocks? Any risks I should watch out for when doing this?
Question from 777: Are you aware of any specific gold arb between chinese gold derivatives and their U.S. equivalents?

Around the Block: Earnings on Friday include CBOE, Exxon-Mobil (XOM), Merck (MRK) and UPS (UPS). This weekin the market sees GDP, Consumer Sentiment on July 29.

Trading Block: Earnings! Not many earning today, but a big week is ahead. Apple after the bell tomorrow. Stock at $97.27, ATM Straddle approx. $2.90, or 3%. Oil prices fell to two-and-a-half month low. Verizon owns the internet from the 90s, AOL last year, Yahoo today.

Odd Block: Calls trade in Crown Castle Inter. (CCI), call buying in Bank of America (BAC), call selling in iShares MSCI Japan ETF (EWJ), and put selling in Lululemon Athletica Inc. (LULU).

Strategy Block: Uncle Mike Tosaw discusses selling put spreads on a dip in the marketplace.

Around the Block: Upcoming earnings include:

AMZN
F
GOOG
TWTR
FB

Trading Block: Most major markets off 0.5% or more. VIX cash watch. Earnings today (before) Dunkin Brands,General Motors, Marriott Vacations, Southwest Airlines; (after) AT&T, Chipotle Mexican Grill, E*Trade Financial (ETFC). Apple Watch is a flop!

Odd Block: Calls trade in Nobel Corporation (NE), calls trade in Teucrium Corn Fund (CORN), calls and puts trade in Ebay Inc (EBAY), and calls trade in Mattel Corp (MAT).

Mail Block: Listener questions and comments....LIVE!

Size aside, what are the primary benefits of using SPX instead of SPY.
What is going on in the VIX Aug 13 puts?
Which names are the most reliable premium writes each quarter?
Is there a tradeable pair between VIX and another member of the family of volatility products?
What to do with the upcoming UVXY reverse split?

Around the Block: Earnings on Friday: American Airlines, General Electric Company, TCF Financial, Whirlpool Corporation.

Trading Block: The coup that wasn't. Earnings today include Bank of America, Hasbro, Charles Schwab Corp., (before) and IBM, Netflix, Yahoo (after). A Brexit swoon boosts US options volume to a 10-month high.

Odd Block: Size puts in IZE iShares MSCI Turkey Market Index ETF (TUR), calls trade in Nobel Energy (NE), calls trade in Market Vectors Russia ETF (RSX), and calls and puts trade in ArcelorMittal SA (MT).

Strategy Block: Uncle Mike Tosaw diagonal spreads and when to know the market is at a low.

Around the Block: Earnings!

Tuesday: Discover Financial Services, Electronic Arts, Goldman Sachs, Interactive Brokers, Microsoft Corporation, TD Ameritrade
Wednesday: Abbott Labs, American Express, eBay, Intel Corporation, MB Financial, Morgan Stanley, Northern Trust
Thursday: AT&T, Chipotle Mexican Grill, Dunkin Brands, E*Trade Financial, General Motors, Marriott Vacations, Pandora Media, PayPal, Southwest Airlines, Visa, Inc.
Friday: American Airlines, General Electric Company, TCF Financial, Whirlpool Corporation

Trading Block: Earnings today include: JPMorgan Chase, Delta Air Lines. Legislation to impose financial transactions tax introduced. Clinton aims "Wall Street" tax at Flash Boys, not banks.

Odd Block: Calls trade in ConAgra Foods Inc. (CAG), calls trade in HollyFrontier Corp (HFC) and calls trade in Credit Suisse Group (CS).

Mail Block: Listener questions and comments

Question from Dmitry: What happens to Leaps for tickers that get delisted before expiration?
Question from Mark Davis: Hello, I am a new listener. There was a mention of using covered calls to generate a "dividend". I am having trouble tracking down more information on this. Being still new to all of this, I am hoping to get a clearer picture of how it works. How far out on expiration should I look at to figure the stock price? Thanks!

Around the Block: Earnings on Friday include Citigroup, PNC Financial Services, US Bancorp, Wells Fargo

Trading Block: Today we have a specail co-host, Steve Claussen, Chief Investment Strategist, OptionsHouse. What do the all-stars discuss?

Earnings today: Alcoa Inc. ATM Straddle approx. $.65-6.5%.
The S&P hits new all-time high, Nasdaq above 5,000.
CBOE to list SPX Monday-expiring Weeklys Options.
Pokemon Go craze sends Nintendo stock soaring.

Odd Block: Short-term bulls go shopping at Macy's (M); calls trade in Sprouts Farmers Market Inc. (SFM); calls trade in Lifelock Inc (LOCK), and; puts trade in Deutsche Bank AG (DB)

Strategy Block: Uncle Mike Tosaw discusses alternatives to covered call trading.

Mail Block: Listener questions and comments

Around the Block: Earnings!

Wednesday: Yum! Brands, Inc.
Thursday: JPMorgan Chase, Delta Air Lines
Friday: Citigroup, PNC Financial Services, US Bancorp, Wells Fargo

Trading Block: Post-Brexit market update. OCC Cleared contract volume up 11% in June. The urgency of the Fed to hike has faded away as Brexit further clouded the outlook. SEC approves NYSE request for new market volatility rules.

Twitter Poll Options Question of the Week: Which products' performance post-#Brexit surprised you the most?

43%: Volatility (VIX, etc)
0%: Rates (10yr, etc)
52%: Equity Index: (SPY, etc)
5%: FX (GBP/USD, EUR/USD etc)

Odd Block: Size call seller in Kinross Gold Corp (KGC), call buyer in General Electric (GE) and put seller in Interval Leisure Group Inc (IILG)

Mail Block: Listener questions and comments

Question from RazMichaghian: Info on how to set my stock scan on TOS on pre meters? Thank you
Question from JViz: Why do people trade options with stock? Why do they buy calls and then sell stock in the same trade? What advantage does that offer?
Question from AJones: Shame about Mini options. Great breakdown of the failing that doomed that product. Are there any other products out there that surprised you-either with their success or failure?

Around the Block: Friday, July 8: The health of the job market (Non Farm Payrolls Report)

Trading Block: Earnings today before the bell: ConAgra. U.S. lawmakers seek more money, authority for derivatives regulators. CFTC charges ex-Chicago Board Options Exchange director with fraud.

Options Question of the Week Twitter Poll: Where will $VIX close on Friday in this first trading week post-#Brexit? #QOTW

6%: Above 25
13%: 22-24.99
22%: 19-21.99
59%: Below 19

Odd Block: Calls go up in Hershey Co. (HSY), call buyers in Mondelez International Inc. (MDLZ), and put spread buyers in Encana Corp (ECA)

Mail Block: Listener questions and comments

Comment from Frank: @OpenOutcrier He must have ripped off somebody really important then...
Comment from BruceX555: Some nimble-footed traders have made a lot on Brexit, and I reckon plenty have lost plenty.
Question from Robert K.: ‏Hi, on a debit spread is the most you could lose is your credit?
Question from Tor: Hello, I am (restarting) my options trading on a shoestring; any thoughts on mini-options? Thanks.

Around the Block: Vol coming in due to holiday weekend. Non-farms next week. Will there be a selloff due to quarter end? Will bonds come down at all? Mike is married....in gold.

Trading Block: Brexit provides a review of pitfalls for options and futures traders. Oil extends decline as Brexit fallout spurs market volatility. Could the Fed potentially reverse course and cut rates?

Odd Block: Calls trade in Crown Castle Inter. (CCI), puts trade in Starbucks Corporation (SBUX)

Strategy Block: Uncle Mike Tosaw discusses how to select the correct collar size.

Listener Mail: Listener questions and comments

Question from David Shanabrook: Can you check the $AAPL weekly options for this week? Huge open interest (put and call) at $100, $105 accelerated repurchase by Apple? What is the effect?

Around the Block: Earnings!

Tuesday: Nike, Inc.
Wednesday: General Mills, Monsanto Company, Pier1 Imports
Thursday: ConAgra Foods

Trading Block: Brexit, Brexit, Brexit! Results due late Thursday night. Tesla owner Elon Musk wants to acquire SolarCity, another company he owns. Gold. Oil.

Odd Block: Bull call spreads trade in RiteAid Corp. (RAD), bull call spreads trade in Vanguard FTSE Europe ETF (VGK)

Mail Block: Listener questions and comments

Question from Robert K.: I would like to use strategy regarding naked puts. If the naked put is far out of money what strategy could I use to protect myself. Could I use some type of order in case it was getting close to naked put strike price. Thanks
Question from Tor: Hello. I am (restarting) my options trading on a shoestring; any thoughts on mini-options? Thanks.
Question from Cristoff: Do you guys only trade options, or do you trade futures too? How do you decide when to use which?
Question from 777: Are you aware of any specific gold arb between Chinese gold derivatives and their U.S. equivalents?

Around the Block: Brexit, Brexit, Brexit!

Trading Block: Brexit: Much ado about nothing? Market rallies and VIX Cash sells off 2 handles, Dow jumps 200 points. Is that it for volatility? Goldman slashes stock demand estimates.

Odd Block: Puts trade in Newmont Mining Corp (NEM), calls trade in Credit Suisse Group AG (CS), and puts trade in Community Health Systems (CYH)

Strategy Block: Uncle Mike Tosaw discusses iron condors

Around the Block: Earnings!

Tuesday: Adobe Systems Incorporated, CarMax, FedEx Corporation, La-Z-Boy
Wednesday: Barnes & Noble, Bed, Bath & Beyond
Thursday: Accenture, BlackBerry Limited, Sonic Corp.

RCM Alternatives Event: Beyond The Stock Market: Investing 2.0
Tuesday, June 28, 2016
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
1871 Auditorium | 222 W. Merchandise Mart Plaza Fl 12 | Chicago, IL

The CBOE & Option Pit Professional Traders Summit
Wednesday & Thursday July 20 & 21, 2016 (VIP session Friday morning July 22nd)
8:30 am to 5:30 pm
Chicago Board Options Exchange | 400 South LaSalle Street | Chicago, IL

Trading Block: Fed keeps rates unchanged, lowering odds for future hikes. Weak Nonfarms number derailed any Fed plans to raise in June. Earnings today: (before the bell) Oracle Corporation; (after the bell) the Kroger Co, Rite Aid Corporation.

CME Fedwatch tool:

July probability: 7%
Sep: 29%
Nov: 31%
Dec: 47%

Options Question of the Week: $VIX surging ahead of FOMC, but for how long? Where will $VIX cash close Friday 6/17?

19% - 18-20 range
47% - 15-17.99 range (Winner)
25% - Above 20
09% - Below 15

Odd Block: Calls trade in Activision Blizzard Inc. (ATVI), calls trade in iShares Barclays 20+ year Treasury ETF (TLT) and calls roll in Wells Fargo & Co. (WFC).

Mail Block: Listener questions and comments

Question from Vegan: For an options newbie, how would I construct a trade with most possibilities to win? I understand that the potential profit might be small. What time frame is good as well?
Question from Jim Duggan: FOMC and Brexit are approaching. What are some good ways to use options to play Brexit or FOMC?
Question from John Doe: Do you have any specific strategies near or on expiration to profit from theta decay.

Around the Block: Brexit coming up on 6/23. Fade it? Buy into it? Much ado about nothing?

Trading Block: Today we have a special guest co-host: Steve Claussen, Chief Investment Strategist, OptionsHouse.

What's going on:

VIX/VVIX surging ahead of FOMC - VIX Cash over 20, VVIX: 117.
Suspicious options activity in LNKD/MSFT ahead of deal
A group from Silicon Valley has a serious plan for creating a totally new US stock exchange.

Options Question of the Week Results: How are you prepping your portfolio for #BREXIT:

23% Buying S&P / Index Puts
27% Buying Vol -VIX, VXX, etc
15% Moving to Cash
35% BREXIT will not happen was the winner, but down from 50% earlier in the week.

Odd Block: Calls trade in JPMorgan Alerian MLP (AMJ), calls trade in SunPower Corp. (SPWR), calls trade in Barclays PLC (BCS)

Strategy Block: Uncle Mike Tosaw discusses being a bull ahead to the FOMC and Brexit.

Around the Block: What are the all-stars thinking about?

Earnings This Week: The Kroger Co, Rite Aid Corporation, Oracle Corporation.
Federal Reserve Meeting on Wednesday.

Trading Block: VIX remains somewhat muted heading into FOMC new week as well as Brexit the following week. Billionaire George Soros returns as a Brexit bear. He's also loading up on gold and GLD options, SPY puts.

Odd Block: Calls trade in Market Vectors Oil Services ETF (OIH), calls trade in AT&T (T), and calls trade in Marathon Petroleum Corp (MPC).

Mail Block: Listener questions and comments

Question from JMFarrare: Do you guys have a service that alerts on unusual options activity in the mornings on a daily basis? If not can you direct me to someone that does? Thanks, your website is great!
Question from 777: What adjustments should I make when trading options on expensive stocks vs. regular priced stocks vs. cheap stocks.
Question from Eric: The last few days I have traded October OIX calls. I made money, but felt like I left a lot of money on the table due to the bid ask spread. How could I have improved on this?

Around the Block: Triple witching plus FOMC equals wild week ahead.

Trading Block: Market not spooked by Yellen today. Brexit worry has radiated around world as poll puts traders on edge.

Odd Block: Calls trade in Calpine Corp (CPN), calls trade in EI Dupont (DD), and calls trade Enterprise Products Partners (EPD)

Listener Questions: In which the listeners take over

Question from Andy Noble: What do you guys think about this scandal over the super trader? Another black eye for options?
Question from Andre Chiles: I am new to the market, but I was wondering if you could help me learn and make some money.
Question from Mr. Niggles: Saw the headline link on Options Insider about the stock replacement strategy. What do you think of using this strategy in the current market conditions?

Around the Block: Earnings!

Tuesday: Michaels, Dave & Busters
Wednesday: Lululemon Athletica, Restoration Hardware
Thursday: H&R Block

Trading Block featuring guest co-host Todd Rich, President of OM Media (an affiliate of OptionsHouse).

Crude oil and energy stocks
It is that time of the month - volume time.
OCC announced that cleared contract volume in May reached 319,533,636 contracts, a four percent increase from the May 2015 volume of 308,639,215 contracts.
YTD average daily cleared contract volume is also up four percent from 2015 with 16,734,689 contracts.

Odd Block: Calls trade in Xilinx Inc. (XLNX), calls trade in iShares MSCI UK (EWU), calls and puts trade in Macys Inc. (M), and calls trade in Marriott International Inc. (MAR).

Mail Block: Listener questions and comments

Question from Niles - Are there any triple witching levels coming soon? If so, how do they influence the options market and expiration?
Question from Fred - I kind of hit a wall in my options development. Maybe my focus was too split between learning about futures and learning about options. Are you familiar with the books by Jim Dalton? He wrote a book about options trading but he does not like the greeks and he does not like many conventional options trading strategies. He only uses them when necessary. I guess this is a long way to asking when I should use options vs. futures
Question from Jack - Have you ever used the PREM indicator? It is for arbitrage traders. If so, how does it play out in the options market?

Around the Block: Non-Farms on Friday (to be released at 7:30 a.m. CDT Friday)

Trading Block Featuring guest co-host Nick Howard, Bantix

Soybean rundown: Is the collar skew still favorable? Gold rundown: GLD vs Futures options. The SEC has obtained a court order to freeze the profits of a trader who allegedly manipulated a technology stock through a false regulatory filing traced to a computer in Pakistan.

Odd Block: Calls trade in WisdomTree India Earnings (EPI); calls trade in CurrencyShares Euro Trust (FXE); puts trade in Royal Bank of Canada (RY)

Mail Block Question of the Week:

How many US options exchanges will there be at the end of 2016?

1.) 14

2.) 15

3.) More than 15

4.) Less than 14

Question from Ms Fidious: What the heck is a stupid?
Question from MDavis82: Just started listening to the show. In one of the first few shows it was mentioned that you can use selling of options to in essence create a dividend on a non dividend stock. Is there more information about this laid out somewhere (puts, calls, how far out, what strike price, what if underlying goes up or down). Thank you and love the show!

Around the Block: What's coming up from the Fed? Holiday weekend. What's happening with the ag markets? Brexit and pound skew. Should we sell in May and go away?

Trading Block: Will anything useful come out of the Fed meeting? Will the United Kingdom leave the EU? Bayer offers to buy Monsanto for $62B

Odd Block: Calls trade in Comcast Corp (CMCSA), calls and puts trade in Bed Bath and Beyond (BBBY), calls trade in Corning Incorporated (GLW)

Strategy Block: Uncle Mike Tosaw discusses how not to force a trade.

Mail Block: Listener questions and comments

Question from Trader Shawn - With the recent rise and fall of crude oil, is there an options tell that we can use intraday to see when these movements are setting up?
Question from T. Nguyen - G'day Options Insider! Just wanted to know if the members of the Option Block panel ever make use of offline options position modeling software and if so, which would be their recommendations and why? What about tablet/phone apps that model option positions? I am frequently in transit and do not always have the luxury of an internet connection to access my brokerage account, but I love testing and modeling positions, hence the question. Cheers

Around the Block: Earnings: Retail Earnings Parade Continues

Tuesday - Best Buy Co, Inc., DSW Inc., Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company, Intuit, Kirklands
Wednesday - Costco, Express, Guess?, Lions Gate Entertainment, Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, Tiffany & Co, Williams-Sonoma
Thursday - Sears (before bell), Abercrombie & Fitch, Burlington Stores, Dollar General, Dollar Tree, GameStop, Movado, Ulta Salon
Friday - Big Lots

Trading Block: Earnings Thursday (retail heavy)

After the bell: Gap, Inc., Ross Stores, Shoe Carnival,
Before the bell: Wal-Mart, Dick's Sporting Goods, HH Gregg, Stein Mart, The Bon-Ton Stores
Stocks to watch: Wal-Mart, Monsanto, Advance Auto Parts, Tesla, Urban Outfitters.
This S&P 500 Death Cross could be the real deal.

Odd Block: Calls trade in Kinross Gold Corp (KGC), call buyers trade Coeur Mining Inc. (CDE) and puts trade in Market Vectors Gold Miners (GDX)

Mail Block: Listener questions and comments

Question from 777 - With commodity based ETF options - anyway to trade roll risk?

Around the Block: Earnings on Friday- Campbell Soup Company, Deere & Company, Foot Locker Inc. Rate hike watch: key dates and data.

Trading Block: Weekend Review: VIX Options and Futures 5/9 through 5/13. Has VIX bottomed? Yen volatility surges as Central Bank meetings loom. Hedge funds are not what they used to be.

Odd Block: Puts trade in Twitter Inc. (TWTR), puts trade in Materials Select Sector SPDR (XLB), and puts trade in CF Industries Holdings inc. (CF)

Strategy Block: Uncle Mike Tosaw discusses ratio spreads and sector investing.

Mail Block: Last week, the options question of the week was "What is your favorite options trading film?" TWTR weighed in with the following:

69% Trading Places
23% Rogue Trader
8% Quicksilver
and Mark B. offered up 9 1/2 weeks because Mickey Rourke was an arbitrageur.
Have you ever used the FCOJ scene from Trading Places to explain to people what you do?

Around the Block : Where will we see SPX, GLD, crude this week? Fed on Wednesday.

Trading Block: S&P was all over the place, to settle down only 0.2%. A little flip on volatility. Apple is no longer the most valuable company in the world. Will online retailers take over retail stores? Are malls dead? Monsanto cheater, could you be more obvious?

Odd Block: Big call buying in JNK, massive long-term call buying in JD, and UPS calendar put trades.

Around the Block: Bears mini camp. Retail sales numbers. Standard options expiration next week.

Trading Block: Options Civil War: Which side are you on? Earnings today before the bell: Tyson Foods, Liberty Media Group, Sothebys. Traders on edge as Staples-Office Depot deal decision looms. Are markets more sensitive to the Fed these days? Stocks to watch: LendingClub, Krispy Kreme, Freeport-McMoRan, Valeant.

Odd Block: Call roll in American Capital LTD (ACAS), buying time call stupid in Nokia Corp (NOK), and put spread buyers in JPMorgan Alerian MLP Index (AMJ).

Strategy Block: Tosaw discusses long-dated covered call writing

Mail Block: Which Team are you on?

29% - Team Cap
71% - Team Iron Man

Listener questions:

Question from 777 - Have you heard any rumors that CME or CBOE will be acquired by a bank or insurance company?
Question from SkyTrader - If I see a trend, what spread works best for capturing that spread - straight vertical or calendar?

Around the Block: This week the big retailers take the earnings stage, and names include:

Tuesday - Electronic Arts, Walt Disney Company, Dean Foods, Credit Suisse, Allergan
Wednesday - Macy's, Wendy's
Thursday - Kohls (before bell), Nordstrom (after bell), Shake Shack
Friday - JC Penney, Honda

Trading Block: Earnings "Straddle Battle" pitted Tesla against Alibaba. Who won? Other interest in Blizzard, XLE

Odd Block: OTM call buyers in Weatherford International PLC (WFT), long-term collar trades in Market Vectors Oil Services ETF (OIH), and put spread trades in SPDR S&P Metals and Mining ETF (XME).

Mail Block: Listener questions and comments

Question from Oarmin333 - Hi. I have been learning and using MProfile for a year now, all on an intraday basis using futures, mainly ES. I would like to expand my time horizon a bit to a few days to a few weeks. I have a 25k account I am working with. I understand the mechanics of futures, but I am considering using options due to longer holding periods, specifically being long premium, due to the defined risk. I am really not interested in selling options. Some people say that buying options is a fools errand and better to sell spreads, other say they only buy premium. I am not sure which way to go. If I hold for longer periods, I have to cut size way down in futures, which is fine. However, If I get good at options, there is a lot of flexibility. I am a discretionary trader and a directional trader. I would love to get your opinion on the matter, if you do not mind. Thanks a bunch! Also I can still play intraday moves with weekly options if I see that opportunity. If I am good at picking direction, can simple long/calls (non spreads) be a viable option, no pun intended.
Question from Billy Boy: What's your opinion on the binary options from Nadex?
Question from Flyer: What are the first steps to learn about options?

Around the Block: Earnings!

Friday: Cigna Corporation

Trading Block: What is going on in the market?

Options #QuestionOfTheWeek:

Earnings Straddles - $AAPL(4.5%), $FB(7%) & $AMZN(8%). Which will be the most accurate?

45% Facebook - Close $108.89 (Straddle. $7.62) - Open $119.57: Difference. $10.68 / 9.8% - Missed by 40%
29% Amazon - Close $602 (Straddle. $48.16), Open $666 - Difference. $64 / 10.6% - Missed by 33% - WINNER!!
24% Apple - Close $104.35 (Straddle.$4.70), Open $96 - Difference. $8.35 / 8% - Missed by 77%
02% Other

Earnings Straddle Battle:

TSLA - $241.75, Approx. 8.3%
BABA - $4.70, Approx. 6%

Odd Block: Call buyer in Direxion Daily S&P 500 Bear 3x Shares, call buyers in Weatherford International PLC (WFT), and put buyers in Cabela’s Inc (CAB).

Strategy Block: Uncle Mike Tosaw discusses selling a put to get into a stock

Around the Block: Earnings!

Tuesday - CVS Health, Pfizer, Etsy, Avis Rental Car, Hyatt Hotels, GrubHub, Spring Corporation, Starwood Hotels
Wednesday - Tesla, Whole Foods, Merck & Company, Priceline Group, Zynga, Anheuser-Busch InBev, Kraft Heinz, FITBIT
Thursday - Alibaba, Occidental Petroleum, Chesapeake Energy,
Friday - Cigna Corporation

On the economic calendar this week are the ISM manufacturing index, international trade data and jobless claims on Thursday. Lastly, the week ends with the all-important monthly employment report for April.

Xpress Block: We have special guest co-host: Barry Metzger, CEO of optionsXpress. He discusses:

The latest developments at OX.
Interesting platform upgrades and tech overhauls
What are the OX clients trading during the height of earnings season?
Any interesting customer questions/feedback?

Trading Block: Options Traders Brace for Amazon Earnings. Amazon at $612.60. ATM straddle $49, approx. 8%. LinkedIn Corporation - $123. ATM straddle $16.20, approx. 13%. Earnings before the bell: CME, Coca-Cola, Ford Motor Company, Honda Motor Company, MasterCard Incorporated, MSCI Inc, Time Warner Cable, United Parcel Service, Viacom Inc. It was a rough week for Apple - $96.20 today. Stock crushed post-earnings, opened down $8.35 or 8%. Icahn bails out on Apple stock. Nasdaq mulls new exchange to ease trading in illiquid ETFs.

Odd Block: Calls trade in Methanex Corp (MEOH), calls and stock trade in Ebay Inc. (EBAY), and calls trade in KKR and Co. (KKR).

Mail Block: Listener questions and comments

Question from Mohammed - Hi Mark! The Options Insider website is superb resource for new and experienced options traders. I know your weekly newsletter you folks you report significant/unusual done options trading activity across stock and ETFs. After searching on your site and overall online, I have found it quite difficult to locate a website which details some of the terminology used when describing the large blocks traded (e.g. "price variation"). If you could compile a glossary or an overview of how to view/assess options order flow that would be excellent. Keep up the great work! Thanks.
Question from Maha - How difficult is it to become a successful options day trader?

Around the Block: A review of after-hours prices for LNKD, AMZN. Earnings parade continues with CBOE and XOM. Will the Icahn dump of AAPL have a longer-term impact. Central bank flim flammery.

Trading Block: Stocks drop ahead of earnings onslaught. Traders may just be forced to unwind all those VIX bets.

Earnings today before the bell: Xerox, Haliburton
Earnings today after the bell: The Container Store
AAPL - ATM straddle: $4.90, approx. 4.6%
FB - ATM straddle: $8, approx. 7.2%
AMZN - ATM straddle: $49.50, approx. 7.9%

Odd Block: Calls trade in Health Care SPDR (XLV), calls trade in BankRate Inc. (RATE), and calls trade in Dollar Tree Inc (DTLR)

Strategy Block: Uncle Mike Tosaw discusses dollar cost averaging.

Around the Block: Earnings!

Tuesday - Apple, Fiat Chrysler, 3M Company, Ally Financial, Buffalo Wild Wings, Canon, Chipolte Mexican Grill, ebay, Eli Lilly & Co, Hershey Company, JetBlue, Office Depot, Panera, Procter & Gamble, Spirit Air, Whirlpool
Wednesday - Facebook, Boeing, Hilton, Nasdaq, Six Flags, Speedway Motorsports,
Thursday - Amazon (after bell), Ford Motor Company (before bell), CME (before bell), Coca-Cola (before bell)
Also, the Fed breaks from its two-day policy meeting Wednesday at 2 p.m. ET and investors around the globe will be watching to see what the U.S. central bank says about the timing of its next interest rate.

Trading Block: Earnings!

Thursday - (Before the Bell): General Motors Company, Southwest Airlines, Under Armour, Verizon Communications; (After the Bell): Microsoft, Alphabet Inc., E*Trade Financial Company, Starbucks Corporation, Visa Inc.
MSFT - $56, ATM Straddle $2.37 - approx. 4.2%
GOOG - $756.40, ATM Straddle $41.50 - approx. 5.5%
SBUX - $60.77, ATM Straddle $2.25 - approx. 3.7%

Odd Block: Call spread buyers in Marathon Petroleum Corp (MRO), call buying in Tronox Ltd (TROX), and paper buying in Kilroy Realty Corp (KRC)

Mail Block: Listener questions and comments

Question from Nick C.: Heard any chatter about CME or CBOE leaving Chicago?
Question from Bob: Is the options market the most transparent financial marketplace?
Question from Willy: What does the Option Block crew think of the TOS platform? Do you like it for pricing volatility and analyzing the Greeks?

Around the Block: Earnings on Friday - American Airlines, Caterpillar, General Electric Company, Honeywell International, Kimberly-Clark Corporation, McDonald’s Corporation.

This Week in the Market:

Monday - National Association of Home Builders' Housing Market Index
Tuesday - Commerce Department releases new figures
Wednesday - National Association of Realtors existing home sales data
Thursday - Weekly jobless claims from the Labor Department

Interview Block: Today we are joined by special guest Mal Clissold President and Owner of SCC Capital Group, LLC. We discuss:

How frequently and with what percentage do they delve into the individual stock world?
What positions do you have that are designed to protect and potentially profit against a major one-day move?
What kind of fund does he run?
How does he control risk for his positions?
What attracts him to a short vol position? What does he have on that he really likes right now?

Trading Block: Earnings today after the bell: Netflix. Earnings today before the bell: PepsiCo, Hasbro, Morgan Stanley. Options traders brace for another big move for Netflix shares.
Stocks to Watch: Pepsi, Chiasma, Hasbro, Morgan Stanley.

Odd Block: Calls trade in The Carlye Group LP (CG), giant call roll in - Western Gas Partners, LP (WES), and upside calls trade in - AK Steel Holdings Corp (AKS).

Strategy Block: Uncle Mike Tosaw discusses the importance of diversification.

Around the Block: Earnings!

Tuesday - Intel Corporation, Discover Financial Services, Goldman Sachs, Interactive Brokers Group, Johnson & Johnson, TD Ameritrade, Yahoo, Inc.
Wednesday - Coca-Cola Company, Abbott Laboratories, American Express Company, Mattel
Thursday - Before: General Motors Company, Southwest Airlines, Under Armour, Verizon Communications; After: Microsoft, Alphabet Inc., E*Trade Financial Company, Starbucks Corporation, Visa Inc.
Friday - American Airlines, Caterpillar, General Electric Company, Honeywell International, Kimberly-Clark Corporation, McDonald’s Corporation

Trading Block: U.S. stocks fluctuate on earnings a crude oil retreats with gold. CITI before the bell tomorrow. Stock = $45, ATM straddle - $1.40 / approx. 3%. CME traders say chances of April interest rate hike are zero. Earnings: Thursday (all before bell) - Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Delta Air Lines, PNC Financial Services, BlackRock.

Odd Block: Calls trade in Kate Spade Inc (KATE), puts trade in Seagate Technology PLC (STX), and calls trade in Freeport-McMoran (FCX)

Mail Block: Listener questions and comments

Question from AJ M. - I hope you guys can calm my frayed nerves over this DOL thing. What exactly is going on? Am I not going to be able to sell calls in my IRA anymore? Since the vast majority of my assets are in retirement accounts this would be a HUGE hit to my savings. Please tell me this is not the case. Is there anything I as a retail stock and options trader can do to help prevent this? What if I open an international trading account? Would that do the trick? Help - I need you guys to talk me off the ledge.
Question from Jeremy M. - Hey Folks: I thought this might be a great question for The Option Block: Would you mind talking about the "Limit Order Display Rule: Exchange Act Rule 11Ac1-4." How it can help the retail investor? How the rule is applied to SPX and VIX options? When reading the actual rule, it can get a bit confusing because its talking about "odd lots" and "block size order," etc. Would be good to get your take on it. Perhaps the Rock Lobster may have an interesting perspective as a former market maker. Great program! Cheers, JM

Around the Block: This Week in the Market

Apr 15: Consumer Sentiment
Earnings on Friday - Citigroup

Trading Block: The fear gauge just hit an all-time high. Turbulence for Delta Air Lines, Inc.: Two earnings trades for DAL stock. Under Armor selling off over 5% today, and over 50% since last week. Earnings today after the bell: Alcoa, Bank of the Ozarks

Odd Block: Calls trade in SPDR GLD Gold Trust (GLD), puts trade Avon Products, Inc (AVP), and calls trade in Steel Dynamic, Inc (STLD)

Strategy Block: Uncle Mike Tosaw selling a call spread against a stock you own vs. selling a covered call.

Mail Block: Listener questions and comments

Twitter Conversation/Question from @4tee7 - Time to heavy my position $UA #masters #jordanspeith #chef #curry #goldenstate #dubnation.
‎‏@jfhotte Apr 8 @4tee7 UA was overbought already before the split. I see the stock @ 38$ next week
@4tee7 3h3 hours ago @jfhotte, good call (sold the class c shares before I felt too much pain), get back into class A once the dust settles $ua
@4tee7 I do not understand man... My puts premium at 1.5 day before split.. Today stock is down 4.5% and my option is worth 1.4 ...thoughts?
@jfhotte I got nothing, you should collecting on that one??? Is there a trade cost (whose the broker)?
@4tee7 what I got after split UA1160715P70 (UA1) it is up only 15% today while the stock down 5%, does not make sense.. @sellputs @Options
@jfhotte @sellputs @Options let me know when you find out, I am curious
Question from Fayecuzername - Hey all, quick question. I am a hopium addict at times. Andrew discussed puts and stock, rolling down the put as the stock drops. Is the play to buy stock with the proceeds and dollar cost average or use the proceeds on another trade? This assumes you continue to like the stock. Thanks, you all are my trading methadone.

Around the Block: There is still time to make IRA contributions

Trading Block: Today we are joined by Nick Howard, Founder & CEO of Bantix Technologies, LLC, and creator of QuikStrike. Stocks tumble amid choppy start to April; Dow drops more than 150. OCC gratified by changes to DOL fiduciary rule that benefit users of listed options. Ally Financial jumps into brokerage business. Earnings: Thursday - Rite Aid, CarMax, ConAgra Foods (all before bell).

Odd Block: Calls trade in Crown Castle Inter. (CCI), calls and puts trade in iPath S&P 500 VIX mid term futures (VXZ), and calls trade in PowerShares DB US Dollar index ETF (UUP).

Mail Block: Listener questions and comments.

March Madness Poll: TradeKing was the final winner. Also, big congratulation to all our contest winners.
Question from MJHill - Earnings season is approaching. What are your views on using an ATM long straddle as an earnings play? I plan on buying the ATM straddle about a week before earnings and closing the position the day before earnings are released. I am hoping to make some money on the increased volatility that comes immediately before earnings, but would like to hear your opinions.

Around the Block: This Week in the Market: The first full week of April and of the new quarter gets under way as the Federal Reserve releases the minutes from its last session. A new round of quarterly earnings is not far off.

Trading Block: March Madness Poll - Winner: TradeKing, which (beat Interactive Brokers in the finals. Drawing winners will be announced on Thursday's Option Block. An update on March options activity from ISE. OCC cleared contract volume up 4% in March. CME Group notches record ADV in Q1, while FX volumes fall. Stocks to Watch: Apple, Tesla, Alaska Air, Intel, Brocade.

Odd Block: Calls trade in Nike Inc. (NKE), calls trade in KKR & Co. (KKR), and calls trade in Reynolds American, Inc (RAI).

Strategy Block: Uncle Mike Tosaw discusses the importance of knowing your exit in a trade before your entrance.

Mail Block: Listener questions and comments

Question from Bruno - Unusual activity in CPD puts. The customer bought and the stock rallied the next day. Does UA actually predict anything?

Around the Block: Earnings!

Tuesday - Walgreen's, Darden Restaurants, International Speedway Corporation
Wednesday - Bed, Bath & Beyond, Constellation Brands, Monsanto Company
Thursday - Rite Aid, CarMax, Con Agra Foods

This Week in the Market:

The first full week of April and of the new quarter gets under way as the Federal Reserve releases the minutes from its last session. A new round of quarterly earnings is not far off.
Apr 4: Factory Orders
Apr 5: International Trade, JOLTS
Apr 6: FOMC Minutes
Apr 7: Jobless Claims

Trading Block: March Madness Poll - Vote today for TradeKing or E*Trade to find out who will go to the finals against Interactive Brokers, who beat OptionsHouse to make the final round. Stocks higher as the end to a rocky quarter nears. Yellen killed the strong dollar rally.

Stocks to watch:

Tesla – new electric Model 3 unveiled today. A modest rally for Tesla – up only 5% intraday.
Lululemon – earnings announced yesterday and stock looks good, trading up about 10% post-earnings.

Odd Block: Calls and puts trade in Dynavax Technologies Corp. (DVAX), calls trade in SPDR Homebuilders ETF (XHB), and calls and puts trade in Pure Storage, Inc. (PSTG).

Mail Block: Listener questions and comments

Question from Gabe Rich: Mark, this is weird; huge buys for $INTC Apr 33 calls and the IV goes down?! I thought the market makers will push the price up when more buyers are around demand/supply. Thanks, I thought you might explain this since you are a former $INTC market maker.
Question from 777 - with commodity based ETF options - anyway to trade roll risk?
Question from Flyguy - If I sold a put $1 on Jan 16 with a current trading price of $.50 and stock goes to $5 -what happens and what is my risk?

Around the Block: What’s coming up in the week ahead?

Thursday - The USDA Prospective Plantings report will provide the official estimate on what farmers across the United States are planting this year.
Friday, April 1 - The biggest economic release of the month, the Employment Situation Report, will hit newswires before the market opens on Friday.
Earnings: Blackberry

Trading Block: A bull market in the S&P 500 goes AWOL as history rewards patience. Could Jan. 1, 2018 become the next "Perfect Banking Storm"? Appeals court upholds determination that CBOE patents are invalid. Stocks to Watch: Pandora, Avon, GameStop, Cal-Maine

Odd Block: Selling paper in The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX), Aug call buyer in iShares FTSE/Xinhua China 20 ETF (FXI), and strange seller in Pinnacle Foods Inc. (PF)

Strategy Block: Uncle Mike Tosaw discusses diagonal call spreads.

Mail Block: Listener questions and comments

Question from Mike G. - Hello, Mike here. My father got me into selling covered calls by keeping me interested in his trading as a child. Recently, I started learning about other strategies and started listening to programs on the options insider radio network. Thanks. I recently convinced my father to use collars as opposed to simple covered calls, and I am starting to use long deep in the money leaps instead of stock to cover my calls. I have two questions. Given that I can use calls to cover my calls, is there any benefit to owning the underlying? Thanks a lot.
Comment from Fayecuzername - Listened to episode 509 today. The listener question about Viceroys favorite Andrew butterfly answer is from episode 389. In the mail block I asked about a fly on expiration date and Andrew set me straight.

Around the Block: Earnings!

Tuesday - Dave & Busters
Wednesday - Lululemon Athletica, Micron Technology, Carnival Corporation, Paychex.
Friday - BlackBerry.

This Week in the Market:

Tuesday - Janet Yellen speech to the Economic Club of New York
Thursday - The USDA Prospective Plantings report will provide the official estimate on what farmers across the United States are planting this year.
Friday, April 1 - The biggest economic release of the month, the Employment Situation Report, will hit newswires before the market opens on Friday.

It may be a trading holiday, but you still need your Option Block fix, right? We dug through the archives to bring you some of the best of Option Block. This episode was posted in November, 2015.

Trading Block: The most up-to-date result of our March Madness Poll. Stocks to Watch: Valeant, Tesla, Starwood, Marriott, Markit, IHS. Stocks dip, dollar advances in wake of Fed comments.

Odd Block: Bullish call action in iShares Dow Jones US Homebuilder ETF (ITB), upside call buyer in Kraft Heinz Co. (KHC), and christmas put tree in US Steel Corp (X).

Strategy Block: Uncle Mike Tosaw discusses out-of-the-money call buying.

Mail Block: Listener questions and comments

Question from Groose - Regarding Eurodollar futures options, are there different quirks between the months?
Question from Trunghi Nguyen - Hey, hello Options Insider. Big fan of al of your work - listen to your shows all the time. Many Option Blocks ago, (around the Viceroys last show before he left, may have been his last show) he mentioned a past show where the Rock Lobster discussed how to trade a butterfly at expiration, and Alex thought it was pure gold. I cannot recall what type of butterfly trade it was, i.e. standard, iron, or broken wing, but Alex seemed impressed by Andrews explanation. Unfortunately, I have not been able to locate which episode this was aired on. Any chance you can find out and let me know? Love your work - when it comes to Options Insider, I go long.
Comment from Joseph A. - Good morning Options Insider. Wanted to stop by and say thank you for providing me and many others with a free source of invaluable knowledge. I hope you do not mind, but I shared your page with a couple of trading groups that I am a member of. Thank again - happy trading!

Around the Block: Earnings!

Tuesday - Nike, Krispy Kreme Donuts
Wednesday - General Mills
Thursday - GameStop (after bell), Signet Jewelers (before bell), Cosi (after bell)

Trading Block: U.S. crude options volatility sinks as prices bounce off Feb lows. CBOE to list options on FTSE 100 and China 50. Options traders prepare for "worst of all worlds".Fed scales back rate-rise forecasts as global risks remain. Earnings after the bell: Adobe Systems Inc., Aeropostale

Odd Block: Calls trade in iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (EEM), calls trade in Genesis Energy LP (GEL), and calls trade in Technology SPDR (XLK)

Mail Block: Listener questions and comments

Question from Alex - Mark and the Options Block Dream Team, I have to keep it going in the same spirit since this is extremely educational and I am still not converted to shorter term selling. I was unfair to ask such a broad question so I will try to be as specific as possible. Let's revisit why I shorted 1y 25d (cash-secured) Put Option Vol was at its 2 year high (~57%). Vega($70/bp) further out is much higher than shorter term. Example: 14bp drop in 1 year Vol would result in an easy $1000(6% yield) profit in my strategy where 15% yield is if the option expires worthless. A similar kind of theta($5.55/day) premium of $1000 would require around 180 calendar days. Clearly theta premium collection is not interesting in my strategy (yet). Gamma is virtually 0 and hence the underlying needs to both trend down and Gap sharply (30%+) before I need to start worrying.
Most likely the next time the underlying will GAP down significantly is during earnings. Hence I can either avoid the period around earnings (close prior to earnings and reopen after) or gamble and keep my position through and essentially taking a risk of becoming a 'long term' investor with the underlying being in high 70s and then do a Wheel of Fortune kind of strategy on it.
Speculation aspect of my simple strategy - 1) Volatility will mean revert down 2) I strongly believe that this is a Side-Ways year for the entire US Market including the technology sector. Hence I believe I can capitalize on this speculation if I extend further out in my short selling.
Regarding Baby Sitting question. I can do some low frequency rolling on the Delta. I have done once already. I agree there is nothing much else to do here.
Lets forget about Shorter Term Selling and Theta Premium for a second and its nice exponential properties near expiry.
The follow up question is which is hopefully more particular: are there any practical ways of locking in on Vega Premium for a longer term Short Puts? Vol dropped 7bp since I entered but there is room for much more. I understand that drawing a line in the sand (say I close when vol drops to 40s or 30s) is a very good and practical way. But are there any other ways to lock in some Vega premium without fully closing on the strategy?
My background. I am a hardcore Quant guy who understands the theoretical part of Options valuation and Greeks inside out including some very exotic derivatives structures(calendar year asian options, swaptions, generation assets etc). That said, ironically, most folks like me are not very good with the practical aspects of Options trading so I hope I am not dumbing down the show with my impractical questions smile emoticon. Cheers, Alex.

Around the Block: Earnings on Friday in Tiffany & Co.

Trading Block: ICE would keep London Stock Exchange if it bought LSE Group. Fed to sit tight on rates at March meet, hint at hikes to come. Earnings today before the bell:
3D Systems Corp.

Odd Block: Put buying in Banco Bradesco SA (BBD), 1-by-2 put spread in CarMax Inc. (KMX), and calls trade in Delta Air Lines Inc (DAL).

Strategy Block: Uncle Mike Tosaw discusses short put spreads.

Listener Mail: Listener questions and comments

Question from Bob - I have heard pros say that when too many retail jump into a trade, then do the opposite - Does that apply to options as well?
Question from 777 - What are the industry sectors least positively correlated to the major indexes? Are there any quirks to trading those using options?

Around the Block: Earnings!

High expectations for Adobe earnings, not so much for Oracle.
Tuesday - Oracle Corporation, Constellium, DSW, Gerdau, HD Supply
Wednesday - FedEx Corporation, Williams-Sonoma
Thursday - Adobe Systems Inc., Aeropostale
Friday - Tiffany & Co.

Trading Block: Big news today from an options exchange perspective: Nasdaq announced it has agreed to acquire International Securities Exchange (ISE), an operator of three electronic options exchanges, from Deutsche Borse Group. Investors greeted the Nasdaq deal to buy International Securities Exchange, the US options business of Deutsche Borse, with some skepticism on Thursday, sending Nasdaq shares down as much as 3.5 per cent. Earnings: Dollar General

Odd Block: Calls trade in Club Corp. Holdings Inc. (MYCC), puts trade in Peabody Energy Corp (BTU), and calls and puts trade Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc (HLT)

Mail Block: Listener questions and comments

Twitter: The Options Insider- With a potential ban on trading options in IRAs looming - Tell us how you trade options in your IRA right now?
Question from Alex - In OptionBlock503, we agreed that while it is very unusual, the 25D 1Y Cash-secured Put was entered for all the right reasons. The follow up question is then. What are the various practical ways to Risk Manage/Baby Sit a Long Term CashSecured Put under different scenarios of the underlying (underlying is trending up, down or sideways) and for different regimes of volatility? Cheers.

Around the Block: This Week in the Market

Mar 10: Jobless Claims, Treasury Budget
Mar 11: Import and Export Prices

Trading Block: Goldman Sachs sees best time in two decades to buy S&P 500 calls. Traders are betting the Federal Reserve will next raise U.S. short-term interest rates about six weeks earlier than previously thought, after the government reported U.S. employers added many more jobs than expected in February. Earnings today after the bell: Shake Shack.

Odd Block: Calls trade in Alcoa Inc. (AA), puts trade in Linn Energy LLC (LINE), and calls trade in VALE SA (VALE).

Strategy Block: Uncle Mike Tosaw discusses getting back into a trade you got out of, that has continued to go your way since.

Mail Block: Listener questions and comments

Question from FlyGuy - Do I day trade options anymore?

Around the Block: Earnings!

Tuesday - Barnes & Noble, Dick’s Sporting Goods
Wednesday - Vera Bradley

Thursday - Dollar General

This Week in the Market:
Mar 9: EIA Petroleum Report
Mar 10: Jobless Claims, Treasury Budget
Mar 11: Import and Export Prices

Trading Block: Continued relief rally. VIX now has a 16-handle. Huge contango in the VIX. Who blew the all-clear signal? Cage match in junk stocks. CBOE reported that total trading volume in February was 92.9 million contracts. OCC announces cleared contract volume increased in February. OCC announced that total cleared contract volume in February was 338,300,969 contracts. . Why CME would want to buy the London Stock Exchange? Why buy when you can make your own? What is Europe going to do?

Odd Block: Puts trade in Chesapeake Energy Inc. (CHK), puts trade in iShares Barclays 20+ year Treasuries (TLT), and calls and puts trade in Boardwalk Pipeline Partners (BWP).

Strategy Block: In his first ever strategy block, Andrew discusses what makes a butterfly take off.

Mail Block: Listener comments and questions

Question from Adam - Thank you for your shows. I am wondering if you know where can I get p/c ratio and call sizzle index and out sizzle index history? I use TOS but this info is not available for the past. Thanks
Question from FutureMD - Is there a directional options strategy that you would suggest for someone who wants to play the 2016 election?

Around the Block: Earnings! Friday - Staples, Big Lots

This Week in the Market

Mar 3: Jobless Claims, Factory Orders
Mar 4: Unemployment Report

Trading Block: Traders are now taking the possibility of a Trump presidency seriously. What was once thought to be a flight of fancy is moving ever closer to becoming reality, with one of the real estate moguls rivals, Texas Senator Ted Cruz, declaring that Trump may be "unstoppable" if he dominates the upcoming Super Tuesday contests. Gold allure burnished by Fed outlook as treasuries lag: analysis - U.S. Treasury 10-year futures may continue to underperform gold over the medium-term in a global fixed-income environment punctuated by negative rates as the relative opportunity cost of holding the yellow metal decreases. Stocks mixed as oil prices rise above $33 a barrel - Stocks were mixed in lackluster trading Monday as oil prices rose and global stocks fell after a meeting of G20 finance officials ended without pledges for joint action to stimulate sagging global economic growth.

Earnings today:

Crocs, Inc. (before)
Hertz Global Holdings (before)
AMC Entertainment Holdings
Icahn Enterprises
Lumber Liquidators Holdings
Tribune Media Company

Odd Block: Calls trade in Charles Schwab (SCHW), calls trade in Enbridge Inc (ENB), and calls trade in Signet Jewelers Ltd (SIG)

Mail Block: Listener questions and comments

Question from Alex - Mark, Thanks again for covering my question. I agree that I am not capitalizing on the Theta curve as much (although $5.3/per day is also decent). However my intention was more to capitalize on the Vega Surface where Vega tends to be much higher at longer maturities and it was especially bloated during the earnings date when volatility spiked to the highest ever level. Given that the Volatility levels are at its highest then Vega itself is expected to be at its highest ever. That said I am not really set-and-forget strategy and collect on theta premium. I just have to wait until the volatility normalizes for LNKD and collect on a decent Vega premium. In a sense I am shorting both Volatility and Vega. Hence further out months give richer Vega to short. And if i were to write shorter maturity puts, then Vega would have lost its juice in a month or two. As a side note, I entered into a CashSecuredPut, I do not trade on margin yet. Yield is approximately 15%. It would be a separate exercise to compute the Vega surface for LNKD. Maybe this question is an overkill for the show but at least this were some of my reasons why I shorted a 1-year put. Cheers, Alex
Question from JM - Hey Folks. I thought this might be a great question for The Option Block: Would you mind talking about the "Limit Order Display Rule: Exchange Act Rule 11Ac1-4." How it can help the retail investor? How the rule is applied to SPX and VIX options? When reading the actual rule, it can get a bit confusing because its talking about “odd lots” and "block size order," etc. Would be good to get your take on it. Perhaps the Rock Lobster may have an interesting perspective as a former market maker. Great program! Cheers, JM.
Question from 777 -Do I trade Eurodollar futures options? what drives massive OI?
Question from TradersOM - Can a trader make a decent living buying calls and puts - or do you have to get crazy with the complex stuff like iron condors?

Around the Block: Earnings!

Tuesday - JD.com Ross Stores
Wednesday - Costco Wholesale Corporation, American Eagle Outfitters, Goldman Sachs, Tribune Publishing Company
Thursday - Kroger, Alamo, Barnes & Noble, Burlington Stores
Friday - Staples, Big Lots

Trading Block: Gold goes for a ride. SeaWorld earnings today after the bell and taking it on the chin. Off approx. 9%.

Odd Block: Calls and puts go up in Restoration Hardware Inc. (RH), call spreads go up in Marathon Petroleum Corp. (MPC), and puts go up in Cypress Semiconductors (CY).

Mail Block: Listener questions and comments

Question from Matt M1000 - Hello Mr. Longo and All Star Cast. I have been enjoying The Option Block and Volatility Views shows for years. You guys are the best! Keep up the great work! I would like you folks to discuss the "put-call ratio"...its use and merits as a tool. I have always discounted this metrics value, since both put and call options could be either bearish or bullish depending on how they are being used (i.e. purchased or sold). So what logic I have leads me to believe a put-call ratio would be pointless. Set me straight on this please. -Beanbag.
Question from SkyTrader - If I see a trend, what spread works best for capturing that spread - straight vertical or calendar?

Around the Block: Earnings!

Friday - JC Penney Company, Hilton Worldwide

This Week in the Market

Feb 26: GDP, Consumer Sentiment

Trading Block: Options market sees 50% chance of massive S&P plunge. Stocks may have rebounded from their recent lows, but the option market still implies a big chance that stocks plummet anew before the year is out. Earnings today after the bell: Fitbit, Inc., ATM Straddle: $2.90 - 18.3%, calls 2/1 over puts; stock nearly hit $52 last summer: Now a pale shadow of what it used to be. Earnings today before the bell: Dean Foods.

Odd Block: Puts trade in Zoetis Inc. (ZTS), puts trade in Rio Tinto PLC (RIO), and puts trade in Prospect Captial Corp (PSEC).

Strategy Block: Tosaw dicusses ways to construct a wheel trade.

Listener Questions: Listener questions and comments

Question from Alex - Thanks Mark for the funny intro of me and featuring my question. I felt honored to get my simple question dissected so well. I loved it! You started the discussion with "there are not that many scenarios to short long term puts as a way to enter into equity unless there is some extreme volatility distortion where the 1 year put is extremely bid from a volatility perspective". My follow up question is then: Does the 1 year LNKD Implied Volatility not qualify as a such "extreme volatility scenario distortion". Check attached screenshot from OptionXpress below. The highlighted region is when I shorted the 25 Delta Put and ATM Implied Vol is at its highest ever. Definitely I would suggest a boot camp on commission fees and slippage costs and why even with those it is still better to do shorter term vs longer term dark side trades. Cheers, Alex
Putting it concisely: Vega, Theta, low commissions and slippage costs are working for me in this one.

Around the Block: Earnings!

Tuesday - Home Depot, Avis Budget Group, Caesars Entertainment, Coca Cola, Dreamworks, Macys, Office Depot
Wednesday - Target, Salesforce.com
Thursday - Best Buy, Sears, Anheuser- Busch, Gap, Gogo Inc., Herbalife, Kohls, Marriott Vacations Worldwide, SeaWorld Entertainment, Starwood Property Trust, Weight Watchers
Friday - JC Penney Company, Hilton Worldwide

It is fairly a heavy week as far as economic reports go including GDP and Consumer Sentiment. The market looks to keep the bullish rally going.

Feb 23: Consumer Confidence, Existing Home Sales
Feb 24: New Home Sales
Feb 25: Durable Goods, Jobless Claims
Feb 26: GDP, Consumer Sentiment

Trading Block: Welcome to our 500th episode. Today's special panel includes: Mark Sebastian, Mike Tosaw, Andrew Giovanazzi, and our must beloved former panelist Alex "The Viceroy" Jacobson. They discuss:

How many exchanges are too many exchanges?
Options Insider question of the week
The SEC
Citadel
Transaction fees
Talking free of compliance issues
And so much more...

Odd Block: Rolling calls in Coca-Cola Company (KO), calendar spreads trade in Time Warner Cable (TWX), and put sellingHess (HES)

Mail Block: Listener questions and comments

Question from TennisGr8: I've been hearing a lot lately about gamma scalping. How does it work, and who should use it? Is this second-order greek becoming the new options darling?

Around the Block: Are the bulls back in force? Always be prepared for a downturn.

Trading Block: TSLA: Options traders are betting on a 16% move in Tesla shares in either direction through the end of the week. Four of the five most traded Tesla options on Wednesday were put options, but it was not clear whether investors were buying or selling them. It has been a rough year for Elon Musk - off $3.3B between TSLA and SCTY. Earnings today: Before the bell: Nokia, PepsiCo, After the bell: Activision Blizzard, Groupon, Pandora Media Group.

Odd Block: Calls trade in SPDR Gold Trust (GLD), calls trade in Yamana Gold Inc., and calls trade in IAMGOLD Corp (IAG)

Mail Block: Listener questions and comments

No love for daily options - Twitter poll has 40% of respondents saying heck no to dailies!!
Comment from KDDiddy - Position Delta is a stupid term you must learn to get an Options license in Canada. Sure, we rule the hockey world, eh? But we are the Jamaican bobsled team of the Options industry. On behalf of all Canadians, I apologize for the term and, for the Montreal Exchange. Perhaps you hosers could suggest some reading on the subject of Delta. After Andrew pulled my jersey over my head and lobster clawed me with "Beta weighted to SPY" and "Extra curvature," I thought I better grab some books 'n start givn'er in the library."
Question from Michael - @Options $15 put Twitter drops off the map; yet the premium still has been declining. Can you explain?
Question from Alex - Insider Trading, What are your thoughts on Shorting 1Y 25 Delta Puts on LNKD midday today (LNKD is at 105 as I write this message)? Puts are quite juicy right now with quite acceptable break even points. I am very interested in hearing your feedback. Cheers, Big Options Trading Podcast fan, Alex.

Around the Block: Reminder: No show on Monday, February 15 due to the market holiday. Next show on Thursday, February 18 is our live 500th episode spectacular!

Trading Block: Stocks take another beating: Dow down 400. Gold tops $1,200 for first time since June on economic woes. Earnings today after the bell: Yelp - $16.17, down nearly $2 - over 10%; Before the bell: Hasbro, Loews

Odd Block: Calls trade in Market Vectors Gold Miners ETF (GDX), calls trade in Goldcorp Inc. (GG), calls trade in iShares MSCI EAFE Index fund (EFA), and calls and puts trades in Paypal Holdings Inc. (PYPL)

Strategy Block: Tosaw discusses when he is going to get back into this market.

Around the Block: Earnings!

Tuesday - Walt Disney Company, Coca-Cola Company
Wednesday - Time Warner, Cisco Systems, Tesla
Thursday- Nokia, PepsiCo, Activision Blizzard, Groupon, Pandora Media Group

Trading Block: Today we have guest co-host Dan Cook from NADEX. LNKD after the bell. ATM straddle: $22, approx. 11.5%. Wall St. fluctuates as equities track oil prices. Is oil driving the stock market - and should traders care? As energy rout deepens, CME, ICE reap benefit from record volumes.

Earnings today - Before the bell: ConocoPhillips, Intercontinental Exchange.

Odd Block: Calls trade in SPDR S&P Metal and Mining ETF (XME), calls trade in Market Vectors Gold Miners ETF (GDX), and calls and puts trade in BHP Biliton Ltd (BHP).

Mail Block: Listener questions and comments

Question from KDDiddy - Hey guys, Getting back to the great Stupid debate....I wrote in a few weeks ago regarding the use of a put stupid to hedge a stock 2% below market. You mentioned there is a better way using position delta. I understand position delta and delta neutral but sadly, although I have tried for a couple of weeks, I am too stupid to figure this out! Is there a formula? Would you explain? Regards, Mr. Not So Smart Sent from my iPhone

Around the Block: Upcoming activity in non-farms product on NADEX. Earnings on Friday for CME Group Inc.

Trading Block: OCC announced total cleared contract volume for the month of January was up four percent from January 2015 with 371,870,087 contracts, marking the third highest January on record. CBOE announced that it plans to list S&P 500 Index (SPX) Wednesday - expiring Weeklys options beginning February 23, 2016. ISE Mercury to launch on February 16, 2016.
Earnings today after the bell: Options on Google parent Alphabet Inc were busy on Monday ahead of the its quarterly results that could help it unseat Apple Inc as the most valuable company in the world.

Odd Block: Calls trade in The Kroger Co. (KR), calls and puts trade in Twitter Inc . (TWTR), and calls and puts trade in PVH Corp (PVH)

Strategy Block: Tosaw discusses the knockout collar.

Mail Block: Listener questions and comments

Question from JDon - Congrats on your milestone. Howd you get such a cool handle?

Around the Block: Earnings!

Tuesday - Chipolte Mexican Grill, Exxon Mobil Corporation, Merck & Company, Sirius, UPS, Yahoo
Wednesday - CBOE Holdings, Exelon Corporation, General Motors Company, GoPro Inc., Pfizer
Thursday - ConocoPhillips (before), Intercontinental Exchange (before), LinkedIn (after)
Friday - CME Group Inc.

Trading Block: Earnings!

Ford
Alibaba
Amazon - rocking and rolling!

Odd Block: Calls trade in ICICI Bank Ltd (IBN), calls trade in Abbott Laboratories (ABT), and call buyers in JA Solar Holding Co. (JASO)

Mail Block: Listener questions and comments

Question from BillyMo - Hey, any new updates with after hours options trading on earnings stocks?
Question from NVid - The junk bond market is melting down and interest rates are hovering around zero. Is the best place to find income these days via options writing rather than investing in fixed income or related products?

Around the Block: More earnings! How did AMZN do? What about EA? Will OPEC and Russia trust each other?

Trading Block: Earnings today before the bell

Hess Corp.
ConocoPhillips fell at least 6.1 percent.
Banks retraced their best rally in more than a month Friday, with Bank of America Corp. down 3.1 percent.
McDonalds Corp. gained after the fast-food giant earnings beat analysts forecasts as all-day breakfast helped fuel U.S. sales.

The Fed begins a two-day meeting tomorrow. The probability of a rate increase this week has stayed low after the December liftoff, and chances of a March boost have fallen to one-in-four from even odds at the start of the year.

Odd Block: Calls trade in Consumer Discretionary SPDR (XLY), and calls and puts trade in Patterson-UTI Energy, Inc. (PTEN)

Mail Block: Listener questions and comments

Question from Sean - What is the characteristic for trading options when the price nears even strike levels?

Around the Block: Earnings!

Tuesday - Apple Inc., AT&T, Procter & Gamble
Wednesday - Facebook
Thursday - Amazon, Electronic Arts, Ford Motor Company, Microsoft, Alibaba Group Holdings, Xerox Corporation
Friday - Google

Trading Block: Stocks rebound as Dow up more than 200 points and oil jumps 5%. Wall Street pay takes a hit, braces for deeper cuts. Yellen to keep Fed rate options open amid turbulent markets. Earnings today (Thursday):

Before the bell: Southwest Airlines, Verizon Communications
After the bell: American Express Company, E-Trade Financial Corporation

Odd Block: Calls trade in NewCastle Investment Corp. (NCT), puts trade in Anadarko Petroleum Corp (APC), and calls trade in United Parcel Service, Inc (UPS)

Mail Block: Listener questions and comments

Question from AV56 - When is a good time to start trading options? Is there any certain time of the week or year that options traders are focused on?
Question from Bob - I have heard pros sat that when too many retail jump into a trade then do the opposite. Does that apple to options as well?
Question from Nina - Is this a good time to buy calls on indexes? If so, how far out should I trade?

Around the Block: Earnings! Friday - General Electric Company

Trading Block: U.S. stocks rally from 3-Month lows as energy, healthcare lead. Goldman plans to cut up to 10% of fixed-income traders, salespeople. Before the bell: JP Morgan Chase. What crisis? JPMorgan Chase reports $5.4 billion profit. After the bell: Intel Corporation. ATM Straddle - $1.45, ADV 72K contracts, today: 115K.

Odd Block: Puts trade in Fiat Chrysler Auto NV (FCAU), calls trade in KKR and Co. LLP (KKR), and calls trade in Blackstone Group (BX)

Mail Block: Listener questions and comments

Question from Kddidy - Thanks for answering my questions! I want to protect a stock position with puts at a strike 2% below market but there is not a strike there. I thought of dividing my purchase between two different strikes to get an average of 2% but I do not want all the guys to call me stupid. Mom always said I was a genius but it is hard to feel like one when buying something called a Put Stupid. What should I do instead? Regards, Mr. Smart
Question from Mark B. - How would u have structured the short stock hedged by long calls trade that made 10 milly on OB 477?

Around the Block: Earnings season kicks off: The Big Banks: Citigroup Inc., Blackrock, PNC Financial, US Bancorp, and Wells Fargo and Company

Trading Block: Last week was the worst start to a trading year in history. An early rally lost steam later in the session. Intra day S&P high - 1935. Does the lack of IPOs signal a looming recession? Fear makes oil options increasingly expensive.

Odd Block: 1-by-2 call spread in The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX), buy to close short in Teva Pharmaceutical (TEVA), and bullish risk reversal in Powershares QQQ Trust (QQQ).

Strategy Block: Tosaw discusses the importance of "drawing a line in the sand" and having a plan.

Mail Block: Listener questions and comments

Question from Pepe - Who is paper?

Around the Block: This Week in the Market

Alcoa kicks off another round of quarterly earnings on Monday and there are several economic reports worth nothing particularly on Friday.
Jan 12: JOLTS
Jan 13: Beige Book, Treasury Budget
Jan 14: Jobless Claims
Jan 15: PPI, Retail Sales and Consumer Sentiment

Trading Block: Hysterics are creeping back into the market in the New Year. This question seems to be popping up all over the place this week. Is this 2008 all over again? Chinas 29 minutes of chaos: stunned brokers and a race to sell. Apple Inc. said App Store billings topped a record $20 billion in 2015, but growth from the business appeared to slow even as the company introduced apps on new devices such as Apple TV and Apple Watch. The selloff continues - Apple broke $100 for the first time since Oct 2014 - barring the brief selloff in August. Apple crossed the $200B cash level last summer - but also about $50B in debt. Apple cash per share: $3.79

Odd Block: Calls trading in SPDR S&P Homebuilders ETF (XHB), calls trade in CONSOL Energy Inc (CNX), and puts roll in Weatherford International PLC (WFT)

Mail Block: Listener questions and comments

Question from Charlie C. - Do second order greeks have any relevance for retail traders?
Question from 777 - How do you adjust your options trading for cheap stocks below $10.

Around the Block: Earnings! Another quiet earnings week. The fourth-quarter earnings season begins in mid-January. Thursday - Bed, Bath & Beyond (after bell), The Container Store (after bell). The market kicks off its first week of 2016 with several economic reports including Fed minutes on Wednesday and the jobs report on Friday.

Trading Block: OCC 2015 cleared contract volume third highest ever at 4.2B. Options traders adding to bullish bets on Europe stocks for 2016. Stocks plunge as Dow tumbles about 420; S&P falls below 2,000.

Odd Block “Best of” 2015:
Weird trade of the year - 11/30/15 - Put rolls and calls going up in Ascena Retail Group Inc (ASNA)
Loser of the year - 6/1/15 - Possible upside Anadarko Petroleum Corp. (APC) butterfly.
Most ironic winner of the year - 10/26/15 - Mens Wearhouse (MW) buy call/sell stock.

Strategy Block: Tosaw discusses what to do if you are selling a put and the market goes against you.

Around the Block: This Week in the Market.

The market kicks off its first week of 2016 with several economic reports including Fed minutes on Wednesday and the jobs report on Friday.
Jan 4: Construction Spending
Jan 6: International Trade, Factory Orders and FOMC Minutes
Jan 7: Jobless Claims
Jan 8: Unemployment

Originally posted on December 24th, 2014, we bring you "The Most Epic Strategy Block Ever"

Trading Block: A shortened holiday week, so not much is moving on the street. Upside move in Taser. Facebook and Amazon.

Odd Block: Calls trade in Cobalt International Energy (CIE), opening calls trade in U.S. Bancorp (USB), and calls going up in Alibaba Holding Group Ltd (BABA).

Xpress Block: Another new tool is being rolled out by OX - IRIS.

Strategy Block: In the spirit of the season, Uncle Mike presents The Twelve Rules of Options Trading!

Around the Block: Have a wonderful holiday week everyone!

Trading Block: The S&P 500 surged 2.8 percent last week, buoyed by gains in oil and raw-material companies, some of the year’s least-loved stocks. VIX jumped 14 percent Monday to 17.91. Oil led an early retreat among commodities Monday, sliding more than 3 percent from a three-week high as Iran repeated its goal of boosting exports after sanctions on the country are lifted.

Odd Block: Calls trading in Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd (RCL), calls trade in Franklin Resources Inc (BEN), puts trade in Zillow Group, Inc. Class C (Z)

Strategy Block: Uncle Mike Tosaw discusses evaluating your overall financial portfolio.

Mail Block: Listener questions and comments

Question from Nelson - This is question is for Andrew from Maine. During my morning run yesterday I was listening to Episode 484. At the 14:10 minute mark Andrew mentioned a strategy that the end result was that money from one IRA account was moved to a different IRA account. I listened to that portion of the podcast a few times but just could not quite understand the strategy. Could you please help me understand this strategy? Thanks for any help you could give me. Also, thanks so much for the podcast. I travel 30 minutes each way to work and it is very educational. Thanks, Nelson.

Around the Block: No quarterly reports of note are scheduled for this holiday-shortened week. After the first of the year, Walgreens and Monsanto are among those set to report. The fourth-quarter earnings season begins in mid-January.

Originally published on August 25, 2015, this episode focused on the biggest single point drop ever in the DJIA. Also, chicken little was referenced.

Trading Block: The DJIA briefly slumped more than 1,000 points, its biggest point-drop ever. VIX Cash hit 53.29 at 10am. The VIX jumped as much as 90 percent to 53.29, its highest since January 2009. VIX didn’t update for 30 minutes as options quotes got erratic. AAPL hit a low of $92 before rebounding.

Around the Block: Retail earnings season winds down this week

Trading Block: The Force is not strong with Disney. “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” had a record-breaking $238 million opening weekend at box offices in the U.S. and Canada, in addition to a near-record $279 million overseas, but DIS was off 2% today and off nearly $10 since the movie launched on Thursday. Dow sets mark for most volatile December since 2008. Wall St. slides on lower crude prices, stock options expiry. The Bad of apple of the stock market this month: Apple. Oil prices hit 11-year low as global supply balloons.

Odd Block: Calls trade in iShares MSCI Brazil Index (EWZ), calls trade in Direxion Daily Financial Bull 3x ETF (FAS), calls trade in Mosaic Co. (MOS)

Strategy Block: Tosaw discusses twelve-month LEAP knock-out collar strategy.

Mail Block: In which the listeners weigh in

Question from 777 - Is there a specific reason OI in SPY puts has big cluster at the even strikes?

Around the Block: Pre-Christmas earnings coming from Nike, Micron and few others.

This week, we are digging through the archives to bring you highlights from the Option Block catalog.

First up, a look back at a live raucous show, taped in July, 2012. Remember when AAPL was at $600? Mini contracts. AAPL vs. Samsung. And more...

Trading Block: Crude oil futures fell to seven-year lows - below $35. VIX: On Friday, it was up 28 percent at 24.72. Volatility the surest bet in stocks after Fed meets. Three U.S. fund sectors fear SEC proposal on derivatives may hurt ETFs.

Odd Block: Buying vertical call spreads in Console Energy (CNX), upside call purchase in Royal Caribbean Cruises LTD (RDL), selling June 37 puts in Mondale International Inc (MDLZ)

Strategy Block: Uncle Mike Tosaw discusses his recent SPY trades

Around the Block: All eyes and ears will be the Federal Reserve as they are expected to announce a possible rate change on Wednesday. But, there are several other economic events worth noting as well.

Dec 15: Consumer Price Index
Dec 16: Housing Starts, FOMC Announcement
Dec 17: Jobless Claims

Trading Block: Oil was down, but energy stocks seemed to drive the market upward. Natural gas down around $2 level today.

Odd Block: Call buyers in SPDR Gold Trust (GLD), call buyers in Whole Food Market (WFM), and calls trade in Mens Warehouse (MW)

Around the Block: What will the Fed do?

Trading Block: There is an even weirder thing happening in financial markets. SEC to crack down on derivatives. Oil tumbles to six-year low as OPEC abandons production target.

Odd Block: Calls trade in JP Morgan Alerian MLP index (AMJ), calls trade in SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY), and calls trade in Sunedison Inc. (SUNE)

Strategy Block: Uncle Mike Tosaw discusses a different way to execute a stock repair strategy.

Around the Block: The Fed - Will they or will they not?

Dec 8: JOLTS
Dec 10: Jobless Claims, Treasury Budget
Dec 11: PPI, Retail Sales, Business Inventories, Consumer Sentiment

Trading Block: A bit of a selloff today - Yellen signals growing likelihood of a December rate hike. OCC cleared contract volume increased 10% in November. SEC charges twin brothers with fraud for options trading Spoofing and order mismarking.

Odd Block: Call buyers in Medtronic PLC (MDT), call sellers in Emerson Electric Co. (EMR), and put sellers in InvenSense Inc. (INVN)

Around the Block: Non Farms tomorrow (12/4)

Trading Block: VIX and the egocentricity of the Fed.

Odd Block: Calls trade in Qunar Cayman Islands Ltd (QUNR), puts trade in Ascena Retail Group Inc. (ASNA), and puts trade in Zoetis Inc. (ZTS)

Strategy Block: Uncle Mike Tosaw gives us an update on his most recent SPY positions.

Around the Block: Non-Farms and the Fed are the main events we will be watching this week.

Trading Block: Earnings! Before the bell today: Gamestop Corporation, Tyson Foods, Trina Solar. After the bell: Palo Alto Networks. S&P 500 profits fall $25 Billion in first three quarters of 2015. Oil slides back lower after spike on Saudi statement. CME: Shrinking locally to grow abroad.

Odd Block: Puts trade in Freeport McMoran Inc (FCX), puts trade in Chesapeake Energy Corp (CHK), and calls and puts trade in Burlington Stores Inc. (BURL)

Listener Mail: Questions and comments from listeners

Question from Vega - Do puts and calls become more expensive ahead of events due to the risk premium? If so, how do I avoid that in the market?

Question from Peter Davies - Stocks are being hit by latency sensitive strategies like HFT. Is that happening in options as well?

Around the Block: Economic reports this week:

Nov 23: Existing Home Sales
Nov 24: GDP, Consumer Confidence
Nov 25: Durable Goods, Jobless Claims, New Home Sales, Consumer Sentiment

Trading Block: Apple plummets to 4th place among hedge holdings, from No. 1. Square surges after raising less than sought in IPO. BATS reports successful launch of EDGX Options - The new market launched on November 2nd and implemented a phased rollout of symbols, which was completed November 17th.

Odd Block: Calls trade in The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX), calls trade in CurrencyShares Euro Trust (FXE), and calls trade in Mosaic Inc. (MOS).

Listener Mail: Listener questions and comments

Question from McDuff - What is a naked options position?
Question from Kimble - Could a naked call pose huge risks - perhaps unlimited?
Question from Fayecuzername - I expected more "Rocktobers" out of shear umbrage. As to my question regarding hedging with ratio spreads, on Friday I put on a SPY 11/20/2015 195-190 put 1x2 for a $.02 credit. Discuss and deride. Thanks.

Around the Block: Earnings on Friday - Abercrombie & Fitch, Foot Locker. Nov 19: Jobless Claims Report

Trading Block: Rally Ho post Paris. U.S. stocks rise slightly as markets see muted reaction to Paris attacks. Getting Bullish on Yahoo! Heavy call action today. Getting bullish on Bank of America (BAC).

Odd Block: Puts trade in TJX Companies Inc (TJX), calls trade in Lions Gate Entertainment Corp (LGF), and dalls trade in Burlington Stores Inc. (BURL).

Strategy Block: Tosaw discusses how he has stretched deltas since October 26.

Mail Block: Listener questions and comments

Question from Carmine - Hi guys, awesome site, great info Since I actually think you guys are for real, I have a simple question. I have just put my toes into options, I know I need help in education, but there are so many places that are more interested in taking your money than helping you. So I am asking you guys, where do you think is a good place to go and learn the simple things at first, such as, when, why, and how to use spreads, or maybe not use them. To day trade or not? I am hungry, with a small account. I am asking for your help. Thank you.

Around the Block: The earnings spotlight is on Wal-Mart and other retail giants this week. Also, numbers!

Nov 17: Consumer Price Index, Industrial Production
Nov 18: Housing Starts, FOMC Minutes
Nov 19: Jobless Claims

Trading Block: Stocks fall as ECB, Fed weigh next moves. White says short selling getting her "intense attention."

Earnings:

Before the bell today: Kohls Corporation, Viacom
After the bell today: Applied Materials, Inc., Cisco Systems
CSCO - $27.94, ATM Straddle: $1.40 - Approx. 5%
Stocks to Watch: Kohls, Advance Auto Parts, Derma Sciences

Odd Block: Puts trading in United States Steel Corp. (X), calls trade in Microsoft Corp (MSFT), and puts trade in Atwood Oceanics Inc. (ATW)

Listener Mail: Listener questions and comments

Question from OptionDummy: Are there any additional nuances with a name reporting earnings on Expiration Friday?
Question from Cookie: What is the best online broker for stocks and futures options?
Question from Cspell: I'm interested to get OI's thoughts on second order greeks. I don't recall them ever being mentioned on any of your shows before. I don't see too much mentioned about them in general, even in the hinterlands although I have recently seen them talked about on another site and they tout them as the holy grail so to speak. Thanks!

Around the Block: Earnings on Friday: J.C. Penney, Tyco International; Nov 12: Jobless Claims, JOLTS and Treasury Budget; Nov 13: PPI, Retail Sales and Consumer Sentiment; on Friday, the Commerce Department reports U.S. retail sales for the month of October, when retail sales likely increased 0.3%.

Trading Block: Who was right about volatility? What will the Fed do? Crude doubletalk from OPEC. Crude curve looking interesting.

Odd Block: Calls trade in EFA-big upside call closer, calls trade in MW, and puts trade in MDT.

Strategy Block: You, too, can be a winner. Or, the importance of looking at your whole portfolio.

Mail Block: Listener questions and comments.

Question from 777: What quirks are there with time decay, [especially] during [the] last few weeks with ITM vs. OTM?
Question from Topcat: Are options less risky than contracts for difference?

Around the Block: Retailers begin to step into earnings spotlight this week, including J.C. Penney and Macy's. Other highlights will include reports from tech giants Applied Materials and Cisco Systems.

Trading Block: Earnings!

Before the bell today: Apache, Celgene Corporation, Crocs, Inc.,
After the bell today: Walt Disney Company, DreamWorks Animation

News:

DIS: $113. ATM straddle: $4.85, 4.3%. On a huge rally since massive selloff in August.
OCC Cleared Contract Volume Declined 26% in October.
Market falls in line with Yellen, but now Fed credibility at stake.

Odd Block: Calls and puts trade in Bank of America Corp. (BAC), calls trade in Metlife Inc. (MET), and puts trade in Straight Path Communication (STRP)

Listener Mail: Listener questions and comments

Question from Kevin - How do you put on such a small trade for a client and still get paid?
Question from David - There is huge open interest for TWTR at the 30 strike for the Nov monthly, almost 240,000 contracts evenly split. Can you talk about the possible implications? Is it interesting?

Around the Block: Earnings!

Friday - Humana

Numbers:

Nov 5: Jobless Claims
Nov 5: GDP
Nov 6: Unemployment

Trading Block: Earnings!

Before the bell today: Visa, Cardinal Health, Estee Lauder,
After the bell today: Allstate Corporation, AMC Entertainment, Avis Budget, Fitbit, Inc., Tenant Healthcare Corporation
Chipotle tumbles after e. coli outbreak is linked to chain.

Odd Block: Calls trade in Tyson Foods, Inc. (TSN), puts trade in Pilgrims Pride Corp. (PPC), and calls trade in Sprouts Farmers Market Inc. (SFM).

Strategy Block: Tosaw discusses his all bullish client

Mail Block: Listener questions and comments

Comment from CSpell - With SC down 14% so far on 10/29/15 and what looks like some investigation pending, it seems our friend was on the wrong side on this one. I think you should have a follow up on odd blocks as part of the show, could be fun.
Question from RBolen22 - Are there active listed options markets outside the US that are worth trading? Have you ever covered this?

Around the Block: High hopes for Facebook, Disney earnings this week.

Trading Block: Earnings!

Before the bell today: Coca-Cola, CME Group Inc., the biggest futures-market operator, said profit soared in its third quarter, lifted by higher trading volume and growth in the company’s market data and information services business.
After the bell today: BAIDU, Electronic Arts, Expedia, LinkedIn Corporation, Starbucks.
EA - ATM Straddle $4.70 - Approx. 6.2%

Also, on this day (October 29) in 1929: The New York Stock Exchange crashed in what would be called the Crash of '29 or "Black Tuesday."

Odd Block: Calls trade in CBS Corp (CBS), calls and puts trade in Walgreens Boots Alliance Inc. (WBA), and calls trade in Kate Spade and Co. (KATE)

Listener Mail: Listener questions and comments

Question from 603 - Before a report like FOMC, is buying calls bad due to Vol premiums?
Question from 777 - What quirks are there with time decay - during the last few weeks with ITM vs. OTM?
Question from Angus G - On your TopStep radio show just now you mentioned "buying WTI Crude Oil calls". What is the ticker symbol for these products?! When I put WTI into my broker I get "W&T Offshore". I thought USO was the best/only way to speculate on CL using options? You mentioned however that there might be better options that more directly mirror crude... Thanks

Around the Block: Earnings on Friday: CBOE Holdings, CVS, Chevron.

Option Block 473: Behold the Power of Deo

Trading Block: What is happening right now? Earnings! Before the bell today: Xerox Corporation. Wall Streets next test: Profits, data, and the Fed. The S&P 500 rallied 2.1% last week - its fourth consecutive week of gains. Once again, Apple is expected to fuel earnings. Gold rally brings out options bulls.

Odd Block: Calls and puts trade in Diageo PLC (DEO), calls trade in the Coca-Cola Co. (KO), and calls trade in Mens Wearhouse Inc. (MW).

Strategy Block: St. Charles awakens, andTosaw discusses his latest trading strategies.

Mail Block: Listener questions and comments

Question from Veg - I do not know much about options - apologize for my noobness. In August, during the mini crash, were traders selling premium in the equity options? If so, how does that work? Is the spread wide?

Around the Block: What are we watching? Earnings! This week will be one of the busiest of the third-quarter earnings reporting season. Tuesday - Alibaba (before bell), Apple (after bell), Gilead Sciences (after bell), Jet Blue (before bell).

Trading Block: Today we feature special guest Dan Cook from NADEX.

Earnigns:

Before the bell today: Eli Lilly, 3M, Dow Chemical, McDonalds, Nasdaq, Sirius, Southwest Airlines
After the bell today: Alphabet Inc., Amazon, AT&T, Microsoft, Pandora

News:

Dow surges more than 275 on McDonald's, ECB stimulus talk - McRevenge! McDonald's turns table on Chipotle.
Now that Google Is Alphabet, options suggest another big stock move.
Barclays: Use bullish options to play gold rally.

Odd Block: Calls trade in Prudential Financial Inc. (PRU), calls trade in eBay Inc (EBAY), and calls trade in Corning Incorporated (GLW).

Listener Mail: Listener questions and comments

Question from Fred - I trade futures all day but not options. Trying to trade on a longer term cycle to avoid juggling positions. What advice do you have for someone who wants to trade options but cannot babysit their options daily?
Question from Peter D. - Stocks are being hit by latency sensitive strategies like HFT. Is that happening in options as well?

Around the Block: Earnings on Friday - American Airlines (before bell), Procter & Gamble (before bell), Whirlpool (before bell).

Trading Block: Oprah buys 10% of Weight Watchers, stock soars. Also, earnings!

Walmart (WMT) stock plunged 10% last week on sharply lower guidance from the company.
Analysts expect Amazon (AMZN) to report a 21% jump in revenue compared with the year-ago period.
Yahoo (YHOO) is also expected to notch a 15% jump in revenue. Analysts are betting on Microsoft (MSFT) and IBM (IBM) to maintain reasonably healthy profits amid falling revenue, while American Airlines (AAL) is likely to see a big jump in earnings on plummeting fuel prices.

Odd Block: Calls trade in Santander Consumer USA (SC), calls trade in Sirius XM Holdings (SIRI), and uts trade in Weight Watchers Intl. (WTW).

Strategy Block: Tosaw discusses his most recent trading activities and why he has been staying away from bonds.

Mail Block: Listener questions and comments

Question from ONV - Do you focus on all stock options that trade at large multiples, or is there some other way that you determine which names to analyze?

Around the Block: Google stands out amid low earnings expectations.

Trading Block: VIX - The Chicago Board Options Exchange Volatility Index fell 4.6 percent Thursday to 17.21, after back-to-back gains for the first time since Sept. 28. VIX is down 30 percent this month, on track for the most since July.

Earnings: The third-quarter earnings crunch begins this week.

Mattel (MAT) - $22.26, Oct 22 straddle - Approx. $2 / 9% move.
Netflix (NFLX) added fewer subscribers in the U.S. in the September quarter than it had anticipated.
Amazon (AMZN) is up 1.6% at $553.29, as traders celebrate lackluster subscriber statistics for programming rival Netflix, Inc.
Odd Block: Calls trade in Micron Technology Inc. (MU), calls trade in Solarwinds Inc. (SWI), and puts trade in Market Vectors Russia ETF (RSX).

Listener Mail: Listener questions and comments

Question from Angelo M - I have been listening to the Options Playbook Radio episodes on iron butterflies and skip strike butterflies. I wondered what you guys on the All-Star Panel thought about maybe combining those concepts with a ratio iron butterfly that sells an extra put on the downside leg. My thought process is to do this in stocks where I expect a big move but I also do not mind buying the underlying at the level of the lower leg? It would also help reduce the outlay of the trade and make it easier to break even. Thoughts? Great show and great discussions.
Question from Futures MD - Does theta increase or change intraday - perhaps around lunch?

Around the Block: Earnings on Friday, October 16 include GE, Honeywell International and WW Grainger.

Trading Block: S&P over 2000. Is Tosaw a bull again? VIX weekly options launch today - after a long wait they are finally here! BlackRock proposes remedy for extreme volatility. Insider trading spreads outside of stocks - New York attorney general Eric T. Schneiderman has launched an inquiry into DraftKings and FanDuel

Odd Block: Strange and unusual activity in P, UUP, and AMX.

Listener Mail: Listeners take over

Question from Dave - Would you say the options market leads the underlying from a price perspective?
Question from NKX - How do entries work on options strategies? Is entry random? Should we care when we are filled? Should we adjust often? How often should we adjust on a strategy like an iron condor?

Around the Block: Earnings season kicks off with Alcoa

Trading Block: The streak is broken - VIX Cash finally breaks 20! "More execs should have gone to jail after financial crisis" Bernanke says. Stocks jump as expectations ease of U.S. rate hike; oil gains. The London Metal Exchange (LME) introduces measures to grow options trading on exchange.

Odd Block: Puts trade in Materials Select Sector SPDR (XLB), calls trade in Conoco Phillips (COP), and calls and puts trade in Valeant Pharmaceuticals Intl. (VRX)

Strategy Block: Tosaw discusses dealing with covered calls that are going against you.

Around the Block: Alcoa, PepsiCo kick off Q3 earnings season.

Trading Block: A mild selloff at the end of another volatile session: S&P High - 1927, Low - 1900. The S&P 500 slumped 2.6% in September, and posted its first back-to-back quarterly decline in four years. VIX Cash 23.42. US stocks advance, shaving worst quarterly rout in four years. Short sellers cash in Apple bets as stock declines. Metals are getting massacred.

Odd Block: Calls trade in SPDR S&P Metal and Mining (XME), calls trade in EV Energy Partners, LP (EVEP), and puts trade in Apache Corp (APA).

Listener Mail: Listener questions and comments

Question from TennisGr8 - Last week you mentioned being a market maker made you quick on your feet. This would be similar to a doctor in the emergency room. Does a retail trader need to be that fast and, if so, where can they learn to be that fast?
Question from Pat - Can you discuss the pros and cons of hedging a portfolio with put back spreads in the respective index, done for a credit? Love all the shows. Thanks for all the education. PS Please do not say Rocktober this year.

Around the Block: September jobs report issued by the Labor Department Friday

Trading Block: An aggressive selloff on the street today. Profits from Chinese industrial companies down 8.8%. GLD taketh away recently.

Odd Block: Strange and unusual activity in BBY, KRE, and MU.

Strategy Block: Uncle Mike discusses trading and managing risk as a perpetual bull.

Around the Block: Will the Chinese bloodbath continue?

Option Block 465: The Feckless Fed

Trading Block

Auto-parts suppliers option implied volatility increases on Volkswagen probe.

U.S. stocks decline as investors crave more guidance from the Fed.

Odd Block

Calls and puts trade in DISH network Corp. (DISH)

Calls trade in Horizon Pharma PLC (HZNP)

Puts trade in Merck & Co. (MRK)

Strategy Block

Uncle Mike Tosaw discusses rolling options on vertical and single-leg puts

Listener Mail

Question from Fred - Being a market maker on the floor was a good way to learn options trading. Can you explain how MM worked and why it was the best way to learn options trading?

Around the Block

Nike and BlackBerry highlight another quiet earnings week.

The Option Block 465: The Great Internet Meltdown

Trading Block

The Skype Gods conspired against the All-Star Panel on this episode. But we're back nonetheless with more options analysis, unusual activity, listener mail and more.
Topics covered in the Trading Block today include: the still wonky VIX futures term structure, the endless debate over the FED, 70X returns on Volkswagen puts and much more

ODD Block

Strangle Selling Palooza!
Ensco PLC - ESV
Boardwalk Pipeline Partners - BWP
FMC Technologies Inc. - FTI

The Mail Block

This week the listeners want to know what the All-Star Panel thinks about pin risk.

Around the Block

Keep your powder dry while this crazy volatility shakes itself out of the market

Trading Block: August US listed options volumes grew 12% compared to July, reaching a new monthly high in 2015. VIX dips below 20.00 for the first time since August 20th after FOMC statement. No hike: Fed keeps benchmark rate near zero. Citing global economic weakness and financial market turmoil, the Federal Reserve agreed Thursday to keep its benchmark interest rate near zero despite the rapidly improving U.S. labor market. Alt-Options launches Bitcoin derivative market.

Odd Block: Strange and unusual activity in PBR, WLL, and QLIK.

Strategy Block: Uncle Mike Tosaw discusses trading the Fed.

Listener Mail: Listener questions and comments.

Comment from Hawkeye - Mark- A few things- Too bad the daily dose of Lobster was too much of a cholesterol bomb for those guys at TOS. Bummer. I liked the show. With respect to the OIC study on various options strategies since 2003 - Are you really surprised the highest return was gained by a synthetic short put stupid in what has mostly been a bull market? (covered strangle => short call + long stock = ITM short put, plus OTM short put). So, YES! Selling 2 puts brings in more money than selling only 1! Yes, the Lobster and Meatball have taught me enough to figure this out and they should feel good that something has stuck.

Keep the great shows coming- Hawkeye

PS- A while back Uncle Mike answered a question I had about holding. I sent a thank you back, but I was not sure you ever got it. Anyways, please tell Uncle Mike THANKS that that was an outstanding answer and it made perfect sense.

Trading Block: Alibaba - Shares of Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. (BABA -4.05%) have tumbled recently amid an array of problems. U.S. stocks decline amid focus on Fed rate decision this week. Traders are preparing for massive Fed-driven volatility. The SPDR S&P 500 (NYSE:SPY) put-call ratio dropped hard to well below its 20 DMA on Friday.

Odd Block: Calls trade in Anheuser Busch Inbev SA (BUD), puts trade in Chesapeake Energy Corp. (CHK), and calls trade in EMC Corp (EMC).

Mail Block: Listener questions and comments

Question from Mark Brant - I guess if you place the long side first then your margin will be lower for the short side so maybe the long side is hard?
Question from Joe Joe - What happens when I sell a call? Does that money hit my account right away, or do I have to wait until I close the position?

Around the Block: Fed Meeting this Wednesday and Thursday.

Trading Block: Federal Reserve may bring new life to fed-funds options pit. Apple plans land with a thud. Apple is pulling out all the stops, but nothing it seems, can get the stock moving or get investors jazzed again.

Odd Block: Calls trade in Whiting Petroleum Corp. (WLL), calls trade in Qualcomm Inc. (QCOM), and calls trade in Rite Aid Inc. (RAD).

Listener Mail: Listener questions and comments

Question from MB2 - Heard you chat about legging spreads on the show. The strategy guy seemed to not be a fan of legging. Can he expand on that and his reasoning behind it? I have utilized legging many times as a way to improve my execution prices on spreads. I think it is a legitimate trading technique.

Around the Block: Earnings season is coming?

Trading Block: Panel of ex-Fed officials say no rate hike will come at September meeting

Monthly Volume Breakdown:

OCC cleared contract volume rose 33% in August.
Year-to-date average daily cleared contract volume is up 0.15 percent from 2014 with 16,809,864 contracts in 2015.
Exchange-listed options volume reached 426,328,677 contracts in August, a 33 percent increase from August 2014 volume of 320,155,407 contracts.
Year-to-date average daily options volume is up 0.21 percent from 2014 with 16,554,221 contracts in 2015.
Equity options volume in August was 373,616,786 contracts, a 30 percent increase from August 2014.
Index options volume in August was up 60 percent from August 2014 with 52,711,891 contracts.

Odd Block: Puts trade in Cobalt International Energy Inc. (CIE), calls trade in CIENA Corp. (CIEN), and puts trade in Wisdom Tree India Earnings (EPI)

Listener Mail: Listener questions and comments

Question from Mousin - Could it be that the huge options portfolios in macro hedge funds are to blame for the big vow in the market on Monday?
Question from ADM - During activities on Monday, were there any options exchanges that failed?

Around the Block: Non-Farms out tomorrow.

Trading Block: Dow off about 100 points in choppy trade, tries to stay out of correction. Goldman Sachs thinks this volatility index should be much lower: The VIX is trading like the U.S. is in a recession. If the options market is right, China stock rescue is doomed.

Odd Block: Calls trade in UltraShort Euro ProShares (EUO), calls trade in Xerox Corp. (XRX), and calls trade in Arch Coal Inc. (ACI).

Strategy Block: Tosaw gives us an update of the things he has been doing, and why he has been doing them.

Around the Block: Earnings highlights of this week:

Tuesday - Ambarella, Dollar Tree, H&R Block
Thursday - Ciena, Medtronic

Trading Block: Selloff or rally? The market needs to make up its mind. Whither the VIX: there was a brief flirtation with 50 handle now back into the more “sensible” 20 handle. So, it takes a massive selloff in the marketplace to get VIX over 50. AAPL had a 20 handle range this week. We missed the deal of the century on the AAPL Sep 75 puts.

Odd Block: Calls trade in BTU, calls trade in P, and puts trade in LL

Mail Block: Listener questions and comments.

Question from Leon187: Is it true that Apple sells puts to buy back their own stock? Do you feel that large volume of Sep 75 puts was a part of that program?
Question from tennisgr8t: Can you give examples of managing positions using Greeks and is it a good strategy? Your show is awesome.

Around the Block: Earnings on Friday include Deere and Company, Foot Locker, Inc.

Trading Block: The DJIA briefly slumped more than 1,000 points, its biggest point-drop ever. VIX Cash hit 53.29 at 10am. The VIX jumped as much as 90 percent to 53.29, its highest since January 2009. VIX didn’t update for 30 minutes as options quotes got erratic. AAPL hit a low of $92 before rebounding.

Around the Block: Retail earnings season winds down this week

Trading Block: 6.5 month low. Breaking through big technical levels in the S&P. Huge move in VIX. A rundown of soft and hard losers. When Wal-Mart becomes a flight-to-safety. Everything is NOT awesome.

Odd Block: Strange and unusual activity in MSFT, PNK, and POT.

Mail Block: Listener questions and comments in response to Monday’s show.

Comment 1 from @MarkBrant1KM: One thing I learned from Dr. J. that you guys don't discuss much is how return on margin is paramount to retail traders!
Comment 2 from ‏@MarkBrant1KM: Main focus should be maximizing return on margin when trading options!

Mystery Block: Mark Sebastian discusses risk and reward.

Around the Block: Not going to hit all-time highs this week. What will the Fed do?

Trading Block: Stocks to watch include: Tesla, Zulilly, Pentair, and Estee Lauder. Gold trading outlook: Futures extend gains on US rates speculations. U.S. stocks rise as investors turn focus on economic strength.

Odd Block: Call spreads go up in Williams Companies Inc. (WMB), giant call roll in Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. (HIG), and calls trade in Xilinx Inc. (XLNX).

Strategy Block: Tosaw discusses when to roll and when not to roll.

Mystery Block: Sebastian discusses his thoughts on trading and how it relates to putt-putt golf.

Around the Block: Be cautious. Fed minutes might be interesting.

Trading Block: Bearish options bets on Apple are spiraling higher. Stocks to Watch: Tesla Motors Inc. (TSLA) +2.26%), American Apparel Inc. (APP), Lenovo Group Ltd. (HKG). OCC and U.S. Securities Market Coalition ask U.S. Department of Labor to allow use of listed options in retirement accounts.

Odd Block: Calls trade in SYSCO Corp (SYS), puts trade in SPDR Barclays Capital High Yield (JNK), and puts trade in Technology SPDR (XLK).

Mail Block: Listener questions and comments

Question from Mark Brant - Is insurance against assignment legal? Why not pay a fee for the broker to absorb assignment risk if your strategy prefers it?

Around the Block: Shake Shack, Inc. (SHAK) will be listed Aug 14.

Trading Block: Our special guest today is Vlad Karpel, Founder of Tradespoon. Dow jumps triple digits; oil recovery boosts energy 2%. How should investors play falling Apple stock? Earnings today after the bell: Rackspace Hosting, Inc., Shake Shack, Inc., Take Two Interactive - TTWO $31.38, Straddle - $3.10 - Approx. 10%. BATS gets regulatory nod for second U.S. options exchange.

Odd Block: Calls and puts trade in Ensco PLC (ESV), calls trade in Oasis Petroleum Inc. (OAS), and calls roll in SYSCO Corp. (SYY)

Strategy Block: Tosaw analyzes SPX and SPY

Around the Block: Earnings!

Tuesday - Fogo de Chao, Inc., Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Tribune Publishing Company
Wednesday - Cisco, Macy’s, Aramark, Roundy’s, Inc., BABA and CSCO
Thursday - Applied Materials, Inc., Kohl’s, King Digital Entertainment, El Pollo Loco Holdings, Inc., Nordstrom Inc., Tribune Media Company,
Friday - J.C. Penney

Trading Block: Stocks getting crushed post-earnings.

Disney - stock closed @ $121 prior to earnings on 8/4. ATM straddle $4.10 or 3.4%. Stock off over 10% in the past two days - off 2% today.
Tesla - stock $270 prior to earnings. ATM straddle $22.25 or 8.2%. Down 28 handles, over 10% today.
A massive sell-off is underway in media stocks, and Viacom is by far the biggest loser.

Odd Block: Calls trade in Allscripts Healthcare Solutions (MDRX), puts trade in Noble Corp. (NE), and calls trade in SPDR S7P Oil and Gas (XOP)

Mail Block: Listener questions and comments

Question from RJR357 - On the CBOE blog you see comments such as Bulls are piling into XZY or calls outnumber puts 6 to 1. Is it prudent to follow the herd? Is this info of any value? I'm guessing this is the big money traders. Great show.
Question from Charles Vela - My friend recommended Dough as an options starter platform. It seems a little silly to me. How do you like it?

Around the Block: Earnings: FitBit (FIT)

Trading Block: Thanks to everyone that came out last week to our live show! We had a wonderful seeing all of our listeners in person.

Earnings today after the bell: Brookdale Senior Living, Avis Budget Group, Allstate Corp, General Growth Properties.
Media & retail highlight earnings this week: CVS, Office Depot Inc., Walt Disney Co.
Highlights of this week: Wednesday: Tesla, Time Warner, and Twenty-First Century Fox; Thursday: Allergan

Odd Block: Calls trade in Williams Companies Inc. (WMB), calls trade in NorthStar Asset Management (NSAM), and calls and puts trade in Merck & Co., Inc. (MRK)

Strategy Block: Tosaw discusses the importance of patience, especially when trading.

Mail Block: Listener questions and comments

Question from Beacher454 - Last week Mark S. said the free options training is ok, but you need paid training to really make money. Can you give an example how paid training is better?

Around the Block: Upcoming earnings: Disney, Tesla, Office Depot. Plus, macroeconomics. Options on VIX weekly futures. Will they? Won’t they?

Trading Block: Still in the thick of earnings season. LNKD straddle going out at over $25. Talking FB, VIX. Trading the Sebastian bottom. The introduction of VIX weekly futures. Whole Foods prices weigh on earnings. Who’s afraid of insider trading? Chinese equity vol. Will Gold fall to $350/ounce? SO MANY new CBOE indexes. SO MANY.

Odd Block: Ratio/vertical calls roll in MDLZ. Ratio buy-write in NOW. Taking the short off in NOK.

The Mail Block: Listener questions and comments.

What happened to Options Oddities?
What is the worst beginner options trade?
Beware of paying through the offer

Around the Block: Still some earnings coming: XOM, CBOE, CVX. Introducing the inverse mullet: the tellum. Greece. Jobs report next week.

Trading Block: China meltdown. Chinese equities have suffered the sharpest one-day crash in eight years. Earnings: Bidu, Facebook, Twitter, Exxon Mobil. Will option traders ‘pin’ gold to $1,100/oz?

Odd Block: Call buyers in EXCO Resources Inc. (XCO), calls trade in Knowles Corp (KN), and calls trade in Pfizer Inc. (PFE)

Strategy Block: What is going on in the S&P 500?

Mail Block: Listener questions and comments.

Question from Jose - Avengers, JPW, Minions, so many big summer movies. What is a good way to play big movie releases with options? I have got about 10k in my trade account to use for fun spec stuff like this. Ideas?
Question from Brian Collamer - Hi. Last week Uncle Mike was talking about a customer who had a call calendar on in Netflix. The customer got assigned on the short call. Does that mean the strikes went in the money? If so, would not you exercise the back month long call to cover the assignment? Thanks for the great content you folks make available!

Around the Block: Earnings!

Trading Block: Earnings!

MSFT: $47.28 on earnings. Straddle: $2.40 / 5%. Opens down approx. $2. Microsoft lost 3.7 percent after posting its largest-ever quarterly loss.
AAPL: Closed near $131 on earnings. Straddle: $6.15 / approx. 4.7%. Opened $122 - down $8.75. Apple fell 4.2 percent after iPhone sales and revenue forecast missed estimates.
Nasdaq retreats amid tech selloff after Apple, Microsoft results
Odd Block: Calls trade in Chevron Corp. (CVX), calls trade in Direxion Daily Financial Bear 3X ETF (FAZ), and calls and puts trade in Patterson-UTI Energy, Inc (PTEN)

Mail Block: Listener questions and comments

Question from Sam A, Houston, TX - Is it a good idea to sell credit spreads in leveraged ETFs to benefit from the con tango?
Question from 999 - How do you spec on the market falling out of bed using options?

Around the Block: Earnings: Apple earnings not the only huge story this week. Watch GM, Boeing, Coke, Amazon, Microsoft & others. Friday: Johnson Controls, Xerox

Trading Block: In which we feature special guest co-host: Fred Ruffy from Trade Alert

Earnings Today: Before the Bell: Morgan Stanley, Haliburton, Hasbro; After the Bell: IBM. Tech names blowing through their straddles: NFLX: 8%, GOOG: 3.5%. Stocks slightly higher as NASDAQ hits new record.

Odd Block: Puts trade in Ford Motor Company (F), puts trade in Windstream Holdings Inc. (WIN), and calls trade in ONEOK, Inc. (OKE).

Mail Block: Listener questions and comments:

Question from Adam Sam - ‏How come no one saw GOOG jump coming. Do you ever share where you get your info from? I would love to know. Thanks.
Question from big George: Hola options amigos. Fun program. Just found it on Stitcher and now it’s on the top of my business playlist. You guys make options fun. I would like to know if there’s any way that I can enter after hours orders for options. I can access afterhours books for my stocks but I don’t see that choice for options. Do I need to use a special broker or platform? This would really help me with my earnings season trading. Thanks, George.

Around the Block: What to watch for in Apple earnings. Also watching GM, Boeing, Coke, Amazon, Microsoft & others.

Trading Block: GOOG after the bell. ATM Straddle: Approx. $21 - a 3.5% move. Last earnings: 19 handle move from close to open, approx. 3.5%. Volume: Approx. 3x ADV. Calls nearly 3 to 1 over puts. Bank of England urges longer jail terms for market manipulators. On July 16th, 2004 - Martha Stewart was sentenced for insider trading, conspiracy, and obstruction of justice in the ImClone trading scandal.

Odd Block: Calls trade in C&J Energy Services Ltd (CJES), calls trade in Regions Financial Corp (RF), and calls roll in US Bancorp (USB)

Mail Block: Listener questions and comments

Comment from Anonymous - I listened to your talk on Options Insider Radio. (That is a very good program!) It seems that there are a lot of misunderstandings about the cracking down on short sales in China.

In fact, there is no limit on short short sales in China as long as you can borrow shares. Very similar to the US shorting stocks. But the main problem in China is the leverages with loans from outside financial companies.

A subsidiary of BABA is enabler of such outsider loans. That subsidiary company in Hangzhou (where I am from) has software called HOMS, which expand the single brokerage account into a multiple user account with or without brokerage firms knowledge. The original intended users are fund management firms. But the loan companies use the software to provide loans and control the account for margin risk management. They provide margin loans up to 1:10 ratio.

When the market initially dropped 15~20%, many accounts will have margin problem. Later on, the loan companies started manipulation operation: They purposely push down the index futures at certain hours, trigger the market sales, and then they forcefully close customer accounts.

Finally the Chinese police department stepped in. That really scared those loan operators.

Overall, I think it is great idea to forceful interrupt the vicious feedback loop, and return the market to more normal operations.

In China, the communist part[y] has to take responsibilities for the wellbeing of the general population, instead of "following the rules" to allow or protect a few successful guys who figured out how to take advantage of the system shortcomings.

So I think it is a good. In the US, no one was charged and put into jail for 2008 crisis. Here, we think that following rules is more important than the results. But the rules have been set up the guys who purposely keep holes they can exploit.

In this case, I totally support the Chinese government. It demonstrates that Chinese government can correct the problem much more effectively and efficiently.

For a society, it is better to protect 1,000,000 people from losing $1,000 each than to allow a guy to make $1B through "successful" trading.

Question from SB94 - What’s up with Chinese stock options? Are options going to be listed in China anytime soon?
Question from Sean - I like to follow an indicator that determines the strength of a trend going in a certain direction. How do these typically reflect in the options market?

Around the Block: Earnings! Citigroup, Google, eBay, UnitedHealth Group, America Movil, Blackstone, Goldman Sachs, Philip Morris International, Schlumberger, Advanced Micro Devices, Mattel, General Electric, Honeywell

Trading Block: July and the VIX weigh heavily on the S&P. U.S. stocks rise after Greece reaches an agreement with creditors. Netflix hits new high price in advance of stock split, earnings. Fitbit shares are in uncharted territory as analysts initiate coverage.

Odd Block: Puts trade in IAMGOLD Corp. (IAG), calls trade in Marathon Petroleum Corp. (MPC), calls trade in Market Vectors Oil Services (OIH).

Strategy Block: Tosaw discusses synthetics and his most recent trading strategies.

Mail Block: Listener questions and comments

Question from Fred - I heard options traders like to have multiple positions in their trading accounts. How many should I have?

Around the Block: Earnings: Google, Netflix and big banks highlight earnings expectations this week.

Tuesday - JPMorgan, Wells Fargo, Johnson & Johnson, Yum! Brands.
Wednesday - Intel, Netflix, Bank of America, Delta Airlines, US BankCorp, BlackRock, Kinder Morgan, PNC Financial Services.
Thursday - Citigroup, Google, eBay, UnitedHealth Group, America Movil, Blackstone, Goldman Sachs, Philip Morris International, Schlumberger, Advanced Micro Devices, Mattel.
Friday - General Electric, Honeywell

Trading Block: What glitch? Competition eases NYSE shut-down. Fed increase are little more than a coin flip for derivative traders. Apple stock chart points to more downside ahead. Earnings today: Before the bell: PepsiCo, Walgreens

Odd Block: Calls trade in CBS Inc. (CBS), calls trade WisdomTree EuropeHedged ETF (HEDJ), and calls trade in JCPenney Co. (JCP).

Mail Block: Listener questions and comments

Question from N198UA - I'm a big fan of all your radio shows - especially Options Oddities. I've always had an interest in unusual activity and even attended your forum in Chicago a couple of years ago. My question: if a retail trader makes an options trade based on unusual activity that is later deemed "insider" (or something not legal); could the retail trader - and anyone who copied the "insider" trade be in trouble? What are the possible outcomes?
Question from 999 - Brokers typically charge more to short stocks that are hard to borrow. What are examples of the extra fees or commissions that you pay when you trade options in hard to borrow stocks?
Question from Jose Aprile - Any quirks with interest rates options that show the Fed might act soon?

Around the Block: Greece is the word.

Trading Block: CBOE and C2 Options Exchange total trading volume up 16% in June. Surge in Europe stock options volume shows race to hedge Greece. A few dozen Chicago traders will don their multicolored jackets to trade soybean and forex futures the old-fashioned way one last time on Monday, marking the end of 167 years of open-outcry trading in the city where it was born. Oil at 3-months low as outlook darkens again.

Odd Block: Rolling calls in Office Depot (ODP), calls trade in Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc. (HLT), puts trade in Chevron Corp. (CVX), and calls trade in Blackstone Group LP (BX).

Strategy Block: Tosaw discusses how he prepared for the holiday weekend.

Mail Block: Listener questions and comments

Question from Fred - Been having problems finding an options paper trading account that does not require me to fund an account. Any suggestions?

Around the Block: Earnings - New earnings season kicks off with Alcoa, PepsiCo, and Walgreens.

Today we have Special Guest Star Henry Schwartz from Trade Alert

Trading Block: Jobs data disappoints. OCC cleared contract volume grew 4% in June. Tesla Motors Inc. (TSLA) shares gain momentum after record quarterly deliveries.

Odd Block: Calls trade in Targa Resources Partners LP (NGLS), calls trade in Market Vectors Gold Miners (GDX), and puts trade in ARM Holdings plc (ARMH)

Mail Block: Listener questions and comments:

Question from Steamboat Willie - What would you say is the best buy and hold strategy using options? I am interested in using some options in my retirement account but I do not have the time to manage them on a daily basis. I would like to put something on and only check on it every few weeks or months. I am mostly interested in large cap stocks, although I am not averse to dipping my toes into alternative assets such as oil.
Question from LeanMean: Is it possible for retail to capture dividends using options? Do you have any good dividend capture strats for me?

Around the Block: Will the U.S. be a safe haven? August earnings fireworks? Will U.S. bonds rally?

Trading Block: Dow falls 225 points, in the red for the year amid Greece; VIX spikes 24%. Biggest one-day loss since 2011 for European stocks as Greek crisis deepens. FitBit options listed on 6/26: 1st day volume = 4,600 contracts. 2,500 on Friday, 2,500 so far today. Oil falls to three-week low amid risk of Greek exit from Euro.

Odd Block: Calls trade in US Silica Holdings (SLCA), calls trade in Yandex NV (YNDX), and puts trade in NorthStar Realty Finance Corp (NRF).

Strategy Block: Uncle Mike Tosaw discusses his trading, or lack thereof, on this particular day.

Mail Block: Listener questions and comments

Question from Malki k. - I was surprised to see that FIT options are trading already, listed a little quicker than I thought. I like the stock but not at these levels, so I am looking at some downside strats. One that caught my eye was Aug 30-26 1x2 put spread - looks like I can buy the spread for somewhere around $.60 - $.90 depending on current prices. What is your opinion of that strategy? Not married to that time frame so I could also go longer term to November for $.10 - $.70. Seems like Nov puts are a little bit pricier. Before you say it, I know that this strategy can potentially get me long the stock from $26, but I am more comfortable with that price level than $33.50. And I would have all of the profits from my spread to reduce the effective purchase price of the stock to the low-20s range.
Question from Andrew J. - FIT Nov 25/40 bullish risk reversal for even money - thoughts?

Around the Block: Earnings! Tuesday - ConAgra Foods Inc. Wednesday - Constellation Brands, Inc., General Mills, Paychex, Inc.

Trading Block: A Greek deal drives the rally ho! Dow briefly adds 150 points, NASDAQ sets intraday high on Greece hopes. Crude and gold both drop - gold off 1.5%. Hilton: Why are so many traders betting on this hotel giant? Amberella getting crushed.

Odd Block: Puts trade in Ford Motor Company (F), calls trade in Owens Corning (OC), and calls trade in Green Plains Inc. (GPRE).

Strategy Block: Uncle Mike discusses selling calls to hedge, post rally.

Mail Block: Listener questions and comments

Question from Kevin Duggan: to info Hi Mark, I love your shows! Question - What happens to my options if the underlying gets halted permanently? Would I ever be able to close them? I am remembering Sino Forest from a few years ago in Canada- stock got halted pending a fraud investigation and never came back. I am worried that I will not be able to cash in on my BABA Puts! Thanks, Kevin

Around the Block: Are there still earnings left? Evidently, with Blackberry reporting later. Will there be new all-time highs? Greece default date: 6/30.

Trading Block: Rally ho on the street.

Fitbit IPO prices at $20 a share, above expectations. Fitbit Inc., the maker of wearable fitness-tracking devices, priced its initial public offering above its estimated range at $20 a share, raising $732 million. That makes it the biggest tech IPO this year and gives it a market cap of roughly $4 billion.
Apple Bands - Apple (AAPL) shares are in focus in early trading. The tech giant is reportedly amassing major profits from its Apple Watch band. Reuters reports that nearly 22% percent of Apple Watch buyers purchase one or more spare bands. Apple has sold approximately 2.8 million watches since of mid-June, according to an estimate from research firm Slice Intelligence.
Oracle tumbles - shares are tanking in early trading. Shares of Oracle tanked 7.6% in premarket action after the software company late Wednesday reported a drop in fourth-quarter earnings.

Odd Block: Calls trade in Williams Companies Inc. (WMB), calls trade in Toll Brothers Inc. (TOL), and puts trade in iShares MSCI EAFE Index Fund (EFA)

Mail Block: Listener questions and comments:

Question from TennisGr8t - Longos Odd Block show. If technical analysis is not good for options how then do you get trade ideas? Are any of the newsletters that get hawked daily any good? I am leaning NO. Great show gents.
Question from Anthony Sontakis - Hi, this message pertains to futures options. I currently trade futures options on Tradestation Futures+ platform. I was hoping someone might be able to recommend a Futures Options trading platform for a solo trader like myself. I need the ability to enter advanced orders like OCO and OSO based on the underlying price, and I need the ability for profit/loss graphs, neither of which features Tradestation platform supports right now. The only platform I have found that supports what I need is OptionsCity, but the pricing is for institutions ($2500/month) - that is cost prohibitive for me. Are there any good but affordable platforms out there to trade Futures Options for a little guy like me? Thanks, Anthony

Around the Block: Oracle, Rite-Aid earnings. Continuing to punt on the Fed. NASDAQ closes at record high. Another summit on the Greece bailout.

Trading Block: Trade bodies urge regulators to sort out derivatives reporting. Stocks to watch: CVS, Lumber Liquidators, Actavis. CBOE extends VIX and SPX options trading hours as global growth in VIX continues to build.

Odd Block: Puts trade in SPDR S&P Homebuilders ETF (XHB), calls trade in iShares MSCI Germany Index (EWG), and calls roll in TASER International, Inc. (TASR).

Strategy Block: Tosaw discusses hedging bond portfolios.

Option Pit Mystery Block: Sebastian discusses crisis management.

Around the Block: Earnings: Oracle, Rite Aid & FedEx Highlight Quiet Earnings Week.

Trading Block: Apples big meeting is a loser for investors - the Apple (AAPL) faithful are breathlessly awaiting the company's latest announcements at its confab starting Monday. But investors know better – it's a bust. VXX - closed the day at $18 (a change of -2.33%) at a relative volume of 0.95. Lululemon founder, Chip Wilson, files to sell his stake in the company.

Odd Block: Calls trade in iShares FTSE/Xinhua China (FXI), puts trade in iShares MSCI Germany Index (EWG), and big call buy in DISH Network Group (DISH)

Mail Block: Listener questions and comments

Question from RJR 357: Are the Options Bootcamps worth it?
Question from Mr. Fed: Can you explain how to use gamma around earnings.
Question from Roger Lee: were the calls sold or bought for Tyco? There are about 14K calls that are expiring in July as well. I'm not sure if it was a buy or sell as well.

Around the Block: Earnings: Sears, Lululemon.

Trading Block: Down day on the market: weekend coming in; selloff. TSLA up $7, but why? What is going on with Greece? If they can get out of their debt, why not the rest of the EU? Theta vs. delta. Could AAPL go over the trillion dollar market cap level? AVP rumor redux: making up stories to manipulate the market & SEC.

Odd Block: Puts trade in TUR, puts trade in AU, and calls trade in CCL.

Strategy Block: Ratio spreads on bonds.

Around the Block: Shaking fists at Greece. Vol blip. LULU earnings leak?

Trading Block: A pronounced selloff across the market today. The IMF calls out the Fed - says rates should be not raised until 2016. Goldman is long puts in USO and XLE - saying volatility is just too low.

Odd Block: Puts trade in Ocwen Financial Group (OCN), puts trade in Intel Corp. (INTC), and Aug calls trade in Cisco Systems, Inc. (CSCO)

Mail Block: Listener questions and comments

Question from Value Investrader: Question for you regarding unusual options activity, when Vol & OI increase, how do we know whether they were bought vs sold?
Question from Tom_Inc: What is a good intraday options trading strategy for SPY?
Question from Sin City: Why do you not use hashtags for each of the show to sort out the questions? For example: #OptionBlock, #VolatilityViews, etc.

Around the Block: Greek deadline coming up. Non-farm payrolls. Fed Watch: June.

Trading Block: Embrace options in the TWTR stock fire sale. Intel to buy Altera in nearly $17B cash deal. Euronext to launch volatility contracts.

Odd Block: Calls and puts trade in CSX Corp (CSX), puts trade in IAMGOLD Corp (IAG), and calls trade in EV Energy Partners LP (EVEP)

Strategy Block: Anything you can do with stock, I can do with options.

Around the Block: June kicks off the close of earnings season.

Trading Block: Wall Street is using the power of Dodd-Frank against itself. Shake Shacks (SHAK) unhedgeable risk. Chipotle (CMG) stock rallying following higher analyst rating. Google (GOOGL) tech deals on pace to surpass 1999.

Odd Block: Calls trade in CONSOL Energy Inc. (CNX), calls trade in McDonalds Corp (MCD), and puts trade in iPath S&P 500 VIX Short Term ETN (VXX).

Mail Block: Listener questions and comments

Question from Gerry Engle - Hola fellows. Like the programs especially Option Block and Volatility Views. I noticed you guys do not talk much about technicals. The few times you have mentioned them you seem to take a dim view of them. Why is that? Are there no technicals that you feel are useful for options traders to pay attention to?
Question from Calls vs Puts - Why is there not just one product that you can sell and buy to express your bullish or bearish outlook instead of two - calls and puts? Is that not a bit of overkill?
Question from Georges Sinclair - Why are iron condors so popular? Seems like many other strategies can offer similar performance. Why has that one strategy become so dominant?

Around the Block: Early summer doldrums? Any action in anything anytime soon?

Option Block 434: Buy SPY Calls and Go Away

Trading Block: Buying SPY for the summer. The absence of fear - How low can the VIX go? Stocks rise to near records; oil jumps above $60. Someone made a quick buck trading cable mergers - Cablevision soared 18 percent on Wednesday

Odd Block: Calls trade in Sphere 3D corp. (ANY), calls trade in TYCO Intl PLC (TYC), and calls trade in Advance Auto Parts, Inc. (AAP)

Mail Block: Listener questions and comments

Question from David S. - I think Apple is writing/buying options. Check my blog post for an option oddity: - http://bravo0123.tumblr.com. Why would they do this? I do not know, it’s only 6 million shares for Apple. Can I profit off this guess? Not sure.

Around the Block: Earnings: Big-box retailers step into the spotlight for earnings this week - i.e. Best Buy.

Trading Block: Icahn says "dramatically undervalued" Apple should trade at $240.

AccuShares is set to list a couple of interesting products on Tuesday: AccuShares Spot CBOE VIX Fund Up Shares (VXUP) and AccuShares Spot CBOE VIX Fund Down Shares (VXDN).

Odd Block: Calls and puts trading in CBRE Group Inc. (CBRE), puts trade in DSW Inc. (DSW), and calls trade in Molson Coors Brewing Company (TAP)

Strategy Block: Uncle Mike Tosaw discusses trading in SPY

Around the Block: Earnings: Consensus estimates from Wall Street analysts call for year-on-year earnings growth from big-box retailers Home Depot Inc. and Target Corporation, but for earnings declines from Best Buy Co Inc., Staples, Inc. and Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. when they report this week.

Trading Block: Rally ho on the market today. Is Avon in play? Stock halted after rallying over 20%. ADV 11k contracts - today over 75k! Avon Products Inc. said it never received a takeover bid from PTG Capital Partners Ltd., a firm listed in a securities filing as offering $18.75 a share for the struggling cosmetics company.

Odd Block: Calls trade in Michael Kors Holdings (KORS), calls trade in PowerShares DB Agriculture (DBA), and puts trade in Healthcare SPDR (XLV)

Mail Block: Listener questions and comments

Question from Dmitry Shesterin ‏- @Options Some equities have more active options than others, why is $BAC so disproportionately more active? Some contracts beat $SPY, $VIX.
Question from Fred Decker - Mark, I am nearing the end of reading Natenberg - I have even been going back to some basic concepts in the earlier chapters to refresh myself. While I like the book, I do not see much of a trading edge in Natenberg. The market models he uses assume frictionless trades and that volatility is constant. Is Natenberg a good book to get an edge in the market, or do you have another secret book to add to the trader's arsenal?

Around the Block: Earnings: Major retailers highlight this week's earnings outlook.

Trading Block: OPEC: Oil prices to stay below $100 for next decade. April U.S. options volume at 327.6m, down from March as spreads tighten. Highlights from The Options Industry Conference in Miami last week.

Odd Block: Calls and puts trade in the SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY), puts trade in Altisource Portfolio Solutions (ASPS), and calls trade in Iron Mountain Inc. (IRM)

Strategy Block: Tosaw discusses selling calendar spreads

Mail Block: Listener questions and comments

Question from Nicolas Bougie: Many Thanks for [Russell] Rhodes podcast you guys put online. Very educational! My question to you guys is: What is your personal favorite trading platform and why? What platform would you suggest to someone starting in this business?

Around the Block: Earnings! Wednesday - Cisco, JC Penney, Macys. Thursday - Kohls, Nordstrom, King Digital

Trading Block: Bond, James Bond. A bullish bond market rally could be in our future. VIX going into Non-Farm Payroll - could we see a big move?

Odd Block: Puts trade in Whole Foods Market, Inc. (WFM), puts go up in iShares iBoxx High Yield Corp ETF (HYG), calls trade in Alibaba Group Holding Ltd (BABA)

Mail Block: Listener questions and comments

Question from Dmitry Shesterin: Where do you see more HFT activity, in equities markets or options?
Question from Tom: When should I adjust a credit spread? What percentage of profit should I aim for?
Question from Fred: I am a futures guy dabbling in options. Do options traders need different tool than futures traders? If so, what tools or services do you recommend outside of the broker platforms?
Question from Karl: What is the better way to get "free juice" on a bullish position - bullish risk reversal for a credit/even, vertical ratio call spread for a credit/even or just a short put for a credit (obviously). This would be for a near term (a few months), but not explosive (maybe to 5%) rally in the underlying. When is buying the stock the best option?

Strategy Block: Uncle Mike Tosaw discusses selling puts.

Around the Block: Looking ahead to non-farms

Option Block 429: Avenging Pacquiao

Trading Block: Bonds taking it on the chin. Disney stock soars, lifted by the superhero power of The Avengers. CBOE reports 35% of their total volume is from weeklys.

Odd Block: Puts roll in iShares Russell 2000 index ETF (IWM), massive put block trade in SouFun Holdings Ltd (SFUN), and puts trade in Clean Energy Fuels Corp. (CLNE)

Outside Trading Hours: In his brand new segment, Mark Sebastian discusses the NFLs latest move to remove tax-except status.

Around the Block: Earnings

Option Block 428: The Thorax of the Trade

Trading Block: Tattoo snafu inks Apple iWatch wearers. Options volume slid in first quarter. Bad sign? Retail investors all in: TD Ameritrade. The dollar is on its longest losing streak since 2011. India VIX caps monthly advance as futures rollover below average. Tesla loses ground ahead of battery event.

Odd Block: Calls trade in PowerShares DB US Dollar Index (UUP), calls trade in Kinder Morgan Inc. (KMI), and puts trade in Youku Tudou Inc. (YOKU)

Mail Block: Listener questions and comments

Question from Nick - I have heard markets spend 30% of time trending and 70% of time bracketing. Can I use options to trade both of these environments?
Question from Alan - Why is rolling a position so prominent? Is that not just averaging into a losing trade?
Question from Anglo Jim - We saw a trending bull market for most of 2014. Is it simplistic to say that you could have just bought out-of-the-money calls and done fairly well? What about that decay that you are always talking about? Does that become a factor in that strategy, or does the bull market overcome it?
Question from Orlando - I am thinking of using weeklys to initiate debit vertical call spreads. Is that a good use case for them?
Comment from Mark Brant - @Options Great Option Block episode! I got even smarter about options again! The gift that keeps on giving: OIR. Thx!

Around the Block: Earnings: Apple & other earnings expected to dominate the week of April 27. Friday - Chevron, Weyerhaeuser

Option Block 427: Rocking AAPL Earnings

Trading Block: AAPL earnings after the bell.

AAPL Stats:

· ATM weekly straddle: $7.20 - approx 5.4%.

· ADV: 988K contracts.

· Today: 1.7M contracts.

· Call/put ratio: 2.1/1.

· Net deltas: short 670k.

· Calls sold on bid roughly equal to calls bought on ask - puts also evenly divided.

· AAPL volatility bets surge in options market as buyback beckons.

Investors seek protection against healthcare stock decline - Healthcare companies on a seven-year tear have been top performers so far in 2015. Love ’em or Hate ’em, China Stocks Are Red Hot in Options Market - Bearish options bets on the Deutsche X-trackers Harvest CSI 300 China A-Shares ETF.

Odd Block: Calls go up in iShares MSCI Taiwan Index (EWT), call blocks trading in Joy Global Inc. (JOY), and OTM puts trade in Direct TV (DTV)

Strategy Block: Tosaw discusses hedging AAPL and other earnings strategies.

Mail Block: Listener questions and comments

Question from Cab 65 - What account size do you recommend to sell wide iron condors?

Rock Block: In which the all-stars discuss movies in the Michael Bay oeuvre. Let us know your thoughts on Facebook, Twitter, or by email

Which Nicholas Cage movie is the best?

The Rock
Con Air
Face Off

Who does the best “Welcome to the rock” interpretation?

Uncle Mike
The greasy meatball
Mark “the voice of options” Longo

Around the Block: Earnings: AAPL & other earnings expected to dominate the week of April 27.

Option Block 426: Hedging Crude Oil Is Not Rocket Science

Trading Block: NASDAQ composite rises above March 2000 record close. Roots of 'flash crash' go back further than you thought at CME. Oil jumps 3 percent, hits 2015 high on Yemen, supply concern. Earnings today include (before the bell): GM, Procter and Gamble, Caterpillar, Dow Chemical, Southwest Airlines, Dunkin Brand Groups; and (after the bell): Google, Microsoft, Starbucks, Amazon, Capital One, E-Trade Financial, Pandora.

Odd Block: Giant put buyer in The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX), and calls trade in iShares MSCI Taiwan Index (EWT)

Mail Block: Listener questions and comments

Question from Vegan - What oil products do airlines use to hedge their crude exposure?
Question from Nick - I have heard markets spend 30% of time trending and 70% of time bracketing. Can I use options to trade both of those environments?
Question from Alan - Why is rolling a position so prominent? Is that no just averaging into a losing trade?
Question from Evan - For Uncle Mike - I am long the Apple July 130-140 call spread. What do you think about this both for an earnings play, as well as for some longer term bullish exposure to Apple? What are some other bullish strategies you could recommend for a modest ten-point rally over the next three months?
Comment from Mark Brant - Great Option Block episode! I got even smarter about options again! The gift that keeps on giving: OIR. Thx!

Around the Block: More earnings. Friday, April 24 - American Airlines, Xerox, Tyco International. Monday, April 27 - Apple, Inc.

Option Block 425: Scratching Heads & Taking Names

Trading Block: A mild day on the street. IBM Earnings after the bell today - IBM trading around $164.30. Costco stock rises today after upping dividend - reauthorizing $4B buyback program. This is how one trader made millions on Disney - shares of Walt Disney have had a great year.

Odd Block: Calls trade in Owens Corning (OC), puts trade in Wolverine World Wide, Inc. (WWW), and calls trade in Spectra Energy Corp. (SE).

Strategy Block: Tosaw discusses ways in which to protect your portfolio.

Mail Block: Listener questions and comments

Question from Sean - Can you do a quick overview of binary options? How do they differ from regular options, and when should people use them? How do I choose my strike with binary options?

Around the Block: Earnings: Morgan Stanley, Facebook, Coke. Some huge names report earnings this week.

Option Block 424: NFLX and the Roll to Oblivion

Trading Block: The "Widowmaker" rides again - NFLX has a HUGE post-earnings rally, up $56. BATS to file for second U.S. options exchange. IPO: Stock of online marketplace Etsy surges in trading debut. Shares of high-speed trading company Virtu Financial Inc. have risen 17 percent in their stock market debut Thursday. Ben Bernanke is not the problem, the system is the problem.

Odd Block: Calls trade in Kinder Morgan Inc. (KMI), puts trade in iShares MSCI Turkey ETF (TUR), and broken wing put flies go up in Royal Bank of Canada (RY)

Mail Block Palooza: Listener questions and comments

Question from Tom - When should I adjust a credit spread? What percentage of profit should I aim for?
Question from DuckTape - Can you guys recommend any good movies about options trading?

Option Block 423: Unusual Activity Palooza

Trading Block: How traders cashed in big on the GE deal. VIX does record volume - it’s been a while.

Odd Block: Calls trade in Dunkin Brands Group (DNKN), puts trade in Valero Energy Corp. (VLO), calls trade in AT&T (T).

Strategy Block: A special strategy block from Andrew about volatility

Mail Block: Question from Ingles - I like options, but the commissions are killing me! Why are they so expensive?

Around the Block: Earnings!

Tuesday - JP Morgan, Wells Fargo, Intel Corporation
Wednesday - Bank of America, Netflix, Inc., SanDisk Corporation
Thursday - Goldman Sachs, Citigroup Inc., American Express Company
Friday - General Electric Company

TRADING BLOCK

Crazy realized volatility going down in Hong Kong markets - EWH.
The Apple Watch release.
Its time for the "Global Derivatives" guessing game.

ODD BLOCK

Calls trade in ConocoPhillips (COP)
Puts trade in Crestwood Equity Partners LP (CEQP)
Calls trade in New Oriental Education & Tech (EDU

MAIL BLOCK

Question from Mark Brant - When to close weekly short option positions on expiration friday? Morning or afternoon? Plus Mark wins the Options Insider Radio Network devoted listener prize for listening to EVERY episode of every program on the network. Very impressive.
Question from NJay - OTM options are reasonably priced - should I buy them?

Option Block 421: The Tesla Options Protection Package

Trading Block: A sea of green on the street today. Tesla having its best day in five months - Back over $200. Oil leaps 5% on tempered Iran view, slower U.S. inventory rise.

Odd Block: Calls trade in Market Vectors Oil Services ETF (OIH), calls trade in Outerwall Inc. (OUTR), calls trade in Harley-Davidson Inc. (HOG)

Strategy Block: When is it ok to take profits early?

Mail Block: Question from NYSE Trader - Is it possible for hedge funds to press on options of illiquid stocks to manipulate prices? Can they do that?

Around the Block: Alcoa earnings on Wednesday. Last week’s jobs report. Looking at gold and oil. Don’t diddle in the middle.

Option Block 420: Farewell to the Viceroy

Trading Block: A sea of green in the market today - everything up! Wall Street regulator fears up for labor fight with its workers. High-frequency trading worries are fading, ConvergeX finds. Tesla CEO Elon Musk teases new product. Spoiler Alert: It is not a car.

Odd Block: Puts go flying is Tyson Foods (TSN), calls trade in HCP, Inc. (HCP), and puts trade in Dicks Sporting Goods Inc. (DKS)

Strategy Block: Uncle Mike Tosaw recollects on his first meeting with Alex Jacobson and the subsequent years following.

Xpress Block: The Viceroy tips his hat in a final goodbye.

Option Block 419: The Great Weekly Option Trading Debate

Trading Block: The market off just a fraction. Call option trades target return of $100 US crude oil. Options traders getting paid following Buffett to Kraft takeover.

Odd Block: Calls trade in EOG Resources Inc. (EOG); puts trading in iShares Emerging Markets ETF (EEM), and; puts trade in Market Vectors Semiconductor ETF (SMH)

Xpress Block: Alex discusses many of the functions in the OX mobile platform.

Mail Block: Listener questions and comments

Question from Joseph Anthony - I appreciate your input on the following issues. I know that I am not alone in dealing with these questions. I continue to be confused on which weekly strike to choose when trading for a one or two day hold. I realize if issue does not move in my desired direction by Tuesday afternoon I risk theta decay and it increases rapidly as week progresses toward expiry. My thoughts in trading weeklies is to trade the ATM or most liquid on Monday and Tuesday. Trade one strike in the money on Wednesday and Thursday and trade two strikes in the money on Friday. I have read many articles recommending to trade DITM options (+-90) for a close to $1 for $1 effect. But the DITM are often quite illiquid and expensive. My model generates 75%+ success rate in choosing issues that move according to my projections and I choose to use weekly options to trade a small universe (AAPL, AMZN, GOOGL, AND NFLX) but I am still struggling to definitively choose the "right" option. My model is predicated on an immediate move and if it does not transpire in a bar or two I tighten my stop or exit. I am looking to trade naked or use strips and straps in order to implement my models signals. Thank you in advance.
Question from NJay - What should I be using to value my index options properly, the cash index or the actual underlying futures? Thank you for all your insight.

Around The Block: Earnings today (before the bell): ConAgra Foods, Lululemon Athletica Inc., Accenture, Cosi, Inc. After the Bell: GameStop Corporation. Friday: BlackBerry Ltd, Carnival Corp.

Option Block 418: Something Has To Work

Trading Block: Earnings before the bell today: Geopark (GPRK) Posts Quarterly Earnings Results, Beats Estimates By $0.17 EPS. Earnings after the bell today: Flexion Therapeutics, Concord Medical Services Holdings Limited, Vericel Corporation. Senator Warren questions SEC chair on broker reforms. Volcker Outlines Plan for Overhauling Financial Regulation. Oil rises as weakening dollar outweighs OPEC oversupply.

Odd Block: Put traders in Neustar Inc. (NSR), calls trade in Caesars Entertainment Corp (CZR), and puts trade in ENSCO PLC (ESV) are up .10 to 21.15 today.

Xpress Block: Come on in and try out an OX virtual trade account.

Strategy Block: It’s tax season - Tosaw discusses regular vs Roth IRAs

Around the Block: Earnings: A relatively quiet week on the earnings front. Thursday: ConAgra Foods, GameStop, Lululemon. Friday: BlackBerry Ltd, Carnival Corp.

Option Block 417: Big Boy AAPL and Crazy VIX Settlement

Trading Block: The Dow welcomes Apple. Informed traders prefer options says academic research. Options market sees bottom in gold with urgency on hold at Fed. Earnings today (before the bell): Lennar (LEN); after the bell: Nike.

Odd Block: Unusual traders in Sina Corp. (SINA)

Xpress Block: Alex discusses covered writing strategies

Mail Block: Listener questions and comments

Question from Mark Brant - Thanks to the crew for a great show and for answering my question! When the cat was away the mice did play! ...@Options Do block trades show up on the retail brokerages position ledgers as volume and OI... AAPL 1M ATR is at the top of its 20yr range so I bot April straddles for way less!
Question from Nico - Do I need to understand the Black-Scholes formula to trade options?
Question from James Mile - I am currently reading the options books by McMillan and Natenberg (thanks for the great suggestions). The latter chapters of some of these books get pretty deep into the mathematical underpinnings of the options market. I have to wonder if most of the people who are trading these products really understand this stuff. Do you share my concerns that there are potentially millions of people out there slinging calls and puts that really don’t understand how any of this stuff works? Great program. Glad OX/Schwab is a supporter of such fine content.

Option Block 416: Blasting Out Cheap XLE Puts

Trading Block: Rally ho on the street! Options traders are starting to pay up for crash protection, according to a recent note from Goldman Sachs. Long-dated crash put protection costs on the [S&P 500] have more than doubled over the past 9 months.

S&P 500 declines for third straight week as dollar resumes rally. OPEC says low oil prices may hit U.S. output by late 2015.

Odd Block: Puts trade in US Silica Holdings Inc. (SLCA), put trade in iShares MSCI Brazil Index (EWZ), and calls trade in Lowes Co. (LOW).

Xpress Block: Check out both the Xpresso and Xpound blogs.

Strategy Block: Tosaw discusses breaking his rules in a recent put spread trade.

Mail Block: Listener questions and comments

Question from Rahul Tondulkar - Hey guys I want to know how much minimum open in required to say that the option has liquidity? Can anyone please help me out??
Question from Neal Tompkins - How do I know when an option is going to be less liquid? What are some good suggestions for dealing with less liquid options?

Around the Block: Upcoming Earnings: Tuesday – Oracle; Wednesday - FedEx, Silver Wheaton; Thursday - Nike, Lennar

Option Block 415: How to Play the Lottery

Trading Block: Nasdaq enters energy futures trading to compete with CME, ICE. Lumber Liquidators’ stock soars after company offers business update. Shake Shack gets burned: Stock falls 7%. Earnings today before the bell Dollar General reported record fourth quarter and full year 2014 financial results. After the bell includes Aeropostale Inc. and ULTA Beauty.

Odd Block: Calls go up Steel Dynamics, Inc. (STLD), combos trade in Pinnacle Entertainment, Inc. (PNK), and combos trade in International Business Machines (IBM)

Xpress Block: Alex discusses the OX Idea Hub.

Strategy Block: Some fun stories about not playing the lottery.

Mail Block: Listener questions and comments

Question from Mark Brant - Do block trades show up on the retail brokerages position ledgers as volume and OI?
Question from Fred - What is the best way to use an option to speculate on the S&Ps intraday movement?

Around the Block: Watching the sovereign 10-years, VIX, higher Dow. What about the price of oil? Will the contagion spread? Fed. Fed. Fed. Can we get off the road to nowhere?

Option Block 414: The Princess Bride Fed

Trading Block: A mild day on the street. Earnings after the bell today include: Urban Outfitters and Qihoo 360 Technology. Nymex reports incorrect energy prices. Oil rebounds from early drop on modest Cushing stock build. What will the Apple Watch do to the stock?

Odd Block: Puts trade in iShares Dow Jones US Real Estate ETF (IYR); puts trade in CIT BioPharma Corp (CTIC), and; call buyers in Gaming and Leisure Properties (GLPI)

Xpress Block: The best OX feature: The Walk Limit

Strategy Block: Uncle Mike discusses the importance of timing

Mail Block: Listener questions and comments

Question from IJay - Are a lot of people trading weekly options? If so what are they using them for?

Around the Block: Earnings!

Tuesday, March 10: FuelCell Energy, Barnes & Noble, VeriFone Systems
Wednesday, March 11: Shake Shack, Express, Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, Mens Wearhouse, Vera Bradley, XOMA Corporation
Thursday, March 12: Aeropostale Inc, Dollar General Corp., JA Solar Holdings, Synta Pharmaceuticals, ULTA Beauty

Option Block 413: When Not To Use Options

Trading Block: A quiet day on the street today. ISE preps third options exchange. Expect more volatility in oil says Exxon CEO. NASDAQ near 5000 amid ECB plans, big pharma deal. Earnings today include: Costco, Kroger.

Odd Block: Calls roll in T-Mobile US Inc. (TMUS), big moves in Canadian Solar Inc. (CSIQ), and OTM puts trade in Inc. yet Corporation (INCY).

Xpress Block: Alex discusses the OX Virtual Trade Account and Schwab Mobile

Mail Block: Listener questions and comments.

Question from Alejandro Vergoza - When is it right to use options and when is it right to use the stock instead?
Question from Jay - If the market is really falling out of bed what are some good strategies to take advantage of that movement while also minimizing option decay?
Question from Fred - Is there a problem in the options market with novice options traders not understanding the risks they are taking? Do you think that will that lead to regulatory action down the road?

Around the Block: Earnings tomorrow includes Staples. February jobs report comes out on Friday. Can non-farms save the bulls?

Option Block 412: Sneaky Deltas

Trading Block: Earnings after the bell today: Caesars Entertainment: Late to the party but still a star. Nasdaq hits 5000. Stocks just registered their largest monthly gains in nearly four years. CBOE to expand VIX options trading hours from Monday. Option activity in Lumber Liquidators. What would the Dow look like if it included Apple?

Odd Block: Closing and rolling in The Energy Select Sector SPDR (XLE), bullish bets in National Bank of Greece (NBG), and calls trade in Mens Wearhouse (MW)

Xpress Block: Alex discusses the Virtual Trade tools

Strategy Block: A special Strategy Block from Mark Sebastian about sneaky delta!

Mail Block: questions and comments from listeners

Question from Evan J. - Are there fundamental differences between European and Asia options markets versus the American options market?

Around the Block: Earnings: Tuesday, March 3 - Best Buy, Dick’s Sporting Goods; Wednesday, March 4 - Abercrombie & Fitch, PetSmart, H&R Block; Thursday, March 5 - Costco, Kroger; Friday, March 6 - Staples

Option Block 411: Futures Traders vs. Stock Traders

Trading Block: Earnings today include: (Before the Bell) Kohl’s, 3d Systems Corp, SeaWorld Entertainment, LifeTime Fitness, Marriott Vacations Worldwide, Magellan Health, Anheuser-Busch InBev, Sears, Avago Technologies. After the bell: Gap, JC Penney, Weight Watchers, Crocs, Herbalife. Oil edges higher towards $62, ample supplies still weigh. Apple rains on stock market parade.

Odd Block: Puts trade in Exelixis, Inc (EXEL), puts trade in SPDR S&P Metals and Mining ETF (XME), and all sellers in iShares MSCI Japan ETF (EWJ)

Xpress Block: The Schwab mobile app hits 1 million downloads. Also, its tax season!

Mail Block: Listener questions and comments

Question from Brian Collamer - Hi Mark, back in October I sent this question and I see you ran with it in a couple of other shows: You mentioned that when selling options the fastest theta decay occurs in the 45-30 day range. I thought that was only true for ATM options? Do OTM options decay the fastest at 60-70 days and then kind of flatten out? In each show you had asked where I had seen/heard this. LiveVol blog and forum. What do you think? Thanks for the great content! PS: Futures Roundtable needs to be twice a month IMHO.
Question from Thomas: Is there an active spread market for options on crude futures? Also do you feel that futures traders make better options traders than stock traders?

Around the Block: More earnings: Friday, February 27: Goodrich Petroleum, Isis Pharmaceuticals

Option Block 409: Talking PCLN, Crude and Pairs Trading

Trading Block: There is still no real agreement among Fed officials on rate hike timing. Oil cuts loss as supply hike not as large as anticipated. Earnings today: before the bell: Wal-Mart, Priceline Group Inc., T-Mobile; after the bell: Intuit

Odd Block: Calls roll in (BWP), calls and puts trading in Microsoft Corp (MSFT), and calls trade in Boston Properties, Inc. (BXP)

Xpress Block: Alex discusses OX and Schwab mobile trading

Mail Block: Listener questions and comments.

Comment from Martin - Thank you that you share this precious information on your show for free. A great job. Well done. Martin from Germany.
Comment from Kevin Duggan - Hi Mark, Love your shows! Not to be an ingrate for all the great, free info and entertainment but, could you put out your podcast the same day you record it? It is always strange hearing you talk about Thursday’s market after Fridays close. It is not a big deal, more of a first-world problem really, but posting sooner would significantly bump up your cool factor. Thanks.
Question from John D. - Hi, Love your show. You guys do a great job. Keep up the good work. My question...If I am looking at a pair trade (e.g. long Facebook, short Twitter), obviously I can do it by buying/shorting the stocks. I was trying to figure out if there is any way to effective do the same thing with options what the advantages might be, if any. I thought of doing a synthetic long/short, but did not see any advantage since I will be naked short an option for both names... but maybe margin treatment is different? Long call on one and log put on the other does not seem to make sense since I am pretty much guaranteed to lose the premium on both those positions. Is there another or better way to structure this type of trade using options? Thanks, John D

Around the Block: Earnings coming up down the road.

Option Block 408: Juicy Apple Puts

Trading Block: Earnings today after the bell: AIG, Groupon, King Digital Media (Candy Crush). Earnings before the bell today: Avon, McGraw Hill, Kellogg Co. Insuring against Apple blow-up just got a lot more expensive. Tesla shares fall after earnings, despite musk apple comparison. Oil prices rally from sharp losses.

Odd Block: Call buyers in Domtar Corp (UFS), call buyers on fire in FireEye Inc (FEYE), and put spreads trade in Morgan Stanley (MS)

Xpress Block: Alex discusses the OX Help Desk.

Mail Block: Listener questions and comments

Question from Nick Snow - Hello Mark and other guests. I was wondering if you have ever put together a quick review of other people or newsletters in the industry. For years I have come to options insider because it doesn't spam me, it does not ask for my credit card, and above all I find the information on all shows greatly beneficial. There seem to be so many hacks out there ready to take others money, I think it is time you rate a bunch of other professionals with a simple "Put or Call" rating meaning that company or person is worthless to listen to or actually useful. So of course the options insider would get a call rating from me since it is about the only premium I would be willing to purchase. Thanks again look forward to listening into the future.
Question from Tom A Bomb - Distinguished Gentlemen, This is a follow-on to a question I posted a few weeks ago regarding a back-of-the-envelope method to price vertical spreads. Last time, I got a vote of at least 50% crap, and I am really shooting to get the crap content down to around 25%. The panel identified that skew and vol estimates were the weak spots in my method. I am somewhat disappointed on the skew aspect. I do not think there is any quick way to incorporate skew into a calculation on a napkin. So, bummer there… But on to my real question: Some of the panel members speculated I might be getting my vol estimates from delta. Not true. I am not using implied either. In large part, the point of my method is to remove any short-term noise to arrive at a “stable” or “normal” estimate. To that end, I will usually match my input vol figure to realized vol of over a comparable period. For example: I want to buy a XYZ 95-100 vert call spread that is 100 days from expiration. 100-day realized vol is currently around 15%. I use that 15% vol input and calculate there is a 30% chance that XYZ will finish above $100 at expiration. Therefore, $5 (width between strikes) x 30% would put the mid-price of the spread around $1.50… Now, I totally understand that historical performance is not an indicator of future yada-yada-yada. The main goal here is to avoid buying when, historically speaking, prices are pumped; or selling when prices are depressed. So, there is my volatility angle. Admittedly, I’m still beat on the skew angle. I will get back to you on that I suppose. Gentlemen, estimates on the crap content...? (Sorry Longo I know this is a long question – tried 3 times to make is shorter! Please cover this on the Option Block again, if you can! Thanks!)

Around the Block: Earnings before the bell today: Avon, McGraw Hill, Kellogg Co.Earnings tomorrow: Time Inc.

Option Block 407: Cracking Down on Insider Trading

Trading Block: A light day on the market. Oil rallies for third day after OPEC sees greater crude demand. Oil rose for a third straight session on Monday as OPEC forecast greater demand for crude this year than previously thought and projected less supply from countries outside the group. Does Germany owe Greece war reparations? Toys for boys push Hasbro earnings above Wall Street expectations. SEC probes Blackberry options trading ahead of Reuters report about Samsung talks.

Odd Block: Early put closer in Fidelity National Financial Inc. (FNF), quick call sale in LinnCo LLC (LNCO), and put trader in SPDR S&P Biotech ETF (XBI)

Xpress Block: An in depth look at the Trade and Volatility Calculator and other tools from OX.

Strategy Block: Uncle Mike talks the virtues of patience, how to be wrong in the right way and factoring in losses.

Around The Block: Earnings!

Tuesday, February 10: Omnicon, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Molson Coors Brewing, MillerCoors, Dean Foods
Wednesday, February 11: Tesla, Thomson Reuters, Whole Foods Market, Nvidia Corp, AOL Inc, Time Warner, Metlife, Cisco
Thursday, February 12: AIG, Groupon, Avon, McGraw Hill, Kellogg Co.
Friday, February 13: Time Inc.

Option Block 406: Selling Nonsense Apple Puts

Trading Block: Earnings today after the bell: Twitter, Amazon, LinkedIn, Activision. Traders silenced: CME to close most futures trading pits. Open-outcry trading stood no chance, says futures 'father' Melamed.

Odd Block: Upside calls trade in Youku Tudou Inc. (YOKU), put sellers in Apple Inc. (AAPL), and puts trade in Oasis Petroleum Inc. (OAS)

Xpress Block: A recap of Idea Hub, Trade and Probability Calculator and All-in-One Trade Ticket.

Mail Block: Listener questions and comments

Question from Mark Brant - @Options (14,922 AGNC Mar 22 calls went up in 1 giant block marked buy-write with 360800 shares going up marked derivative.) Where did it "go up" and where was it "marked"? Where are you seeing these trades? Thx!

Around the Block: Earnings - Before the bell today: ISE, Sprint, Keurig Green Mountain. On Friday, February 6: CBOE

Option Block 405: Neither Rain nor Snow

Trading Block: Chicago digs out from under the snow. Patriots win! Sorry investors.

Shake Shack shares are getting pummeled. Apple taps bond markets for $5bn. Oil advances on US slowdown hopes.

Odd Block: Call spreads in iShares MSCI Brazil Index (EWZ), 3-way in Danaher Corp (DHR), and time spreads trade in Chimerix Inc. (CMRX)

Xpress Block: New 2015 OX ads - featuring The Walk Limit, The Trading Probably Calculator, and Idea Hub.

Strategy Block: Uncle Mike Tosaw and his current SPY trading strategy

Around the Block: Earnings after the bell tomorrow (February 3): Disney; on Wednesday (February 4): GM & Merck; on Thursday (February 5): Sprint & Twitter

Option Block 404: Earnings Palooza: GOOG, AAPL, AMZN, BABA, F, and More

Trading Block: Apple crushes it on earnings - Uncle Mike, did this change your bearish sentiment from the last show? Earnings this morning: Ford and Alibaba. Earnings today after the bell: Amazon and Google.

Odd Block: Put spreads trade in Assured Guaranty LTD. (AGO), puts roll in Newfield Exploration Co. (NFX), and calls trade in American Eagle Outfitters (AEO)

Xpress Block: A ton of volume in AAPL, AMZN and BABA - not much time for anything after B.

Mail Block: Listener questions and comments

Question from Ernatine14 - If vol was not high enough to be sold in Apple, then is it low enough to be bought in Google? Is it priced this way for a reason or is the options market clearly wrong?
Question from Rohan - Do you think it’s viable for an active retail trader to become a professional retail trader using primarily the freely available tools from OX and other retail brokers? How viable is that in the current environment? Would I always be at a disadvantage from the pros picking me off? Is this just a pipe dream? How much would you say the average pro trader needs to make to be viable? Thanks again for all the great programs you guys have put out for free. Congratulations for making it all the way to 400, and thanks to OX for making the whole dance happen.

Around the Block: Updates on Google and Amazon.

Option Block 403: Frozen Dolls and Apple Puts

Trading Block: Not much movement in the market today. Greek elections had little to no effect. Earnings after the bell today: MSFT. Mattel: Barbie being crushed by Frozen, CEO stepping down.

Odd Block: Puts seller trade in United States Oil Fund LP (USO), put blocks trade in NextEra Energy Inc. (NEE), possible OTM put sellers in Micron Technology (MU)

Xpress Block: Alex discusses the walk limit and the all in one trade ticket features on the OX website.

Strategy Block: Uncle Mike talks about his most recent strategy in everyone’s favorite fruit company - Apple.

Around the Block: Update on MSFT earnings. Tomorrow: AAPL, YHOO. Boeing, FB - 1/28, AMZN, GOOG - 1/29

Option Block 402: Yield Hunters Out In Force

Trading Block: A sea of green across the board today. After the bell today: Starbucks - Time to get your Starbucks (stock) again? - ATM straddle approx. $1.70

Odd Block: Calls trade in W&T Offshore, Inc. (WTI), Put buyers in Nielsen Holdings NV (NLSN), and Calls trade in KB Home (KBH)

Xpress Block: Alex discusses the FX markets and also the covered write tool in the Idea Hub

Mail Block: Questions from our listeners.

Question from Tom A Bomb - Fine-hatted Gentlemen, A question for the Option Block regarding verticals: First, you all rock. Best show on the network! Thank you OX. I have been trading high-leverage verticals for a while now and I am looking for a quick way to price em. I place emphasis on quick. I.e. Without running a model on the individual legs. I have taken (rightly or wrongly) to using the probability of a finish beyond the short strike multiplied by the width of the spread. For example, XYZ has a 30% chance of finishing above $50 by expiration. I am long a 45/50 call spread. So, at 30% times 5, I would expect the mid-price to be around $1.5 for the spread. On balance, this method seems to under-price positive delta, and often significantly over-price negative delta. Is this method complete crap? Any suggestions?

Around the Block: Lots of earnings around the corner.

Option Block 401: Apple vs. Swiss Franc

Trading Block: Switzerland stuns markets by giving up on currency peg. Big moves in gold. The Tesla free fall: Elon Musk now $2.8B poorer. US stocks head lower; crude oil price falls again. Intel moving up again.

Odd Block: Puts go up in Taiwan Semiconductor Mfg (TSM), calls roll in WeyerHaeuser Co. (WY), and size call buyer in Brisol-Meyers Squibb Co. (BMY)

Startegy Block: Uncle Mike discusses long SPY positions

Mail Block: Listener questions

Question from Faye Cuzername - On 10/24 I bought 2 Dec 305/315/325 call fly in AMZN for $0.91. Stock moved through the fly so today (11/14) when AMZN @ 326, I sold it for $1.50. A whopping $.55/ contract after commissions. What adjustments should I have considered with the fly since I do not see AMZN retracing during the Christmas season? Note that I have a 9-5 so I am not watching the screen all day if that affects what you suggest.

Option Block 400th Episode Spectacular

Our favorite episodes, listener questions and memories from 400 episodes of the Option Block.

Listener Mail Palooza:

Question from Charles B - Great show guys. Congrats on your continued success. I recently stopped trading options on Google and PCLN because the spreads were just too wide. Why do the market makers do this? Is it not in their best interest to provide an incentive for traders like me to actually trade the product? If I cannot afford the spread then everyone loses.
Question from S Davis - Love all your UA shows on the network including Oddities and the Odd Block on The Option Block. I find this stuff endlessly fascinating. I wonder if you could clear up an issue for me. I do not really understand the rules about insiders and options. I know that an “insider” cannot just sell his stock before a non-public event without a great deal of disclosure. But what are the rules regarding options? Is buying a put considered analogous to selling the stock from a disclosure perspective? Is it illegal for an insider to buy puts ahead of a material non-public event? Thanks for clearing up this very basic question and for creating such great programs.
Question from Alan Pinkman - Hello Mark along with the Viceroy, Uncle, Lobster and Meatball. I know many of you came from a market making background. But I also note that all of you are “former” market makers. What was it that prompted your exit from the business? Do you think it is even worth exploring that as a career path any longer or is options market making pretty much done as a career these days?

Looking ahead to future episodes: What would you guys like to see on the show in future episode?

Option Block 399: The Gamma Rage Monster

Trading Block: A reversal of the selloff we saw earlier this week. Big Apple numbers. S&P 500 erases 2015 loss, euro weakens on stimulus bets

Odd Block: Puts trade in iPath S&P 500 Short Term VIX ETN (VXX), calls go up in Brunswick Corp. (BC), and puts roll in Vanguard Emerging Markets ETF (VWO)

Xpress Block: What was the most notable change in the business in 2014? And what will that mean for 2015?

Mail Block: Listener Questions & Comments

Question from Neil Joyce - Hello Option Block crew. It is that time of year. I have some stocks I want to take gains in for 2014, but I do not want to sit on the sidelines for the mandatory 30 days before I get back in. What if I buy a one-month call to cover the wash sale period, then buy the stock again on day 31? Is that legit from an IRS perspective, or does buying the call effectively make the stock trade a wash sale? Great show! Look forward to more fun in the New Year.
Question from Joseph G: ‏@Options Gamma? Are them those rays that turned Dr. Bruce Banner into the Hulk? lol...Seriously - can you sum up what I need to be concerned about with gamma when selling weekly put options? Mostly OTM with 4-7 days to expiration.
Question from Mark Brant: @Options AAPL front-week trend trade: Near Mon. close buy the C/P reflecting the day's direction, and TP near Fri. close. +ev over a year.

Around the Block: Employment numbers out Friday.

Option Block 398: Getting Burned By Deltas

Trading Block: A selloff of the market today. Facebook options turning bearish on 2015 after 195% rally. Crude oil falls below $50 a barrel for the first time in 5 1/2 years. OCC announces cleared contract volume up 4% in 2014 and a record year for cleared futures volume.

Odd Block: Calls trade in iShares MSCI Italy Index (EWI), opening call buyers in Lifelock Inc. (LOCK), and puts roll in Lumber Liquidators Holdings (LL)

Strategy Block: Mike Tosaw discusses his current strategies with the S&P 500 and SPY.

Around the Block: What can we expect for 2015?

Option Block 397: 2014 Year in Review

Trading Block: Looking Back at 2014

The crash in the price of oil.
The potential for Apple to move.
GDP growth at 5% in the US.
The 10-year trading about 100 basis points below expectations.
Changes in portfolio margin.
VIX becoming more and more mainstream.
The Ukrainian crisis of Q1/Q2.
The October volatility.
Continuing consolidation in the brokerage community.
How about the speed of the VIX spikes?
Despite "low" VIX options, volume still strong in 2014.

Around The Block: What strategies should work well in 2015 depending on market conditions? What to keep in mind for 2015?

Option Block 396: The Most Epic Strategy Block Ever

Trading Block: A shortened holiday week, so not much is moving on the street. Upside move in Taser. Facebook and Amazon.

Odd Block: Calls trade in Cobalt International Energy (CIE), opening calls trade in U.S. Bancorp (USB), and calls going up in Alibaba Holding Group Ltd (BABA).

Xpress Block: Another new tool is being rolled out by OX - IRIS.

Strategy Block: In the spirit of the season, Uncle Mike presents The Twelve Rules of Options Trading!

Around the Block: Have a wonderful holiday week everyone!

Volatility Views 140: It All Starts with Onion Volatility

Volatility Review: The week in vol

VIX Cash: High - 25.2, Low - 16.07. S&P: 10 day HVOL - 22, 30 day HVOL - 13, Skew Index - 126.4, at the low end of the chart for the past three months.
VVIX: High - 141.22, Low - 109.4, nearly doubled over the past two weeks.
VIX Options: Total 4.29m (2.97m Calls, 1.32m Puts), only one day over 1M contracts this week despite significant market movement.
VXST: High - 25.47, Low - 14.06, another week of anemic volume.
RVX: 227 contracts OI, still no appreciable volume.
Oil: Another crazy week for oil - a pronounced selloff followed by a dramatic rally that triggered circuit breakers on ice. 2-3 month vol hovering between 38-50, depending on the product. Putin tell the world to "get ready of $40 oil". Oil slump blindsided bulls that wagered on rout ending.

Volatility Voicemail: Listener questions and comments

Question from Vic Taylor - What is the problem with OVX? USO trades a ton of options, yet OVX averages 100 contracts on a good day. I am looking for a good way to add some oil volatility to my portfolio. Since OVX is DOA, are there other dedicated oil volatility products out there that actually trade? Maybe something listed on the WTI or Brent contracts? Cool show. Love all the commodity focus you have added in recent months.
Question from Jim Andrade - I know you have mentioned bullish risk reversals in CL as potential ways to play a bullish bet in crude. I have been a little slow pulling the trigger. Is the environment still favorable for this type of trade in CL? I'd consider Brent as well if that is more suitable. In case you cannot tell, I am a bit of an oil bull, but I've been waiting for the worm to turn. I think we may have finally hit that point. What about an iron fly, where I buy ATM sell 5% OTM? Would that be preferable from a volatility skew perspective? Maybe I should throw in a time value of money question also. I like it when Jared gets worked up over futures term structure and roll yield.
Comment from Mark Brant - The sum of new Friday weekly SPY and VXX ATM calls is lower than each’s range, so bought both calls! 52-wk. +ev?

Option Block 395: Janet Yellen vs. Farrah Fawcett

Trading Block: A very aggressive day on the street. The market is off to the races - up nearly 2% in the session today. Brent triggers a circuit breaker - to the upside? U.S. stocks lead global equities rally on Fed rate policy.

Odd Block: Upside calls trade in ProShares Ultra DJ-UBS Crude Oil (UCO), puts trade in Mylan Inc (MYL), calls trade in Quicksilver Inc. (ZQK), and puts trade in Noble Corp. (NE)

Xpress Block: A review of some of the milestones at OX this year. Also, this is the time to start thinking about taxes.

Mail Block: Listener questions and comments

Question from Evatar - I would like to know if a surprise rate increase by the Fed in the near term would make rho a more useful or necessary greek going forward?
Question from Jack - Hi guys. I had 17 BLMN Jan 2015 $20 call contracts. BLMN was (as of 12/17/2014 during the final trading hour) trading in a range between $23.44 and $23.54. The spread on the calls was $3.00-$3.60. It had been $3.00-$3.80, but my order to sell at $3.60 moved the ask, but then sat there doing nothing for almost a half hour. This is my question. Even with BLMN in the $23.52-$23.54 area, I could not sell out of these calls at $3.60, with over a month left to expiration. That is unusual in my experience. Is it just that options on this stock have a crazy low volume? Note: at about 15:50, BLMN jumped to $23.64 and my sell order filled before I could cancel and re-enter it at a higher price. I am still surprised that there was no apparent real, sellable time value left in these calls.
Tweet from @MarkBrant1KM - Committed to absorbing the entire archive on the app, learning a lot! Thx!
Question from Ricky - I would like to know about trading on index with option.

Around the Block: Will the market finally slow down and the VIX back off? Or, will there be a lot of activity in volatility? The all-stars discuss.

Option Block 394: Oil Speculators Get Burned

Trading Block: Oil and oil related issues are still dominating trading - crude taking it on the chin. Brent and WTI hovering at crazy ranges. Most recent CFTC data shows increased net long positions. VIX, VXST and VVIX

Odd Block: Golar LNG Limited (GLNG), AGCO Corporation (AGCO), and Neptune Technologies & Bioressources-Ord (NEPT)

Xpress Block: A look at one of the coolest tools OX offers - The Walk Limit.

Mail Block: Listener questions and comments.

Question from Josh B - What is your favorite product to use for an options play on oil?

Question from Elian04 - I think we got a bounce coming in crude back to the 75 handle in the next month or two. Best bets?

Around the Block: Earnings this week: Blackberry and Nike. Fed coming up this week.

Option Block 393: Oil, LULU, Swaps, and More

Trading Block: A mild day on the street. Swap Talk: Why are people fighting over Dodd-Frank and derivatives? Traders hedge oil ETF while energy stocks lure buyers. U.S. oil prices drop below $60

Odd Block: Bullish calls trade in Dex Media Inc., synthetic covered calls trade in Sandridge Energy (SD), and looking for a rebound in Whiting Petroleum Corp (WLL)

Xpress Block: Lululemon earnings and futures volume.

Mail Block: Question from Nico Bellic - There are many options exchanges in the U.S. all trading the same products. How does this affect the way options trade in the U.S.? Is this more of a problem or a benefit to options traders? Anything I need to be aware of there?

Around the Block: OptionsXpress Workshop - Boca Raton - 12/13/2014

Option Block 392: The Great Broken Wing Butterfly Debate

Trading Block: A mild day on the street. Oil futures slide on Saudi price cut to U.S. VIX shunned as few bumps seen for S&P 500 at years end.

Odd Block: Call rolls in Opko Health Inc. (OPK), calls trade in Avago Technologies (AVGO), and calls trade in Adobe Systems Incorporated (ADBE).

Xpress Block: Insight into oil and gas. The Xpresso newsletter.

Mail Block: Listener questions and comments

Question from Anthony Fields - I was just reading through a book (I will not name them here to give them a free plug) that blamed the crash in 2008 on derivatives. What is your take on stuff like that? Drive you crazy or is there some truth?
Question from Milano Fan - Hello to all members of the all-star panel including but not limited to uncle mike, the viceroy, the rock lobster, the greasy meatball and the mighty host himself. I am working my way through the back catalog of episodes. I am somewhere around episode 250. I have a lengthy commute and probably a few flights a week so I should burn through the rest in a couple of months. I have heard a number of panelists mention a strategy called a broken wing butterfly on multiple episodes. I am a little confused about this. What exactly is it? Is there a standard construction for this type of strategy or is it more of a number of similar strategies being lumped under the broken wing umbrella? Hope you guys can answer this. It would be hilarious to hear my letter read on the mail block. Last - I am planning a trip to Chicago early next year. Which pizza place should I hit? I know you guys treat pizza like religion in Chicago. Happy trading.

Option Block 391: Crude Oil Madness

Trading Block: A bloodbath in the tech and commodities sectors. Mini Apple crash catches the market off-guard. Energy and oil had their own crash on Friday. The Options Industry Council (OIC) announced today that 294,770,356 options contracts traded in November, down 6.26 percent compared to last November.

Odd Block: Puts trade in Marathon Oil Corp. (MRO), calls trade in Bristol-Myers Squibb Co (BMY), and call ratios trade in Barnes and Noble Inc (BKS)

Xpress Block: Energy alternatives and futures options

Strategy Block: Tosaw discusses diagonal risk reversals

Around the Block: Keeping an eye on crude and Apple

Option Block 390: Squeezing Out the Vol

Trading Block: Short holiday week - When might the market come out? Answer: Monday! Implied Vol in the basement. VIX crushed.

Odd Block: Calls trade in TIVO Inc. (TIVO), size calls trade in Demand Media Inc (DMD), and calls trade in Tiffany and Co. (TIF)

Xpress Block: With the Viceroy out with the flu, we will play the Trading Patterns guessing game.

Strategy Block: Uncle Mike Tosaw discusses hedging using futures.

Around the Block:Only Option Block of this week.

Option Block 389: Fly Adjustments and Dividends

Trading Block: A mild day on the street. Best Buy profit beats estimates as costs fall. Fresh SEC crackdown on ‘flash crashes.’ Correlation gauge for S&P 500 falls at fastest rate ever.

Odd Block: Upside call buyers in Axiall Corp. (AXLL), put roll in Stillwater Mining Company (SWC), and calls roll in Huntsman Corp (HUN)

Xpress Block: Behind the scenes at Schwab featuring the roll ticket.

Mail Block: Listener questions and comments

Question from Faye Cuzername - Thanks for the feedback on my Goldman trades by the way. It worked ok but I think I understand what I should have done. Got a new one for you. Bought an 11/7 weekly SPX fly 2010/2030/2050 for 6.80 on 11/5. The fly did not really move in value until Friday, even though SPX was slowly moving to short strike. Trade did everything I wanted but I thought I would be able to capture more profit on Thursday. What did I miss or am I just being greedy?

Question from Cuda6 - What is an easy way to spot an upcoming dividend using options? Thanks.

Around the Block: Presidential speech on immigration tonight. Crude and the 10-year.

Option Block 388: Japanese Volatility

Trading Block: U.S. stocks open lower as Japanese recession weighs. American markets poised for a pullback after four straight weeks of gains. Japan shocks as economy slips into recession. Cracks widen at OPEC as oil prices tumble.

Odd Block: Size combo in Standard and Poor’s 500 Index (SPX), puts trade in iShares MSCI Japan (EWJ), call traders in Buckeye Partners, LP (BPL)

Xpress Block: Today was stock pickers day. OX named one of the top 100 places to work by the Chicago Tribune.

Strategy Block: Uncle Mike talks about the importance of doing stuff, BUT also the importance of not doing stuff

Around the Block: Keeping an eye on the unease in Japan, especially with regard to forex, the Yen and the Euro in particular, and debt instruments. VIX indicates a lot of concern in the market. Will OPEC hold the 70-level? Premium sellers aren’t there right now.

Option Block 387: Crude Oil Put Palooza

Trading Block: Gold struggles to find buyers in third quarter. Lower oil prices give a lift to the American economy. Buffett to trade P&G stock to buy Duracell.

Odd Block: Calls trade in Cyberark Software LTD (CYBR), calls trade in Demand Media Inc. (DMD), call ratios trade in Charter Communications, Inc. (CHTR)

Xpress Block: Amazon and Apple hit near-term highs.

Mail Block: Listener questions and comments

Question from DJSpin - What is your best play for a Santa Claus rally in SPY?
Question from Eliac - Which OTM call strike performs the best when the underlying rallies?

Around the Block: Looking at crude and the 10-year. What will the bottom be in crude? More all-time highs in AAPL. Will it be a happy Christmas for holders of AAPL?

Option Block 386: Massive GLD Adjustment Breakdown

Trading Block: U.S. stocks move higher again. Twitter shares could move 5 percent in either direction by Friday. BABA soars in China ahead of "Singles Day"

Odd Block: Large buy writes go up in Wal-Mart Stores (WMT), call buyers in Lions Gate Entertainment (LGF), and call sweeps in Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc. (HOV).

Xpress Block: Alex discusses preparing for tax season

Strategy Block: Uncle Mike Tosaw and GLD

Around the Block: CSCO earnings 11/12 - after. Schwab to host live interactive trader education day on 11/13.

Option Block 385: Theta Decay

Trading Block: Business welcomes midterm GOP takeover, what can the market hope for from the GOP congress? U.S. stocks mixed as investors’ eye oil prices. Euro falls to two-year low after Draghi signals more ECB action. Tesla shares rallying after earnings.

Odd Block: Giant call traders in SPDR S&P Oil and Gas Explorers (XOP), puts trade in Geron Corp. (GERN), and large calls trade in Education Management Corp (EDMC)

Xpress Block: Alex discusses the methodology behind premium harvesting and the IdeaHub.

Mail Block: Listener questions and comments
Question from Mukund Ambarge - Hi Team, I had a question on theta decay. I understand that delta is in constant flux with every tick move in stock, the delta/gamma changes. IV is in constant flux with buying and selling of options and volume etc. So Vega changes with option transactions. But theta decay is the only one which is always in a steady pace i.e. it’s not like it will decay quickly today and slowly tomorrow. The question is, when the theta decay is really adjusted in the prices of options. Do the theta decay get adjusted at every tick move - or every hour? If it is adjusted daily. Then when is the theta decay taken out of options. Early morning before start of trading? Or late in the day like last few minutes that whole days theta is taken out? Also I do not know when is weekend theta taken out of prices? Friday early morning or Friday ending or middle of the day? Basically when does market maker run the prices with the model and set the prices? Only once before trading starts or does he keep adjusting every minute/hour/tick based on demand/supply?

Around the Block: Where’s OX this week? Option Pit is hosting “Using Options to Trade Direction.”

Option Block 384: BABA Preview and Ratio Spread Breakdown

Trading Block: A mild day on the street. The bloodbath in crude continues - closing down on the day. Alibaba now worth more than Wal-Mart. Apple iWatch to be delayed - not affecting AAPL on the day.

Odd Block: Calls trade in CBS Corp. (CBS), puts trade in Gerdau SA (GGB), and giant call buyer in Autodesk (ADSK).

Xpress Block: Amazon, declining oil and other conversation topics from OX social.

Strategy Block: Uncle Mike Tosaw discusses the ratio spread strategy in combination with stock.

Around the Block: Non-Farms on Friday. BABA before the bell. ATVI - 11/4, DIS - 11/6 after, PCLN - 11/4 before, TSLA - 11/5 after.

Option Block 383: The Crazy VIX

Trading Block: Starbucks and LinkedIn earnings after the bell. SEC warned before about early release weak spot. U.S. stocks fall amid GDP, jobless data; Visa boosts Dow.

Odd Block: Calls trade in Generac Holdings Inc. (GNRC), size buy writes go up in Itau Unibanco Holdings Inc. (ITUB), and call selling in SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY)

Xpress Block: Now introducing a light version of premium harvesting for Schwab mobile

Around the Block: Loads of earnings on the horizon. CBOE tomorrow before the bell. Tesla 11/5.

Option Block 382: TWTR Drops and the Viceroy Returns

Trading Block: A mild back on the street today. The return of the Viceroy! Twitter options pricing in big stock move - earnings after the bell.

Odd Block: Combos trade in Gentherm Inc. (THRM), put spreads trade in Altisource Portfolio Solutions (ASPS), and calls trade in Alaska Air Group, Inc. (ALK)

Xpress Block: Alex is back!!! Three- and four-leg spread trades are now available on the OX trading platform

Strategy Block: Uncle Mike Tosaw discusses tweaking diagonal spreads

Mail Block: Listener questions and comments

Question from Richard D: Hey Options Insider Team! I cannot seem to figure out how to post comments under the individual shows, so I will use this route. Below I have 3 questions that hopefully you can read on Volatility Views or Option Block. I am wondering what the key reports are that affect the Agricultural future options (corn, soy, wheat . . .) and where I can get more info and track these reports? Also, do options on these ags typically behave the same way equity options behave leading up an earnings report? Finally, what are the most liquid futures options besides gold, silver, and oil? I do not typically listen to the Futures Roundtable because the episodes I have listened to are too deep for my level of knowledge. Thank you for all of your great work! The network is a fantastic resource.

Around the Block: Earnings tomorrow FB and EA.

Option Block 381: AMZN Sinks while MSFT Soars

Trading Block: A mild day on the street. Stocks rally after 3M, Caterpillar profits beat estimates. Exclusive: U.S. stock options markets agree to need for trading halts on big moves. Earnings Report.

Odd Block: Puts trade Cisco Systems, Inc. (CSCO), calls trade in ZIOPHARM Oncology Inc. (ZIOP), and buy-write trades in SPDR S&P Metals and Mining ETF (XME)

Xpress Block: It’s time once again for the Trading Patterns guessing game!

Mail Block: Listener Questions and Comments

Question from George Orsos - Dear Sir or Madam, I would like to ask you to inform me about the cash account. I heard that a trader, who has cash account, can trade unlimited number of day trade even if his or her fund is bellow $25 000. Is it correct? I look forward to your response.
Question from Tony - Mark, love the show. I was lucky enough to have a fairly significant weekly put spread position in DIA this week (long puts at 166-167 and short at 161-162.5). I was making good money on Wednesday and ran into a problem. The bid ask spread on my long puts were so wide, I could not close out, roll or adjust the trade. I thought about buying futures contracts to hedge my delta risk and suck out the theta. Is there any other strategy to adjust or hedge a successful trade without getting haircut on the executions? Should I just calculate the extrinsic value add a spread and put in a limit order for the long leg? Is it always harder to close out a spread trade in a volatile market...i.e. if i want to close a spread trade does one person have to want to enter the same trade? Or can the trade go to two counter parties?

Around the Block: More earnings around the corner.

Option Block 380: Apple Bores Us to Tears

Trading Block: Apple earnings rundown: weekly straddle at approx. $4.40 going into earnings. Upside in the stealth Apple: CMG.

Odd Block: Buy write trades in Digital Realty Trust, Inc. (DLR), calls trade in Yahoo! Inc. (YHOO), and combos trade in iShares MSCI Brazil Index (EWZ).

Strategy Block: Uncle Mike Tosaw discusses the benefits of long premium

Xpress Block: It’s time once again for the Trading Patterns guessing game.

Around the Block: Watching the grass grow in Apple. Plenty of other earnings on the horizon.

Option Block 379: Explosion of VIX Stupidity

Trading Block: Rocktober in full effect - hot on the heels of the madness yesterday, we saw another day with record swings and volume. Can nothing derail the bulls? NFLX earnings apocalypse? HBO Go spooking people?

Odd Block: Combo unwind in iShares iBoxx $ High Yield ETF (HYG), puts close in Global X FTSE Greece 20 ETF (GREK), and collar closing in Yingli Green Energy Holding (YGE)

Xpress Block: With the Viceroy still out, we will play the Trading Patterns Guessing Game in his absence.

Mail Block: Listener questions and comments

Question from Ajax11 - What is your take on the big VIX pop yesterday? Over 30 a bit overdone? Time to short some VIX here? Maybe time for a new term - Ebola premium?
Question from Ian Taylor - We always hear about buying VIX calls or verticals during big spikes. How come no one ever talks about selling VIX puts or put spreads instead? Should they not also perform well under that situation?
Question from Fargo Fan - Question for Uncle Mike: Where does he stand on his beloved Apple now that it’s below the $100 strike? Any changes to position? I am thinking about potentially wheeling in starting with the Nov 90 weekly puts for $1.20 - thoughts?

Around the Block: Can VIX close at a low vol for the day? Google earnings after the bell. ‘Tis the season…earnings season. AAPL earnings coming up on Monday.

Option Block 378: Market Apocalypse Redux

Trading Block: A crazy time in the markets today - the biggest rally of the year, sparked by the Fed minutes, followed by one of the worst down days. VIX Cash back up over 19. Icahn - Apple trading at half value.

Odd Block: Put spreads trade in AECOM Technology Corp (ACM), puts trade in Babcock and Wilcox Co. (BWC), and puts trade in Frontier Communications Corp. (FTR)

Mail Block: Listener questions and comments

Question from Larry Sanders - Hey crew minus the Viceroy. Do you ever think we will see a tradeable skew product? Something like the CBOE Skew Index but as a real product? Does that even make sense?
Comment from Lawrence Silverberg - Hi Mark. Thanks for reading my bond question. I heard it today. Your discussion was very helpful. I have some research to do now. Uncle Mike and Andrews input were very helpful. Like you said advice of what not to do is also helpful. I liked the idea of far OTM puts are good bankruptcy protection. My bond portfolio is at Merrill and I think you and I know more about options than my financial planner. Thank you very much for reading my question. Larry.
Question from Tim - Futures and options are both leveraged instruments. So trading an option on a future is like using leverage to trade an already leveraged instrument. How is that legal? Did they not crack down on something similar with options on levered ETFs? Are you not essentially trading a derivative of a derivative at that point? Does this not call into question the entire futures options market?
Question from Jim - Dear editor, I like your programs, but have been wondering why the recordings are not made available the same day? Listening something a day late with today’s actual market results dramatically reduces your programs relevance."

Around the Block: Will the freefall continue? What about the Fed schism? Laser focus on the S&P. Watch for volatility creep.

Option Block 377: Covering The Cost of Your Put

Trading Block: A mild day on the street. The dollar weakened the most in six months, dropping from a four-year high. U.S. stocks fell, with the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index retreating after touching its average price for the past 50 days, as small-cap shares resumed a selloff following a fifth weekly decline. Beginning Monday, October 6, 2014, CBOE will calculate the spot value of the CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) using S&P 500 Index (SPX) options with weekly and standard 3rd Friday expirations that more closely bracket the 30-day target timeframe. Hewlett-Packard Co. (HPQ) is splitting into two companies, using a breakup to become nimbler after failing to keep up with the shift away from the printing and personal-computing businesses it pioneered.

Odd Block: Calls trade in Earthlink Holding Corp (ELNK), call stupids trade in Spansion Inc. (CODE), and put sellers in FedEx Corp (FDX)

Strategy Block: Mike Tosaw revisits buying a longer term call option and then sell calls against it.

Mail Block: Listener Questions and comments

Question from Allen Manning, Las Vegas - Hello everyone, I just started listening to the podcast, and I'm really enjoying it! I have a question about a strategy you’ve discussed in the past. As a covered call alternative, I was interested in possibly buying a LEAP with a 1 or 2 year expiration and selling monthly calls against it. When I looked up a few stocks and ran some preliminary numbers, I noticed that the cost to purchase a deep in the money LEAP (about 80 Delta) option was usually higher than the total money I would make selling monthly calls for the duration of the LEAPS.

What I did to get these rough numbers was to take the money earned from selling the initial 1-month call (after commission cost) and multiplying it by 12 or 24. I'm assuming one or more of these possibilities:

1. The method I used to get these figures is wrong, even as a rough estimate.

2. This strategy will only work with certain stocks/underlying that have optimal greek numbers.

3. This method only works when assuming the underlying LEAP also appreciates in value to offset its own cost.

4. Commission costs make this strategy less successful.

Any information you can provide about this strategy is greatly appreciated. Thank you, and keep up the good work on a great program!

Around the Block: What is going to happen in Hong Kong?

Option Block 376: Rebar and Rapeseed - the Stealth Titans

Trading Block: Another selloff - pulling ever farther away from the 2000 level. VIX Cash moving into the high teens. OCC announced today that total cleared contract volume in September reached 371,034,038 contracts. It’s time for the global futures and options guessing game!

Odd Block: Calls trade in RF Micro Devices (RFMD), puts roll in SPDR S&P Oil and Gas Exploration ETF (XOP), and calls roll down in Toll Brothers Inc. (TOL)

Mail Block: Listener questions and comments

Question from DCruz - Hello All-Stars. You said on the show last week that you guys never exercise you long options except for a few very rare occasions. I would imagine that is the same for most options traders. That make me wonder whether they should just make all options European. Does that not more accurately reflect the reality of the market? And can you ask Tosaw if he can share his tale of pain with Cisco - it might be a good learning experience for the rest of us.
Question from Anon - On several of your programs you mention that it is important to understand the VIX Cash level at a given SPX level. Can you please explain this further? As an example, what are the implications of a 12 VIX at 1800 VS a 9 VIX at 1800? Likewise, how does a 15 VIX at 1800 compare?

Around The Block: Non-farms coming out tomorrow - could be a resounding "meh."

Option Block 375: How to Hedge Your 401K

Trading Block: Alibaba options active in U.S. trading debut. OCC and U.S. options exchanges announce new risk control standards to strengthen industry protections.

ISE Holdings files for third exchange license to launch ISE Mercury.

Odd Block: Fun and unusual trading activity in TTPH, MX, and TAP.

Strategy Block: Uncle Mike discusses how to hedge a 401k or other retirement accounts?

Around the Block: Hong Kong: how much can it impact the market?

Option Block 374: When To Exercise An Option...Never

Trading Block: An aggressive selloff in the market today. VIX up 3 handles - about 22%. Apple off 3%. Nike, the other big player in the market today - up about $4.

Odd Block: Calls and puts trade in EXH- looks like a straddle seller, puts close in KO- could be a put closer but not rolling, and calls trade in PBF- existing roll for calls

Mail Block: Listener questions and comments

Question from Sinclair - What do the all stars expect for the big BABA options launch on monday?
iTunes comment from Princk - Listening gives tremendous insight into options trading, strategies and trends. Great team that combines risk management, speculation and investment wisdom. Superb. Thoughtful, funny and wide ranging show for learning and understanding options trading.
iTunes comment from Bajasakee - Love the show very informative, looking forward to more fresh insight every episode.
iTunes comment from PuntPass Shoot - There are a lot of financial podcasts out there..not a lot of good ones though. It’s even harder to find something useful about options. The Option Block really gets it right. Just the right amount of information, banter and market insight to make it something I look forward to listening to every week. Great energy between the guys, interesting guests and useful traders of all rangers. IF you’re thinking about subscribing...stop thinking. Just do it.
Question from KaiserDog - I have a question for the "Guardians Of The Gama"......Hehe. When do you like to exercise an option? Is anyone a fan? Do you ever like taking the stock over "Rolling"? Thanks again! By the way, the Shows have been stellar. Keep em coming.

Around the Block: Closely watching the S&P. Will vol come down? Mike wants to sell an AAPL put spread on the bent phone pullback. Nike reports after the bell.

Option Block 373: Talking BABA, YHOO, AAPL and more

Trading Block: A sea of red on the street today. Bad news out of China.

Apple announced opening weekend iPhone 6 sales were over 10 million. Alibaba I.P.O. underwriters increased deal size to a record-setting $25 billion. Yahoo options went bonkers on Friday.

Odd Block: Puts roll in Cliffs Natural Resources Inc. (CLF) risk reversal goes up in iShares Russell 2000 Growth Index (IWO), and call buyers in Shares of Global X Social Media Index ETF (SOCL).

Strategy Block: Mike Tosaw discusses ways to diversify your portfolio with non-correlated assets.

Around the Block: Vol is higher, emerging economies are growing, how stimulating was the stimulus? How will the market act into and out of the elections?

Option Block 372: Call Stupids and Bond Hedges

Trading Block: Alibaba IPO on Friday. Fed Meeting on Wednesday. Scots vote whether or not to stay in UK.

Odd Block: Calls trade in Energy Transfer Partners (ETP) ratio spreads in Petroleo Brasilieiro Petrobras (PBR), put buyers jump into PDL Biopharma Inc. (PDLI).

Mail Block: Listener questions and comments

Question from Lawrence Silverberg - Hi! “Doctor Larry” back again. Thanks for reading and answering my previous two questions / comments on the show! I’m a huge fan! I am considering a way to insure my bond portfolio with options. Honestly I'm not too concerned with rising interest rates in the next two to three years but I understand the risk exists. Additionally, a market crash seems like a bigger risk to me. Either way I see bonds having downside risk.

Here's my thought process below: I'd love to hear your comment.

Situation: I'm about 8-10 years to retirement. I have about 80% of my savings in just below investment grade bonds. These are big companies like Goodyear, Burger King, US steel, Morgan Stanley, Levi’s, Hertz, Ford, and many more. It's a very diverse bond ladder. Average return is just under 7%. They have appreciated a great deal over the past 8-9 years too.

By rule of 72 I'm doubling my money every 10-11 years with interest. Hopefully faster with appreciation of the bonds too. The risk is if there is a period of rising rates (although I plan to hold to maturity) or a market crash like what happened in 2008.

I was considering insuring this portfolio with LEAPS in HYG. A high yield bond EFT. It appears to be the most liquid options compared to other similar bond ETFs. As for stock volume it is second to only JNK.

I can buy the Jan '16 puts ATM pretty cheap. These Leaps are trading at less than a 10% Implied Volatility. In the 2008 crash, HYG went from 105 to 65 and IV went from 10 to 22%. (NOTE: HYG TRADING $93 & JAN 2016 93 PUTS OFFERED @$9.30 - SO HAVE TO BE WILLING TO SPEND 10% OF YOUR HOLDING ON PROTECTION)

I did not want to just buy puts naked but was looking at backspreads. This way I’m selling premium to get much less short theta and I’m buying more puts to get long Vega and short delta.

The best spread I found was a Jan16 put backspread 1 by 4. Short one 85 put for each long four 70 puts. With theoretical pricing I can put the spread on for even money and possibly a $0.10 credit. I’d close this spread when the Jan 17 leaps are listed and add 12 more months of insurance.

In summary, I have some upside risk as IV can go down to around 5% based on history but that’s the cost of insurance. When I roll to Jan17 I’d lose some money.

Questions:

How do I weight a bond portfolio to figure out how many contracts to trade?

Similarly, how do I estimate downside risk of the bonds?

Is HYG my best underlying?

Is there a different spread that’s long Vega and short delta that you’d recommend?

Would you use a diagonal instead of trading only one month? I can get a similar protection by trading a 1 by 2 diagonal. Short one Dec 90 put for each long two Jan 2016 $85 puts for around even money. I could then sell more (90 *or other strike) puts when the Dec expire. My hesitation here is that it’s harder to predict IV of two months. I think the short Dec will increase IV in a crash more than my long Jan16 and hurt performance.

If you read this (long) question on the air I’d really appreciate it. “Dr. Larry.”

Option Block 371: Talking TSLA, SCTY, YHOO and Alibaba

Trading Block: NOTE: No Alex for the next six weeks. Our thoughts and prayers with him while he undergoes surgery. Alibaba IPO & Yahoo - Barron’s telling people to buy Nov 43-48 call spread to benefit from the IPO. TSLA & SCTY over 10%. A bad day for the wallet of Elon Musk.

Odd Block: Puts filled in The Market Vectors Russia ETF (RSX), puts trade in Commscope Holding Co. (COMM) - newsletter?, calls trade in Itau Unibanco Holding SA (ITUB).

Strategy Block: Ways to defend short premium when there might be a lot of movement in the market.

Around the Block: Andrew thinks that this is the big one re: interest rates. Also looking at YHOO, Brazil, after the Fed, maybe selling some juice. Fed Wednesday: how will bonds react?

Option Block 370: Live Episode Spectacular!

Trading Block:

Apple trading above $100 post iWatch/Mega - any changes to outlook/trading strategy here? CBOE Futures ExchangeSM (CFE) announced today that it plans to launch futures trading on the CBOE/CBOT 10-year U.S. Treasury Note Volatility IndexSM. 9/11 Anniversary - Bin Laden Put Options

Odd Block:

Puts spreads trade in Market Vectors Russia ETF (RSX)

Call Buyers Jump into Control4 Corp (CTRL)

Giant Butterfly Trades in Autodesk, Inc. (ADSK)

Long Term Call Options Rolling in BankAmericaCorp. (BAC)

Mail Block:

iTunes Comment from LivHK - I am a relatively new listener. However, I had to turn the show off after 5 minutes - I am here to learn about option strategies, not listen to Apple hating rhetorics. I get it you do not like Apples platform but at least show you are not ignorant of Apple products if do decide to talk about it...I would love to hear your analysis on valuation, but a baseless claim that “3 years later the stock will definitely be worth a lot less than today?” Such thoughtless comments leads me to seriously doubt the quality of the content on the main topic.

Question from Charlie - I am prepping for my series 7. What should I expect from an options perpsective? Any tips? Sorry I could not be there in Chicago as I would have loved to see the show live. But this is the next best thing. Thanks for all that you do.

Question from Tom: First, huge fan. Second, question about the wheel-o-fun trade: Recently assigned on a short call in a collar position. Monday morning, I was long my protective put (a far-OTM leap), and decided to sell a weekly put that positioned me long about 25 delta. Now, I am wondering how all this will affect my margin SMA. From the margin perspective - is this a put spread, or is this a naked short put? After I put this on, I realized the margin was a bit fuzzy. Since I just rolled out of a covered call, I am obviously cash-secured, but I want to work this out before I find my foot in a bear trap. Thanks guys! Nice hats!

AROUND THE BLOCK

Where will we go from here?

Option Block 369: Short Puts and Ratios in AAPL

Trading Block:

S&P glued to the 2000 handle. Go Pro very active today - Yahoo as well. TLT - blame the Viceroy.

Odd Block:

Puts trade in Valero Energy Corp. (VLO)

Calls trade in Pattern Energy Group (PEGI)

Calls trade in Apple Inc. (AAPL)

Strategy Block:

Good greed vs. Bad greed

Mail Block:

Comment from KaiserDog76 - Oh that Granny Smith tasted sour today! Lol I have to admit I ditched my calls shortly after the open and I am very, very glad I did, It got ugly for "Retail's" favorite fruit. NFLX could not even hold gains after announcing streaming rights to the new "Origins" Bat Man TV show. Yet.....Yet GPRO tacked on another $3...(clearing of the throat)..Ok.Oh, but wait! It gets better, Mobile Eye continues to make elderly and the "Peripherally" challenged excited as now whats the Market Cap? 10 Billion? An even bigger, Ok. I am interested to see how H&R Block HRB trades post earnings. Morgan Stanley looks very interesting to me as well. The Nat Gas export commodity play is looking juicy and unrealized. I had a good day so I have no reason to be surly. I just thought some of you might enjoy my commentary. Thanks for everything you do Mr. Longo. You and the fellow Rouge Scholars are the dose of sanity that this insane Market needs!. P.S.I love the new show! Reminds me of some of my favorite Old School Comics, Strange Tales..... Keep Up the Great work. I am loving all of it!

Question from Catherine - I want to set up an options trading account for my son (who is 23 years old) and I want him to learn to trade options in a risk-managed way - do not really want him to know that he can use options for taking stupid risks (he will probably figure that out on his own soon enough). I contacted the customer services people at my broker (Options Express) to see how an account could be set up to achieve my goals and was told that initially all he could do would be to buy puts and buy calls. Seriously? That is exactly what I do not want him to do. I want him to control his risks better than that and to learn to put on spreads from the git go. Is there any way that my goal can be accomplished? - Cat

Around the Block:

Option Block Live! - This Thursday, Sept 11, 4pm Central @ Bennys Chop House (444 N Wabash) here in Chicago.

Option Block 368: Selling Premium in a Quiet Market

Trading Block:

A mild day on the street today. BP fiasco slaughters everything oil related. Apple had a four point loss. CBOE announces weeklies on SPX

Odd Block:

Calls buyers flood into QuickSilver, Inc (ZQK)

Calls trade in JAKKS Pacific, Inc (JAKK)

Calls trade in Corning Inc. (GLW)

Mail Block:

Question from Mandel - What is a premium writer to do in this market? Any suggestions for good income trades here?

Strategy Block:

Today, Uncle Mike Tosaw discusses the ratio spread

Around the Block:

Non-farms coming up on the horizon.

FDA approves Merck cancer drug.

Option Block 367: Talking AAPL Collars

Trading Block: A relatively quiet day on the street. GoPro and Twitter were the only two names Apple still seems to be reaching new high. How did Tosaw play it?

Odd Block: Big put seller in Wells Fargo & Co. (WFC), puts trade in 21Vianet Group Inc. (VNET), and bullish paper in EZCHIP Semiconductor LTD (EZCH).

Xpress Block: A very quiet day on the OX desk. 3 to 4 leg trade tickets on Street Smart is tentatively scheduled to release on Friday, Sept 5.

Strategy Block: What you can do as a trader if you are not getting filled on your spread? Understanding the rules of risk management.

Mail Block: Listener questions and comments

Question from Dr. Lawrence - Could you comment on a trade I did that was inspired by your talk about collars. I own apple at split adjusted $26. I bought Jan16 $80 puts for $4.50. I then sold the nov $120 calls for $1.05. I have many months to sell calls to pay for the puts. I really do not want to sell my underlying so I figure I will roll up and out if it goes up 20% in the next three months. I am content with the downside protection and will roll my long put when the Jan 17s are listed. On the upside I figure it cannot go up forever and will roll up and out as long as necessary but will try to continually sell calls to pay for my long puts. I would love to hear your opinions of my strategy.
Question from Samuel - I am really enjoying your website as a trader. I read it every day. My question is, is there any scanner to show us unusual volume for options on future or FX? As we have one or two on equity, or to show you if the options been bought or sold. Thank you kindly.

Around the Block: Holiday weekend, so keep an eye on decay. Will S&P stay above 2000?

Option Block 366: The Knife Edge of Volatility

Trading Block: Most major indices up today on the street. Vol saw a bit of a rally as well. S&P briefly hit 2,000, but couldn't stay there.

Odd Block: Calls trade in Credit Suisse Group AG (CS), calls trade in H&R Block (HRB), and risk reversal trades in Lennar Corp (LEN).

Xpress Block: What’s new with IdeaHub? Futures side and securities side premium harvesting.

Mail Block: Listener questions and comments

Question from Seven - With all the talk about exposure fees and excessive customer risk, is there any talk at OX or Schwab about raising the bar for options certification? Perhaps making it harder to qualify for options level 3 or even taking a test to qualify? I know you do not want to put barriers in front of customers but is that not preferable to the alternative?
Question from Jack Schwartz - On a recent episode, Alex Jacobson from OX said that the OCC would never force a taxable event in the case of a corporate action. However, I am pretty sure I have seen OCC do exactly that in all-cash corporate deals. In those scenarios do the options not essentially expire on the transaction date, and the customer is left with the resulting debit or credit in their account?

Around the Block: Keeping an eye on the 10-year. Interest rates, where will the Fed go?

Option Block 365: The Great Apple $107 Debate

Trading Block: A mild day on the street. Apple finally passes $100. What will Yellen say tomorrow and how will it affect the market? New study show advisors use of options increased 13% since 2011.

Odd Block: Calls trade in Jarden Corp. (JAH) calls trade in China Finance Online Co. (JRJC), and calls trade in Macerich Co. (MAC).

Xpress Block: Free pizza day at every Schwab/OX site today in celebration of the importing of the 3- and 4-leg trade ticket from OX to Schwab which is coming in Sept.

Strategy Block: A strategy of patience. Waiting for the right time to make a move in Apple and gold.

Mail Block: Goldman Fly

Question from Pat - Love the show, it's really great and even though I'm clueless (as is shown by the following). Here's one that might be good for your "could've done the trade better" segment in Options Block. The following is the list of trades that I have made around Goldman. Sorry I don't have the volatilities or any other data from the trades but hopefully you'll be able to explain the error of my ways without them. Once I made the initial trade and GS didn't rebound quickly, I was trying to offset the cost of keeping the calls since I expected that Oct was plenty of time to get back to the 175 area.

3/27 - buy 2 10/18 170-180 call spreads for $3 debit (6.42/3.42)

4/25 - closed 180 call for $1.75

4/28 - closed 180 call for $1.50

5/1 - sold 175 call for 2.75

5/5 - closed 175 call for 1.60

6/6 - sold 175 call for 2.40 (the first one worked but I think they were both actually mistakes)

7/28 - closed 175 call for 5.37 debit, closed 170 call for 8.53 credit, sold 2 180 calls for 3.16 (each), bought 185 call for 1.65

(Resulting position is 170-180-185 fly) (Now it seems really inefficient)

8/7 - closed both 180 calls for 1.88 (each), 185 call for 0.96

Order currently in to sell 2 180s and a 185 for a 3.50 credit

I have the order in to recreate the fly to reduce the cost of the 170 since I don't think GS will get above 180. Besides discussing what I've done and any suggestions you have, what would be a better way to implement my current view of GS given that I own the 170 call? Thanks for all the help already and the future I'm sure I'll get.

Option Block 364: Dollar General Madness Continues

Trading Block: Rally ho on the street today! German 10-year realized vol was 100%!

The social media trio - FB, LKDN and TWTR mixed today.

Odd Block: Unusual options activity in DG, AMSC, EGHT, and TASR.

Xpress Block: Schwab tools: The 4-legged trade ticket is coming to Schwab the first-second week of September.

Mail Block: Question from Ted Schwartz

Hi, I'm working my way through the Options Boot Camp and Option Block, learning lots of good stuff. I was wondering what kind of options strategies exist to hedge my 401K mutual funds gains? Would it be practical to use protective puts on some indexes, etc. to offset my risk of fund losses? Thanks!

Around the Block: What can we expect from Yellen and the Fed?

Option Block 363: The Last Train to Pallookaville

Trading Block: The market rallied about half a handle. Putin talks up the street. Bonds: TLT & IEF. Berkshire A crosses $200,000 a share. Red Robin taking it on the chin today.

Odd Block: Some unusual activity in TSRA, NM, and NKTR

Xpress Block: The social networking triplets (Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook) were all active today. Amazon surprisingly active as well.

Mail Block: Listener questions and comments

Question from Everett: Really enjoy the show, and find it incredibly useful in helping break down the complexities of more technical trades. That said, is it possible to point to 3 key technical-focused factors that you believe to be the most important factors for consideration when trading biotech options around a catalytic event (E.g FDA marketing approval). I doubt an example is necessary, but to clarify, I don't mean examining the strength of the company’s clinical trial submissions in anticipation of an FDA decision; rather, are there 3-5 stock/options-focused factors (E.g. implied volatility, Delta, Vega, etc.) that you would recommend analyzing in anticipation of trading options around a biotech's upcoming catalytic event? I recognize these factors might be different based on the strategy one chooses to employ, but if possible, what would say those 3-5 factors should be just generally, if I am willing to employ a diversity of strategies? Thank you in advance for your time and consideration, Everett
Question from Joe: Option Block Question: Greetings. My question deals with order fulfillment on a spread. During the wild few days that TWTR had a few months back the IV shot through the roof, the vol skew went way out of whack, and it was possible to put on long spreads for even money or credit...but I had to leg into the spread because my broker said "I could not get filled for even money on a spread." Which leads to my question, how are the smaller lots (I usually trade 10-50 contract lots) handled on the market with respect to their fulfillment? Logic and the current state of technology leads be to believe that like strike prices are grouped together and sold on the market in order to obtain a better leverage when trying to obtain a sale price. If this is not the case, how does fulfillment take place with spreads?
Question from MrLami: Hello...What parameters can one use to scan for unusual options activity real-time (OR) what is the thought process behind it (I can use my intellect or practice for how I can start spotting these myself)? Is there a way to receive alerts for "Unusual Activity" section on this website?

Around the Block: Bonds. US global affairs. Ukraine and Iraq.

Option Block 362: You, Too, Can Own a Piece of History

Trading Block: Big momentum days for PriceLine, LinkedIn and Tesla. Zynga rallies. A picture of Alex is up for sale on Ebay.

Odd Block: Diagonal puts trade in Yahoo Inc. (YHOO) ratio call spread buy - Earnings trade goes up in Fossil Group Inc. (FOSL), and calls roll in iShares Dow Jones US Home (ITB) - sell Aug buy Sep.

Xpress Block: Three- and four-legged trade tickets to be released early to mid-September. Premium harvesting in the IdeaHub.

Strategy Block: Finding your happy, comfortable spot as a trader.

Mail Block: Question from the OX community - Hull’s Quant ETF coming, will it change the way folks invest?

Around the Block: Some more earnings left: Cisco 8/13

Option Block 361: The Happy Bottom

Trading Block: A little bit of a down day on the street, but nothing like last week. Zynga and Groupon after the bell. ZNGA closing south of the 3 handle. VIX futures trading below the VIX cash. Grains and wheat options and the Russia embargo.

Odd Block: Combos trade in Flotek Industries Inc. (FTK), puts trade in Gerdau SA (GGB) wheel trade.

Xpress Block: LULU has been running hot, but cooled down during the day. Three-to-four leg tickets coming in September. IdeaHub adding 8 names into premium harvesting. What is we see of a Whaley product?

Mail Block: Listener questions and comments

Question from Reuben Brooks - A few months back, on one of your shows, I think option block, Uncle Mike from RCM was talking about some kind of special offer for individuals in the "wealth accumulation" phase. You jumped in and pointed out that we listeners would be "stupid" to not take advantage of this. So, I am trying to not be stupid. I was not able to follow up right away on that (and in fact I have fallen behind on my podcasts), but I would like to find out more. Can put me in touch with Mike? If you have any other resources for me, i would love to hear it. I am 25, an engineer, I am intrigued by active trading but a bit dubious of technical analysis, and trying to find more edge, and use options to exploit that (either long-term or short-term). Have been trading options in 1 lots to learn. Your podcasts have been a HUGE help in blasting through the steep initial learning curve.
Question from Christian C Caropolo - If you buy an option on a company that ends up merging or being bought out with another. What happens to the option you own?
Comment/Question from Kaiserdog76: Thanks for the Option Block update today. Missed Longo’s presence but Sebastian did a decent job. Worlds shortest Odd block, but after looking on the web page I found the "Juicy" unusual activity I crave!! That VNDA trade is intriguing. There are some heavy OTM open interest in VNDA all over the strikes and going well out into the future. I do love me some Bio-Tech! So today I have two stories for you. One of failure and one of success. Let’s start with the failure. Back when PBYI was around $49-50ish I had bought 100 shares in small chunks. When the stock popped to $70 I thought how smart I was and sold every last share. For a decent profit. I know you are thinking well how is that failure? That 4-5 thousand dollar investment would be worth over $20,000 now, so yeah. It can be hard to sleep at night FML for real. My second tale is a much happier one. I own shares on WIN and love the dividend and super well defined uptrend the stock has been in for quite some time. I wanted leverage though. So I took the proceeds from my dividend on WIN and financed some OTM call options on WIN. Well on Tuesday when WIN announced the IRS had "Okayed" them spinning some of their assets into a REIT. WIN popped and I realized over a %1,200 percent gain that day. Now I was able to sell those calls and lock in some fantastic profit all while not selling a single share. So you win some and you lose some I guess. Thanks for everything you guys do! Love the underground radio!! Mark- Kudos again for covering Barclay's and the HFT shakedown that has been going on. It is the biggest thing no one seems to be talking about. Please keep it coming!
OX Question - Maker / Taker goes away in the UK. Are we next?

Around the Block: What will the US do, and how will it affect the markets?

Option Block 360: Return of the Voice

Trading Block: Some of the Thursday selloff coming back into the market. Where could the VIX go in the next few weeks? VXST trading below the VIX cash.

Odd Block: Ratio roll calls in Select Sector SPDR Financials (XLF), a ratio time "Tosaw Stupid" in SM Energy Co. (SM), size ITM call buyer with stock in AmerisourceBergen Corp. (ABC), and closing call roll in NQ Mobile (NQ).

Xpress Block: A little technical hiccup with Idea Hub. Amazon got a lot of attention today.

Strategy Block: Doing stuff - put spreads, managing risk and staying bullish.

Around the Block: Earnings still left: Activision, Groupon, and Disney. All on 8/5.

Option Block 359: Thursday, Bloody Thursday

Trading Block: A bloody day on the street. A default, a bankruptcy, and bad Fed news. Massive FLEX trades went up today. Professor Whaley and the VIX term structure

Odd Block: Revisiting a position in iShares MSCI Taiwan Index (EWT)

Xpress Block: Alex discusses about the changing metrics in portfolio margining and the risk tools.

Strategy Block: Uncle Mike highlights his strategy using the Long SPY Long Oct 190 Put

Mail Block: Listener questions and comments.

Question from Steven, San Diego, CA: Listing to the July 24th show on the 25th. So, with the benefit of hindsight, I can you see the majority of the activity in AMZN being discussed was pretty much completely wrong. It was down, not up, and way past the expected move. So that brings me to the question. Is there any study or statistical evidence that shows that the unusual activity should be followed? Or should be faded? Really think the retail crowd are chasers, which works until it doesn't. The trend is your friend? Bah-humbug! It makes for interesting press, but is it really actionable? Rather than glorifying, would your listeners be better served to be cautioned on this topic rather than enticed? Love the show. Sometimes customer of the Pit and RCM because of the show.

Around the Block: Non-farm payrolls: could it possibly turn around the market?

Option Block 357: AMZN Call Buyers Get Crushed

Trading Block: Markets mostly unchanged in modest volume. Apple posts decent numbers but disappoints overall. Amazon earnings after the bell. OX clients still buying far OTM calls? Facebook rallies $4.50 post earnings and trades over 1m contracts. Ford announced before open. Not much of an event.

Odd Block: Call buyers trade in Wisconsin Energy Corp (WEC), spreads go up in iShares Dow Jones US Homebuilders Index ETF (ITB), call buyers trade in Navios Maritime Holdings Inc (NM), and block prints in WhiteWave Foods Co. (WWAV)

Xpress Block: Alex showcases "The Dragon,” an OX tool that allows you to find unusual activity.

Mail Block: Listener questions, comments, and suggestions

Question from Sea Biscuit: How do the market makers figure into open interest? Do they essentially double all of the OI because they are taking the other sides of every trade? Should i divide all OI numbers by two to get the real activity or is that already done for me?
Question from Avon Man: Just to clarify on the conversation from last week, Alex said OI was broken down from each exchange and then netted with market maker activity. So if customer A buys 10 calls on Arca and then customer b sells 10 of those same calls on Arca, both opening, that would be net 0 open interest because they are on the same exchange? But if customer B sells those same calls on a different exchange, let's say NASDAQ, then it would be net 20 calls open on the strike because it’s two different exchanges? Is that right?
Question from Alex C: Facebook looking strong post earnings. What option trades do you guys like out there right now, if any? Thanks for the shows. Just checked out Advisors Option for the first time as well. Very timely as I am in the process of picking an advisor.

Around the Block: Earnings-palooza continues

Option Block 356: CME and NFLX Earnings Rundown

Trading Block: A relatively quiet day on the street, after a crazy week. Earnings so far: NFLX after the close, CME (the stealth Apple) after the close. Positioning for Apple tomorrow.

Odd Block: Call buyers trade in Steel Dynamics (STLD), call spreads buyers trade in Orexigen Therapeutics, Inc. (OREX), calls buyer trade in Crocs, Inc. (CROX), call spreads, rolls selling Dec, buying March trade in CytRx Corp. (CYTR).

Xpress Block: Herbalife taking a pounding. News on The Walk Limit tool.

Strategy Block: An expiration day lesson from Uncle Mike Tosaw and how to avoid unnecessary weekend risk.

Around the Block: A quick earnings review in CME, NFLX. MSFT and APPL tomorrow. On 7/24: AMZN, F, GM.

Option Block 355: Bleeding Out Into the Pillow

The Trading Block: A bit of a bloodbath on the street. Dire world news out of Ukraine and Israel/Palestine. Yellen's comments reverberating around the market. A 33% spike in the VIX. Microsoft slashing jobs. U.S. House passes spending bill with Dodd-Frank changes.

The Odd Block: Opening put buy in Currency Shares Canadian Dollar ETF (FXC), short puts with stock trade in Gerdau SA (GGB), big block of puts traders in Janus Capital Group Inc. (JNS), and buying puts in Entergy Corp. (ETR)

Mail Block: Questions and comments from you, our listeners

Comment from Jake - I just wanted to let you guys know that I can’t go a week without getting my fix of lobsters, bubble pipes, fancy hats and of course Mark’s baritone pipes. Keep the shows coming. It makes my week fly by.
Question from Series 7 - Hey Mark and his all-stars. I know you guys have touched on a stock being hard to borrow impacting the pricing of the options. But I’m still confused. Can you break it down for me please? Thanks. I know I’ve come to the right place.
Question from Connor Mac - If I own a stock and I write an in-the-money call against it is that the same thing as selling the stock? If so what price am I selling the stock for? The strike price? If not am I increasing my probability of my stock being called away before expiration by selling an in-the-money call?

Around the Block: Thursday earnings: Morgan Stanley, Google and IBM.

Option Block 354: When to Close Out a Spread

Trading Block: VIX and VIX cash. LULU taking it on the chin. It’s time for the Trading Patterns Guessing Game once again!

Odd Block: Calls roll in Danaher Corp (DHR), calls roll in Wisconsin Energy Corp (WEC) - Buy Jul, Sell Jan., closing collar in AGCO Corp (AGCO) - Buy call/sell put, and ratio call spread unwind in Beazer Homes USA, Inc (BZH) - Sell 1, Buy 2.

Xpress Block: Alex discusses the development of migrating the OX tools to Schwab, including the 3 and 4-legged trade ticket, due to Schwab Mobile and Street Smart Edge by September.

Mail Block: Listener questions and comments.

Question from Neal Augustin - Like the discussion on the recent show about getting free gamma going into earnings. It makes sense since the contracts should experience minimum decay. But do you not have to use a contract that expires after earnings, preferably the earnings week, in order to get that bump? If you use the contract that expires prior to earnings, it should decay like normal, correct?

Question from Trader64 - Spread decay question: Mark said in the mail block in response to a listener question about spread pricing, that the at-the-money and in-the-money options would decay at different rates to make the spread widen. Since this takes a substantial amount of time, should I always count on only capturing a portion of the maximum profit in each of my spreads? If so, what percentage is reasonable? Thanks for the show Mr. Options Voice!

Around the Block: More earnings on tap for this week. Citigroup - 7/14. JP Morgan Chase and Goldman Sachs - 7/15. Bank of America - 7/16. Morgan Stanley - 7/17.

Option Block 353: Crazy Combos and the Great Open Interest Debate

Trading Block: A volatile day on the street - S&P got as low as 1952. VIX cash ticking up nearly one handle. Gold a big mover today - to the delight of Uncle Mike Tosaw. It’s time for the Trading Patterns guessing game again - this time with GLD! Lumber Liquidators (LL) gets crushed, down over 20% today. Options volume already 10x ADV on new that they are cutting 2014 earnings outlook. Sprecher calls for market-wide purge for order types. Chicago Fed joins the HFT conversation calling for curbs.

Odd Block: Calls roll in Thermo Fisher Scientific (TMO), closing combos trade in CBS Outdoor Americas Inc. (CBSO), call buyers trade in Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co. (GT), dividend trade calls trade in Freeport McMoRan Copper (FCX)

Xpress Block: A reminder at IdeaHub for futures is out. Please be aware that firms are trying to rein in exposure fees.

Mail Block: Listener questions and comments

Question from Nico Belle: Am I correct in assuming that open interest refers to the number of contracts that are available for exercise on a particular strike and not just the trading volume seen on the strike?
Question from Rick: What does the term spot refer to? Also how is change calculated? These terms are used with unusual activity. Thank you, Rick
Question from T Jon: Hey all stars - great show Mark and the gang. Please say hi to Uncle Mike, the rock lobster and the viceroy for me. I enjoy all of their segments including the strategy block. On a recent episode Uncle Mike referred to selling put spreads to help finance the cost of a longer term put. Can he explain his methodology for this strategy - if he buys a six month ATM put is he also selling ATM put spreads against it for a straight up calendar? Or is he selling OTM put spreads and going for diagonals? What frequency is he doing this on - weekly? Monthly? Does he ever combine the short put (spreads) with a short covered call essentially turning it into a long term put vs a short term strangle (plus)? Question for viceroy as well - what is your favorite question you’ve ever been asked at one of your seminars? Mark - thanks again for this great show. Your network will always have a home on my iPhone.

Around the Block: On Thursday: weekly jobless claims, May wholesale inventories as well as Fed talk: Stanley Fischer, Vice Chair of the Fed Reserve, gives his first speech (financial reform in Cambridge, MA) and KC Fed President Esther George (economy and monetary policy in Oklahoma). Problems in Portugal: parent of Portuguese banks delayed payments on some short-term debt.

Option Block 352: Hot GoPro Action

Trading Block: A mild selloff ahead of earnings. The newcomer GoPro was very active today, as well as everyone’s favorite fruit company, Apple.

Odd Block: Call buyers trade in URS Corp. (URS), puts buyers with stock trade in King Digital Entertainment (KING), call buyers trade in Zions Bancorp (ZION), and put spread buyers trade in iShares MSCI Germany Index (EWG).

Xpress Block: A lot of speculation in fixed income.

Strategy Block: Tosaw discusses how not trading can also be an option when you can get what you want.

Mail Block: Listener Question
Question from T. Simpson: Hey all-star panel (viceroy, meatball, lobster, uncle and the voice)! I’m sitting on some gains in ford and would like to protect it. I’m looking at the December 17 put (currently trading for 82 cents). I know you guys have said aim for about 2% of your portfolio for protection. But my math shows this to be about 5% of my portfolio for decent near-ATM protection. What are some ways that i can do stuff to make this protection more affordable? I very much enjoy the show and i am wearing a fancy hat as i write this letter. – Tom

Around the Block: ALCO kicks off the earnings madness again tomorrow.

Option Block 351: Dollar General Insider Loses Millions

Trading Block: A quiet day on the street, given the shortened trading week. A stealth rally in Gold. Traders preparing pre Google earnings. Under 400K ADV in VIX today.

Odd Block: Call spreads trade in Dollar General Corp. (DG), size ratio spreads trade in Carnival Corp (CCL), puts sellers trade in Companhia Energetica Minas. (CIG), and small call buyers trade in Amicus Therapeutics, Inc (FOLD).

Xpress Block: Alex discusses premium harvesting in IdeaHub.

Strategy Block: Uncle Mike Tosaw discusses when it’s OK to break the rules and to make new ones.

Mail Block:

Question from Aviatrix - Hello all-star panel! Great program. I have a question about option open interest. I don’t really understand it. I’ve read some blogs that say open interest can impact a stock’s direction during expiration week. Is this just, as Mark would say, the “tin foil hat crowd” or is there something to this? Should I be tracking open interest as an indicator? Keep the “wit and wisdom” coming!

Around the Block: Be aware - this is a shortened holiday week.

Option Block 350: TWTR Risk Reversal Rundown

Trading Block: Interesting intra-day activity, but ended up closing basically unchanged. VIX cash back in the 11 handle range. A resurgence in Twitter. A banner day for Valero.

Odd Block: Calls trade in PowerSecure International, Inc (POWR), calls roll in Ashland Inc. (ASH), puts trade in SM Energy Co. (SM), put spreads roll in Tractor Supply Co. (TSCO), puts trade in MagicJack Volactec ltd. (CALL).

Mail Block: Listener questions and comments

Question from JG - Hi guys! Love the show(s), I like really really love the show(s). Last Option Block you mentioned us providing our trades and you dissecting them. Just happens to be a very opportune time because I am currently in a trade and I'll provide my analysis and would like to hear you guys discuss.

Question from Roger Edwards - Hi.

Unusual options activity has drawn my attention to company A, which led me to discover that it's a takeover target by company B. Of course takeover timing is the big challenge. I know that company A has an upcoming ex-div date. Is an ex-div date relevant (factored into takeover timing) at all? Is there any advantage in company B timing its takeover of company A before or after the ex-div date? I'm just trying to use whatever information I can to select the right option expiration. Thanks so much.

Question from Kaiserdog76 • - "The Dumbest Investor In the World" - Made good money on UA stupids and FB. Played for a bounce in IWM using options. As that one looks like it has the most room to run. Decent jobs numbers and the "Goldilocks" rally continues. - P.S. Rock Lobster would be proud of me. I even traded a couple Apple calls for a nice pop….Oh, Bita,bita,bita,bita........ Gotta love those China Tech stocks that Retail usually has no clue about. Excellent heads up. Maybe I will look for a bottom and get long again. I had bought 100 shares back when it was trading at $30. In less than a week I was up $600 and figured it could go down just as fast as it went up. Sold and never looked back. I might be breaking some rules here but I like to circle back to winning trades after I feel enough time has passed. Is that a bad habit? I do not have % stats or anything but I know that many have worked more than once. Thanks for refreshing my memory on BITA!

Around the Block: Andrew is amazed. Short trading week next week. Not expecting too much activity. Look out for early cash-settled indexes. Be prepared.

Option Block 349: A Bonafide Covered Strangle

Trading Block: Lululemon had a big move today, as did Facebook and Tesla. Is time once again for the Trading Patterns Guessing Game!.

Odd Block: Put butterflies trade in Dow Jones Industrial Average ETF (DJX), call sellers trade in AerCap Holidings NV (AER), call and put sellers (covered strangle?) trade in PG&E Corp. (PCG), and same month call rolls trade in Six Flags Entertainment Corp (SIX)

Xpress Block: What is your take of the covered strangle? Adding names to the IdeaHub.

Strategy Block: Tosaw discusses the enhanced collar strategy.

Around the Block: How long can the market continue to ignore what happens in Iraq, higher oil prices, etc.? Whoa to the complacent. Where’s the conviction?

Option Block 348: Rampant Insider Trading

The Trading Block: More of a micro, rather than a macro day today. Gold up on the day. Is VIX too low? Lululemon had a stealth rally last week. New Amazon Fire phone. Visa popped up the day. A study by professors at NYU and McGill University in Montreal shows insider options trades precede about a fourth of US M&A deals.

Odd Block:Call sales trade in Verso Paper Corp. (VRS), and bullish risk reversal/Combos trade in Exterran Holdings Inc. (EXH)

Xpress Block: New premium harvesting tools now available in IdeaHub. New features for the Walk Limit.

Mail Block: Listener Questions & Comments

Question from Shane Hamilton - Hey Mark, How about a new segment called the "Success Block" where listeners submit winning trades and your cohorts comment how it could have been improved, done differently or kudos exactly the way it was played. Just an idea that seems like that might be fun. Besides we all love to talk about our winners.

Question from ITrumpDoom - Hello. If I expect a stock to move significantly over the next six months, but I do not have a prediction for direction: Is it reasonable to sell a short put butterfly, and a short call butterfly on that stock, with all the long strikes at or very near the money? I think I would cover the risk in one of the flys, by the profit in the other, since it would be impossible for both of them to expire with maximum loss (not that I would hold to expiration). Is my logic sound on this? Is six months an unreasonable expiration to use on these given potential IV increases?

Around the Block: Weekly jobless claims and Regional manufacturing survey (Philly Fed). Keeping an eye on the Iraq situation, crude and Brent oil prices.

Option Block 347: Bringing Guns to the Trading Pit

Trading Block: A very mild day on the street. Everyone still loves Tesla. What is up with gold volatility?

Odd Block: Calls spreads trade in Fairchild Semiconductor Intl. (FCS), calls trade in Nexstar Broadcasting Group, Inc (NXST), calls trade in St Jude Medical, Inc. (STJ), puts roll trade in SPDR Barclays Capital High Yield (JNK).

Xpress Block: You could quality for a commission waiver on options trading if you belong to the Schwab Private Client Group. Idea Hub did very well in May. Premium harvesting now available for both securities options and futures options.

Strategy Block: Remember, this week is the ex-dividend date on SPY

Around the Block: Monday - NY Fed Empire Manu survey. Industrial production and capacity utilization for May and June. NAHHB Homebuilders survey.

Option Block 346: Say Hello to Exposure Fees

Trading Block: A sea of red on the broad street today. VIX: more fear than fear itself? A big day for energies. Lululemon missed their earnings mark.

Odd Block: An update of recent activity in Dollar General (DG), newsletter put seller trade in Galena BioPharma Inc (GALE), risk reversals/collar in Jet Blue Airways Corp (JBLU), and size put buyers trade in the iShares Dow Jones Transport (IYT)

Xpress Block: A lot of activity in portfolio margining. More news on the upcoming futures for IdeaHub.

Strategy Block: An update on the ratio-hedged risk reversal on Apple. Finding ways to finance the hedge.

Mail Block: Listener questions and comments.

Question from Ivan - I have heard some people say I should not sell naked short puts because of “gap risk”. I always respond that it is the same thing as working a limit order in the stock. Who is right - me or these worry warts?

Around the Block: Thursday: Import price index and business inventories are estimated to climb. The World Cup begins and the rest of the world will be on vacation for the next month.

Option Block 345: Beating the Street on Dollar General

Trading Block: A mild day on the street. Apple stock split. A possible Deutsche Bourse sale of ISE.

Odd Block: Activity review from last week: Carl Icahn disclosed a 9.4% stake in Dollar General (DG) and shares soared. We knew something was up last week. Call buyers in USG Corp (USG), puts rolls trade in Kodiak Oil and Gas Corp. (KOG), and crazy call buying in Clorox Group (CLX)

Xpress Block: Apple dominates the housekeeping, speculating on Lululemon earnings, and a stealth rally in Oil

Mail Block: Listener questions and comments

Question from Alexander Soja - Love the program. I listen on my commute to and from work. I would like to know more about the broken wing butterfly. What is this strategy and why would it be useful?
Question from MrTeenzy - All this talk about colocation for HFT firms. But do brokers like OX not also co-locate to speed up transaction times? In which case, is colocation not benefiting the retail guy like me?

Around the Block: S&P 500 edging toward the 2,000 mark. It could happen in the next few weeks. Lululemon earnings 6/12.

Option Block 344: Premium Palooza in Dollar General

Trading Block: A great day on the market. Amazon rises after announcing that they will be making an announcement. What is lurking under the low VIX? Complacency?

Odd Block: Unusual activity in Tesoro Corp (TSO), Target Corp. (TGT), Dollar General Corp. (DG), and NuStar (NS)

Xpress Block: Alex discusses about how a few select clients may be able to trade commission free. Enhanced capabilities in Schwab mobile, including Hub for Futures.

Around the Block: Friday = Unemployment Numbers and Non-Farms

Option Block 343: AAPL Ratio Spread Madness

Trading Block: A slow day on the street today. All Apple - all Amazon - nothing below the "A"s. OCC announces cleared contract volume declined in May, while 2014 volume remains up.

Odd Block: Call ratio spreads trade in Apple Inc. (AAPL), long-term closing call sale in Fortress Investment Group LLC (FIG), closing put buys before earnings trade in Ascena Retail Group Inc. (ASNA), and opening call seller in The Western Union Co (WU)

Xpress Block: Alex discusses Idea Hub for Schwab Mobile and possibly Futures Trading.

Strategy Block: Ratio Spreads: when and how to use them and why they teeter on the edge of dangerous.

Around the Block: ADP private-sector job growth & weekly jobless claims on the horizon.

Option Block 342: Mini Death Knell

Trading Block: A mild uptick on the street today. Apple rallies and the market follows. With the VIX moving closer to its 9.39 historic low, many commentators are now discussing it as a "complacency index," writes John Nyaradi of Wall Street Sector Selector

Odd Block: Risk Reversal trades in iShares MSCI Australia Fund (EWA), call buyers trade in Scientific Games Corp. (SGMS), and call buy-writes trade in Ambev SA (ABEV)

Xpress Block: Alex discusses the recent NASDAQ notice and the death of minis.

Mail Block: Listener questions and comments

Comment/Question from Kaiser Dog - Enjoyed todays podcasts. I felt the Viceroy came back with some very pertinent information. I myself have been using my iPad and even My iPhone a few times to initiate trades. The Mobile Trading option is gaining traction and I agree with Alex's sentiment that this has smoothed out trading flow. Especially in times that would be historically light volume. I myself prefer my Laptop trading station I have custom built. With that said the reality is that raising a 4 year old son takes a lot of time and attention. My Mobile App allows me to stay on top of things and still be a parent. The Mobile trading option is a huge success. The Polar Opposite of "Mini Options" in my opinion. I enjoyed the swing to a positive story from the depression that HFT and Minis cause me. lol.

Question from DeGaul - What does the OH/Monster merger mean for the options brokerage landscape going forward?

Question from Mr Teenzy - All this talk about colocation for HFT firms, but do brokers like OX not also co-locate to speed up transaction times? In which case, is colocation benefiting the retail guy like me?

Around the Block: Economic Data: First-quarter GDP revision (Thursday) and Personal Income and Spending, Chicago PMI and University of Michigan consumer sentiment (Friday).

Fed talk: Fed's Pianalto: 'Inflation and Monetary Policy'

Option Block 341: Weird Activity In Colgate-Palmolive

Trading Block: A surprising VIX given the upcoming holiday weekend. Record low levels in some beloved Option Block names. We saw a massive upside call going up in VIX early this week. The U.S. options exchanges are working jointly toward the development of a uniform obvious error rule to nullify or adjust transactions that meet the definition of an obvious or catastrophic error. OCC and US Options Exchange adopt pre and post-trading risk control principles.

Odd Block:

Closing puts buyers trade in HMS Holdings Corp. (HMSY)
Puts sellers trade in Big Lots, Inc (BIG)
Call sellers trade in Colgate-Palmolive Co. (CL)
Closing put sale in US Steel Corp (X)

Xpress/Mail Block: XpressMail….get it?

OX questions this week:

Comment from CBarles - I agree with Mark and the Viceroy - OX needs a "caps lock" detector on the website login page. I am always forgetting that and having to log in twice - very annoying. Please save me from myself.
Comments/Questions from Kaiser Dog - Mark, First let me thank you for using my post in the Mail Call. Made my day yesterday. If you liked that? I have a lot more where that came from. Just got done listening to "Talking Volatility" and enjoyed the show. I must confess I am not an "Option Pit" guy. Just a retail investor who has a big hunger for anything option related and A fan of the "MeatBall" and the Show in general. I bought Flash Boys the day it was released and have read it about 5 times. Thank you for your work on this front as well. Kudos to your unbiased reports. Please keep them coming. My question for the panel today is as follows: There has been allot of talk about Bubbles. I thought Hubba Bubba and Big League Chew were filling for IPO's there has been so much chatter on CNBC and other media sites. lol. The element that seems to be missing? Undue euphoria and enthusiasm. I do not see it. I do not see Retail participating in any big way. Volume is anemic and artificial (HFT) in my opinion. I would love to hear the panel's take on the topic of A Market Bubble. In addition I would like to hear every ones take on the "State" of the "Retail" investor. Thanks again! Cheers.

Around the Block: Initial Jobless Claims Data and Homes Sales Report on Thursday -- Claims are expected to be higher. Notes from the FOMC meeting.

Option Block 340: Revenge of the Guts Strangle

Trading Block: What will bring back volatility? A black swan event? Russell Rhoads said via MarketWatch that investors are showing a “justified complacency” given that recent VIX jumps don't stay at those levels for long. "One-off events," such as the Ukraine, get investors' attention for a while and then wanes. It's enough for a VIX spike but not enough to sustain it. From a black swan event in the economy and markets, it would have a greater, deeper effect.

Odd Block: Calls buyers trade in Oncothyreon Inc. (ONTY), closing call buyers and put buyers trade in Gastar Exploration Inc (GST) - a closing guts strangle? Closing call sellers trade in Chemtura Corp (CHMT), and calls roll in iShares MSCI Brazil Index (EWZ).

Xpress Block: Alex talks recent news from Charles Schwab (CEO suggests regulators require brokerage firms to disclose payment for order flow), as well as VIX ETNs.

Around the Block: Is the housing market really coming back? The National Association of Realtors will release April existing home sales data Thursday and the U.S. Census Bureau reports sales numbers for newly constructed homes is out Friday. Earnings this week include Home Depot, Lowe's, Campbell Soup and Hewlett-Packard.

Option Block 339: Potential Front Running Activity

Trading Block: Today we have a very special trading block segment from Uncle Mike Tosaw about Russell and RVX vol. Is VIX in a deep sleep?

Odd Block: Combos trade in the iShares MSCI Emerging Markets (EEM), call spreads trade in Travelers Companies (TRV), calls trade in Expeditors International of Washington (EXPD), and calls trade in Chemtura Corp (CHMT)

Xpress/Mail Block: We are mixing it up today with some questions from OX clients:

Please explain put/call parity.
A very successful trader friend says ITM debit spreads are superior to credit spreads and I do not get it.
Can the probability of a calendar be easily calculated?

Option Block 338: The Great Mobile Trading Debate

Trading Block: A strong surge to the upside, Russell leading the charge. Russell 2000 index (RTY) option costs at Feb 2007 levels. Who is playing out in this product? Apple and Beats headphones - two Tosaw favorites.

Odd Block: Combos, rolling short stock position in Denderon Corp. (DNDN), call buyers trade in VeriFone Systems Inc. (PAY), call buyers trade in Hillshire Brands Co. (HSH), and put spread sellers trade in WisdomTree India Earnings (EPI)

Xpress Block: Alex talks about mobile app usage by the OX clientele and market-wide.

Strategy Block: Mike Tosaw discusses covered calls going in the money - and how that is a good thing.

Around the Block: Upcoming economic reports: Retail Sales (Tuesday), PPI (Wednesday) and CPI (Thursday). Still more earnings: CSCO - 5/14 after, COSI - 5/15 after, TTWO - 5/13 after.

Option Block 337: Looking Back on the Flash Crash

Trading Block: Options traders were preparing for 10% swings of Tesla before week's end based on a straddle. On Wednesday, volume in Twitter options increased fivefold, all but erasing value in a series of bullish contracts. ICE reports record Q1 profit. After its June IPO, Euronext plans to be listed on three of its exchanges. May 6 marks the fourth anniversary and it's a reminder that not much has changed.

Odd Block: Put sellers in BBEP, call spreads trade in Cameco Corp., calls trade in DLX, closing put seller in FTR.

Strategy Block: Calendars vs. verticals, part deux.

Comment from Erik Ruehr re: Mike Tosaw’s survey. I say vertical spreads are better now. Thanks for the show.
Comment from Tom S.: In response to Uncle Mike’s survey: In general, I’d say vertical spreads trade much better now.
Comment from LJO: Put me down in the plus column for verticals.

Around the Block: Some earnings left: CSCO, TTWO, CBOE, GRPN. Macro, macro, macro, 10-year, 30-year, the Fed. Will social media/tech stocks hold up?

Option Block 336: Earnings and the Death of Minis

Trading Block: A mild day on the street. Apple catching a bid. Tuesday’s computer error at NYSE ACRA and NYSE AMEX options markets resulted in almost 20,000 erroneous trades.

Odd Block: Call buyers trade in Nike Inc. (NKE), call sellers trade in Gilead Sciences, Inc. (GILD), put spreads trade in iShares Barclays 7-10 year Treasury ETF (IEF) - closing roll, and closing put buyers trade in NQ Mobile Inc. (NQ).

Xpress Block: Late May/Early June is the target date for enhancements to OX mobile, which will include single-leg walk limits, as well as OSO and OTO orders.

Mail Block: In which Option Pit steals the show.

Website comment from Kaiserdog76: Loved todays Option Block. Especially the focus on Mini Options and their total failure. Mark Sebastian said it best when he talked about the people that really need a break in the Market getting "Bo Didley Squat" when the dust settles. I have all ways hated Minis. Talk about a getting "Stupid" on an option trade. One tenth the size but %100 the commission. Spreads wider than Honey Boo Boo. This product is a total joke and in my humble opinion never really lived. This was dead on takeoff.

Website comment from Meatball-in-training: Great show. The question from one of your listeners about the trade scanner that keeps popping up two standard deviation ITM debit spreads was very interesting. Is it perhaps the case that the scanner is ignoring the cost of carry on the premium itself when looking at prospective trades? That is the sort of thing I can imagine someone overlooking when programming a trade scanner and for wide verticals with lots of time to expiration, it might be enough to make expensive debit spreads look superior to their synthetically equivalent credit spreads. I am one of Mark and Andrews’s students, so if this is all wrong, feel free to blame them.

Tweet from OtC bOuNcEr$ @stevesokol21 - Is there a way to run a scan anywhere to find more stocks with that pattern? Thanks a lot for the help

Around the Block: Still some more earning left out there: ATVI - 5/6, CBOE - 5/6, DIS - 5/6, EA - 5/6, GRPN - 5/6, TSLA - 5/7 & PCLN - 5/8

Option Block 335: The Giovinazzi/Tosaw Spectacular

Trading Block:

A slow day on the market today. TLT was one of the few things to light up the tape. Yellen, the Fed and bond buying. An update of the VIX and S&P with Andrew.

Odd Block:

Call buyers in Auxilium Phramaceuticals, Inc (AUXL)

Call buyers jump into EQT Corp. (EQT)

Call spreads trade in Verso Paper Corp (VRS)

Calls roll in Mechel OAO (MTL)

Strategy Block:

A question/poll for our audience: Given the level of the VIX, is this market a better environment for doing verticals spreads or horizontal spreads?

Around the Block:

More earnings: XOM, LNKD, KRFT and EXPE.The biggest news will come for the jobs report on Friday.Will gold continue to slide? GDP?

Option Block 334: Are Mini Options Dead?

Trading Block:

Close to close is only half the story today. Russell and the NASDAQ lead the way. Stocks that pay a nice dividend are clear outperforming stocks that do not. Three candidates selected to oversee OPRA.

Odd Block:

Puts go up in Diebold Inc (DBD)

A three-way trade goes up in Range Resources Corp. (RRC)

Calls buyers go up in Norhtstar Realty Finance Corp. (NRF)

Put spread sales trade in Bank of America Corp (BAC) - potential roll down

Xpress Block:

A continuing rotation out of momentum into more quality names. Apple, Amazon IBM and Microsoft were all hot on the OX desk today.

Strategy Block:

A two-part strategy block today. First, a few current strategies Uncle Mike is employing. Second, a trade for people who may not have been able to pull the trigger on a selling a bull put spread when the market was down today.

Mail Block:

Question from Jason Kruse - Has probably been asked & answered many times, and I have missed it.. Will $AAPL minis continue to trade after the split?

Around the Block:

A lot of economic news this week, including the Fed two-day FOMC meeting. On Monday, pending home sales and Dallas Fed manufacturing. More earnings: TWTR, MAR, CME & LKND

Option Block 333: AAPL, AMZN Earnings Roundup

Trading Block:

A mild rally on the street today. Apple earnings play-by-play with Uncle Mike Tosaw. A very boring Apple earnings - will this become the next Microsoft? What is the future for Apple? What is the future of the Minis? Will 7 to 1 be the death nail?

Odd Block:

Strangles, calls and puts trade in Eagle Rock Energy Partners LP (EROC), closing call buys trade in SandRidge Energy Inc (SD), closing call buys in iShares MSCI Japan ETF (EWJ), and put buyers trade in AmerisourceBergen Corp. (ABC)

Xpress Block:

A very busy day at OX, but one that is not represented in the numbers. A lot of paper in FB and APPL going into earning.

Mail Block:

Question from Nick Snow - Hey Mark. Second time writer here. I was recently scanning brokers out there and have listened to almost everything on options insider. I found one that is highly regarded by barons and some there's for price and technology recently. One of their "proprietary scanning" functions is meant for spread traders. I opened a virtual trade account and played with it and it is all out of the money low Vol 2 standard deviations debit spreads. Is this not a complete love your broker trade? Is there something more that they can build in a spread debit trade that I do not know?

Question from George - You posted a chart recently on Options Insider and unfortunately I do not know what "P/C" mean. Would you please explain it for me? Many thanks. Your site is very interesting and readable.

Question from A. Berger - When are futures options going live in Idea Hub? Thanks and I love the show. P.S. - Can OX add a caps lock indicator to the website like they have in iTunes? It would make it easier to log on since I am always forgetting about my caps lock.

Question from Doc Phil - Why do so many options traders fall to the “dark side?” You do not see many short sellers in equities. Is premium selling just more attractive or is there something about options traders?

Around the Block:

A final look at MSFT, AMZN and APPL after the bell.

More earning on the horizon: MAR - 4/29, NOK - 4/29, TWTR - 4/29, LNKD - 5/1 & CME - 5/1.

Option Block 332: How to Waste a Good Hedge

Trading Block: Back to rally mode on the street. Vol retreats yet again. Names before the bell: Haliburton (HAL), Hasbro (HAS) - After: Netflix (NFLX)

Odd Block: Put sellers trade in SBA Communications Corp. (SBAC), call buyers trade in Merrill Lynch/Market Vectors Semiconductors ETF (SMH), review from 3/27/14 - calls trade in Ares Capital Corp. (ARCC) (this was a loser), and a review from 3/24/14 - call buyers jump in Quest Diagnostics Inc. (DGX) (possible winner).

Xpress Block: Apple and Facebook dominate trades, though, a lighter than expected day today.

Strategy Block: This week Uncle Mike talks about expiration day risk - just in case some of you got burned last week.

Around the Block: Earnings season shifts into full gear. On tap for this week:

APPL - 4/23, FB - 4/23, F - 4/25, GM - 4/24 before, MSFT - 4/24 after, UAL - 4/24 before & AMZN - 4/24 after.

Option Block 331: Maximizing Your IRA

Trading Block: It was a pretty slow day, with all major indices basically unchanged on the day. Expiration issues prompted many phone calls to the optionsXpress desk. Earnings aren’t running over premium sellers like the last time. Pit trading helped out the CME last week. HFT narrative still active in the market.

Odd Block: Big call buy in Wal-Mart Stores Inc., May call spread trades in Western Digital Corp. (WDC), put buying in Target Corp. (TGT), and closing out a huge position in Lloyds Bank of London (LYG).

Xpress Block: Frenzy about a shortened expiration week, particularly with indexes.

Mail Block: Listener questions drive the conversation.

What to do with a losing position?
Day trading commissions and tax implications.
Maximizing a Roth IRA.

Option Block 330: Falklands War Volatility

Trading Block: A mild day on the street. The Russian incursion of Ukraine is still having its effects on the market. CBOE VXST off to a good start. Hedge fund VIX bets on the decline.

Odd Block: Calls go up in Carnival Corp. (CCL), calls trade in Millennial Media (MM), call spreads trade in IAC Interactive Corp (IACI), and puts trade in Dean Foods Co. (DF).

Xpress Block: Happy Tax Day! Market are thin, given this shortened week. Yahoo and Google on the tape at OX.

Strategy Block: Uncle Mike revisits the topic of selling puts in a down market.

Around the Block: A big earnings week! 4/15: SCHW (before) YHOO, INTC; 4/16: BAC (before), GOOG, IBM; 4/17: GS (before), AMD, CMD; 4/21: NFLX.

Option Block 329: The Great SPY vs. SPX Iron Condor Debate

Trading Block: A sea of red on the street today. A lot of directional paper going through OX today. Terrible data coming out of China. CBOE Short-Term VIX product (VXST) launches.

Odd Block: Getting the RDA of RDA puts (RDA), big put blocks trade in Bill Barrett Corp. (BBG), and IV jumping in Tower Group International Ltd. (TWGP).

Xpress Block: A mass exodus from momentum stocks. What exactly caused this?

Mail Block: Commissions and Buy/Writes

Question from Brian Collamer - Mark mentioned he thought U.S. retail accounts should be trading SPY rather than SPX options in a recent Options Block episode. I 'm selling Iron condors in SPX {2 contracts, just learning...} When I looked at the same size trades in SPY {20 contracts}. The commissions were killer. I like the idea of better fills in SPY and no open outcry trading, but seems like the commissions/fees really make them untenable at my levels. Am I missing something? Thanks for the great podcasts!! Brian
Question from AJ - I was listening to The Option Block #266 Juice & Paper and you guys mentioned how you saw unusual activity in FCX which looked like a Buy/Write trade. My question: How can you tell when an option trade is a Buy/Write or options paired with shares trade? Thanks.

Around the Block: What will pick up the market?

Option Block 328: Earnings Season Is Back

Trading block: Momentum has been taken out of the market for the past two days - which way will we move? Earnings season is upon us. GLD rundown with Uncle Mike.

Xpress Block: Some hedges were being lifted today. Google the big name on the OX desk.

Strategy Block: This week, Uncle Mike Tosaw discusses selling puts in a down market.

Around the Block: Bank earnings a little later this week. What more could come out of Ukraine? Is "buy the dip" still there?

Option Block 327: You, Too, Can Be an FBI Junior Agent

Trading Block: March options volume rose 14%. ADV was 16,931,924 contracts, equity options volume was 321,641,596 contracts. FBI to investigate high frequency trading - the FBI wants your help!

Odd Block: Big call purchases in DFC Global (DLLR), buy-write in Williams Companies, Inc. (WMB), bullish bet in Resolute Energy (REN), and big block of puts trade in Corning (GLW)

Xpress Block: Google now trades on an adjusted basis: Class A and Class C shares.

Mail Block: Tell us what you want to know.

Question from Wael Randa - What service do you offer to help options traders. Also I am looking for a scanner to spot big order block by investors. Any free or paid service. Thanks a lot, Samuel.
Question from John King - @Options could you discuss trade entry for Iron butterfly/condor (ignoring commish)-all at once vs. leg verticals vs. buy strangle then sell straddle?
Question from Fred Blackes - Geez, you guys are great. Why is it that you were the only ones who read the FIO options actions April 25 2013 correctly? Everybody else had the trader/Hedgie buying the Sept 24 calls. Do you offer any service for learning/advisory

Around the Block: S&P 500 hits another record. Unemployment report Friday. Earnings coming up next week.

Option Block 326: Options Trading for Bitcoin

Trading Block

The Fed is not turning off the spigot anytime soon. Ukraine easing tensions combine to boost the market. Options trading for Bitcoins - Atlas 2.0 launched in Hong Kong and North America. Regulatory rule unlikely for HFT. Author Michael Lewis releases a new HFT book - Flash Boys.

Odd Block

Puts trade in Genpact Limited (G), Call spreads trade in Grupo Televisa SAB (TV) and Call sales trade in iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (EEM)

Xpress Block

Tesla and Amazon still retreating. Idea Hub for Schwab mobile is in its final days of testing - should be out in the next couple of weeks.

Strategy Block

Today, Uncle Mike discusses the importance of closing out short options.

Mail Block

Question from Dylan Harris - Hi, I started trading options about a year and a half ago and got burned a few times which made me realize I did not know nearly what I thought I did and sent me back to the drawing boards. I have spent the time since then learning as much as I can about different options strategies and trying them in virtual accounts. I have come to the conclusion that diagonal spreads fit me pretty well. The question I have is whether there are ways to use delta as a trigger to (in the case of diagonals) roll the short strike down and/or out and if so how successful have these been in implementation and which brokers have them? Thanks! Dylan

Around the Block

March 31 planting report. Janet Yellens speech. End of the first quarter.

Option Block 325: SPX vs. SPY vs. Steven Seagal

Trading Block: A mild day on the street. VIX cash taking a little breather. A lot of put buying in Google, Tesla, Netflix, Priceline, etc. Lululemon gets its first big pop in a while. TLT reaches a one year high.

Odd Block: Combos trade in the VIX, straddle trades in EQT Corporation (EQT), calls trade in Ares Capital Corp. (ARCC), and puts trade in SPDR Barclays Capital High Yield (JNK)

Xpress Block: Growth was in short supply today on the OX desk - a mass exodus. A mixed bag for the biotechs. Idea Hub is coming to Schwab mobile soon! Plus spot VIX products!

Listener Mail Extravaganza: Because if it’s going to be an extravaganza, why not make it about mail?

Question from John King - Could you discuss SPX vs SPY vs ES opts? Bid/Ask slip VS commish, Margin treatment, ex-div/exercise annoyance, etc.? Thanks! - Commish in my case are flat .75/cntr, no tkt chg. For ES opt its $3.65 thx!

Question from Nick Snow - Options block 323 - You mentioned on this show that RBS had a bunch of Aug 10 ATM volume today. I noticed this also and I am not sure I get it. RBS has lots of problems with the queen and the LIBOR fees they pay from loans. I am not sure how I can phrase this so it’s tradeable but if any company where to have an IPO of a company owned with in. Would you buy calls on the company that was public because you assume the cash injection from the IPO would boost the stock of the parent? If you want to get more clarity around that I can but I am sure it will kill your ability to trade RBS. And as an options express account holder tell them to get flies on their scans instead of just condors. :)

Question from Nishant Pant - I love your show so much. Every morning at gym, I am listening to your podcasts instead of music like everybody else. One thing I am frustrated on the internet is everybody is just busy explaining what a straddle or strangle or any other thing is...instead of telling the practical things you need to keep in mind and you guys do such a great job in explaining the gotchas and the greeks which matter. Is it possible for you to add actionable ideas? Tomorrow GRPN is releasing earnings. Maybe you can build upon what you have already taught us and explain an actionable idea and tell us why you think a particular trade you are suggesting makes sense. I would pay for such a podcast at the blink of an eye. Just for the learning aspect of it. Thanks again for your awesomeness.

Around the Block: Treasuries. Volatility. What will Russia do next? Buy the dip…a 52% guarantee. Short supply in growth issues.

Option Block 324: Behold the Power of the Stupid

Trading Block: A mild day on the street. Controversy over SPX settlement on Friday. Mutual fund use of options: public holding and trends (presented at RMC). Minis one year later - boom or bust?

Odd Block: Call buyers jump in Quest Diagnostics Inc, (DGX), big call roll in Coronado Biosciences Inc. (CNDO), puts trade in Spectrum Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (SPPI), and call sellers in Prologis Inc. (PLD).

Xpress Block: Alex talks in depth about the SPX settlement controversy on Friday

Strategy Block: Tosaw discusses the "Stupid." What is it and when do you use it?

Around the Block: Watching and waiting to see what happens in the Ukraine. Parade of Fed people. What’s happening with the super cheap treasury vol?

Option Block 323: Rebar Futures Extravaganza

Trading Block: Russian President Vladimir Putin is an investor in Swiss-based oil trader Gunvor Group Ltd. Time for the global derivatives volume guessing game! Put on your thinking caps and guess the winners in the various product categories: indexes, ags, metals, and more.

Odd Block: Calls spreads trade in Alpha Natural Resources Inc. (ANR); calls trade in Mast Therapeutics Inc. (MSTX); calls trade in Royal Bank of Scotland PLC (RBS), and: puts trade in iShares Japan fund (EWJ).

Xpress Block: New enhancements to the OX trading platform.

Mail Block: Thumped by Theta

Question from Theta Thumper: Here's a question for one of your shows (Options Insider maybe?): You often talk about hedging a portfolio. If you decide to do it the simple way and hedge by buying a long dated 'put' on the SPY (instead of using the VIX) is it better to buy a put at say 15-20% below the market for the full amount of your portfolio or use the same amount of cash you would have used for that to hedge closer to the money but with a smaller percentage of the portfolio? My concept is to use 1% of my portfolio per year as a hedge. Jim (Theta Thumper) Sisters, OR

Around the Block: Stock market edges higher after encouraging economic reports offset interest rate concerns.

Option Block 322: When 50 is the New 70

Trading Block: The VIX was up 25% in the last week. FIA Boca update. US derivatives exchanges have seen improved trading volume. In the US, three of the top five US exchanges grew in Feb.

Odd Block: Calls trade in UQM Technologies (UQM), call buyers jump into Silicon Image, Inc. (SIMG), puts trade in Montage Technology Group (MONT), and call sellers try on some DSW Inc. (DSW).

Xpress Block: A quiet day at OX. Some activity in triple digit names and the 10-year and the Bund.

Around the Block: Ukraine worries, Sundays referendum, US sanctions and Feb US data numbers.

Option Block 321: Old School Bullish Paper

Trading Block: A big selloff on the market today. Angela Merkel yells at Putin. A big day for the banks. The numbers are in! $21.64B derivatives traded in 2013. $12.22B of futures. $11.7B in equity names. VXST options coming in April. More exchanges are on the way - for better or worse.

Odd Block: Some very interesting paper in IRDM, AG, TSM, and XRAY.

Xpress Block: Three new OX products are nearly ready for release, IRIS - Integrated Rapid Information System, Idea Hub for Schwab mobile and Idea Hub for Futures.

Mail Block:

Question from Illin' - Are the new Mt. Gox IOUs essentially the first Bitcoin derivatives?
Question from Joseph Riggs - Has OX ever thought about creating its own options product, that it could then promote to its customers? Is that even possible (legal), or are new products the sole domain of the exchanges? Is that why there are so many? They are all trying to get into the new product biz.
Question from Ian Getz - Basic question, is there HFT in the options market as there is in the equities?

Around the Block: Still keeping an eye on Ukraine, as well as China banking. There might be some quite literal weekend risk.

Option Block 320: Filling Your Britches with Fear

Trading Block: A mild selloff on the street today - a resounding meh! Congrats to Andrew for passing the Series 65 exam! A big day for energy. VXST: Is there any interest there?

Odd Block: Calls trade in Plug Power Inc. (PLUG), calls trade in MeetMe Inc. (MEET), call buyer with stock in Technology SPDR ETF (XLK), and buy-write in Encana Corp. (ECA)

Xpress Block: An update on energy/nat gas trading at OX. A very quiet day; are we in the eye of the storm.

Strategy Block: Uncle Mike Tosaw discusses some things to consider if you want to collect some income while still being long a stock.

Around the Block: Not much on the earnings front. Ukraine. Boeing.

Option Block 319: Why Would Anyone Do That?

Trading Block

Indexes are at the same level as this morning but the S&P 500 could hit another record close. VIX high on the continuing drama in Ukraine. Staples falls on disappointing quarterly numbers. Federal Reserve data released on Thursday. Ukraine and Nat Gas. Jobless claims Thursday - Nonfarms Friday.

Odd Block

Puts trade in James River Coal Company (JRCC), puts trade in CommonWealth REIT (CWH), buy-write traders in MeetMe (MEET) and long close in SPDR KBW Regional Bank ETF (KRE)

Xpress Block

Alex clears up the confusion caused by the upcoming dividend of the Qs. Soda Stream lit up the tape late in the session.

Mail Block

Question from J. Charles - My question for the all-star panel is about analytics platforms. I have heard you guys mention a variety of different suites, live LiveVol. I pretty much just use my brokers tools and they work fine for me. I can pull up the options chains, click on the strikes and options I want to trade, click on the option to enter a trade and all that stuff. I can also pull up skews and research. It really does the job for me. What is ti that these other platforms offer you that would be worth paying $200+ a month in extra fees? Sorry but I am no an OX customer - although the show is pulling me in that direction. Hope that does not hurt my chances of being featured on the program.

Comment from Bryan Nic - @Options Just pulled up OB on your app. Hundreds of episodes waiting for me. Thats serious streaming goodness. Commute is covered now. Thx.

Question from Avent - Bought 50 ZNGA Mar 5 calls for $.17 last month. They are sitting around $.60 now. What should I do - sell? Sell half and let the rest ride? Roll to April 6 calls for $.28? Take the stock and then write covered calls against it? I am still mildly bullish on ZNGA, but worried about a near term correction.

Question from Phillip Gregory, Dallas, TX - I like your advice about writing puts to get long stock. But I keep hearing people warning me about gap risk. What exactly are they talking about? Is this something unique to options or are limit stock orders just subject to gap risk?

Option Block 318: The Putin Puts

Trading Block: Putin’s show of force in Crimea spooks the street. VIX cash sails back above the 16 handle. Ukraine and Nat Gas craziness. Alex has a story: Trading firm Jump Trading LLC gives $25 million to medical research project.

Odd Block: Puts sellers trade in Market Vectors Russia ETF (RSX), calls trade in The Fresh Market Inc. (TFM), cpreads trade in EXACT Sciences Corp. (EXAS), and put buyers trade in JC Penney (JCP)

Xpress Block: The dominate trading at OX today was in metals, crude oil, and nat gas - coffee hit a record high.

Strategy Block: Tosaw reaches out to all the eternal bulls, such as himself

Around the Block: What will Putin do? Is Argentina on the back burner for now? Goldman’s big analyst meeting is tomorrow (3/4). Jobless claims on Thursday, and non-farms on Friday.

Option Block 317: The Old Goldman Bait and Switch

Trading Block: A mild rally on the street today. JCPenney on the move, jumping as high as 26%, its greatest one-day percentage gain in least 30 years! Tesla announced on Wednesday its big expansion plans will be partially funded through a $1.6 billion bond issue. Goldman’s investor day study.

Odd Block: Call buyers in American Axle and Manufacturing (AXL), both calls and puts trade in CBL & Associates Properties, Inc. (CBL).

Xpress Block: Some hedging going on: VIX call buying, SPDR put buying. Customers seem to be getting nervous.

Mail Block: The all-stars will take your questions now.

Question from Concerned Spreader: I have a question for the mail block on the option block program. I would like to know if there is a special procedure for entering ratio-type spreads on the OX website. Whenever I try to enter any spread trade, from the XSpreads ticket, it always defaults to the same size for each leg. When I try to change that, it gives me a popup saying that each leg must be the same size. I wanted to buy some calls but did not have enough capital in my account to also sell the equal number of puts to finance them. So I wanted to trade what amounted to a risk reversal on a ratio. I tried simply adding a leg to my call trade ticket without success. I tried the combo, straddle, butterfly and condor tabs in the XSpreads ticket also with no luck. I suppose my only alternative is to execute the legs separately and then incur multiple ticket changes. Perhaps OX need to ass a ratio tab to the XSpreads ticket? Please let me know if I am missing something obvious.
Question from NTaleb - Why do you think so much options unusual activity is focused on calls instead of puts? There are just as many negative surprises as positive surprises lurking out there.
Comment from Chitim - Just used the app to listen to option block during my flight to San Fran. Always had problems streaming your stuff on my HTC One because Android sucks for streaming podcasts. But this worked like a charm! I downloaded it ahead of time and it was ready to go when we took off. Definitely preferable to the inflight movie. Also, why does Andrew always sound so surprised to be on the show? Keep them coming!

Around the Block: There is a disconnect between realized and implied vol. Russian tough talk. SPX closing high…why can’t people accept the market at this level? Is it time to sell S&P? Volatility in the sovereign debt market is astounding. Astounding!

Option Block 316: The Great Put Roll Down

Trading Block: A strong rally on the street. Vol is holding up well despite the rally. SolarCity and Sina today after the bell.

Odd Block: Review from 12-30-13: Call buyers trade in Mattel Inc. (MAT). Plus, calls trade in Nvidia Corp. (NVDA), put spreads trade in WisdomTree India Earnings Fund (EPI), put buyers in New York Community Bank, Inc. (NYCB), and put sellers in Infinity Pharmaceuticals Inc. (INFI)

Xpress Block: Netflix, Priceline, Tesla all lighting up the tape. Facebook has become the new Lululemon.

Strategy Block: Uncle Mike Tosaw discusses how to protect a put spread.

Around the Block: Mobile World Congress may have big announcements in the mobile space. An update on SolarCity (SCTY). Jobless claims on Thursday.

Option Block 315: The Great Iron Fly Vs. Condor Debate

Trading Block: Market up 0.5%, Facebook buys WhatsApp for $19B, and Groupon takes a wild ride after hours

Odd Block: Put buying in Veeco Instruments Inc. (VECO), puts trade in iPath S&P 500 VIX Short Term ETP (VXX), put spreads trade in EcoLab Inc. (ECL), and put spreads trade in iShares MSCI Emerging Markets (EEM) ETF.

Mail Block: Alex wanted another go at Snowbird's question from last week.

Question from Infimy - What is the ASPs favorite options analytics suite?
Comment/Question from Hack3 - Bitcoin imploded after you guys trashed it on Options Block. Coincidence?
Question from John King - @Options Could you discuss preference of Iron Fly to regular butterflies, ICs, etc? Always neutral or OK with one side in money? Timing?

Option Block 314: Late-Night Gamma Scalping

Trading Block: Catching an updraft on the street today. A decent slate of earnings helped bolster the market. New Fed Chief didn't completely destroy the market with her first remarks. WSJ writing about someone purchasing 3200 Feb $15 calls in Magic Jack before big newsletter mention. Big day for Apple.

Odd Block: Put sellers finance call buyers in Mechel OAO (MTL), and calls trade in E Commerce China Dangdang (DANG).

Xpress Block: The classic names were lighting up the OX desk today: Apple, Solar City, Facebook, Tesla, and Priceline. Plus the return of the Ideas Hub game!

Mail Block: Mark’s favorite segment.

Question from Anath3ma - How are options stops triggered? Bid? Ask? Mid? If ask, am I then filled on the bid costing me the spread? Seems like it could be costly.
Question from Snowbird - My friend and I like to by straddles going into earnings, but we often miss a great deal of the move that occurs after the market close. I know you have discussed this in the past by referring to the process known as "gamma scalping." I think I understand how it works - basically trading stock against your options to lock in profits - but I am cloudy on the mechanics. (FYI I am an OX customer). Let’s say I buy a straddle in my account with zero delta (50 delta call and put). Then let’s say the underlying rallies after the close and my straddle now has a 50 delta. I would then need to sell stock against that straddle to lock in my gains, but as far as the OX system is concerned, my straddle closed for the day with a zero delta. Will the system update with after-hours data to reflect the fact that my straddle now has a 50 delta, and if I sell short stock, I am essentially "locking in a profit" as opposed to naked shorting the stock? I suppose the alternative is to simply keep a large amount of free capital in your account on the off chance that you need to trade some stock against your positions in the after-hours, but that seems needlessly wasteful. Perhaps this is why you say "gamma scalping" is not viable for retail?

Around the Block: More earnings.

Marriott on 2/19; GRPN, HPQ, and PCLN on 2/20.

Option Block 313: Yelling at Yellen

Trading Block: A rather quiet day on the street. It has been a strange week for vol/VIX. Does this buyback draw a line in the sand at $500 for Apple? Icahn is dropping his call for expanded buyback program after getting little support. BATS is talking about launching a second options exchange after their merger. Bitcoin taking it on the chin since our last show. An exchange stopped taking withdrawals and it is crushing the price.

Odd Block: Puts Trade in iShares MSCI EAFE Index (EFA), puts Trade in ConAgra Foods, Inc. (CAG), calls roll in AuRico Gold Inc. (AUQ), and calls Trade in Boardwalk Pipeline Partners (BWP).

Xpress Block: Only two names really generated a lot of paper today: Tesla and Apple.

Strategy Block: Uncle Mike discusses gamma combined with a credit spread, a preview of his upcoming webinar.

Around the Block: The last of the earnings: CSCO - 2/12 after, NVDA 2/12 after. Debt ceiling back on the table. First remarks from new Fed chief tomorrow.

Option Block 312: Juicy Buffett Puts

Trading Block: Market up 1%. Is the brief correction over? VIX far below the 20-handle. Twitter taking it on the chin; down 23% off news that subscriber growth is slowing. Zynga back up in the $4.5 range again. Is it risk reversal time again?

Odd Block: Giant collars go up in Zynga Inc. (ZNGA), puts trade in NuPathe Inc. (PATH), calls trade in Global X Uranium ETF (URA), and giant collar trades in TD Ameritrade Holdings Corp (AMTD)

Xpress Block: Big volume in Yelp, Green Mountain, and Twitter. More weeklys in the Ideas Hub

Mail Block:

Question from Nick Tate - Do you guys think Bit Coin derivatives are on the horizon? Would OX trade it? What would the call skew look like in something like that?

Question from Inchon06 - Mr. Mass Destruction sure seems to be pretty happy selling puts. Hypocrisy or just taking advantage of "Buffett Premium"?

Around the Block: Whats left on the earnings horizon? Non-farms ahead.

Option Block 311: VIX Drops the Ball

Trading Block: An aggressive selloff today, S&P off 41 handles, NASDAQ down 107 handles. VIX cash passes the 20-handle. A weak start to February. Apple and GLD were the lone greens on the screen today. That makes for a happy Tosaw. The OIC announced today that 389,821,135 total options contracts traded in January, the seventh highest monthly volume ever. TTWO earnings after the bell.

Odd Block: Collars go up in Two Harbors Investment Corp. (TWO), call buyers trade in Powershares DB Agriculture (DBA), and collars go up in Seattle Genentics, Inc. (SGEN)

Xpress Block: A difficult day at the OX desk. All hands on deck after the opening selloff.

Strategy Block: Uncle Mike Tosaw expands on his discussion on rolling down puts.

Around the Block: More Earnings-palooza:

CME 2-4 before; RDN 2-5 before; DIS & TWTR 2-5 after; GM, LNKD, and ZNGA 2-6; CBOE 2-7.

Option Block 310: GOOG After Hours Mania

Trading Block: The “Correction” is over. Earnings Trading Review: GOOG and CME after the bell. FB - ATM straddle went out around $6, traded nearly $3 through that today. F - Announces "best year ever" but closes nearly unchanged on the day. APPL - That $460 put is not looking so outlandish now.

Odd Block: Puts sales trade in Kellogg Company (K), puts buyers trade in Newell Rubbermaid Inc. (NWL), and puts sellers and buyers trade in Overstock.com, Inc (OSTK)

Xpress Block: A big day at OX, driven by all the earnings events. Perplexed by Google.

Mail Block: Question from C_Dog -What is a scenario where you would consider a ratio vertical spread (1x2, 1x3) going into earnings?

Comment from Go Husky - I only trade options around earnings. Am I crazy?

Around the Block: A quick update on Amazon, Google and Chipotle. Upcoming earnings: DIS 2-5, GM 2-6, LNKD 2-6, CME 2-4, ZNGA 2-6, TWTR 2-5

Option Block 309: The Big AAPL Earnings Show

Trading Block: Markets reverse most of today’s slide late in the session. Lots of index volatility, but not many buyers. VIX coming off later in the session. Big Apple earnings after the bell, and right in Tosaw’s crosshairs. The International Securities Exchange (ISE) has not appealed a federal court decision that rejected ISE's attempt in the New York courts to challenge S&P Dow Jones Indices’ (SPDJI) rights to control the use of the S&P 500 and the Dow Jones Industrial Average as the basis of index options.

Odd Block: Puts trade in iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (EEM), calls trade in Time Warner Inc. (TWX), and calls trade in Mechel OAO (MTL)

Xpress Block: Nat Gas and the 10-year very busy on the desk. Apple, MasterCard, Caterpillar, F5 Networks and VIX also very active.

Strategy Block: It’s fruit day! Tosaw also discusses his current position in the Russell.

Around the Block: Apple update, Fed meeting, and President Obama’s State of the Union address.

Option Block 308: The Scale from Smart to Cowboy

Trading Block: An aggressive selloff sparked by weak existing home sales. VIX cash back in the mid-teens. Microsoft after the bell. Netflix tearing it up.

Odd Block: Call buyers in Flagstar Bancorp, Inc. (FBC), closing put buys in Royal Bank of Scotland Group (RBS), calls trade in YPF SA (ADR), calls buyers trade in AVG Technologies N.V. (AVG).

Xpress Block: Alex gets on a soapbox to discuss tax reporting season and understanding how margin works. Netflix, Apple, and Herbalife.

Mail Block: Question from John King: @Options Any comments on this style of option trading: smart, cowboy, or in between?

Around the Block: Google, Chipotle, and Amazon: 1/30 after; Facebook 1/29 after; Ford 1/28 before; EA 1/28 after; Apple 1/27 after.

Option Block 307: Idiotic Upside Calls

Trading Block: A mild selloff early in the session. SPX weeklies up 98% in 2013. SPX & VIX options hopefully getting extended hours in 2014. Best buy taking in on the chin after a poor holiday season. Chuck E. Cheese is worth a billion!

Odd Block: Calls trade in Eldorado Gold Corp. (EGO), calls trade in Amarin Corporation (AMRN), and calls trade in Insmed Incorporated (INSM)

Xpress Block: Intel, Best Buy, and DR Horton were popular on the OX desk today.

Mail Block: Keep those questions rolling in!

Comment from Shane Hamilton: Only on the Option Block does Andrew toss around words like "bereft". #alteredstate
Trading resolution from Britt Dowd: To finish building my foundation so that I can finally focus on trading options.
Follow up from Richard: Regarding Jack's question, would these have to be put based front spreads since you'll ultimately have net uncovered short positions? I didn't think naked calls, as you would have in a front spread, would be eligible for use in retirement accounts? Thanks.
Regard this question from Jack: I know you guys are not tax advisors, and so nothing you say can be taken as certain in any answer to this question. I am a small time trader, and at the moment cannot afford a CPA with trading expertise in options to do my taxes. So I am wondering if you can talk about the potential tax consequences of front spreads, especially when used as covered call replacement. I've had good success with this strategy, and I would like to move it into my margin account this year, instead of just using it in the IRA to avoid the tax headache.
Question from Luke Davis: Mark, in show 302, you said in answer to a listener question that using a six month or one year LEAP was good for a stock replacement strategy. Is there any reason you wouldn't go further out than that? For example, I am currently using this on Microsoft and Ford, but with the Jan 2016 ITM calls. Keep up the informative and entertaining shows, and happy New Year!

Option Block 306: Crazy Biotech Action

Trading Block: A mild selloff on the street. Still not many bids for volatility, except in select names. VIX due for a spike according to the Wall Street Journal. NPR calls options "The riskiest place to invest outside of penny stocks."

Odd Block: Puts trade in Clovis Oncology Inc. (CLVS), puts trading in Alnylam Pharmaceuticals Inc. (ALNY), puts trade in Five Below Inc. (FIVE), and calls trade in China Finance Online Co. (JRJC).

Xpress Block: A big mover on the OX desk was LULU. Stealth selloff in crude and the 10-year. Beam bought by Suntory today for $16B.

Strategy Block: Tosaw discusses one small piece of trading spreads with 3-4 legs.

Around the Block: Earnings around the block: BAC on 1/15; CITI, GS, and INTC on 1/16.

Option Block: Apple Kills Weekly Volatility

Trading Block: Alcoa kicking it off after the bell. Apple crushes weekly premium by announcing a late earnings date - 1/27 as opposed to 1/23 like many expected. Many weekly options on the 1/24 cycle were cut in half.

Odd Block: Review from Jan 7: Call buyers in Plug Power Inc. (PLUG), puts sellers trade in BlackBerry Ltd (BBRY), calls roll in Cheniere Energy, Inc. (LNG), and calls roll in American Realty Capital Properties (ACRP).

Xpress Block: Alex discusses premium harvesting for futures.

Mail Block: What do you want to talk about?

Tweet from Ziaur Rahman: what would be a good place to learn about options trading? I’m interested in learning the basics on options trading.stock/index futures, then also discount broker to trade.
Question from Jack: I know you guys are not tax advisors, and so nothing you say can be taken as certain in any answer to this question. I am a small time trader, and at the moment cannot afford a CPA with trading expertise in options to do my taxes. So I am wondering if you can talk about the potential tax consequences of front spreads, especially when used as covered call replacements? I've had good success with this strategy, and I would like to move it into my margin account this year, instead of just using it in the IRA to avoid the tax headache.
Question from Ian Getz: I'm curious how you find good options related articles on the general internet with such a generic word as "options"? Any tips? Articles on the general internet with such a generic word as "options"?

Around the Block: Upcoming Earnings: CITI, GS, and INTC: 1/16, BAC 1/15.

Option Block 304: Polar Vortex Be Damned

Trading Block: Another day, another mild selloff. Crazy fat finger print in gold futures. Apple taking it on the chin. Polar vortex = Boom market for snow derivatives?

Odd Block: Put sellers trade in Wyndham Worldwide Corp. (WYN), put sellers trade in iShares MSCI Japan ETF (EWJ), closing call sellers trade in iPath S&P 500 VIX Short Term Futures ETP (VXX).

Xpress Block: Apple, Twitter and Facebook: the three perennial favorites on the OX desk.

Strategy Block: Uncle Mike Tosaw discusses mortgages. "Should I pay it down or keep it for a tax deduction?"

Around the Block: Jan 6: Factory Orders, ISM Non-Mfg Index. Jan 7: International Trade. Jan 8: ADP Employment Report, EIA Petroleum Status Report, FOMC Minutes. Jan 9: Jobless Claims. Jan 10: Employment Situation

Option Block 303: Wither Single Name VIX?

Trading Block: Most of the major indexes selling off about 1%. A lot of put activity on the street. The numbers are out for 2013!

Odd Block: Puts trade in SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY), puts trade in Yahoo! Inc. (YHOO), review from 11/25: Ziopharm Oncology Inc. (ZIOP), also Titan International Inc. (TWI), review from 10/24: Jive Software Inc. (JAIV), also Covanta Holding Corp. (CVA), review from 06/27: New York Community Bancorp, Inc. (NYCB), also Goodrich Petroleum Corporation (GDP), and review from 10/03: YPF SA (ADR)

Strategy Block: We have a special guest for today's strategy block, featuring Andrew Giovinazzi. He discusses some vol structure and strategies ahead of the Bernanke announcement.

Around the Block: What to watch post-Fed? Alcoa 1/9.

Option Block 302: Looking Forward, Looking Back

Trading Block: Predictions for 2014

Mark - I wish they could finally get the Minis right. Hopefully someone wiIl figure out how to aggregate spread flow across exchanges to improve spread execution, less exchanges, less fixation by retail on VIX/ETFs and more migration to futures/futures options.
Andrew - I like a VIX low print prediction. Where the market is going and the forgotten sectors in 2013 and how they will fair.
Alex - Cash settled equity options (that would be pretty sweet). Hope the tax folks don't pass mandatory mark to market. No transaction tax. After hours trading. Five year Leaps. Adjust maker/taker to discourage HFT. An industry standard for delisting zero open interest series. Electronic trading for the options on the big SPU.Predictions: More consolidation - I was wrong about this occurring in 2013.
Tosaw - Another big year for SPX. Waiting to see Apple earnings tomorrow before I can give a prediction for 2014. I would like to see more volume in the jumbo SPY. Feeling "straddlish" for 2014.
Mark - I predict more exchanges, something occurs to clip the wings of this rally in 2014, not much appreciable Vol in the marketplace until the next big government debate at end of Q1.

Xpress Block: Twitter was the only big name on the desk. A very important discussion on the 1256 issues.

Mail Block: Tell us what you want to hear.

Question from Jason KruseRUSE @Jkruse81- @Options thought about a strategy of maxing out margin to buy a lot, then selling a deepish ITM covered call. Is there a name for that? -@Options or have you guys talked about something like that where I could get a better idea of risks?
Comment from Gary Barisi - That much action because they got a $50M insurance claim!?
Question from Jack @Itrumpdoom - Option Block Front or Back? I apologize if this question has been covered in the last year and I missed it, in dealing with ratio vertical spreads, will you please explain what makes a front spread front, and a back spread back? Thanks

Option Block 301: Twas the Day Before Christmas

Trading Block

A strong rally on the street on the back of a strong consumer sentiment - A sea of green. Everyones favorite fruit company, Apple up during the day.Some substantial moves in CBOE. VXX hits a low for the year.

Odd Block

Call buyers trade in Meritor Inc. (MTOR), put sellers trade in Ambac Financial Group, Inc. (AMBC), call sellers trade in Select Sector SPDR Financial (XLF) and huge rolls in Hercules Offshore, Inc. (HERO)

Xpress Block

Apple, CBOE and social networking were all seeing a lot of action today.

Mail Block

Question from Dylan, Fort Nelson, British Columbia: I have a question on diagonal spreads today. Is there a good way to capitalize on the long vega these spreads generally have without actually selling the long vega option? I've been looking at using the premium gained in the option in a Vol pop to buy "free" puts in VIXM or VXZ and extract some of this premium instead of just watching the Vrol grow and then go away. Maybe a good one for Uncle Mike as I know he's a big diagonal fan. Thanks,

300th Episode Spectacular!

Hooray for our 300th episode!

Mark Sebastian, Mike Tosaw, Andrew Giovinanzzi, Alex Jacobson, Mike Cavanaugh and John Grigus join Mark "The Voice of Options" Longo, to reminisce about the all their favorite moment and shows of the past three years.

Comment from Phil M. - Great show guys! Fun times listening to the Option Block. Keep up with what you guys love to do.

Comment from Jay Thomas - Congrats to "The Voice of Options" on 300 episodes of The Option Block! Keep them coming as this show makes my Tuesdays and Fridays much more bearable.

Comment from Ian Getz - Congratulations in advance on the 300th episode of The Option Block. Mike Tosaws BBI and successful Apple saga were my favorite 2013 moments!

Comment from Jim Jam - Love the show! Whats with all the nicknames? Why does Mark L not have a nickname? How about "The Leader", "The General", "Host Master" or "Barry White of Options"?

Comment from Mr Ill - Thanks Mark for bringing us so much great content over the years, and congrats to the whole all-star panel on Option Block 300. I enjoy the whole network, but OB is far and away my favorite. There is nothing else like it on the air.

Comment from Tim Meads, Montana - I just discovered this show and I am looking forward to perusing the other 299 episodes in the archive. Heres to episode 600! P.S. Where can I get a jaunty, viceroy cap?

Comment from Dave S., Burbank, CA - My favorite OB show title is "Netflix Strangles Children" from episode 261! Wishing you continued success.

Option Block 299: Band-Aid for a Severed Jugular

Trading Block: A broad rally across the street on the backs of strong manufacturing data. Fed meeting coming up. Herbal Life halted today. SEC promising to crackdown on insider trading. What exactly is HFT? Stock buybacks accounting for substantial percentages of ADV.

Odd Block: Puts buyers trade in Royal Bank of Canada (RY), puts trade in ZION Bancorp (ZION), calls trade in Noble Corp. (NE), and calls buyers trade in KBR, Inc. (KBR).

Xpress Block: Herbal Life, Oracle, Lululemon all popular names on the desk today.

Strategy Block: A shout out to the bears.

Around the Block: Fed on Wednesday? Will they taper?

Option Block 298: Only Getting 80%

Trading Block: A mixed day on the street. Post non-farms, what is left to give us some vol? Where does one look for premium writers in this environment? Tosaw Update. OX Update.

Odd Block: Calls buyers trade in CYTRX Corp. (CYTR), calls buyers trade in Glu Mobile Inc. (GLUU), and call buyers in Bean Inc. (BEAM)

Xpress Block: Twitter and Facebook was where the action was on the OX desk.

Strategy Block: Uncle Mike Tosaw breaks down the recent adjustment to his position in GLD.

Around the Block: Is there anything to look forward to in this environment?

Option Block 297: Talk of Tesla & Twitter

Trading Block: Not a lot to drive the market today. Futures are trading a discount to the cash. Non-farm payrolls.

Xpress Block: Tesla and Twitter were lighting up the OX desk today. Also, the United/American Airlines merger - What happens to those investors?

Around the Block: Keeping an eye on the 10-year and Home Builders earnings.

Option Block 296: Apple Fire Sale

Trading Block: A mild selloff on the street. Some vol has been creeping back into the market ahead of Non-Farms. The Apple zealots are back. Pressure continues on the metals.

Odd Block: Calls trade in Arris Group Inc. (ARRS), calls trade in CME Group (CME)

REVIEW FROM 10/24 - Calls trade in Jive Software Inc. (JIVE)

Xpress Block: Rumors that Fords CEO may be coming to Microsoft? Gold and energies were the hot products today.

Mail Block: Facbook Question comes in under the wire

Question from Dylan Harris - I have a point I would like discussed on the Option Block. Can you guys discuss locking in gains for long premium trades? Do you gamma scalp with stock or sell options against the position? Or is it best to just close the position and save the commission costs? Love the shows, thanks!

Around the Block: Non-Farms tomorrow. But then what? Not much on the horizon for the rest of the year.

Option Block 295: Saving Yourself Some Headaches

Trading Block: Is there any vol on the horizon? Amazon drones - watch your head! Black Friday a resounding meh, Cyber Monday still a question mark. The Tosaw update: GLD, SLV, APPL, etc.

Odd Block: IB Options Brief: Best Buy Co. (BBY), calls trade in Intel Inc. (INTC), combos trade in Sprouts Farmers Market Inc. (SFM), calls trade in Forest Labs Inc. (FRX), rolling puts in Avon Products, Inc. (AVP).

Mail Block:

Question from Mountain Man Tim - This question is for Uncle Mike. How do you typically determine the put level that you purchase on a stock? For example, you have mentioned being long the 460 put in Apple. How do you determine the put level that you/your client uses as a hedge?
Question from Jon Jones - What is the ASPs take on Twitter? Long calls? Long puts? Other?

Around the Block: What could possibly bring back activity to the market? Non-farms coming up. Farewell Bernanke!

Option Block 294: You’re Soaking in It

Trading Block: Positioning going into the short weekend. Where are the long premiums? Where is the free juice? Are OX clients still trading or are they already on vacation?

ZNGA love - time for Andrew to gloat. TWTR giving up some of the gains.

Odd Block: Hail Mary call buying in The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX), calls trade in Ziopharm Oncology Inc. (ZIOP), and in Titan International Inc. (TWI)

Xpress Block: The Warren Buffet put in Exxon? The success of OX mobile trading.

Mail Block: We’re taking your questions

Question from Allan Schwartz - Why is open interest still only updated daily? Do we not have enough information now to update that more frequently, if not instantly? If I buy to close 30 calls, that should be reflected in the OI instantly, not the following morning.
Question from Biz Man - Does OX offer any systems to automate trading? Example - Automatically write a 5% OTM call on XYZ underlying every month/week, etc. It would save some hassle for busy clients.

Around the Block: The holiday approaches. Markets closed Thursday, and half-day on Friday.

Option Block 293: The Gift that Keeps on Giving

Trading Block: A strong rally on the street with VIX futures getting utterly destroyed. Twitter has not been the big vol mover as expected. Tesla continues to take it on the chin. Zynga: the stocky hat keeps on giving.

Odd Block: Yesterday review - Calls trade in Star Scientific, Inc. (STSI), risk reversal trades in the CBOE Volatility Index (VIX), calls buyers in China Life Insurance Company (LFC)

Xpress Block: New technology coming soon to the OX website.

Strategy Block: Uncle Mike discusses the importance of having a variety of different strategies in your trading.

Around the Block: Russell Index is coming back. It will be a race to see who can take down option premiums. S&P taking out 1,800.

Option Block 292: TWTR Is No FB

Trading Block: The first day of trading for Twitter options was very interesting, but yet not the day everyone was hoping for. With these numbers, Twitter will not set a first-day options trading record as Facebook did on its debut. Alex said Dec 50 calls were popular at OX today. CBOE now disseminating VXST every 15 seconds instead of once per day. Interesting article on Barron’s today slamming VXX and other VIX ETPs.

Odd Block: Review from last show - Calls trade in Tile Shop Holdings (TTS), put spread trades in Darling International Inc. (DAR), calls trade in Kindred Healthcare, Inc. (KND)

Mail Block: Question from BROB

What do you guys think of put/call ratios? I never hear you mention them on the show. Useful tool or overhyped indicator?

Around the Block: Home Depot earnings before the open tomorrow.

Option Block 291: Twas the Night before Twitter

Trading Block: A mild rally on the street today. A tepid outlook from Walmart, doesn't bode well for the economy. Cisco taking in on the chin post-earnings. Happy Twitter Options Eve! Any client interest in trading twitter options?

Odd Block: Crazy call buyer in The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX), calls trade in Tile Shop Holdings (TTS).

Xpress Block: No Alex today. So it’s time for the Trading Patterns Guessing Game - Special Twitter Edition.

Strategy Block: Uncle Mike Tosaw discusses when to roll up a call on a diagonal call debit spread.

Mail Block: Whacha wanna know?

Question from Ham Shack - I have read some articles that say Twitter options, particularly the put options, will be very wide and expensive on launch day. I can wrap my head around wider spreads for a new issue, but why would the puts cost more? Is it just a question of bears bidding up the volatility?

Around the Block: Will the SPX break 1,800? Could we see the highs of the year next week?

Option Block 290: Keep that Theta Rolling

Trading Block: Twitter IPO released, started at $26. Can't wait to sell the puts. Tesla taking it on the chin, breaking through the 140 handle. Priceline closed down.

Mail Block: Keep those questions coming

Question from Ian @mategio - Can you please expand on these formation you guys talked about (Apple, buy the guts, sell the wings)? Can I see them in Options Xpress?
Question from Ed Vangelos - Alex's comment on the Ford collar from last week;s episode disturbed me. He essentially said that selling the stock was better than using a collar to hedge the position, because no one wants to sell the call. So is Alex just not a fan of collars, or does he actually think it’s better to be in cash than to have a hedged equity position?
Question from Richard D. - Mark and the crew, I am posting my questions in more atomic increments so that you can decide which are worthy to be read, or queue them up for the future. One reason we like options is that we create similar effects to long or short stock positions with less capital tied up and at risk. However, it raises the question of what safe and liquid options do we have for that cash that we keep in reserve?

Around the Block: Update on Priceline.

Option Block 289: What a Twit!

Trading Block: November 14 is official day Twitter goes public. CBOE earnings on Friday, CME before the open - both resounding "mehs." Apple actually closes around where it started. Blackberry taking it on the chin. Again.

Odd Block: Calls trade in Berry Petroleum Co. (BRY), calls trade in Applied Micro Circuits Corp. (AMCC), calls trade in Marin Software Inc. (MRIN), and calls trade in ValueVision Media Inc. (VVTV).

Xpress Block: Cue the game show music for yet another edition of "The Trading Patterns Game."

Listener Mail: Comments and questions from our audience.

Comment from Options Curator - Just BTO an $AAPL Feb14 515 Call at $31.20. Let see how #ChristmasHoliday plays out. @Options #options #trading #investing
Question from BillyMo @b1llmoo - 2nd question. Why does SPY and its options not trade the same hours as /ES and their options? Seems like it exchanges would love it.

Around the Block: Tesla, Groupon and Qualcomm earnings this week. TSLA is very important for OX clientele.

Option Block 288: The Exciting Road to Nowhere

Trading Block: A selloff at the very end of the day. Most major indexes down half a point. Interesting movement post Facebook and Apple earnings. In hindsight, the Apple skew makes a lot more sense post Google earnings.

Odd Block: Puts trade in Ultrashort Euro ProShares (EUO), calls trade in Tile Shop Holdings Inc (TTS), calls trade in Fortress Investment Group LLC. (FIG) and spread trades in Apollo Global Management (APO)

Xpress Block: Facebook displaced Apple is the top 5 most active. GLD has dropped out of the top 10, surpassed by SLV. This has been the most active October on record at OX!

Listener Mail Extravaganza: We have even more mail!

Question from Herb Slojewski - Where can I get info on how to trade Twitter options, Options guy? What sort of plan do you have for Twitter when it starts trading. Thanks.
Question from BillyMo @b1llmoo - As I sit here watching Apple go from down 25 to green. Is there any updates on After Hours option trading?
Question from Richard D - Mark and the brain trust! I have 2 more questions for the queue! I happened to be the temporarily happy holder of a bullish FB diagonal Nov 2 50 / Nov 8 55 call spread that I held through earnings. As I watched the stock very quickly balloon almost 10% to around $54 and change I thought about what I could do in the after hours to lock-in any of this gain, knowing it could likely disappear by morning (yes Alex I love your pressing for evening+ trading hours in all instruments!). If I just owned the call (which I do not do due to the Vol crush), I could have shorted stock, but alas I had a spread with a short in it. I was wondering if there are any options that don't leave me naked any stock to capture any of this after hours gain? I suspect not but I figured I would ask because this has been a topic on your show. I also was not sure if there was a different way to structure the trade to begin that would have afforded me some after hour opportunities with something other than a vertical or bullish time spread like I have? Oddly enough, my broker does NOT count owning a call as a hedge against a short stock position and gives me the full margin position of the short w/out the hedged call, so even a call/short stock after hours move would not work for me (synthetic put :) Is this common? Thank you!

Around the Block: Exchange week coming up. CBOE 11/1 Before & CME 11/4 Before. Disney - 11/7, Groupon - 11/7, Activision - 11/6 and Tesla - 11/5

Option Block 287: Trading Patterns

Trading Block: A mild rally on the street. Everyone is still playing the wait and see game after hours today with Apple.

Interview Block: Guest: Mark Greenstein, CTA with Orchard Grove joins the gang as they discuss metals, rates, as well as the VIX products.

Xpress Block: It is time once again for everyone’s favorite "The Trading Patterns" game!

Around the Block: Still more earnings around the bend. Apple - 10/28, EA Games - 10/29, General Motors - 10/30, LinkedIn - 10/29, Facebook - 10/30, Marriott - 10/30, Take Two - 10/29 & Nokia - 10/29.

Option Block 286: Super Thursday

Trading Block: Another mild day on the street. Earnings-Palooza today! Ford before the bell. A newly revived Microsoft. Amazon surges after hours. Zynga breaks the four handle. Crazy developments in Apple post iPad.

Odd Block: Calls trade in Covanta Holding Corp (CVA), straddle trades in Microsoft Corp. (MSFT), calls trade in Silvercorp Metal Inc. (SVM), calls trade in Jive Software Inc. (JIVE).

Xpress Block: More interesting OX trading patterns. Apple is back!

Around the Block: More earnings around the bend: 10/28 - Apple; 10/29 - EA Games, LinkedIn, Take Two, Nokia; 10/30 - General Motors, Marriott

Option Block 285: Listener Mail Extravaganza

Trading Block: Navigating post-shutdown markets. VIX Cash giving up the ghost post-shutdown. Google, another big after hours more last week. Netflix (aka the Widowmaker) rallying hard pre-earnings. Tesla taking in on the chin.

Odd Block: Calls trade in Orbitz Worldwide, Inc. (OWW), large spread trades in iPath S&P 500 short term futures ETN (VXX), calls trade in Turquoise Hill Resources Ltd. (TRQ), and puts trade in China Ming Yang Wind Power (MY).

Xpress Block: No Viceroy today - Let's play the trading patterns guessing game!

Listener Mail Extravaganza: Whoa! We’ve got mail!

Comment from Thepostguy “Not surprised by download volume”: Dear Option Block crew - Listening to the latest episode and hearing Mark's comment over the amount of downloaded hours of OB, this doesn't surprise me at all. This show is one of the very few sources of excellent option and industry content that I honestly cannot believe is free. The balance of viewpoints between each panelist brings a unique perspective that gives us great, actionable information. For myself, I work full-time and run a small side business. I managed to blow up an equity account in '08 and came to options as a way to balance the amount of risk to the 'market'. I find myself timing my evening walks to the length of your show content....if that is any indication of how this listener values your programs. When will the store be open that we can purchase our own fedora hats? Regards, Phil.
Question from Jeremy - Hey Folks: Great show! Keep up the great work. Now that we have seen the success of Weeklies, do you think we will see Dailies? Or do you know how one could get exposure to daily expiration on such products as SPX? I noticed the CBOE has asked permission to start dailies, but I have not seen any product. I would expect the interest in such a product would be popular as the edge one might need to achieve to expiration can be smaller, but the end result compounded could be greater over a period of time if there are more opportunities to trade that position. Cheers, Jeremy
Question from Meeshal: I trade index options on the Indian CNX Nifty Index (Bloomberg NIFTY: IND). Two weeks ago, with the Index at around 5300, I had sold 5800 calls expiring on the 26th of September. I did not sell the corresponding puts immediately as the market had run up over the past two days and I thought I could get a better rate if I waited a day or two. Since then, the market has run up some 11% and is currently trading at 5900. Two days ago, at around 5750, I bought back the 5800 September calls and sold the same number of 6000 October calls (expiring 31st October). Since then the price of the October calls has almost doubled. Would appreciate any ideas on how to get myself out of this mess. Thanks. P.S. Will share more details if needed.

Around the Block: Earnings! - Thursday is a big day with Southwest, Ford, Zynga, Microsoft, and Amazon. Apple on 10/28.

Option Block 284: The Tosaw-Giovinazzi Show

Trading Block: Google up $43 after market. How long can the VIX go? Are we looking at the bottom? Gold reacts to the Fed tapering announcement.

Odd Block: Calls trade in Ingersoll-Rand PLC (IR). Unusual activity in Cole Real Estate Investments (COLE). A put sale for income gone wrong in Seadrill LTD (SDRL). Trading all over the board in Real Goods Solar Inc. (RSOL).

Listener Mail: Question from Uncle Al: I've heard the term maker-taker many times in regard to options exchanges. Can you explain what this term means and what traders should be aware of? Thanks for this fantastic program.

Question from Ibn Sayer: I have a question for Uncle Mike Tosaw. He has discussed the problems with annuities several times on the program. I wonder is it possible to construct my own annuity using listed option contracts?

Around the Block: Google earnings, Goldman Sachs. Treasuries making a bit of a rally.

Option Block 283: Kick the Can

Trading Block: A huge drop in VIX cash. Gold also got crushed today. Plus, a very unusual trade in VXX.

Xpress Block: Everything on the equity options desk was active today

Around the Block: Upcoming earnings - Alcoa, Google. Waiting to see if Washington continues to kick the can.

Option Block 282: A Whole New Kind of Stupid

Trading Block: There was a mild selloff on the street today. VIX cash continues to creep north, as the shutdown continues. Did VIX call sellers get out in time? Potbelly to join the ranks of high-flying IPOs? Tesla gain back all of the "fire losses".

Odd Block: Calls trade in eBay Inc. (EBAY), calls trade in Dex Media Inc. (DXM), and puts trade in Miller Energy Resources Inc. (MILL)

Xpress Block: A lot of Washington, rates and the dollar.

Strategy Block: Given the current increase in VIX, how can gamma play a role in an out-of-the-money credit spread?

Listener Mail:

Question from Destin - I know you guys have discussed the optimal collar construction in the past. How do you guys decided between that construction vs. a more traditional zero-cost construction?

Around the Block: Shutdown...Shutdown...Shutdown

Option Block 281: It’s Time for Histrionics

Trading Block: The shutdown dance continues. VIX cash break the 17 handle. Tesla in a frenzy after car fire. Ackman/Icahn/Herbalife debacle. CBOE glitch causes routing issues for NASDAQ.

Odd Block: Puts trade in Covanta Holding Corp (CVA), calls trade in the SPDR Dow Jones Industrial Average ETF (DIA), collar trades in Consolidated Edison, Inc. (ED)

Xpress Block: A ton of two-sided paper, e-mini activity and Tesla.

Mail Block: Mega mail block, that is.

Question from @Metegia (Ian) - @Options Great show! Could you please mention the date of the show at start? Intros, trading block, vol, but no context around date (Jun 4). Thanks!
Mega Question from Richard D - Mark and Team, First let me say I LOVE your podcasts. I'll even listen to outdated episodes of the option block because in addition to the knowledge I can gain, you guys also have a great rapport with one another and are very humorous! Great job starting all this Mark! I wish you continued success. Now for my post (this is my 2nd post. My first post was on skew.) I've been trading options as a retail investor for about 2 years now. Its been an interesting experience. I generally trade vertical spreads in lieu of stock positions or occasionally directional calendars or diagonals. Although I have had some success with verticals I don't feel I am "optimizing" my positions. For example, I'm not always sure how far out to make the short position or keep the short closer to the long and trade more quantity. Also, sometimes I've put on verticals that are 3-4 months to expiration, only to find the underlying make a large move in my direction but the vertical not performing nearly as well! This not do to a major volatility change but more because it seems that they are so far out from expiration. I'm also not clear when a vertical is a "good deal" vs just going long the call or put. I have heard you comment many times about the skew in the OTM options making options look attractive, for example I think in this episode you mentioned Facebook. I have still not gotten to the point to recognize how to identify these. So my questions are:
1. Could you give an example using let's say Facebook, yahoo, or tesla on what a vertical looked like in the past and one that looks more attractive now?
1. Could you talk about tools that can help identify when verticals or even time spreads look "favorable"? Having a full time job and not having the money or time for a coach makes those options out of the questions. Now this being said, the spread may look favorable, but unless you hold to expiration it seems your short could remain at that skew quite a long time or even become more skewed, so I am not sure this is a great vertical strategy (I guess you'll let me know!). Tools for the retail investor could also be a good idea for a show, either the bootcamp show or another one. Thanks again, Richard

Around the Block: More shutdown nonsense ahead - all eyes on Washington.

Option Block 280: Pre-Shutdown Put Bonanza

Trading Block: Shutdown fears hanging over the market. Vol surging back into the marketplace, but Bloomberg says realized vol is nonexistent.

Odd Block: Calls trade in Northstar Reality Finance Corp. (NRF), calls trade in YPF SA (YPF), and puts trade in Intrexon Corp (XON)

Xpress Block: How has the potential of a shutdown affected OX customers? More trading patterns!

Strategy Block: A risk management and annuities rant.

Around the Block: The big deadline approaches.

Option Block 279: OTM Fly Breakdown

Trading Block: There was a mild rally today. All Facebook all day at OX.

Odd Block: Calls trade in Juniper Networks, Inc. (JNPR), puts trade in iShares MSCI Australia Index (EWA), calls trade in Hertz Global Holdings, Inc. (HTZ), and risk reversal trades in St. Jude Medical (STJ).

Xpress Block: Biotech, mobile, and hedging activity pouring in. What are the GLD traders trading? Let’s take a look: 1-SPY, 2-SLV, 3-APPL, 4-FB, 5-DUST (daily gold miners bear 3X ETF), 6- JCP, 7- USO, 8- GDX (market vectors gold miners), 9 - GE, 10 – TSLA. What about SLV? 1-SDS, 2- GDX, 3-USO, 4-VXX, 5-SSO, 6-FB, 7-TZA, 8-SCO, 9-TNA, 10-AAPL.

Mail Block: What do you want to know?

· Question from Nocturne: trying to understand OTM butterflies. What’s a use case for an OTM fly vs. a simple vertical or ratio? Very confused.

· Question from “Joe”: I haven’t been trading options for very long so forgive me if I’m out of line. I’ve been listening to your show for the past six months and find it very informative. But I also wonder if many of the concepts you discuss are simply over the heads of the typical retail trader such as gamma, vega, implied volatility, etc. I know I’m frequently confused by some of these topics. Does retail really need to know all of this stuff or is a more straightforward approach (like if you sell this option, your max loss is x, your max gain is y, you have z days until your trade expires, etc.) a better way to reach the masses without scaring them or putting them off options? I hope you read my question but, if you do, to avoid embarrassment please just refer to me as “Joe”.

Around the Block: Debt debate and earnings approaching

Option Block 278: Fading the Shutdown

Trading Block: It was an aggressive day on the street, with a lot of love for Apple, up 20%. Call stupids go up in VIX. Talks of Blackberry selloff continue.

Odd Block: Puts Trade in Xilinx Inc. (XLNX), calls trade in Sierra Wireless Inc. (SWIR), calls trade in Covidien plc. (COV)

Xpress Block: Today’s Xpress Block will feature a guest: Daril Wagner, Product Manager at OX, who will discuss some new tools available to clients - including the Trading Patterns and Options Patterns tools.

Strategy Block: Calendars vs. butterflies

Around the Block: The debt ceiling kerfuffle is back!

Trading Block: A mild day on the street. Watch out! SPY ex-dividend today. Metals hosting a "Volapalooza"

Odd Block: Calls Trade in Zynga Inc. (ZNGA), calls trade in Eagle Bulk Shipping Inc. (EGLE), put buyers in Sealed Air Corp (SEE), and calls trade in Meritor Inc. (MTOR).

Xpress Block: Tesla is still on a tear. CME metal trading very active.

Listener Mail: You have the questions, we have the answers.

Question from Buckeye6 - I am a new listener catching up on the archives. On an earlier episode, Mark mentioned the OX platform highlights which options qualify for reduced commissions to close. But I do not see what he is talking about. Where do I find this information? Thank you.
Question for the Option Block from Luke: "Uncle Mike" has suggested that if one has a spread that has gone in the money, the short leg can be rolled up by at least one strike, with a goal of breakeven or near breakeven. He suggested waiting until the day before expiration, but I have an ITM spread, so thought I would look at it one day early. I have a bear call spread on SPY: Short Sep 170 (sold at $0.59), long Sep 172 (bought at $0.255), when SPY was at about $165. It never reached my 70% profit target, before going ITM this week. With the no taper announcement, SPY has gone to $173.03. Today (Wednesday before expiration) I could buy the 170 call for $3.07, and sell the 172 for $1.30, which looks very far from breakeven, unless I greatly misunderstood what he meant by breakeven in this context. Actually, the spread on the 170 call is 3.03-3.11, but still. Even if these calls went to 0 extrinsic, how could I ever get breakeven here? Or did I just get a really really bad price on my initial short fill? For completeness, the long 172 call is trading for about $0.94. Thank you for a great show!

Around the Block: AKA taper watch

Trading Block: Another day, another tech disaster! OPRA (Options Price Reporting Authority) feed went down for about an hour while the underlying continued to trade. What can/should retail do to prepare for these outages? Metals selloff continues. Today's options shutdown is a good argument to use gold options/futures vs. GLD futures. Apple adjustments.

Odd Block: Puts trade in Yahoo Inc. (YHOO), and calls trade in Geron Corp. (GERN)

Xpress Block: Apple, Facebook and the stealth rally in Lululemon.

Mail Block: So, what do you want to know?

Question from Anon - Can you guys do the Odd Block from the previous day so you can see the changes in open interest?

Question from Mr. Charles - I know you guys do not like zero cost collars, but the Ford Oct 17-18 collar is lining up very nicely right now. You may even be able to get it for a credit. I am a long equity folder from around $11. Think this is a good place/time to collar Ford?

Around the Block: FOMC results later this week.

Option Block 275: Predictably Crappy

Trading Block: A mild selloff, but gold and silver took it on the chin. AAPL down 30 handles in a dismal post iPhone announcement. Ichan liked it at $500, he’ll love it at $470. Lulu earnings before the open...sheer pants knock the stock down 5%, well off the highs of $82 from earlier this year.

Odd Block: Puts trade in Mechel OAO (MTL), calls trade in Wendy’s Co. (WEN), and calls trade in Vera Bradley Inc. (VRA). Alex discloses that he knows way too much about women’s retail.

Xpress Block: Lots of questions coming in about AAPL, LULU, and SPX.

Mail Block: Question from Contrails.
Hi Mark, I really like your talk shows and loving all the humor. Thank you for educating and entertaining me all those night shifts that you guys keep me in company. I have one burning question for you regarding an observation I noticed today as I was following the SPY and SPY weekly options. First off, I am a noober. But i could not find an explanation for what I saw for those weeklys that are expiring in 4 days. So what happened is that the ATM and ITM calls were not following the price of the SPY. So as SPY was fluctuating up and down, the calls mentioned above were higher in price around 1030 AM EST compared with calls corresponding to same SPY price later during the day around 1300. The call price difference was about 15% which is a lot for home gamer like me. Why is that??? By the way I did not check the Puts, I'll look at it later today… Do the weeklys lose time value Theta as the hours go by during trading day? Or is this something related to the all mysterious Vega? But I plotted the greeks of those options on TOS and they were all flat lines, Confusing!!! Please enlighten me more Please don't mention my real name on the podcast. You can call me "Contrails" And please let me know if you get a chance the title of the podcast you'll answer my burning question. Your fan, Contrails

Around the Block: Looking at gold, silver, and oil in light of next week’s FOMC meeting. VIX expiration next week.

Option Block 274: More Buyers than Sellers

Trading Block: All is right with the world again! Most indices up over 1% today after Chinese export data beats expectations. Prepping for the Apple event. How big could this still be? Groupon continues to rally - announced acquisition of travel app Blink.

CITI closing CBOT desks.

Odd Block: Call spreads trade in SPDR S&P Homebuilders ETF (XHB), puts trade in CBOE Volatility Index (VIX), calls trade in Smithfield Foods Inc. (SFD), puts trade in iShares MSCI Emerging Markets Index ETF (EEM).

Xpress Block: Lulu and Apple, as well as many other hot names on the OX desk.

Mail Block:

Question from Berger Meister - Just to clarify from your last show - A back spread is net long units and front spread is a traditional ratio? Correct? Why such dumb names?
Question from N. Sanchez - I have heard a lot about volatility smiles, but from listening to your show, it sounds like the volatility skew actually has a downward slope to it. Does the volatility smile still exist or is it limited to odd circumstances such as the "Apple Zealots" that you have discusses on the show previously. Thank you so much for this tremendously informative program.

Around the Block: LULU earnings 9/12.

Option Block 273: Trades to Salivate Over

Trading Block: It was a very mild day on the street. How did the holiday weekend volatility play out last week? It’s that time again - the volume numbers are in! Microsoft buys Nokia.

Odd Block: Calls trade in Timken Company (TKR), NetApp Inc (NTAP), Oasis Petroleum Inc. (OAS), and Fastenal Company (FAST).

Strategy Block: What happens when your covered call goes in the money?

Mail Block:

Question from Phillip Kay - What is the ASPs take on Tesla skew? Upside still steep and a good candidate for verticals or has that ship sailed?
Comment from Mark Clyde Brant @MarkBrant1KM -@Options Tesla and Netflix managers are dumping shares en masse! Sep long Puts in play.
Question response from bitcoinbravo - Hedging Bitcoin Mining Investments with Network Difficulty Futures: Part 1 – Hedging Shipment - http://thegenesisblock.com/hedging-bitcoin-mining-investments-with-network-difficulty-futures-part-1-hedging-shipment-delay/

Around the Block: Non-farms and Syria ahead.

Option Block 272: Presidential Rope-A-Dope, or Bags of Money

Trading Block: Labor Day weekend is nearly upon us. VIX cash above the 16-handle. Jobless claims are down, as expected. HFT and algos appear to have had a negligible impact on the vol of major futures contracts.

Odd Block: Puts trade in Garmin ltd. (GRMN) Calls buyers in Taiwan Semiconductor Mfg. (TSM).

Mail Block:

Question from Mike - I have been watching Dollar General for a while. What do you mean by the seller could be using an up-tick in volatility going into earnings for a better sale?
Question from Tim C. - Is it true if I sell a time spread that OX will margin me as if I am naked short the longer-term option? If so I do not understand that? Why wouldn’t they treat it like a spread until the nearer-term option expires?
Question from Avega - Why would I ever trade a back spread? Why waste money on a reverse ratio - say 3x2. Then I am just net long one contract - can I just save money and buy the one?

Around the Block: Watch out for the weekend risk! Perhaps scoop some cheap premium on friday. Syrian developments?

Option Block 271: Sabre Rattling Rattles Markets

Trading Block: A mild rally on the street until Kerry started sabre rattling in Washington, sending the markets down. NASDAQ, Goldman and others still facing heat over their tech meltdowns last week. BATS and Direct Edge merging. TABB Group predicts options commissions to shrink of the next few years. Commodity rundown with Mike Tosaw.

Odd Block: Large buy writes go up in Facebook Inc. (FB), and puts trade in ProShares Short 20+ Year Treasury ETF (TBF).

Xpress Block: Tesla, Biotechs, and Facebook!

Mail Block:

Question from bitcoinbravo: Any thoughts on bitcoin -- especially as the flows continue into this emerging digital currency and we see with futures and derivatives market develop -- currently there is a lot of arbitrage opportunities between the various exchanges

Question from Charles P.: I am an employee of a very large (and widely held) technology firm. As you might expect, a substantial amount of my net worth is tied up in the stock of my employer. However, I am expressly forbidden from trading any derivatives in my employers stock even for hedging purposes. So my question to you is - how do I hedge myself in this scenario?

Around the Block: Glued to the news of Syria. Non-farms next week.

Option Block 270: Looking Behind the Curtain

Trading Block: NASDAQ halts trading today over tech glitch. Many big names were impacted. Goldman Sachs screws up JPM options trading. Question from T_Pal: Should I be concerned about the wave of technology problems impacting the market? Can they impact my trading? Saw Mark L. quoted a lot of this. What's his take?

Odd Block: Calls trade in Express, Inc. (EXPR), calls and puts trade in Accuray Incorporated (ARAY), and calls trade in Uranium Energy Corp. (UEC)

Strategy Block: Uncle Mike Tosaw discusses the situation of a covered call moving in the money and the ways in which to think about it.

Around the Block: A hopefully glitch-free week. Looking ahead to see what may be coming out of Washington.

Option Block 269: Listener Questions a Go-Go

Trading Block: Another down day on the markets. The 3-year and 10-year are bumping up against levels we haven't seen in a while.

Mail Block: Your questions, our answers

Question from Lee Patterson - I've been an Option Block listener for a few months and you've inspired me to hedge my retirement plan through my employer. It has been 100% invested in the S&P 500 and unfortunately I cannot use options in this account. My idea is to go to cash in my retirement plan at work while buying 3 month at the money calls in SPY and rolling them when they are 1 month from expiration in my Roth account. To finance these I would sell the weekly SPY about 2-3% out of the money. Does this seem like a reasonable plan to participate in the upside while limiting losses or is there a better way? Thanks for your time. Lee
Question from @Metegia - Which direction is a Risk Reversal, which is short RR? Descriptions conflict. Thanks.
Question from A. Jackson - Andrew referenced "double butterflies" on a recent episode of the Option Block. Can you explain a little more about that position - how it differs from regular fly, when/why you'd want to use it, strike selection, etc. Thank you very much Mark for making so much excellent options content freely available to everyone. Your network is certainly one-of-a-kind and I'm glad to see that it is doing so well.
Question from Richard D. - Hello! In this episode there is a discussion on taking advantage of TSLA skew and using OTM TSLA butterflies on both sides at strike. Could you explain a little more about skew, and if long/short butterflies are best given skew?

Around the Block: FOMC minutes. Keeping an eye on the 3-year and 10-year.

Option Block 268: Commodity Sea of Green

Trading Block: A broad selloff across the board today. Inflation fears spook the Fed and the market. Cisco off 7%, looking at layoffs. Walmart off 3%. A sea of green in the commodities. Record day in the VIX - only 133 contracts short of 1 million.

Odd Block: Review from 7/29 - very well-timed paper in American Eagle Outfitters (AEO). calls trade in SPDR S&P Homebuilders ETF (XHB), and combos trade in Microsoft Inc. (MSFT).

Xpress Block: Single leg WalkLimit goes live!

Mail Block: Website comment from nrlbuild - Enjoyed your show as usual, always fun to have Mr. Sebastian on the air! I feel the need to stick up for Motley Fool a little. I have been a member since around 2000...and been in two of their options services since 2008. They actually have some good stuff with respect to options...I think even you tough veterans would agree if you understood. Unfortunately, the Fool universe is so large and varied, not unlike Seeking Alpha, that there is often as much junk as there is quality...it really depends upon which specific Fool service one subscribes. I have never understood why they don’t control that more carefully? Anyway, if it wasn’t for them I never would have come to options in the first place…and now I’ve found you guys! ;) Carry on! Ned

Around the Block: More earnings? HPQ - 8/21. Keeping an eye on the 10-year.

Option Block 267: Betting Against Yourself

Trading Block: A relatively flat day on the street. A big day for Silver and Apple –both up 3%. It was a good day for Tosaw! Blackberry exploring strategic options with the stock up 11%. Tesla finally sells off.

Odd Block: Review from 7/1 - Air Products and Chemical (APD), calls trade in Sanchez Energy Corp. (SN), combos trade in Rockwell Medical Inc. (RMTI), call spreads trade in Micron Technology, Inc.(MU).

Mail Block:

Question from D. Adams - What is the best way to express a long-term bullish position using options?
Question from Terry Russ, Scottsdale, AZ - Can you guys run down the difference between an iron condor and an iron butterfly? When would I want to use one vs the other? Thanks for this great show.

Around the Block: Earnings are still happening. Cisco on 8/14, and Cosi on 8/15.

Option Block 266: Juice and Paper

Trading Block: Commodities rundown featuring Matt - starting with Nat Gas. The ride for Tesla continues. DNDN after the close. NVDA after the bell.

Odd Block: Call buyers in Microsoft Corp (MSFT) and calls trade in Freeport-McMoRan Corp (FCX).

Xpress Block: New single leg options transactions with the WalkLimit!

Mail Block:

Question from @SouthbayTrader1 -@Options "Juice"? "Paper"? (probably time for an overview of these two terms that we use so frequently on the show)
Comment from nrlbuild: I have been listening to Option Block for a couple of months now...really enjoy the show. Have been long ATVI since 2009, got in via short puts. Wish I been listening to your show when you were discussing short strangles on it, I was always to scared it would be called away! I really enjoyed Volatility Views...listened to every single episode... and was wondering if it was going to be returning? The VolX site seems to be stagnate.

Around the Block: DNDN & NVDA update.

Option Block 265: The Innovator

Trading Block: Giving back some of the gains on the street today. A surprising pop in Blackberry. Apple touching near-term highs. ALSO GLD, SLV, ETC

Odd Block: Odd Block Review: Dendreon Corp. (DNDN), put spreads trade in DeVry Inc. (DV), put spreads trade in The Chubb Corp. (CB), calls trade in China Automotive Systems, Inc. (CAAS), and call spread roll in Deckers Outdoor Corp (DECK).

Xpress Block: Tesla very active with earnings coming up. CBOE and Alcatel-Lucent active as well.

Strategy Block: The credit spread with benefits.

Around the Block: Upcoming Earnings: Groupon - 8/7, Tesla - 8/7, Disney - 8/6.

Option Block 264: Swimming in a Sea of Green

Trading Block: A sea of green across the board. S&P crosses 1700 mark on strong manufacturing data. Unemployment claims at a 5.5 year low. Activision and LinkedIn earnings after the bell. CME reports a 27% rise in quarterly profits, still down 4%.

Commodity rundown: metals, nat gas, coffee, etc. It's number day again - The Options Industry Council (OIC) announced today that total options contracts traded in July was up 5.81%. Average daily volume for the month was up 1.00%. Year-to-date volume up 1.93%. Equity options volume up 4.39%. Average daily volume for equity options in July slightly off of last year’s contracts by 0.35%. Year-to-date equity options volume up only 0.16%.

Odd Block: Calls trade in SPDR Gold Trust (GLD), calls trade in Nvidia Corporation (NVDA), puts trade in iShares MSCI Emerging Markets Index (EEM), and fly trades in Oil States International (OIS).

Xpress Block: A very busy, non-expiration day at OX.

Mail Block: We have such curious listeners!

Question from MMax - Can you give us an update on mini-options?
Question from George Roop, Nashville, TN - Can you explain why the hosts take such a dim view of USO? It's really one of the few viable ways for retail to make longer-term bullish bets on oil.

Around the Block: Non-farms in the crosshairs. CBOE earnigns tomorrow before the open. Groupon 8/7, Disney 8/6, Nvidea 8/8, Tesla 8/7 after.

Option Block 263: The Wasted Year

Trading Block: A mild selloff across the board. GLD sells off fractionally on the day. ISE Gemini set to launch Aug 5. CBOE announces new VIX trading hours.

Odd Block: Pre-earnings run in Activision Blizzard Inc. (ATVI), stock replacement in Alcatel Lucent SA (ALU), interesting pre-earnings play in American Eagle (AEO), and was there a hedge in iShares MSCI Japan Index (EWJ)?

Odd Block Review: Looking back to 6/27: Goodrich Petroleum Corp. (GDP) - stock trading $12.90, buying 6,000 Aug 15 calls for $.45. Stock now trading $17.50, calls worth $2.96 - a $2.50 profit = $1.5M. Still 10K open on strike - looks like he hasn't closed these yet.

Xpress Block: "Big data week." It’s a wait and see situation. Nothing can derail the Tesla train.

Around the Block: A full calendar of economics this week. Non-farms Friday.

Option Block 262: Cramer Loves It

Trading Block: Zynga earnings after the close. Someone paid 17% for a one-month straddle! Amazon earnings are also after the close. Facebook! Facebook! Facebook! Commodity rundown - An overview of recent action in futures/futures options. Options "insiders" come forward.

Odd Block: Put spreads trade in Crocs, Inc (CROX), and calls trade in Denderon Corp. (DNDN).

Xpress Block: Questions, anyone?

Question from Tom P. Are we ever going to see Walk-Limit on single leg trades? I'm a teacher so I can't always be there to close out my trades on the open. This is particularly difficult around earnings season. I may miss the only chance to sell my option for a decent price on the open because I'm away from my screens. I would love to be able to enter a target sale price for my options (long call, etc.) and then have OX walk the price down automatically until it hits the actual trading price. This would save busy people like me a lot of time, and potentially a lot of lost profits.

Around the Block: An update on AMZN and ZNGA. TTWO coming up on 7/30.

Option Block 261: NFLX Strangles Children

Trading Block: Netflix earnings are after the bell. Could it be the return of the widow-maker? McDonald's down 3%. It’s never a good sign for the economy when McD can't make money. A follow-up on our good discussion on after-hours options trading from our last show. Is 3pm still reasonable?

Odd Block: Call ratios trade in Skechers USA Inc. (SKX), calls trade in Verisign Inc. (VRSN), puts sold on the World Acceptance Corp. (WRLD), and call sellers in General Growth Properties (GGP).

Xpress Block: Metals and oil predominately featured on the desk today.

Mail Block: The all stars channel their inner therapists, and Obi Wan

Question from Doc Robbins. I just sold NFLX 240 260/280 July week 4 iron fly at $18 with stock at 259. Am I crazy? Longo would be proud.
Question from Charles N. I’m looking at Ford July W 16.5-17.5 strangle for $.25. How's that for free gamma pre-earnings?
Question from Mr_Work. Am I crazy, or is $.21 for Zynga July weekly 3.5 puts a lousy deal
Question from George Winters. Microsoft July 35-34 put 1x2 for $.10 before earnings: winner or waste of money?
Question from Joe Rigg. I tried to write the Blackberry weekly 9 put with OX, but the system kicked it out and said BBRY was now on increased margin. Why is that? How is this decided? Is it a decision by the broker or an industry wide decision? How is the new margin level determined? Help me Viceroy, you're my only hope!

Around the Block: Earnings, Earnings, Earnings! Ford 7/24 before, Facebook 7/24 after, Electronic Arts 7/23 after, Amazon 7/25 after, Apple - 7/23, United Airlines 7/25 before, Zynga 7/24 after.

Option Block 260: Doing the Earnings Straddle Dance

Trading Block: Earnings-Palooza: Google, Microsoft and more after the bell.

Odd Block: Combos trade in Rite Aid Corp (RAD), paper buying calls in Covanta Holding Corp. (CVA), and puts trade in YY Inc. (YY)

Xpress Block: This should be a very interesting expiration coming up. A little bit of everything is coming across the desk. Google and Microsoft both missed.

Strategy Block: Mr. Tosaw discusses straddles as this week's strategy.

Around the Block: One last check-in on Google and Microsoft. Upcoming earnings: Apple – 7/23, Zynga - 7/24, and Amazon - 7/25.

Option Block 259: Reverse Splits & Twinkies

The all-stars are joined by guest co-host Henry Schwartz, the Founder of Trade Alert.

Trading Block: A modest, broad rally on the street. Earnings season is in full swing. Pre-deal call in LEAP from Friday. Earnings action in Goldman-Sachs. CITI earnings before the open. Bloomberg beating the drum on VIX puts. Retail sales sluggish, up less than expected in June.

Odd Block: Combos trade in United Online, Inc. (UNTD)

Xpress Block: The Twinkie is back. A slow day as everyone is keeping their powder dry for the big earnings later this week.

Around the Block: Earnings: IBM, Intel and Bank of America - 7/17; Microsoft, Nokia, Google and Chipotle - 7/18.

Option Block 258: Highly Accommodative Policy

Trading Block: Uncle Ben's comments about "highly accommodative policy" spark yet another rally. It's going to be all about the earnings next week. It has been "rally ho" in the metals.

Odd Block: Calls trade in Colfax Corp (CFX), puts trade in Atlas Pipeline Partners, L.P. (APL), calls trade in WisdomTree Investments Inc (WETF), and calls trade in Whiting USA Trust (WHX).

Xpress Block: It's a race to 1,000 between Priceline and Google. Green lights all over the screen today.

Listener Mail: Gamma effect

Question from Neal Rivers - You guys have discussed the "gamma effect" before on this program. My question is - how far before an earnings announcement does this typically kick in? Can I buy some gamma two or three weeks before the announcement and expect to pay no decay? Or is it more like two or three days?

Around the Block: JP Morgan and Wells Fargo & Co. both have earnings on Friday. Goldman Sachs - 7/16; Microsoft, Nokia, Google, Chipotle - 7/18; and IBM, Intel, Bank of America 7/17.

Option Block 257: Deep Dive into Gold, Silver and Oil

Interview Block: Today's guest is Matthew Bradbard, futures broker from RCM Asset Management. Hel discusses recent trends in metals and energies with the Option Block gang.

Trading Block: Another broad, but mild rally on the street. Zynga rallies hard on the news of new CEO: snatching a dubious hire from Microsoft. INTC down 4% off analyst downgrades.

Odd Block: Calls trade in Zynga Inc. (ZNGA) and call spreads trade in Elan Corp. (ELN).

Around the Block: Alcoa earnings, which means this is the start of earnings season!

Option Block 256: The Great AAPL and GLD Rebound:

Trading Block

Another broad rally - a "doing stuff" kind of day. Gold spikes. Blackberry annihilated post-earnings. Corzine finally charged in MF Global debacle. The Options Industry Council (OIC) announced today that 361,180,257 total options contracts traded in June, up 10.86 percent compared to last year.

Odd Block

Calls Rolled in Sina Corp (SINA)

Legging into a Butterfly in Tempurpedic (TPX)

Puts Trading Air Products and Chemical (APD)

Xpress Block

Metals, Tesla and Apple were lighting up the tape. Alex gives us a good lesson about margin.

Strategy Block

Tosaw walks us through his recent strategy involving moving to cash after some rumbling in SPY

Around the Block

Earnings looming on the horizon. Remember the Independence Day holiday is this Thursday - be aware to the effect of theta.

Option Block 255: Balloon is Over-squeezed

Trading Block: Rally Ho! Again. Vol crushed, but not as aggressively as expected. Are the pronouncements of the death of Apple's vol premature? Prosecutors finally get around to charging Corzine in MF Global debacle. 30-year mortgage rate at 4.46%.

Odd Block: Calls trade in Statoil ASA (STO), Goodrich Petroleum Corp (GDP), and New York Community Bancorp (NYCB).

Xpress Block: Alex discusses GDX, Newmont Mining (NEM), and other trade ideas from the Idea Hub.

Around the Block: Blackberry earnings before the open.

Option Block 254: Unlearn What Does Not Work

Trading Block: Futures, interest rates, bonds and the 10-year dominated trading today. It was an otherwise slow day for volatility.

Interview Block: This week's guest is Nate Bluestein from Pivotal Trading Concepts. He discusses how Pivotal Trading Concepts was created and helps educate traders.

Odd Block: Calls trade in Web MD (WBMD), and puts Trade in Gerdau S.A. (GGB).

Xpress Block: It was a pretty quiet day at OX. Alex discusses VIX, CBOE and the 10-year.

Around the Block: The 10-year could continue to determine what's happening in the market. Which way will China play out?

Option Block 253: Market Maelstrom

Trading Block: The broad indices were down over 2%. All red, all day. Fed will cut $85 billion in monthly bond purchases by $20 billion. VIX cash breaks through the 20-handle for the first time since December. Apple, Google, GLD and more!

Odd Block: Call combo unwinds in the CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) for big money, puts trade in Fleetcor Technologies (FLT), and puts trade in Contango Oil and Gas Co (MCF).

Xpress Block: It's about time for an Alex Jacobson-style rant. This is a market for options!

Strategy Block: It's a two-for day in the strategy block: Risk vs. margin and being long-term bullish but short-term cautious.

Around the Block: Will there be more selloff in the future? Should we keep the power dry going into the weekend?

Option Block 252: The Dangers of Covered Straddles

Trading Block: Market rallies ahead of the Fed, but lost steam in the late session. Gold selloff ahead of the Fed.

Odd Block: Puts trade in PVR Partners, LP (PVR), calls trade in Insmed Incorp. (INSM), and puts trade in UltraShort Real Estate Proshares (SRS)

Xpress Block: Netflix moves over $15, but otherwise, not a very exciting trading day

Listener Mail: The floor belongs to the listeners.

Question from Dalton Hicks - I’ve just discovered this show and I think it's fantastic. Thanks for all of your great material. I've learned quite a bit. I wanted to write in today to ask about the new strategy I've stumbled upon in my trading. I used to be a covered call seller in individual equity options. But I've recently started thinking about kicking this up a notch by turning into a "covered straddle seller." This strategy has many benefits over a traditional covered call. I’ve never heard this approach discussed on this program (at least in the recent episodes that I've heard), so I'd like the host's take on this exciting new strategy.

Around the Block: Waiting for Bernanke.

Option Block 251: Insider Trading, Options-Style

Trading Block: Is the VIX going backwards? The rally has returned. Jobless claims fall by 12,000, sparking the rally. An insider trading case involving options. “For the first time since its inception, high-frequency trading, the bogey machine of the markets, is in retreat.” VXX options hit record open interest. Exchanges finally subject to fines for misconduct.

Odd Block: Unwinding in Dole Food Company, Inc. (DOLE), calls trade in Monster Worldwide Inc. (MMW), and spreads trade in Sangamo Biosciences Inc. (SGMO)

Xpress Block: United Airlines showcased in the Idea Hub today. Updates on the Walk Limit.

Mail Block: Keep those questions coming.

Question from Jillian T. - Why is it so difficult to crack down on insider trading in options?
Question from Doug K, Halifax, Nova Scotia - I’ve been long spy shares for much of the recent rally. Now I'm more than a little concerned. I've learned about collars through the great shows on this network. Do you think this is a good environment to consider a zero cost collar? Is a spy put/put spread a better option? Or would you recommend something else entirely? Thanks for all of your insight over the years.
Question from T-Bill - Does OX defer commissions when I close out short options for pennies?

Around the Block: Markets are thin for the summer. A lot more 1% movement days in our near future.

Option Block 250: Goldilocks Non-Farms Numbers

Trading Block: It was a quiet day on the market. Non-farms announcement came out last Friday. What are some trading ideas following a large event like this?

Odd Block: Calls trade in Linhas Aereas Inteligent (GOL), puts trade in Celldex Therapeutics Inc. (CLDX), and put spreads trade in Southern Copper Co. (SCCO).

Xpress Block: S&P changed the outlook on U.S. debt from negative to stable. How could this have an effect on the 10-year?

Around the Block: What economic impact could the flood in Europe have on the market? Earnings are only five weeks away.

Option Block 249: Great Expectations

Trading Block: Another schizophrenic day on the street. McDonald's announces some 24-hr stores will serve breakfast after midnight. The Zynga apocalypse! A big move in Apple.

Odd Block: Calls trade in Savient Pharmaceuticals Inc. (SVNT), a collar unwinds in DOLE Food Company (DOLE), and call spreads trade in Tessera Technologies Inc. (TSRA).

Xpress Block: What's new in the Idea Hub, weeklies, etc?

Listener Mail: In which you, the listener, take over the program.

Question from John King ‏@jking321: Have you read Schaeffer’s theory that Friday selloff due to delta hedging by SPY put sellers?

Around the Block: Non-Farms. Non-Farms. Non-Farms! It will be the biggest event on Friday.

Option Block 248: The Ice Is Always Melting

Trading Block: It was a bit of a head scratcher today, as an infusion of end-of-day buying threw a wrench into the machine. Disappointing ISM numbers, putting a laser focus on the jobs numbers out Friday. Market share and volume day with overall total options volume up 3% in May.

Odd Block: Very near-term bullish play in Iron Mountain Inc. (IRM), sizable spread trade in WisdomTree Japan Hedged Equity Fund (DXJ), and put spread trades in Corning Inc. (GLW).

Xpress Block: Fanny Mae, Tesla, Zynga and the 10-year lighting up the tape. The Apple minis have finally gotten some traction.

Strategy Block: In today's strategy block, Mike Tosaw discusses the use of margin and if it makes sense.

Around the Block: Forget the earnings, the employment report is coming up, expect big volume.

Option Block 247: The Confidence Trade

Trading Block: The rally continues with interest rates and bonds hot. Looking forward to the 10-year VIX from the CME. Tesla breaks 100. Will the hype never end? Ford breaks $16.

Odd Block: Collars closes in Approach Resources Inc. (AREX), and big call purchase in T-Mobile USA (TMUS).

Xpress Block: Alex discusses what's been lighting up the desk at OX and the Idea Hub.

Listener Mail: What questions do you have for the all-stars?

Question from Tom Finn: what does the option block all-star panel think of NYT’s recent attack on options?
Question from Bill Heter, Cape Cod, MA - what is the difference between a collar and a bearish risk reversal?
Question from d_sub: have you guys ever experienced opportunities to buy verticals for even or a credit?

Around the Block: Interest rates. Employment report next week.

Option Block 246: Jump on the Boat with the 10-Year Note

Trading Block: CBOE/CME launches a new 10-year treasury VIX. It is the first volatility index based on U.S. government debt to be calculated and disseminated by CBOE. CBOE stock hits $40 on its 40th anniversary. CRM & MRVL earnings after the bell. TSLA - hard to short stock, bears turning to puts. MSFT - is there no love for the new Xbox One? GME – could the new could Xbox wipe out the lucrative grey market for used games? GME is the leading liquidity provider. Vol is creeping back into Ford - stock had a nearly $.60 range today, up sharply over the past few aweeks.

Odd Block: Calls trade in Halozyme Therapeutics Inc. (HALO), Ratio put spreads trade in Alerian MLP (AMLP), and combos trade in Warner Chilcott ltd (WCRX)

Xpress Block: A lot of names, including the 10-year, lighting up the phones at OX. The June condor in the SPX, an example off of the Idea Hub.

Strategy Block: Mike Tosaw discusses "nimbility" - the ability to be nimble. It's very important to be nimble when trading, and not get locked in a specific strategy.

Around the Block: Holiday weekend. Don't forget to watch out for the weekend! Market should be very thin tomorrow.

Option Block 245: Golden Tickets & Oompa Loompas

Trading Block: It was an unchanged day on the street with stocks hovering around record highs. Does this rally have legs, or are we poised for a collapse? There was a weird dip in SPX on Friday night due to APC. Jumbo SPX is a flop so far. Only 18 contracts have traded through the middle of last week. Everyone is still refusing to list it.

Odd Block:Calls trade in Navios Maritime Holdings Inc. (NM), calls trade in Foster Wheeler Ltd (FWLT), and calls trade in Big Lots Inc. (BIG).

Xpress Block: Alex talks some more about the Trading Patterns Tool from OX, and what its most active trades have been recently.

Listener Mail: What do you want to know?

Question from Douggie_L: Why all the fuss with Jumbo SPX? Why won't others trade it?
Question from Montevecchio: I'm starting to learn about time spreads. Can you guys explain roll risk and how it can impact me?

Around the Block: A holiday this upcoming weekend. Watch out for the theta gremlins creeping into your portfolio.

Option Block 244: Car Talk

Trading Block: It was down day on the markets. A lot of political news came out of Syria late in the day. Could Tesla be Apple 2.0?

Xpress Block: Alex talks about the OX feature "Trading Patterns," which lets you look at what underlyings people traded in the OX environment. Available to most OX customers.

Strategy Block: Mike Tosaw discusses what we've been seeing in the market. Rallies in the market, staying long-term bullish but short-term cautious and collar strategies.

Around the Block: Earnings coming out soon: DELL, JCP and HP. A bit more stability in interest rates. Watching Apple, of course.

Option Block 243: The Viceroy Trade

Trading Block: Another unchanged day. Netflix up due in part to the return of Arrested Development. Take Two earnings after the bell. Zynga gets a big pop in the day. First live day of jumbo SPX on Friday. ISE lost its Supreme Court lawsuit and refuses to list contract. Ironic?

Odd Block: Calls trade in Zynga, Inc. (ZNGA), puts trade in VIX short-term Futures ETN (VXX), and puts trade in Solarcity Corp (SCTY).

Xpress Block: Alex Jacobson discusses his thoughts on the big OX event this weekend.

Strategy Block: Mike Tosaw dispenses yet another legendary rant of the topic of annuities. He also talks about the ratio spread.

Around the Block: Cisco earnings on 5/15, Cosi on 5/16 post 4/1 reverse stock split.

Option Block 242: Dollar vs. Yen - The Eternal Battle

INTERVIEW BLOCK: Today's guest is: Kevin Davitt, futures broker at RCM. He comes to the Option Block today to discuss ags, commodities and metals - as well as the record set by the dollar and the yen.

TRADING BLOCK: Only a bit of movement on the market today - S&P sitting at the 16 handle. Priceline earnings, Shatner might be disappointed with the results. Tesla exploded to hit $70 in the after hours.

ODD BLOCK: Combos Trade in Vera Bradley Inc. (VRA)

Calls Trade in Digital Realty Trust Inc. (DLR)

XPRESS BLOCK: All the big option names: Tesla, Green Mountain, Apple, Lululemon and Priceline. Yen and Aussie Dollar light up the currencies.

AROUND THE BLOCK: Don't forget about the Options Insider Unusual Activity forum coming up next week, Wednesday May 15!

Option Block 241: "Legalized Front-Running"

Trading Block: The market trading much more modestly than recent rallies. ZNGA leaning on Farmville 2 - slashing 5% of workforce. Apple rallies up 11 handles, after they announced buybacks. VIX Cash well south of 200 day moving avg. of 15.26. VXX ranks as #3 exchange traded product by volume - avg. 53 million shares/day.Buffet's right hand man, Charlie Munger, calls high-frequency trading "legalized front-running" and "basically evil". EA earnings after the close.

Odd Block: Calls trade in Nationstar Mortgage Holdings. Inc (NSM), calls trade in Network Appliance Inc. (NTAP), and calls trade inGran Tierra Energy Inc (GTE)

Xpress Block: Tesla lighting up the tape at OX. A lot of stocks trading through their strikes. Lululemon traded back below 75.

Mail Block: Question from BillyMo (@b1llmoo): Do you guys think the Jumbo SPY will be listed on all exchanges and will it be penny wide.

Around the Block: The Jumbo SPY launches! EA update. Earnings: Activision - 5/8 after, Disney - 5/7 (The force is strong with them), Groupon - 5/8 after, Nvidia - 5/9, Tesla - 5/8.

Option Block 240: Questions Linger After CBOE Shutdown

TRADING BLOCK: The yo-yo markets continue - down 1%, up 1%. Facebook misses but still feels the love. LinkedIn down after hours. Earnings...Earnings...Earnings!

ODD BLOCK: Calls trade inNeutral Tandem Inc (IQNT) and calls trade in Monster Worldwide Inc. (MWW)

XPRESS BLOCK: OX unveils a new quick trade function for iPad users, as well as other new front ends.

LISTENER MAIL: Question from TBD6: The CBOE outage made me wonder - what do I do if I can't access those products again? Question from Nick Milligan, Toronto, ON: Do you think the CBOE crash will spell the end of proprietary products like SPX and VIX?

AROUND THE BLOCK: Non-farm payrolls. Earnings: CBOE 5/3 - before the open, Tesla 5/8.

Option Block 239: Rally Ho!

Interview Block: Today's guest is Erik Long from Quant Trade, a CTA who primarily day trades futures. His method of looking at the markets can be associated with any time frame and he has some interesting insight for our listeners.

Trading Block: Rally Ho! Again. There was some serious tech love on the street with Google, Apple, Intel, and IBM up 2% or more today. Overall earnings season is still not living up to the hype.

Odd Block: Calls roll in Health Net Inc. (HNT), puts trade in Canadian Solar Inc. (CSIQ), calls trade in Energy Transfer Equity LP (ETE), and there was a steady put seller in Northern Oil and Gas Inc. (NOG).

Xpress Block: Herbal Life, Facebook, Apple, Google and IBM all kept traders at OX locked to their desks.

Around the Block: Substantial juice levels going into earnings on the 1st.

Option Block 238: Markets Have a Headache

Trading Block: Weekly expiration this Friday. Exxon sells off after a disappointing earnings announcement. CBOE was down for most of the day, causing a lot of headaches. Bundesbank came out and rejected the "outright monetary transaction" taking the wind out of the sails today.

Odd Block: Put spreads trade in Open Text Corp. (OTEX),calls trade in Supernus Pharmaceuticals Inc. (SUPN), giant combination trades in Talisman Energy Inc. (TLM), and crushing volume in Incredimail Ltd. (PERI).

Xpress Block: News just crossed the tape that George Soros just purchased an 8% stake in JC Penney.

Strategy Block: Uncle Mike, Andrew, and Alex each discuss their favorite war stories about some of the dumbest trades they've seen.

Around the Block: Upcoming earnings include Amazon, AIG, Pfizer, JC Penney. Could Europe end up back on the warning screens?

Option Block 237: Buy Juice, Be Happy

Trading Block: VIX cash turns to the dark side. CAT earnings were not overwhelming. Netflix earnings have yet to come out, but there’s a lot of love for the "widow maker." Microsoft is also feeling a lot of love.

Odd Block: Calls trade in General Motors Corp. (GM), calls roll on a Medivation Inc. (MDVN) spread, and big calls trade in Micron Technology Inc. (MU).

Xpress Block: Alex discusses how we're starting to see volume in big cap names again, like Proctor & Gamble, GE, Oracle, Intel, and Microsoft. Apple and Amazon earnings this week, please understand the risk if you're a premium seller.

Strategy Block: Uncle Mike talks about puts in GLD, including when and when you should not to roll a put. Long-term bullish, short-term cautious!

Around the Block: More earnings yet to come this week, including Facebook, Zynga, Apple, Ford, and Amazon.

Option Block 236: Riding the Earnings Rollercoaster

Trading Block: The market was down big time. Again. Earnings-palooza after the close with CMG, GOOG, MSFT, and IBM reporting.

Odd Block: Puts trade in Bally Technologies Inc. (BYI), put spreads trade in Banco Itau Holdings SA (ITUB), OTM puts trade in Auxilium Pharmaceuticals Inc. (AUXL), and Financial Select Sector (XLF) puts trading early.

Xpress Block: Alex Jacobson discusses pending legislation in Washington. New proposed tax laws: capping IRAs, and the elimination of 1256, which creates mark-to-market accounting for every contract.

Around the Block: More earnings fun.

Option Block 235: The Difference Between Risk Management & Market Timing

Trading Block: An aggressive selloff wipes out most gains on the street today. Precious metals take a bath on the news that China development is slowing down. Gold down 9%. Priceline, Apple, Google, everything down. It was a bloodbath.

Xpress Block: Alex Jacobson discusses what was up and what was down in this very prominent date on the market.

Mail Block: What do you want to know?

Question from Phil Bickers, Binghamton, NY: If I buy 10 regular contract with 5 Minis at OX, do they all count as a single trade, or am I going to pay the minimum plus the contract amount for each trade separately?
Question from Mr. T-Box: What do you guys think of the Minis so far? Commissions are high for contract size and the spreads are wide. Are they worth trading, or should we wait and see?

Strategy Block: Uncle Mike Tosaw discusses reallocation, as well as working out the difference between risk management and market timing.

Around the Block: Earnings this week include: Google, IBM, and Intel.

Option Block 234: Debunking the Expiration Graph Myth

Trading Block: Ford was off to the races again, in a very mixed market. Vol was mixed as well. Money is coming out of Asia into the U.S. market. Microsoft was down in a big way.

Odd Block: Calls trade in Yahoo! Inc. (YHOO), big puts trade in Cell Therapeutics (CTIC), calls trade in ImmunoCellular Therapeutics Ltd (IMUC), and calls trade in iShares MSCI Japan Index (EWJ).

Xpress Block: Activity in Chipotle, Priceline, and Facebook. Apple was all over the place today.

Strategy Block: Uncle Mike Tosaw discusses his pet peeve, the expiration graph, and how it has dominated options education and retail trading.

Around the Block: Earnings-palooza on the horizon: Microsoft, Chipotle, Citi Group, Google, Bank of America, Intel, Nokia, IBM, Apple, JP Morgan.

Option Block 233: Trickle Down SPX

Trading Block: The market is gaining back some ground after a skittish week. Here we go again with Alcoa earnings after the bell. Uncle Mike updates us on Ford, GLD, SLV and Apple. Is there any love for Facebook at these levels? The market is not loving FB Home apparently. Caribou Coffee pulling out of Chicago. BOX files with the SEC for a jumbo SPDR - 1000 multiplier.

Odd Block: Calls trade in Wisdom Tree India Earnings Fund (EPI), calls trade in Lufkin Industries Inc. (LUFK), puts and stock trade in Microsoft Corp. (MSFT), and calls trade in Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co. (GT).

Xpress Block: A mini volume and customer interest update from Alex.

Around the Block: A whole lot of nothing coming out of Alcoa, which kicks off earnings week.

Option Block 232: Crushing Inflation

Trading Block: Facebook goes after Google. Bank of Japan moving a lot today. S&P opened lower than gold for the first time since the flash crash. How high can the interest rate go?

Odd Block: Big calls trade in the S&P 500 VIX Short Term Futures ETN (VXX), more puts trade in Alerian MLP ETF (AMLP), and out month put buy in Bank of America Corp. (BAC)

Xpress Block: Rates, Yen and other Asian markets lit up the OX desk today. Citadel is petitioning the supreme court over the CBOE/ICE/SXP case.

Strategy Block: Tosaw clarifies the difference between market timing and risk management.

Around the Block: Non-Farm payrolls come out in the morning. Rates will be a main focus.

Option Block 231: April Fool Joke from Tesla?

Interview Block: RCM’s Matt Bradbard talks about interest rates. When might they reverse course and head upwards? What is the Eurodollar?

Trading Block: We actually saw a rise in VIX today. Tesla was today's big news: they made a profit for the first time this quarter! Apple bouncing off the lows.

Odd Block: Calls trade in North American Palladium Ltd. (PAL), large put block trades in Health Care Select Sector SPDR (XLV), and calls trade in Cisco Systems Inc. (CSCO).

Xpress Block: Tesla and Apple were both lighting up the desk at OX today. The first returns on the weeklies on futures options show that they are a resounding success. How are the Minis doing?

Around the Block: Looking forward to a somewhat quiet week ahead.

Option Block 230: The Psychology of Options Trading

Interview Block: Today's guest is Benjamin Lee, founder of Think|Trade|Think. He talks about the psychology of trading, and gives us a preview of his upcoming RCM webinar.

Trading Block: There was a bit of a selloff, as concerns about Cyprus crept back into the market. Which way are we heading from here?

Odd Block: Puts trade in DaVita Healthcare Partners Inc. (DVA), more calls make news in Thomson Reuters Corp. USA (TRI), and Globe Specialty Metal (GSM) trading puts.

Xpress Block: OX customers give feedback on the Minis.

Around the Block: Keeping an eye on the TLT and iron condors. Blackberry earnings are on 3/28 before the bell.

Option Block 229: The Death Hedge

Trading Block: Most indexes closed down by the end of the day. Juice comes back into the VIX. Cypress: is it the new Greece? GLD, SLV and other metals up on the day. Lululemon recalls "see-through" yoga pants.

Odd Block: Calls spread trades in the VIX, put buying in Citigroup Inc. (C), and big trades in Constellation Brands Inc. (STZ).

Xpress Block: Two names stood out on the desk: General Motors and Dell.

Strategy Block: Mike Tosaw gets his very own rant about busting the myths of annuities. Go, Mike, go!

Around the Block: Keeping an eye on Cypress. We're close to all-time highs in the market.

Option Block 228: Mini Mania

Interview Block: Today's Guest: Kevin Davitt, Global Execution & Futures Broker at RCM. RCM will be hosting a webinar this Thursday night.

Trading Block: There was a bit of a selloff in the market due to news coming out of Cypress, which is rekindling fears of a Europe crisis. Today is the day: Mini contracts begin trading today. What is the OX procedure and policy for Minis?

Odd Block: Ratio strangle trades in Neonode, Inc. (NEON), put buyers active in Globe Specialty Metals, Inc. (GSM), puts trade in Reality Income Corp. (O), and calls trade in Swift Transportation Co. (SWFT).

Xpress Block: Cypress, Minis and Gold were all popular topics today at OX. When will we see Minis in the Idea Hub?

Around the Block: Watching a silent rally in Apple. VIX cash creeping up. Cypress still making headlines. Minis and their affect.

Option Block 227: When Options Make an $800,000,000 Profit

Trading Block: The S&P's are right up against their all-time highs. Citadel exited their E-Trade position, which is down 75% from when they bought it, and still turned an $800M profit with hedging and options. Minis begin trading Monday, March 18.

Odd Block: It was a hard luck day for E-Trade (ETRA), running of the bulls in KBW Regional Bank ETF (KRE), and an incredible purchase in Heckmann Corp (HEK).

Xpress Block: What's new in the Ides Hub? Blackberry is back in the news.

Strategy Block: Making adjustments on a simulated index concept strategy.

Around the Block: How high will the S&P 500 reach? Gold & Silver. Mini options.

Option Block 226: Up, Up and Away

Interview Block: Today's guest is Joe Garcia-Rios, Founder of Rios Quantitative & President and Chief Portfolio Manager of Advanz Analytics Group.

Trading Block: There is no sign of the end to the rally. VIX has an 11-handle for the first time since 2007. Minis launch next week! ISE will launch their second exchange -- the Topaz Exchange.

The Odd Block: March 13.5 calls trade in Ford.

Around the Block: Keeping an eye on the VIX, Apple and Google.

Option Block 225: Spreads with Benefits

Trading Block: The market is apparently shrugging off the Sequester with a mild rally as of mid-day. Implied and realized volatility cross, which is a very rare occurrence. Google feeling the love and broke the 800 level, while Apple feeling the heat falling well south of $450. Groupon is showing some signs of life bouncing dramatically off lows around $4.25.

Odd Block: Risk reversals trade in Bridgepoint Education Inc. (BPI), call buyers in Zhongpin Inc. (HOGS), calls trade in Tronox ltd. (TROX), and more calls trade in Mitek Systems Inc (MITK).

Xpress Block: Alex Jacobson discusses more ideas from the Idea Hub, new OX products, and new OX order types.

Strategy Block: Mike Tosaw discusses the "credit spread with benefits."

Around the Block: Seems like more bears are coming out of the woodwork making dire predictions for the market going forward. Sequester, sequester, sequester! What else on the horizon could generate some vol?

Option Block 224: No Watered Down Options Information

Trading Block: Downward movement across the market, making a late reversal. Not a ton of movement in our favorite fruit company. VIX had a big turnaround during the day. Facebook sells off. AB allegedly watering down their beer - stock unaffected.

Odd Block: Fresh call buyers in TD Ameritrade Holding Corp. (AMTD), profit taking via Bank of America Corp. (BAC), puts trade in Cablevision Systems Corp. (CVC) after earnings, and call trading activity in DigitalGlobe Inc. (DGI).

Xpress Block: A relatively quiet day at the OX desk today.

Mail Block: FB question from listener: I listen to your podcast and really enjoy it. I heard a while back that Uncle Mike was short the 26 put on Facebook. I had a 25 put assigned to me, and I rode it down to 18 and back up to 28.68, where I sold my shares. I now have the April 23 short put. I am enclosing a chart that I would like to comment on. It is the reason why I chose the April 23 put.

Around the Block: Sequester, Sequester, Sequester! The big cutting day is almost here.

Option Block 223: Making Money for the End of the World

Interview Block: Today's Guest: Ed Walczak, Principal Trader at Harbor Financial. He specializes in options on the S&P futures contracts, and does everything from ratios to credit spreads.

Trading Block: Another day, another selloff, another VIX cash pop. The return of realized vol to the downside. Ford engine investigation. Is Uncle Mike reconsidering his 12 puts? Is Barnes and Noble next to go private? Zynga rallies 7.5% today. Exchange trend continuing -- CME to acquire DB? DB couldn't merge with NYSE, so why would regulators approve this? SEC examining how stock exchanges create new order types.

Odd Block: Steady buyers of Frontline Ltd (FRO) puts, and puts trade in Linn Co., LLC (LNCO).

Xpress Block: A blood-letting day at the OX desk. Expanding the Idea Hub for futures options.

Around the Block: How long can we hold these levels of realized vol? GRPN 2/27

Option Block 222: Bonds. Contrarian Bonds.

Trading Block: The majority of the market sold off by 1%. On the news that bonds might sell off, they rallied. Apple breaks through 450. Google hanging around the 800 level.

Odd Block: A collar went up in Texas Roadhouse (TXRH); call spreads trade in Gerdau SA (GGB), and calls active in Blackstone Group (BX).

Xpress Block: SPX and April Condors are hopping.

Strategy Block: Today's strategy honors Hannibal Smith of the A-Team. Put selling strategies on SPY-- long-term bullish and short-term cautious.

Around the Block: Looking ahead at Tesla Motors. Keeping an eye on the S&P 500. Seeing if Google can stay near 800.

Option Block 221: Suspiciously Well-Timed Call Buying

Trading Block: The market was mixed today, with the VIX cash off slightly. GM profits down from 2011, stock down 3%. Jobless claims decrease last week. Zynga flirts with $4 before retreating back to $3. Former RIMM CEO dumps the rest of his stock, never a good sign. “CBOE Group Holdings Inc., which became a publicly held company in 2010 after years of effort, would consider going private again if doing so benefits its shareholders, a top executive said on Thursday.” PHLX's Sandy Frucher is getting OIC's Sullivan this year. Is the PHLX saga really worth celebrating?

Odd Block: Big call Activity in Hess Corp. (HES), and suspiciously well-timed call buying in Constellation Brands Inc. (STZ).

Xpress Block: It was a quiet day, with the exceptions of Facebook and Blackberry. A new pricing scheme in futures. What's new with implementing the Minis? The devil is in the details.

Mail Block: What do you want to know from the All-Stars?

Question from Filipp001: When SPX daily options?

Strategy Block: The credit spread with benefits.

Around the Block: Earnings are still coming up, including Tesla Motors 2/20, Marriot 2/20. Remember that Monday, Feb 18 is a non-trading day.

Option Block 220: Who Needs Annuities When You Can Sell Puts on GOOG?

Interview Block: Today's guest is Doug Berman, Vice President of Agriculture Derivatives, RCM Asset Management. He talks about

Why this is an extremely exciting time in the corn option market.
The unique relationship between implied volatility and pricing
How traditional strategies like covered calls/collars perform in the Ag realm vs. equity options
On Wednesday, February 13, Doug will be sharing with us his ideas and systems for trading futures and options on corn.

Trading Block:A meandering day on the street today. We’re still deep in the earnings with CBOE, ATVI, MSFT, and CMG all rallying strong post-earnings. RIMM/BBRY staying strong as well. Apple watch is back on.

The Odd Block: Bullish put spread trades in Bank of America Corp. (BAC), small call block goes up in Superconductor Corp. (AMSC), aggressive opening call buyer in Walgreens Co. (WAG), and closing calls trade in Chilcott Ltd. (WCRX).

Xpress Block: Alex discusses some impending price changes in futures and futures options. Now $3.50! + exchange fees and NFA fees.

Around the Block: Cisco earnings 2/13, LivePerson 2/12, NVidia 2/13, Tesla 2/13. Watching Radian Group, Google and Apple.

Option Block 219: Trading Options to Infinity and Beyond

Trading Block: Zynga blows the doors off the market - the 2.5 puts were the sale of the century. Disney reported earlier this week, and is selling well. Activision gets a little bit of a bump to the upside. Shareholders filing suit against Apple as their cash reserve grows.

Odd Block: Puts trade in DeVry Inc. (DV), puts trade in JPMorgan Chase & Co. (JPM), and a big block of calls trades in Marathon Petroleum Corp. (MPC).

Xpress Block: Best Buy and Blackberry were popular at OX. A phenomenal amount of puts selling - short put call is 95% puts to calls.

Strategy Block: Mike Tosaw talks about implied volatility, and other side of the coin to vol.

Around the Block: CBOE earnings 2/8 before the bell. Cisco 2/13. Nvidea 2/13. Tesla Motors 2/13. The President's State of the Union address is Tuesday.

Option Block 218: Do Not Pay for Juice

Trading Block: Selloff keeps some life in the VIX cash. Profit taking, and rumbles out of Spain, weigh on the market. Facebook down 5%. Apple down 2%.

Odd Block: Puts trade in Dell Inc. (DELL), a massive 1x2 Call Spread Trades in Delphi Automotive PLC (DLPH), time spreads trade in Bruker BioSciences Corp. (BRKR), and calls trade in Questar Corp. (STR).

Xpress Block: Alex Jacobson discusses GLD volatility, SPX PM, and premiums. Of 256 companies reporting earning so far, 68.4% have beat estimates compared with a 62% average since 1994.

Mail Block: Let the All-Stars answer your questions.

Question from Alessandro - What does the all-star panel think of a long Ford 11-12 1x2 put spread for $.05?
Question from Bob G. - Do you guys prefer to go into earnings long or short volatility?
Question from Tony O. - Hey Uncle Mike, I’d like your opinion on going long the GLD March 155-168 bullish risk reversal for approximately even money? Or would you prefer to add a short 172 call kicker and collect about $.30?
Question from Mr. Mikey - Does the OX Idea Hub take into account changes in open interest when highlighting trading idea?

Around the Block: Earnings! Activision on 2/7 after the close, Chipotle on 2/5 after the close, CBOE 2/8 before the open. Plus, CBOE stock has been on a serious tear since ICE/NYSE merger announcement.

Option Block 217: Now What Are We Going to Watch?

Trading Block: Most of the major indexes closed fractionally down, weighed down by some less-than-stellar earnings. There was a bit of interesting activity in Facebook. RIMM, now known as BlackBerry, announced the new BlackBerry 10. Former founder of PFG sentenced to 50 years. Netflix pulls a reverse Widow Maker.

Odd Block: Big put spread goes up in Exxon Mobil Corp. (XOM), a large block of calls trade in Taiwan Semiconductor Inc. (TSM), a closing trade in Take-Two Interactive (TTWO), and puts trade in Expeditors International of Washington Inc. (EXPD)

Xpress Block: Chatter on the OX forums has been heavy in Netflix and Priceline. Not much movement in vol.

Strategy Block: Tosaw discusses selling the put on Ford and buying call options.

Around the Block: Non-Farms comes out tomorrow. What is there to watch after that?

Option Block 216: Embracing Degeneracy

Trading Block: Most indexes closed fractionally up or down on the day. Vol continues to stay at record lows. Action in Ford and Facebook so far this week.

Odd Block: Puts trade in Western Union Co. (WU), a block of calls trade in Facebook Inc. (FB), and calls trade in Take-Two Interactive Software (TTWO).

Xpress Block: Alex discusses the latest from the Idea Hub, which included a lot of SPX PM ideas today. CFTC approved the Euro stock futures in the U.S. today.

Strategy Block: Great Uncle Mike Tosaw discusses selling puts on the S&P 500, a strategy they use at RCM.

Mail Block: The All-Stars answer listener questions.

Question from Tom S., Philadelphia - Ford March 14 calls for $0.40 - Buy or Sell?
Question from Charles C., Cambridge, MA - What do you guys think of the Ford March 12-15 bullish risk reversal for even to a nickel debit?

Around the Block: Yahoo! earnings. Ford earnings tomorrow before the open. Facebook on 1/30, Amazon on 1/29, Electronic Arts on 1/30.

Option Block 215: Apple and More Apple

Trading Block: There was a pronounced selloff in Apple following earnings. The interesting news is that almost everything was up today, except Apple.

Odd Block: Unusual activity in CBOE, Infinera Corp. (INFN), and Stryker Corp. (SYK).

Around the Block: More earnings next week. There could potentially be a big move, given how low volatility has been recently.

Option Block 214: Apple Moves and Hysteria Ensues

Trading Block: The markets actually moved today! Apple breaks down below the 500 level. Oil continues to rally. Citi and BoA are both taking it on the chin following earnings.

Odd Block: Some upside love in Brookdale Senior Living (BKD), calls active in Avail Pharmaceuticals, and puts selling in DeVry Inc. (DV).

Xpress Block: Apple earnings have been lighting up the screens of the Idea Hub at OX. A mandatory update on Extend has been released.

Strategy Block: Uncle Mike discusses getting out of nickel options this week.

Around the Block: Intel earnings in. Big earnings next week: Apple and Netflix on 1/23; AMD and Google on 1/22, Southwest and Microsoft on 1/24.

Option Block 213: Waxing Nostalgic about Floor Days

Trading Block: Apple hits 11-month low and is hovering around $500 strike off news of decreasing iPhone demand. Apple selloff put some vol back into the market. Good earnings -- despite the Apple news, 80% of S&P 500 companies that have reported so have beat their earnings estimates. A lot of volume in Dell.

Odd Block: Puts trade in Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson (ERIC); large call seller in Charles Schwab Corp. (SCHW), and calls trading in Sealed Air Corp. (SEE).

Xpress Block: The Marches have gone up this week. Russell and ETFs. Gold, Facebook and weeklies.

The Mail Block: Home Ec tips from our listeners

Tweet from Money Hat - Seabass is crazy! There is no difference between the shiny and dull sides of tin foil. That's just an old wives tale.

Email from Paul - Venice, FL - Can I sell covered calls on a convertible preferred stock? In particular BAC.PR.L. I chose this name because it pays a roughly 9% dividend yield, but I would like to augment that income stream if possible. Thank you for your insight and for your informative (and surprisingly entertaining) program. I didn’t know I could have such a good time learning about options trading.

Around the Block: Earnings, earnings, earnings! Bank of America, Citi, JP Morgan, Morgan Stanley, US Bank Corp.

Option Block 212: Sweep the Leg, Johnny

Trading Block: There was a broad rally across the street, but VIX cash languishing yet again. Alcoa earnings send out a resounding "meh," with the stock essentially unchanged. It’s a premium sellers dream. BATS executes hundreds of thousands of transactions outside NBBO. CBOE rebranding: "Execute Success." Are you sure about that?

Odd Block: Calls trading in Microsoft Corp. (MSFT), Applied Materials Inc. (AMAT) calls trade, large blocks of opening calls trade on Deckers Outdoor Corp. (DECK), and interesting call trading in GT Solar International Inc. (GTAT).

Xpress Block: The Idea Hub feature "Walk Limit" has reached version 2 on the OX platform. Now it’s fully customizable!

Strategy Block: Harvesting credit spreads using multiple weeklies with Uncle Mike.

Around the Block: Interesting earning on the horizon: CITI, BAC, and INTC all on 1/17. GS on 1/16 before the bell.

Option Block 210: New Year, No Volatility

Trading Block: It’s the first episode of 2013! The world hasn't ended, since the heroes in Congress once again settled on a deal. Volatility update.

Odd Block: Takeover talks spur call trading in Zipcar (ZIP), and a large VXX put spread trades.

Xpress Block: Earnings season begins next week with Alcoa on 1/8.

Strategy Block: Mike Tosaw expands upon volatility, using VIX as a weather vane, and selling puts, all wrapped within a well-told story.

Mail Block: Question from Chandra B - Natick, MA: Hey Mark, I love the Radio show...I find myself wanting the next show because I something new every episode. My question is: How should a trader handle stop losses on a naked call/put and/or a vertical spread. When should you call it quits? IBD mentions 8% for stocks, but what is the level for options? Thanks.

Around the Block: How low can vol go? Earnings next week, how big could they be?

Option Block 209: 2012 Year in Review

2012 Year in Review Block:

A lot of whip-saw action in the market today, given the uncertainty in Washington. ETPs have added substantial end-of-day volatility. Scandal in the retail market, specifically the implosion of PFG, has lead to a steady decline in retail options volume. Peak 6 acquired Penson and created Apex Clearing, which caused a lot of problems. A lot of price movement in the underlying in Apple this year. A big SPY dividend trade ended up costing millions of dollars due to a clearing error. VIX is cheap, vol is low - we've heard this non-sense all year. Knight trading collapsed. Hurricane Sandy closed the markets in New York for two full days. ICE acquired NYSE Group. The expansion of weeklies continues to be a big story. Mini Apple will be release next year in March. Worst trade of the year: Someone had the bright idea to buy 20,000 VIX Feb 70 calls.

Option Block 208: Options Fuel the Exchange War

Trading Block: News is circulating of a potentially sizable acquisition/merger of ICE and NYSE Euronext, which includes ARCA and AMEX. The market was fractionally up on the day. Jan vol futures are still trading below cash. RIMM closed to the upside.

Odd Block: A pickup of bullish paper in the XLF, a three-legged trade in the iShares Dow Jones Transportation Index (IYT).

Xpress Block: What's new at the Idea Hub? Plus, a question from Max S: When I put on a spread in Xtend, it displays the positions in my position list, but when I go to close a position, I can only one-click close the spread one leg at a time. Is there a way to one-click close a multi-leg spread through Xtend or through the website?

Around the Block: Positioning for a potential dive off the fiscal cliff. Happy holidays from The Options Insider.

Option Block 207: Ratio Combos and Weekly Premium

Trading Block: We saw a broad rally across the market as rumors of a deal to avert the fiscal cliff are spreading. There was also a mild VIX selloff today. Mark put on my first taste of Apple last week - Dec 465/455 put spread. The latest on GLD. Miami Options Exchange (MIAX) finally launches. Bill Brodsky stepping down as Chairman & CEO of the CBOE.

Odd Block: Large Call Buying in Endeavor International Corp. (END), calls trading in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing (TSM), and calls trading in Financial Sector SPDR (XLF).

Xpress Block: Alex Jacobson is in the OX hot seat today and discusses the walk limit product, as well as what's new at the Idea Hub. He also answers this Tweet from Mr. Penny Stock: Alex - Does OX have a premium buying section of the Idea Hub to go with the premium selling section?

Strategy Block: Mike Tosaw discusses using a ratio combo.

Around the Block: RIMM and Nike earnings are coming up. It should be an interesting expiration week with the fiscal cliff looming.

Option Block 206: The Secret World of Open Interest

Trading Block: It was a bloody day on the market; screens were nothing but a sea of red. Apple is now creating its own vol excitement, this time in the 500's. Is Tosaw a degenerate weekly premium seller? VIX cash headed towards the upside. GLD is at a 13 vol -- how low can it go?

Odd Block: More bullish trading in Quicksilver, Inc. (ZQK) and Golden Minerals Co. (AUMN), also selling paper in AuRico Gold, Inc. (AUQ). Plus, a comment from Duffy: What's the best way to tell if a particular options activity is closing or opening transaction? Thank for your help.

Xpress Block: Alex Jacobson discusses the latest developments at OX. Google seems to be displacing Apple in term of chatter amongst customers. More interesting ideas being kicked out from the "Idea Hub.”

Strategy Block: Tosaw discusses the importance of synthetics, and how they relate to collars.

Around the Block: Earnings: Oracle 12/18, RIMM 12/20. RIMM is actually seeing some life recently.

Option Block 205: The Great Collar Debate

Trading Block: Most of the market was unchanged today. Vol levels in Apple have been attractively low, is Tosaw back on the short put train? GLD sees a little move to the upside.

Odd Block: Unusual activity in: Dole Food Co, (DOLE), iShares MSCI Emerging Markets Index (EEM), and iShares MSCI Japan Index (EWJ).

Xpress Block: Alex Jacobson discusses the latest and most interesting trade ideas from the "Idea Hub." A $10 OTM put spread in Apple.

Listener Mail: Our listeners drive the bus for a while.

Email from Stephanie C: I hear you guys use the term "paper" all the time. Where does it come from and what does it mean?
Email from Tully: Do you think this is a good environment for collars, particularly on some high flyer like Apple, Google, Amazon, etc. Also, what is the best way to structure a collar? Thanks and I'm a long-time fan of the show.

Around the Block: Keeping an eye on FOMC rate decision, gold, and the Euro. Be sure to have your tax plans in place as the year draws to a close.

Option Block 204: Juicy AAPL Puts

Trading Block: Market roughly unchanged on the day. Apple reversing its recent selloff on renewed Apple TV rumors. Apple & FoxConn also investing in American manufacturing and distribution. Holiday sales looking strong so far. Jobless claims drop after Hurricane Sandy. Sirius declares dividend and buys back $2B worth of shares. Are they yet another company trying to move up their special dividend to avoid next year's tax increase?

Odd Block: Put calendar buying in SPDR S&P 500 Trust ETF (SPY), selling put spreads in iShares MSCI Index Fund (EFA), and buying calls in Zynga, Inc. (ZNGA).

Xpress Block: Joe Cusack is in the OX hot seat today and discusses some of the latest developments at OX and interesting trade ideas from the "Idea Hub".

Strategy Block: Uncle Tosaw discusses weeklies in this strategy block.

Around the Block: Fiscal cliff. Fiscal cliff. Fiscal Cliff. Non-farms in the morning. Weekend approaching but vol still has some legs.

Option Block 203: Still Talking About the Fiscal Cliff

Trading Block: A bit of a selloff across most of the major indices. Apple only up slightly today. Ford trading around the 11.5-11.40 range.

Odd Block: Andrew Giovinazzi gets to run through some of the interesting and unusual activity he saw in the market, including: Leap Frog (LF), Verisign (VRSN), and BioMimetic Therapeutics, Inc. (BMTI).

Xpress Block: A slow day at OX. Alex Jacobson takes the reins and discusses the idea hub.

Around the Block: Still waiting for some kind of news out of Washington about the fiscal cliff. Keep an eye on the special dividend news.

Option Block 202: VIX: How Low Can It Go?

Trading Block: Zynga is up 4%, after filing Form 4 with the SEC. Who's going to gobble up Zynga? Today's rally due, in part, to some talks of potential settlement headed towards the fiscal cliff. VIX tanking.

Xpress Block: Alex Jacobson gets the OX hot seat once again and discusses VIX. How low can it go? Is it actually low right now? Has our frame of reference changed, or are we in an artificially inflated environment?

Mail Block: Listeners Drive the Conversation.

Via email from Emil Pesiri: I love the show. Do you know of any source that publishes daily updates of options showing a significant horizontal skew? I know of several that publish daily vertical skew, but none that screen and publish horizontal skew updates. Thanks so much.

Comment from Liam: Hey Option Block, great show as always! I have a question for you. Since Microsoft seems to make such bad decisions for itself in terms of buying companies, what would you do if you were in charge of investments over there? Also, do you ever plan on making it out to London? I would love to buy you a pint.

Option Block 201: Traders as Quarterbacks

Trading Block: Black Friday/Cyber Monday/Holiday season appears to be off to a good start. Facebook pops 8% with 60% more volume than normal. Apple rallies 18 handles. Microsoft drops their second-in-command.

Interview Block: Today's guest is Anthony Crudele, Head Trader at eMini Executors.

Xpress Block: Alex Jacobson gets the OX hot seat today and discusses the slow day in today's market. In other news, ISE announced that March 13 is the Mini Options launch date. They’re the first exchange to announce a specific date, but will others jump the gun?

Around the Block: The VIX doldrums may be ahead.

Option Block 200: It's a Celebration

Celebration Block: Let's pat ourselves on the back for lasting for 200 episodes, the most episodes of any program on our network, and probably the most episodes of any options podcast in history.

We've had more episodes than: Seinfeld, Magnum PI, The Cosby Show, Full House, Different Strokes, Golden Girls & Three's Company.
We also look back at the origins of the show and share some of our favorite moments along the way, including: Sebastian's many nicknames, Grigus' many stock picks, Tosaw's favorite strategies, favorite guest, favorite uncomfortable moments, and much more.
We're also cooking up a new segment: live listener questions.

Trading Block: Potential budget compromise sparks a strong rally. Apple at $505! Who's back in? CBOE missed a great opportunity to have a tradable Apple VIX on Friday. Hostess going bankrupt - is the Twinkie gone forever? Can they be saved by Bimbo Bakery? Intel lower after the news of their CEO retiring. Tyson Foods blows past estimates.
Xpress Block: Alex Jacobson get today's OX hot seat and discusses OX's idea hub and walk limit product. Don't forget this is a short week for trading.

Around the Block: Beware of decay, and watch for bargains, because of this shortened holiday week. Fiscal cliff looking less perilous. Is this the return of the upside vol?

Option Block 199: Apple Selloff and Yoga Pants

Trading Block: The mild selloff continues. What is happening with VIX and realized volatility post-election? VIX calls/verticals/ratios vs. SPY puts/verticals/ratios. Does VIX win? A big Apple selloff. Is Uncle Mike getting ready to get back in? Dell earnings after hours. Tons of volume coming in for NetApp Inc.

Odd Block: Interesting activity in GameStop Corp. (GME) and Lululemon Athletica, Inc. (LULU).

Xpress Block: Sean Fitzgerald discusses some recent client trades in Apple, the QQQ, a VIX put spread, a SPY call spread, Walmart, and Dell.

Around the Block: Keeping an eye on the metals, GLD and SLV. Best Buy and HP earnings next week.

Option Block 198: Sex Scandals and Star Wars

Trading Block: All three major indices unchanged at 0. Mild vol selloff, following a mild rally after post-election selloff. CIA head forced out following a fantastically crazy scandal.

Odd Block: Unusual activity in Titanium Metals Corp. (TIE); bullish options are in play on drug maker Eli Lilly and Co. (LLY); unusual activity in Flagstar Bancorp, Inc. (FBC).

Xpress Block: John Grigus is on the OX hot seat today. What's he still doing in Groupon?

Strategy Block: Uncle Mike Tosaw discusses collars and understanding the Greeks.

Around the Block: Cisco earnings tomorrow after the close. Cosi and Dell: 11/15, Hot Topic: 11/14. Disney's bullish future following the purchase of Lucasfilm. Looking ahead to Black Friday.

Option Block 197: Driving Towards the Fiscal Cliff

Trading Block: Markets down following presidential election. What can we attribute this to? There is strength in inelastic demand, inflation sensitive assets like GLD, corn, soybeans and wheat.

Interview Block: Newcomer David Peltier, Portfolio Manager for TheStreet.com’s Stocks Under 10, gets his own segment to let our listeners get to know him and Stocks Under 10 a little better.

Odd Block: Harmony Gold (HMY): a customer sold about 6,500 Jan 13 10 calls at $0.20; Exco Resources Inc. (XCO): a customer bought Dec 7 and Dec 8 calls, in a "call stupid,” and; Gerdau SA (GGB): a customer bought a chunk of Jun 2013 - 5,100 9 and 2,000 8 puts.

Around the Block: No really big economic events are in our near horizon with earnings season and the elections near an end. How will things play out in the market with the "fiscal cliff" looming ahead?

Option Block 196: Election Edition

Trading Block: The market took off once early polling results came in, a broad-based rally across most of the market. Vol came in after being out most of the morning.

Odd Block: 30,000 contracts trade on the VIX Nov16 put.

Xpress Block: John Grigus gets the OX hot seat today to discuss VIX, recent highs in volume and the ex dividend date for Apple.

Mail Bag: Via email from Sigmund Fraud:
I have a 401k that's invested in the S&P. What's the best way to hedge it [outside of the 401k] from downside risk? Would beta-weighting with SDS be a good hedge or is there a better way? Also, I've heard the terms "hitting offers, lifting bids" (I hope I got that right), what does that mean?

Strategy Block: Andrew discusses back spreading the VIX and how it is the cleanest way to play a change in implied volatility in the indexes.

Around the Block: All eyes will be focused on the U.S. Presidential election.

Option Block 195: Post-Hurricane Sandy Edition

Trading Block: The market reopens Wednesday after closing for two days due to Hurricane Sandy. Apple opens nearly unched, some long premium holders ended up alright. Vol has been coming in hard. How was the NYSE not prepared for a disaster such as a hurricane?

Odd Block: Straddle sold on Take 2 Interactive Software (TTWO).

Xpress Block: Dave Vitamonis gets the OX hot seat for today's show and discusses using an iron condor, instead of an iron butterfly.

Strategy Block: Mike Tosaw discusses risk management and when you should use a point A to point B type of risk management.

Around the Block: Watching the vol crush and Non-farms tomorrow. LinkedIn and Amazon.

Option Block 194: The Great AAPL Death Knell

Trading Block: The great Apple death knell? Tosaw is out! A momentous decision. Amazon and Apple earnings after the close. Facebook earnings earlier this week.

Odd Block: Volatility plays heat up on KLA-Tencor (KLAC).
Xpress Block: Sean Fitzgerald gets the OX hot seat and discusses today's action on the desk. Russell credit spreads, GLD, and Zynga.

Strategy Block: Mike Tosaw discusses his new stock, Chevron, and the interesting trade he made.

Around the Block: Keeping an eye on Apple and Amazon after hours. GDP, Non-Farms and more earnings next week. Tosaw will now sleep for a few weeks.

Option Block 193: Post-Earnings Selloff & Turnaround

Trading Block: Post-earnings selloff continues, but then we saw a dramatic turnaround late in the day. Iron flies on Microsoft post-earnings.

Odd Block: Large call spread purchased on MGIC Investment Corporation (MTG); calls bought on Eli Lilly (LLY).

Xpress Block: John Grigus gets the OX hot seat today and discusses Bank of America, new tech products, including the iPad mini, and the Samsung ChromeBook.

Around the Block: Looking forward to earnings: Facebook 10/23, Zynga 10/24, Amazon 10/25, Apple 10/25, Netflix 10/23.

Option Block 192: Earnings Palooza

Trading Block: GOOG earnings announced early, although no one is sure why. Today is an earnings-palooza: AMD, LUV, MSFT, NOK, VZ all after the bell.

Odd Block: Is McGraw-Hill Topped Out? (MHP); puts rolled on Sprint Nextel (S); volatility purchased on Hertz Global (HTZ).

The Mail Block: You ask. We answer.

EMAIL FROM TED, WASHINGTON: “I know you guys have touched on this a long time ago, but I can’t find the episode and I’m not sure if there was ever an answer. My question is - how do you execute a ratio spread using Xtend? I’ve been trying all morning to execute a simple 1x2 put spread (buy 1, sell 2) all morning, yet when i select put spread from the Xtend dropdown menu in the order ticket, it defaults to having the legs be the same size. Whenever I try to change the size of one leg, it automatically adjusts the other. None of the other selections in the dropdown seem to work and I don’t see a selection for “ratio spread.” Is there a way to do this? If not, can ox please add a dropdown for ratio spreads in Xtend. Thanks. Been a fan of the show since it launched and an ox customer for about a year, mostly because of this show.
RELATED EMAIL QUESTION FROM FINN: I know Mark L. loves iron butterflies. How do I trade those using Xtend? I don’t see an option for those in the trade ticket?
EMAIL FROM Todd in MN: Hi guys, love you, love the show... A question for the listener mail segment-- I'd be honored if you read it. What's the most effective way for a retail investor to hedge an x% decline in the overall market? Some guesses:
- buy a back month vertical put spread or single long put on $SPY and let simmer?
- buy a vertical call spread on $VIX and manage it closely?
- C) none of the above?

Xpress Block: Trading picks up in VIX. Sebastian pontificates.

Around the Block: Earnings. Earnings. Earnings. FB, NFLX, ZNGA, and AMZN coming up.

Option Block 192: Earnings Palooza

Trading Block: GOOG earnings announced early, although no one is sure why. Today is an earnings-palooza: AMD, LUV, MSFT, NOK, VZ all after the bell.

Odd Block: Is McGraw-Hill Topped Out? (MHP); puts rolled on Sprint Nextel (S); volatility purchased on Hertz Global (HTZ).

The Mail Block: You ask. We answer.

EMAIL FROM TED, WASHINGTON: “I know you guys have touched on this a long time ago, but I can’t find the episode and I’m not sure if there was ever an answer. My question is - how do you execute a ratio spread using Xtend? I’ve been trying all morning to execute a simple 1x2 put spread (buy 1, sell 2) all morning, yet when i select put spread from the Xtend dropdown menu in the order ticket, it defaults to having the legs be the same size. Whenever I try to change the size of one leg, it automatically adjusts the other. None of the other selections in the dropdown seem to work and I don’t see a selection for “ratio spread.” Is there a way to do this? If not, can ox please add a dropdown for ratio spreads in Xtend. Thanks. Been a fan of the show since it launched and an ox customer for about a year, mostly because of this show.
RELATED EMAIL QUESTION FROM FINN: I know Mark L. loves iron butterflies. How do I trade those using Xtend? I don’t see an option for those in the trade ticket?
EMAIL FROM Todd in MN: Hi guys, love you, love the show... A question for the listener mail segment-- I'd be honored if you read it. What's the most effective way for a retail investor to hedge an x% decline in the overall market? Some guesses:
- buy a back month vertical put spread or single long put on $SPY and let simmer?
- buy a vertical call spread on $VIX and manage it closely?
- C) none of the above?

Xpress Block: Trading picks up in VIX. Sebastian pontificates.

Around the Block: Earnings. Earnings. Earnings. FB, NFLX, ZNGA, and AMZN coming up.

TRADING BLOCK

Vol Rundown - Vix came in today, as expected given Vol inflation on Friday and today's rally.Nobel Prize for economics announced today - Alvin Roth won. Citi and Chipotle reporting earnings today.

ODD BLOCK

Calls Active as Two Harbors Crashes (TWO)

Protection Purchased on the Healthcare Select SPDR (XLV)

Calendar Spread Trades on Wells Fargo (WFC)

INTERVIEW BLOCK

Today's guest: Kevin Davitt - KYO Futures Broker. Equities, ratio spreads, and upcoming webinars.

AROUND THE BLOCK

Earnings Palooza - Southwest, Nokia, Microsoft, Verizon, AMD, Google - 10/18. Election Vol looming on the horizon.

Option Block 190: Getting Out of AAPL

Trading Block: Another 0.0% move for the S&P today. Zynga was crushed again this week, and closing today at $2.43 as it takes a massive write-down on the OMG Pop acquisition. It also manages to bring Facebook down with it. Corn up 5% after U.S. harvest forecast slashed. Apple closing down about 13 handles or 2% to $628.10.

Odd Block: Upside calls active on Auxilium Pharma (AUXL); will Advanced Micro Devices Earnings surprise next week (AMD)?

Xpress Block: Sean Fitzgerald is back in the OX hot seat today, and discusses recent and interesting trades. Sprint, Wells Fargo and a bunch of earnings plays.

Around the Block: Earnings-Palooza: Southwest Airlines, Nokia, Microsoft, Verizon, AMD, Google, Bank of America, and Citi.

Option Block 189: Iron Condors and Big Trends

Trading Block: Apple down about 2.5%. When might we see the minis? Groupon finally goes to the plus side. Is it time to abandon ship? Non-farms better than expected.

Odd Block: Huge three-way put spread trades on Consol Energy (CNX); options action surges as Vringo pops (VRNG).

Xpress Block: John Grigus takes the hot seat and discusses the many spin-offs of Sears holdings.

Interview Block: Featuring Big Trends’ Price Headley

Price gives an overview of what Big Trends does
What he is currently seeing in the market
Why is he such a fan of iron condors?
What levels would be too low for him?
He also gives a quick preview of the webinar tonight for KYO.

Around the Block: Earnings season again! Alcoa kicks it off tomorrow. Vice Presidential debate upcoming.

Option Block 188: Diversify. Diversify. Diversify

Trading Block: The market's reaction to Wednesday night's Presidential debate. Review from the Morning Star conference. (Spoiler: Options exposure and education is still significantly lacking.) HPQ, SLV & GLD, ACT.

Odd Block: Upside purchased in Sachs (SKS); calls active as Dell pushes to new lows (DELL)

Xpress Block: New-comer Dave Vitamonis gets the OX hot seat today and discusses interesting trades and size orders that came across the desk. The metals market is heating up.

Stragegy Block: Uncle Mike Tosaw discusses diversification and mutual funds.

Around the Block: Non-Farms tomorrow, a big event. Apple earnings 10/25.

Option Block 187: It’s That Time of the Month

Trading Block: VIX cash getting some weekend love back. Monthly volume numbers are in, and according to ISE, dividend trades made up 8.8% of industry volume in September 2012. Apple closing down 1%. Will Uncle Mike ever get out? Groupon = garbage? Premium selling candidate? Risk reversals? Is Activision lining up for more bullish risk reversals? Ford is hovering at the 10-handle. How do you position RIMM from here?

Odd Block: Is FLIR Systems (FLIR) ready to pop 11%; puts sold on Celldex Therapeutics (CLDX), and; short-term protection purchased on Wells Fargo (WFC).

Xpress Block: John Girgus takes the reins in the Xpress Block and talks about what came across the OX desk today. Weekly options coming out soon. Approval passed for mini weekly options.

Listener Mail: The inmates are running the asylum.

Email from Ejay Singh, Mumbai, India “I appreciated your discussion of early dividend exercise on the last show. You mentioned the dividend and assignment risk on Spy, but does this also apply to SPX? Thanks very much for a fantastic options program. You guys really are unique in the world of options, and if Mark ‘Voice of Options’ Longo ever wants to do a radio show or an options presentation here in India, I'd be happy to help arrange it. You have a large audience around here.”
Comment from Thompson on Dividend Trade Bungle. “This guy was a serious idiot. How could you do a trade like this without even knowing how to properly execute the dividend trade? How can the exchanges continue to allow this behavior? Aren't errors like this just feeding into the belief that options are a risky, and highly-rigged, game? It's absurd!”

Around the Block: Non-farms, probably the largest event coming up on the horizon. Marriott earnings on 10/3, Family Dollar 10/2, Monsanto 10/3. Keeping on eye on Europe.

Option Block 186: RIMM Time Spreads and SPY Dividends

Trading Block: A broad rally, thanks to Spain's spending cuts. RIMM earnings after the bell. It closed today at $7.14. Mark ponders the weekly/Oct 6-7-8 iron fly. Jobless claims hit a two-month low.

Odd Block: Implied volatility mover in Regions Financial (RF); volume signals in Deckers Outdoors (DECK), and; Coca Cola Enterprises (CCE). Love piling in for some size in Yahoo!, Inc. (YHOO), and a lot of call love in Medtronic, Inc. (MDT).

Strategy Block: Given last week's debacle with the SPY dividend play, when do you exercise a call to capture a dividend?

Around the Block: RIMM earnings summary. It was almost up to $8.50 in the after-hours. Looking ahead to the weekend. Apple. Non-farms payroll numbers 10/5. The market's reaction to the upcoming presidential debates and election.

Option Block 185: Dividend Trade Blowup

Trading Block: VIX getting some of the weekend back courtesy of some selloff love. It's been a while since we've have a 1% down day. A big whoops with dividend trades for Merrill Lynch occurred Friday. Facebook taking it on the chin - down about 9%. Apple closing today down about 1.5%.

Odd Block: Some significant size going up in XLF; Oct 100 puts going up before earnings in Factset Research Systems Inc. (FDS), and; it’s off to the upside races in Proctor & Gamble (PG).

Xpress Block: John Grigus takes the OX hot seat today. A slow day on the desk, but Apple was the hottest topic. Closing out and dividend risk.

Around the Block: Initial claims and new home sales this week. Nike and RIMM earnings 9/24.

Option Block 184: BNNY vs. FB vs. GRPN

Trading Block: A mild selloff and a mild VIX rally, yet another 0.0% day! Groupon the only green on the screen. At last, Grigus is rolling in dough! BNNY blows FB out of the water.

Odd Block: Calls active as Dollar Tree pops (DLTR); J.C. Penney craters resulting in unusual puts activity (JCP), and; a quick review on Jefferies Group, Inc. (JEF).

Xpress Block: Sean Fitzgerald gets the OX hot seat today, and rolls through his list of interesting activity and notable trades. Know your dividends! Jobless claims ignored, and down.

Listener Mail: Letting the listeners take over.

When are they going start the option mini's. I trade Apple and can only trade two contracts. Also premarket options?
Even the option guys are talking about FB, is that good or that bad?
Buying $EWZ CALLS Oct 57s $1.40. Do not ignore. Or ignore, that's fine too. Groupon Oct 6 calls for $.20 - or Oct 4.5 puts for $.20 - pick your poison.
I don't know how it's possible for someone to call themselves a money manager without knowing multiple ways to manage money. Mark, was this buy-side guy not familiar with the concept of cost basis when he decided to just dump the stock rather than buy a put?

Around the Block: Tomorrow looking like another slow day. The gang is keeping an eye on potential movement in the next few weeks. Take this slow time to visit the new features available at TheOptionsInsider.com

Option Block 183: Bernanke Puts

Trading Block: Most of the major indices giving back some of the QE3 love, after an abnormally odd Friday. QE3: good, bad or ugly? A rundown from the options conference last week. Is Grigus still on the Groupon love train?

Option Block: Shares of Linn Energy (LINE) are trading low; traders look for increased vol on Pan American Silver Corp. (PAAS), and; LEAPS calls active on IAMGOLD (IAG).

Xpress Block: John Grigus gets in OX hot seat to talk about what's been coming across the desk today. Crude oil had over 13,000 contracts go up in less than a minute. Grains also lighting up the tape.

Around the Block: Post-QE3 and post-Apple malaise? When will the next shoe drop? Home sales on the 19th. Oracle and AutoZone earnings also on the 19th.

Option Block 182: Setting Low Expectations for Employment

Trading Block: The bulls were definitely in charged today, the market seemed to like what Big Ben had to say this week. Vol rundown, volatility has come in. What happened with Apple after their product announcement? The initial claims and jobless report numbers, again today we had more claims and fewer jobs than expected.
Xpress Block: Sean Fitzgerald gets in the OX hot seat today to discuss the day at Options Xpress. The phones were blowing up with clients lining up with some rather large trades given the bullish trend recently.

Odd Block: All the junky calls purchased in the 17th Level Nov XLF - 2000+ contracts went up in the Oct 17 - some size degenerate premium buys.

Strategy Block: Mike Tosaw talks about "being nimble in the marketplace," meaning being ready for large movements even if you have a high probability trade. Next, the baton is passed to Andrew to discuss European debt, the equity market and positive looking trade structures.

Around the Block: New and existing home sales, and housing starts come out next week, but shouldn't have a big impact on the market. Looking for the September job numbers at the beginning of next month.

Option Block 181: Apple Overlord

Trading Block: A mild down day on the Street. VIX off to the races. Positioning after the jobs number. Apple pullback ahead of Wednesday event. Intel lowers guidance and is promptly down 3%.

Odd Block: Calls active as Talisman Energy appoints new president and CEO (TLM); block trade fever in Financial Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLF); and Leap Frog puts flying out the door (LPF).

Xpress Block: John Grigus takes the reins of the Xpress Block today and discusses the buzz around Amazon. Spoiler alert! Calls are on the rise.

Around the Block: Fed on Wednesday, waiting to see if the Bernanke put is exercised. Apple also on Wednesday.

Option Block 180: A Whimper Not A Scream

Trading Block: Finally a strong rally across the board. Vol and VIX rundown. CBOE announced at RMC Europe that they are hoping to trade VIX futures around the clock next year. Amazon announces new Kindle devices today, including Kindle Fire HD and new Kindle Fire for $159. Apple poised for a big announcement next week, looking for the new iPhone and perhaps the Mini-iPad. Ford on an upwind today, up about 3.5%.

Odd Block: Calls active as BMC Software pops (BMC); large block of calls cold on Morgan Stanley (MS); a pre-earnings bullish bet initiated on retailer, Men’s Wearhouse, Inc. (MW).

Xpress Block: Sean Fitzgerald grabs the OX hot seat and discusses the day in trading. Happy customers over at OX, after several weeks of no volume. Trades in Ford, BAC, GLD and SPX.

Strategy Block: Mike Tosaw is back with the Strategy Block, to discuss and share a story about money management.

Around the Block: Non-farms on Friday, what will the response be? German constitutional court ruling next week. Apple product announcement next week.

TRADING BLOCK

Finally a day of action after an unchanged last couple of weeks. Apple destroys Samsung in jury verdict - $1B Verdict - Samsung won basically no judgements - Interesting that the judge disallowed a samsung media player from 2006, that looks just like the iPhone! Groupon can't catch a bid.

ODD BLOCK

Huge Blocks of Calls Trade on EMC - Chasing Deltas

Puts Active on Seagate Technology (STX).

Shield, which has been included since the S&P was created in 1957, has been booted and will be placed by Lyondell Basell, a Dutch chemical company.

XPRESS BLOCK

Sean Fitzgerald discusses a few of the trades that have come across the OX desk recently. ETFs, Spiders and other trades.

LISTENER MAIL

FORUM POST: New OX goodies for Canada?

POSTED BY: Sean Conrad

I love the sound of the new OX goodies that were announced on the last Option Block. This functionality could really help me - but I can't see it. Now that I think about it I've never seen OX Social either.

I hail from Ottawa here in Canada - am I going to have access to these tools? If so - when? I remember hearing that OX social would be rolled out in stages to Canada and other International clients but I don't think that happened - what's going on?

Is there some reason why we can't just use the US site and tools for our accounts?

AROUND THE BLOCK

Not many earnings rolling into the long weekend, except for market mover. Avoid the holiday Vol crush. How do you play Vol?

Option Block 178: Apple: Cheap? Expensive? Cheap Expensive?

Trading Block: A slow Friday. Looking at the spread between VIX cash and the VIX futures. What is causing the build-up in premium? Looking at the November elections.

Xpress Block: Sean Fitzgerald gets the OX hot seat today and discusses the lack of volume this last month and the interesting orders from today on Salesforce.com. The Fed and QE3.

Strategy Block: Today's strategy block is hosted by Mark Sebastian, who, using Apple as an example, discusses the idea of cheap and inexpensive and how to use realized volatility when you trade.

Around the Block: A slow week predicted before Labor Day. Keeping an eye on the employment report.

Option Block 177: Moving 0.0%, or Wait and See

Trading Block: Today the market was literally unched across the board, sitting at 0.0, playing the "wait and see" game. Apple hitting new milestones, now the most, now the most valuable company on the planet. Corn rundown, quiet recently.

Odd Block: Put Volume Spikes on Fidelity National Information Services (FIS), and options traders sell volatility on the VIX.

Xpress Block: John Grigus takes the OX hot seat, and talks about what been going on at the OptionsXpress desk. A lot of people coming into Facebook after it dropped below $20 on Friday. Trading Groupon.

Listener Mail: Low vol, month and strike selection, plus Alpha indexes.

Hi Option Block gang. With AAPL vol being quite low, I'm looking at what sorts of trades might keep me vol positive and long directional beyond being a simple call purchase. I'm thinking call back spread - am I nuts or does this make sense? If I am on the right track, could you share how you might go about selecting the right term and strikes? I am thinking to keep this out about Oct to give it time to work directionally for the big win, and maybe capture potential gains as it runs up into iPhone 5 announcement. Looking at the open this morning I may have missed the boat on that one... wow. Your thoughts? P.S. Have you thought about an app?
(Via the Options Insider forum by Sean Conrad)

Options Block Crew, In my endeavour to listen to all options insider radio network broadcasts ever released in podcast form I came upon an interview that was done on alpha indexes. This was the first I had heard of them and I wondering if you could go over any specific options strategies or spreads that are particularly nuance to how this product is constructed.
(Via the Options Insider forum by OptionsVoodoo)

Around the Block: Dell earnings tomorrow after the close. Employment report on the 7th.

Option Block 176: Groupon Garbage

Trading Block: A mild rally across the Street. S&P vol getting squeezed of all its juice. Cisco knocks it out of the park post-earnings. Groupon garbage post-earnings. Cosi trading at a depressed level. Facebook south of the 20-handle.

Odd Block: Protection swapped on Novartis (NVS); large blocks of calls rolled on the Dow Jones Industrial Average in the (DJX) and (DIA) options; Wednesday review: Huntsman International LLC Jumps; calls active (HUN).

Xpress Block: Tim Navabi returns to the OX driver’s seat, and talks about his new position as a New Trader Consultant.

Around the Block: Waiting to VIX to come back in. Earnings winding down, Europe winding up?

Option Block 175: Groupon Volatility Bonanza

Trading Block: Groupon rallies into earnings, an absolute roller coaster today. No weekend back for VIX cash, toying with the 14 level.

Odd Block: General Electric (GE) sees massive call activity. From black to red: Traders buy puts on The Blackstone Group (BX). The winners and losers in Focus Media's (FMCN) buyout offer.

Xpress Block: John Grigus takes today's OX hot seat and discusses corn crops and the USDA report, as well as the website, idea hub and new products.

Around the Block: Cisco earnings on 8/15 and retail sales tomorrow.

Option Block 174: Doing Whatever It Takes Trading Block: Another mixed day on the street: a stale, unchanged market today. Keeping our eye on Nvidia. Zynga making more headlines by firing their COO. ETrade ousts its CEO. Odd Block: Calls active after ETRADE ousts CEO. Xpress Block: Sean Fitzgerald runs through a couple of use question for the OX crew: Why are Groupon options at a 100% margin commitment at OX? Why is OX showing my estimated commissions for closing out a short position for $.01 at full price? Also, unusual activity in Logitech. Listener Mail: Puts Deep in the Money & Confused About Bid Price Hi, I would like help please with a trade I made selling puts. I sold $90 puts (at a price of $9.00) exp Sept 2012 and they are now deep in the money currently trading at $53. When I sold the puts the share price was $130. I realize I have these 2 choices, a) buy back the options, b) accept the shares. However if someone can advise how to ease the pain of either of these and recommend a strategy for future put selling trades to provide some downside protection it would be much appreciated. (Via the Options Insider forum by helphelp) I am trying to understand what the difference is between these two put options and why their bid values are so different. Both are UNG Jan13 puts with strike price 18. Thanks for help. (Via the Options Insider forum by akaspro) Around the Block:* Cisco earnings 8/15, Groupon earning 8/13.

Option Block 173: Economists Do Not Have a Clue

Trading Block: A mild rally on the day, VIX cash moving in lockstep with the market again. EA lawsuit pounds Zynga - THQ came out with earnings. Knight getting "rescue" bid from a bunch of customers including TD Ameritrade, and the stock has been a roller coaster ever since. Bernanke says economists don't have a clue about individual well-being. Oil up slightly.

Odd Block: Unusual and interesting activity in Tumi Holdings, Inc. (TUMI) andChimera Investment Corp. (CIM).

Xpress Block: Alex Jacobson gets the OX hot seat today, and discusses the secret project, Idea Hub, which he and his team have been working on recently, deep within the super-secret labs at Option Xpress.

Around the Block: Disney earnings tomorrow, Nvidia 8/9, Priceline 8/10.

Option Block 172: Mini Crash Crush

Trading Block: VIX essentially unchanged on the day. Discussing its underperformance again as traders again showed a willingness to unload vol going into the weekend. Mini-crash crushes a number of stocks (Citi, Bank of America, etc.) and annihilates KCG. CBOE earnings this morning - net income up from 2011 despite weak options volume across the board. Facebook breaks a significant floor at the $20 handle. Trading after Apple earnings.

Odd Block: Bears Pouncing on Hewlett-Packard Options (HPQ); opening call buyer in E*Trade (ETFC), and LeapFrog Call Volume at 1,713% of average; currently $10.22.

Xpress Block: Sean Fitzgerald takes the OX hot seat, and discusses a recent VIX vertical spread, and trading options.

Around the Block: Activision (ATVI) after the close, also watching EA. LinkedIn (LNKD) after the close. Web 2.0 is really looking like a bust all around, where's Web 3.0?

Option Block 171: Another Raucous Live Show

Live and unscripted, this episode doesn’t follow the normal Option Block layout, but it’s spectacular nevertheless.

Most major indices closed relatively unchanged on the day. Despite that, it was still a pretty busy day on the desk. Crop report. Unusual put buying in Home Depot…could it be in preparation for August earnings? Apple testing $600 again. Mini contracts. VIX of Apple and Google. Regulators dropping the ball. SpongeBob Square Pants (seriously). The trust factor. Bounty hunters. The problem with publicly traded exchanges. Conflicts of interest. What’s coming up in economic numbers, news, etc.

Option Block 170: Options for Earnings

Trading Block: A broad rally in most names, yet Ford, EA and others getting clobbered. Where's the love? Facebook after the bell, hovering down a bit. Zynga disappoints again. Apple knocks it out of the park, but it’s not good enough. This is the way to "miss" earnings. Amazon after the bell. Netflix striking again. Chipotle has been clipped well over 30%.

Odd Block: Unusual and interesting activity today in Facebook (FB) and Owens-Illinois Inc. (OI).

Xpress Block: John Grigus is back in the OX hot seat and discusses raising margin requirements in grains. OX has decided to no longer offer the products of the Hong Kong Futures, Montreal, and the London Metals Exchanges after August 31. Close your contracts.

Around the Block: One last look at Facebook, Amazon. The Eurozone coming in again for the weekend. GDP tomorrow. More earnings next week.

Option Block 169: Synthetic Puts and the Fudge Factor

Trading Block: A selloff across the major indices today, amid concerns about financing in Spain. IMF is about to stop payments to Greece, thus increasing the odds of insolvency by September. VIX gets weekend back and then some. Even McDonald's can't make money in this environment - down about 3% after recent earnings.

Odd Block: Unusual and interesting activity today in BCE Inc. (BCE) a Canadian telecommunications company, Logitech International (LOGI), and Under Armour (UA).

Xpress Bock: Sean Fitzgerald once again takes the hot seat and discusses what came across the OX desk today. Large orders on the Russell, IWM, VXX and SPX weekly 1275 puts. Spikes in Apple and Google.

Listener Mail: Hello Options Crew, I was wondering what technical indicators you use when trading on multiple time frames, both day and swing, other than basic support and resistance levels. I know there is a tendency for more novice traders to get into a state of indicator-itis but I have good success with the McClellan oscillator. What are your experiences with indicators and what have you found the best for certain market conditions you analyze? I am still rather confused with tick and trin. Thanks for the insight and keep up the good work. (Via the Options Insider forum by OptionsVoodoo)

Facebook Aug 23 Puts for $.45 or Zynga Jul 5 Puts for $.35 - which to sell? (Via Twitter from TDuffee)

Downside in buying DITM calls 2 months out and selling the common against it? How often no initial pop after 20 trades? (Via Twitter from Greg Persky þ@raider250)

Around the Block: A big week ahead: The calm before the Apple storm. Facebook earning on 7/26. Ford 7/25 - Before the bell. Others: Amazon - 7/26, Netflix - 7/24, Tesla Motors - 7/25, and Zynga - 7/25 - Caterpillar, Whole Foods, Boeing, Crocs, Cheesecake Factory and Buffalo Wild Wings.

Option Block 168: Scalping GOOG Time Spreads

Trading Block: Lots of earnings after the bell - Google up, Microsoft meh, and Chipotle earnings down. Is this the rise of Qdoba? A mild rally across the board, accompanied by a mild vol sell-off. A bit of a rally in Ford.

Odd Block: A straddle swap in USL, plus upside calls in Anglogold AU.

Xpress Block: Sean Fitzgerald discusses Google and Chipotle, which were both very active on the OX desk today. A lot of rumor and speculation at Amazon. Oil topping the futures markets.

Strategy Block: Mark Sebastian gets to host his first strategy block today and talks a little bit about the news of a big deal with Walgreens and Express Scripts and how someone made out handsomely, using options.

Around the Block: A quick update of earnings. Upcoming names include Netflix and Apple on 7/24, and Zynga on 7/25.

Option Block 167: TVIX Apocalypse

Trading Block: VIX failed to do much today. TVIX still lighting up the tape, a surprise to all of us. Some activity going on in the Facebook Aug calls and puts. Retail sales down 5% in June. JPM “Hedge Loss” now $5.8B -- always the same old story. PFG Best still spiraling into the toilet, the story seems to have taken Chicago by storm.

Odd Block: Unusual and interesting activity in Intersil Corp. (ISIL) and PPL Corp. (PPL).

Xpress Block: Sean Fitzgerald discusses American Express on the upside, and Groupon on the downside.

Listener Mail: Implied vs Realized vol for credit spreads

When considering volatility levels in opening a credit spread, which should have more weight in that consideration - implied vol or realized vol? Or, do both need to be considered in relation to each other? BTW, love the shows. Where else can one listen in on discussions regarding options, movie reviews and the mating habits of aquatic life? (Via the Options Insider forum from Phil, thepostguy)

Around the Block: A lot of Fed talking this week, what's Bernanke going to say? Watching corn futures. Yahoo announcing new CEO. Earnings, Earnings, Earnings!

Option Block 166: Calendar Strangle Swap

Trading Block: PFG Best madness; the Chicago based options brokerage firm reeling after their CEO, Russ Wasendorf, attempted suicide after charges of fraud and a missing $200M+ in customer funds. How did the NFA miss this? Another day, another mild selloff that weakens toward the close. The Apple pre-pre earnings.

Odd Block: Interesting and unusual activity: A size calendar strangle in VIX options.

Strategy Block: Mike Tosaw leads the Strategy Block this week and discusses the ratio repair strategy.

Listener Question: Should I sell the Ford Aug 9 puts for around $.30 and buy Ford Sep 10 calls for about $.15 - do you like this risk reversal? (Via Twitter from Dougman)

Around the Block: The earnings fiesta begins! A tech day on 7/19: Google, Microsoft, Nokia, AMD (and the other Apple, Chipotle) Apple 7/24, Bank of America 7/18, Citi 7/16.

Option Block 165: I Make Liquidity

Trading Block: Another day, another mild selloff. VIX getting the weekend/holiday back, plus a little more. Oil/Commodity rundown - the hot, dry weather has had a big impact of the ags, especially corn. Activision on the block.

Odd Block: An unusual activity review for Materials Select Sector SPDR (XLB), Research in Motion, Ltd. (RIMM), and Horizon Pharma, Inc. HZNP (HZNP). Xpress Block: John Grigus gets the floor over at the OX desk and discuss the recent grain market and what to remember if you want to start trading ag futures and options.

Mail Block: Option Block, I wanted to know what way you found is the best to explain to common folk that you trade options for living -- I find it very difficult to answer the common question of "what do you do for a living?". Even my most successful attempts I am always met with rather blank stares -- or worse if they have a sliver of knowledge they think that I just buy low and sell high common stock which I think most options traders find unsophisticatedly insulting. Please help me with your infinite wisdom. (Via the Options Insider forum by: optionsvoodoo)

Around the Block: Earnings season is back! Google on July 12, Citi on the 16th. Apple running pre pre-earnings. Keeping an eye on Activision and EA.

Option Block 164: Independence Day Slowdown

Trading Block: Apple lurking near $600 again before earnings. RIMM in the toilet and ended up blowing past weekly ATM straddle after all. Ford also taking a beating. June numbers are out and options volume down 13% overall from last year. Avg. daily volume down 8.47%, equity option volume down 13%, and overall equity options ADV down 9%. OCC announced that cleared contract volume reached 329,891,797 in June, dividend trades made up 3.8% of industry volume in June 2012, almost 15% of PHLX's options volume came from dividend trades, about 7% for NYSE ARCA. New exchanges in the mix - NASDAQ launched OMX BX options. ISE files for second exchange license. Floor traders suing CME.

Odd Block: Interesting and unusual activity in Material Select Spider (XLB) and McMoran Exploration Co. (MMR).

Xpress Block: John Grigus holds down the OX seat and talks about this slow week. Watching the move in crude oil. Tomorrow starts the website release training courses. A walking limit and other new features to the site coming out soon.

Around the Block: A slow holiday week. Be careful on the short gamma in the next four days. Chinese internet stock is very cheap. Non-farm payroll on the horizon

Option Block 163: Supreme Court Takes the Vol Out

Trading Block: Supreme Court decision roils the market. Are we taking the weekend out of the VIX already? 30 year mort. at 3.66%. JP Morgan hedge loss expected to be $5B, perhaps up to $9B. RIMM, Nike, and Family Dollar reporting numbers after the bell.

Odd Block: Interesting and unusual activity in Universal Health Services (UHS) and O’Reilly Automotive, Inc. (ORLY).

Xpress Block: Sean Fitzgerald discusses some of the activity at OX today that wasn't about healthcare. The Google IO, announces a iPad-like product, the Nexus 7. Strategy Block: Andrew discusses short term theta plays, like iron flies in Apple.

Around the Block: Mid-week holiday playing into weekend decay? Keeping an eye on crude oil. Personal spending and Michigan sentiment on the horizon.

Option Block 162: Risk Reversal Hour

Trading Block: Midday selloff continues following post-weekend/selloff vol pop. EU summit concerns with Spain requesting EU aid for their banks, and Cyprus requesting an EU bailout. Last week most active ever for VIX futures. New home sales hit a two-year high last month - 369,000 new homes vs, 346,000 expected. Oil continues to fall, right into the teeth of summer driving season. Everyone waiting on Supreme Court healthcare vote.

Odd Block: Unusual and interesting activity in Men's Warehouse (MW) and Motorola Solutions (MSI). Xpress Block: John Grigus sits down and discusses the news that Amex will be bringing back their binary options. Higher corn and grain prices due to a lack of rain in the midwest.

Listener Mail: Email from George K: I loved Mark's rants from the past few shows. He hit the nail on the head with both Morningstar and the "Wall Street" sequel. I'm a Morningstar subscriber but their options offerings are a complete joke. I agree with his comments that it's 1983 from Morningstar's options perspective. They pretend that they don't exist. Hopefully you guys can fix that. As for the "Wall Street" sequel, Mark left out my favorite part - the Budd Foxx/Charlie Sheen cameo. That bad was so bad that I turned off my TV in disgust. It took me about another month to get around to actually finishing the movie. In all seriousness, thank you Mark for making the Options Insider radio network and providing so much great content like the Option Block. There truly is nothing else like this network, or this show anywhere else. You've created a great home for options traders and we appreciate it.

Around the Block: Keeping an eye on the Supreme Court healthcare vote and the EU meeting later this week.

Option Block 161: Now With 75% More Ranting

Trading Block: A bit of a blood bath today after Goldman recommended shorting the S&P. A lack of VIX movement compared to a big 30-handle selloff. Moody's to downgrade up to 15 banks after the close just piled on the bad news for today.

Odd Block: Interesting and unusual activity in Idenix Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (IDIX).

Xpress Block: Returning panelist Alex Jacobson takes the OX hot seat and discusses the "non-reaction" to today's down market. Strategy Block: Uncle Mike Tosaw discusses contract selection and how it important it is have the correct contracts.

Around the Block: Maybe the weekend effect will play with the VIX and we may see the beginning of a rally. Short the VIX, long SPX. Keeping an eye on the Ford Dec 11's and bond yields.

Option Block 160: Blue Horeshoe Loves Option Block

Trading Block: Greek pro-bailout ruling was not exactly the boon the markets expected. Spanish load concerns still weighing on the market. Almost like a post-earnings throughout the market with vol coming in across the board. NAHB housing index of homebuilder sentiment highest in five years, but still below 50. The Supreme Court may rule whether Congress has the power to require people to buy health insurance. According to the bets, there’s a 68 percent probability that the law’s individual mandate will be ruled unconstitutional in 2012. Facebook reversed the trend of past week and finally closed upsize. Microsoft's secret Window 8 tablet - the new iPad killer?

Odd Block: Interesting and unusual activity in Harman International Industries (HAR), Molina Healthcare Inc. (MOH), and W.R Grace (GRA).

Listener Question: The dying breed of floor tradersWith the dying breed that is the floor trader, can you share the craziest/scariest story/stories that you remember from your days on the floor? Being a younger guy myself and having only traded behind the friendly confines of the computer screen I often think to myself that I can't entirely appreciate the origins of the market having never been a part of that dying culture. (Via The Options Insider forum by: optionsvoodoo)

Around the Block: With Greece in the rear view window, and Facebook rallying, we're watching S&P and gold. The VIX may be headed to 17 or lower.

Option Block 159: The 1-3.5-6 Ratio Condor Swap

Trading Block: News is out that the central banks are trying to make a coordinated effort to help out Greece after the elections. Commodity rundown - open quota unchanged. Fallout for Apple after WWDC. Nokia down 15% on news of slashing 10,000 more jobs - down 50% since April. Is this the beginning of the end for Nokia? Will Microsoft buy them? Is this another Motorola?

Odd Block: Interesting and unusual activity in Tenet Healthcare Corp. (THC) and Safeway, Inc. (SWY).

Xpress Block: John Grigus is back at sits down in the OX hot seat to discuss a Nasdaq/OMX memo about starting a Facebook member accommodation program. Tomorrow is expiration.

Around the Block: Remember, this is expiration week! We'll have to see what happens to Nokia. Greece, Spain, Greece, etc.

Option Block 158: Mini Widowmaker Trading Block: VIX provided most of the movement in the market. Spain concerns weigh on the market again. Analyst says JP Morgan could make an upside surprise as they disclose more about the $2 billion "hedge." Apple's WWDC doesn't budge the stock - announces new MacBooks, iOS 6, better voice, no new iPhone, and switching away from Google maps - a potential big hit for Google. Commodity/vol rundown. Odd Block: Interesting and unusual activity in Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, Inc. (GMCR), Pitney Bowes, Inc. (PBI), and Focus Media Holding, Ltd. (FMCN). Xpress Block: Tim Navabi is back in the OX hot seat and goes over what was active over at optionsXpress. Apple, SPY, and more, a grain report coming out tomorrow. Helping a few customers with spreads. Mail Block: Taking on Listener Questions

What role does option volume play in your overall trading? For examples: I'm thinking about selling 50-100 puts in a name that only trades about 400 contracts a day. Should I be concerned about unwinding that position when the time comes? Thanks and please make more 80's references during the show. (Via email from Sean Robinson)

What do you guys think about selling the Facebook Jul 23P for $0.70? Yeah or nay? (Via Twitter from SPY16) Around the Block: June 13: PPI & Retail Sales June 14: CPI & Jobless Claims June 15: Industrial Production, Consumer Sentiment & Triple Witching Expiration

Option Block 157: We Are in a Holding Pattern Until We Are Not

Trading Block: For the second show in a row, the S&P is literally closed unchanged at 0.0%, what are the odds? The Fed pretty much stymied most activity. Have to love the Feds - says end of tax cuts is the most important fiscal event on the horizon, yet refuses to comment on whether tax cuts should stay or go. China cut their benchmark lending rate for the first time in about 4 years. VIX drifting toward the lower end of its recent range. Commodity/Metals update.

Odd Block: Interesting and unusual activity in Lululemon Athletica, Inc. (LULU), Market Vectors Gold Miners Index ETF (GDX), and SPDR S&P Homebuilders ETF (XHB)

Xpress Block: Sean Fitzgerald returns to the Xpress Block for the second time and discusses Facebook and its seemingly recent divorce from the public's love and attention. In other news, Starbucks will start producing for the "K-Cup" Green Mountain single cup coffee brewing system.

Listener Mail:When do you think daily options will become available and what impact do you think they will have on the industry? Also what particular strategies do you see coming of these daily contracts that vary from some of the current strategies? Thanks. (Via The Options Insider’s online forum from optionsvoodoo)

Hello crew, I was wondering if any of you have a bread and butter income type trade that you put on consistently with little regard to overall market conditions/bias? Whether that be on a weekly or monthly basis where the primary profit driver is theta decay. Also in terms of viewing options skew, what products offer the best way to view and understand skew? Thank you. (Via email from Kyle Bongers)

Around the Block: Keeping an eye on Greece and The Fed.

Option Block 156: Greek Tragedy

Trading Block: The selloff eased after the bloodbath on Friday. The S&P closed almost completely unchanged today. Still waiting for the Greeks. All-time record lows in the 10- and 30-year bonds. VIX headed to 30...and beyond? A Facebook flow recap. Peak 6 gobbles up the remnants of Pension, creating a new entity, Apex Clearing Corp.

Odd Block: Unusual and interesting activity in Research in Motion, Ltd. (RIMM), HollyFrontier Corp. (HFC), and Hansen Medical, Inc. (HNSN).

Xpress Block: Newcomer Sean Fitzgerald gets to take hold on the OX reins and discusses the July crude oil technicals, SPX and an upcoming economic report.

Around the Block: Greece, Greece and more Greece with a side of Saganaki.

Option Block 155: The Long and Winding Road to Nowhere

Trading Block: Given the end of month, it was a strange seesaw-like day on the market. Facebook is actually going up, closing today at $29.53. There is a lot of opportunity in those options. Commodities movers today included crude oil, natural gas, soy meal, oats, soybeans, wheat, coffee and lumber. But who could forget about bond? Gold and silver rundown.

Xpress Block: Tim Navabi takes the OX seat and talks first about the Corzine Rule being proposed for futures brokers, and then the number tomorrow.

Strategy Block: Uncle Mike Tosaw's strategy and story from today are about adjustments of trades.

Around the Block: Again, the big number tomorrow - if you fail to prepare, be prepared to fail. Election in Greece later this month. Check out the Facebook options survey results posted on theoptionsinsider.com

Option Block 154: When In Doubt, Roll It Out

Trading Block: More Facebook fallout - What's the situation been like at OX? Participate in our Facebook options survey, link on Options Insider. Facebook dragged other social media stock, like Zynga and LinkedIn, down with it. A low BBI with Apple over at KYO.

Odd Block: Interesting and/or unusual activity in: AT&T, Currency Shares Euro Trust, (FXE), and Owens-Illinois, Inc. (OI).

Xpress Block: Tim Navabi takes a seat in Xpress Block chair and discusses a call taken today by a customer looking to buy some silver futures all the way out to Dec 2015. Also, some updates on the commodities as well.

Strategy Block: Mike Tosaw has the floor in this Strategy Block and talks about trading back spreads Apple.

Around the Block: Facebook Options list on the 29th.

Option Block 153: Facebook Faceplant

Trading Block: The market had no real direction. The Euro got crushed and bonds had the only give back of the day. Sebastian looks at the correlation between TLT and VIX. Commodities rundown featuring gold, crude oil and natural gas.

Xpress Block: Going over the tumultuous week/weekend of Facebook. What was the environment like over at OX? The financial media had a field day with the Facebook IPO. Going over the valuation of Facebook and the upcoming options on the 29th.

Around the Block: Breaking news: On May 31st, the CBOE will extend the listings of their PM settled, SPX end of week options to include the following expirations: June 8th, June 22nd and July 6th. Keeping an eye on the crude inventories report. A long three-day weekend coming up.

Option Block 152: Facebook: Buy, Sell, or Wait for Options?

Trading Block: Not a great day on the market, NASDAQ down significantly. The big grind toward summer begins, almost an exact replay on last year. OTM premium looks like a good buy. A rundown of commodities - gold is still getting whipped.

Odd Block: Interesting and unusual activity in American Eagle Outfitters (AEO), Elan Pharmaceuticals, and Clean Energy (CLNE).

Strategy Block: Facebook’s official price is $38, buy or sell? How high could this stock possibly go?

Around the Block: Looking at Sears trading tomorrow after earnings today. The TLT may likely continue to go higher. More uneasiness in Greece. May we hit a temporary bottom tomorrow?

Option Block 151: The After-Hours Trading Debate

Trading Block: Groupon earnings after the close, up by just a dollar. Red throughout most of the commodities today. Zynga had a little pop on the heels of the Facebook IPO news. Much like GRPN, a lot of legging opportunities. Ford re-tracing some of it lows in the recent months.

Odd Block: Unusual and interesting activity in Groupon, Inc. (GRPN), Dollar Tree Stores, Inc. (DLTR), and Chico’s FAS, Inc. (CHS).

Xpress Block: Tim Navabi takes the OX hot seat and discusses Facebook - options on Facebook will be available about 2-5 days after the IPO.

Mail Block: Email question from Todd Dusaign: “I saw the article in FT this morning with Mark discussing the need for an after-hours order book for retail options traders. I also saw that the guy from CBOE thought that such a thing would require market makers to maintain tight markets, but doesn’t that miss Mark’s entire point? Couldn’t this be done just with a basic limit order book like in the stock market or am I missing something?”

Around the Block: GRPN rallied a bit up to $13.25. Still keeping an eye on Greece. UN summit on its way to Chicago.

Option Block 150: I'm a Trader, Not a Miracle Worker

Trading Block: Cisco moving to the downside again after disappointing earnings. Priceline brought in a lot of calls to OX after they missed their earnings mark. New tools, provided by CME, are planned to help traders spot arb opportunities between ETF options and futures options. CBOE looking at creating an Apple VIX product. Activision posts modest earnings - stock relatively unchanged.

Odd Block: Unusual and interesting activity in Cisco (CSCO): Bulls piling into risk reversals. TJX Companies, Inc. (TJX): Sizable short put spread. And an April 19 activity review: A burst of call buying on CBS Corp.

Xpress Block: Tim Navabi discusses the importance of futures and last trading day. Have a plan, and be prepared. Strategy Block: The baton gets passed to Mr. Lobster, Andrew Giovannazi, to discuss buying options and spreads before earnings. Around the Block: Nvidia before the bell tomorrow morning. Groupon 5/14-- Lots of interest in this one. Vol is high, attracting premium sellers en masse.

Option Block 149: Beignets, Chicory Coffee, and Facebook

Trading Block: Markets marginally changed. Thoughts on the Bloomberg article comparing it to the Markit CDX North America High Yield Index. The European issues continue. Post-elections reactions. Keeping an eye on EA after hours.

Odd Block: Interesting and unusual activity in iStar Financial Inc. (SFI).

Xpress Block: John Grigus discusses the grains contracts. There's been quite a hubbub between ICE and the CME. Plus, the Facebook IPO.

Listener Mail: Twitter question from Jon Weitzel - What do you think about playing Jun 16 Calls with EA through their earnings? ATM straddle = $1.60. Also, the Facebook IPO coming out soon.

Around the Block: Loads of earnings on the horizon: Groupon 5/14, Disney 5/8, Activision & Cisco 5/9, Nvidia 5/11, and Tesla Motors 5/9.

Option Block 148: Bizarro Day

Trading Block: Preparing for Non-farms tomorrow. Now is a great time to get out of any short premium, if it's for a small price, and moving into long VIX calls. Gold got smacked out today. Natural gas up while oil and coal and both down.

Odd Block: Interesting and usual activity in Herbalife Ltd. (HLF), Green Mountain Coffee Roaster (GMCR), and earnings plays in LinkedIn (LNKD) and First Solar (FSLR).

Xpress Block: Tim Navabi discusses the broker as a tool. Know what you're getting into, have your information prepared, as most important of all, listen to your broker.

Strategy Block: Mike Tosaw tells a story involving the Simulated Index Concept. Moral "Is the risk justified in the decision that you're making, with the trade you're making."

Around the Block: A very short block today. Looking forward to Non-Farm payrolls.

Option Block 147: Is ZYNGA the Synthetic Facebook?

Trading Block: Most of the bleeding in the NASDAQ came from Apple, down again, and having trouble holding its highs. Denny's earning after the bell.

Odd Block: Interesting and usual activity in Manitowoc Company, Inc. (MTW), and Warner Chilcott LTD (WCRX).

Xpress Block: John Grigus discusses the integration of Charles Schwab and optionsXpress and the new “money move" feature. They’re also getting some calls about Facebook, ie., when does the IPO go public? What might its opening price be on its first day of trading?

Around the Block: TLT and its reaction to Europe. An update on Denny's. Non-farm payrolls on Friday. OIC in New Orleans this week.

Option Block 146: The Art of Position Management

Trading Block: Apple, Apple, Apple! Off to the upside post earnings after getting beaten up last week. Waiting for Zenga and Amazon earnings after the bell.

Odd Block: Unusual and interesting activity in Skullcandy, Inc. (SKUL), Aetna (AET), and Omnicom Group Inc. (OMC).

Strategy Block: Uncle Mike discusses his recent moves and strategy with Apple within the last week.

Around the Block: Earnings Update: Amazon off to the races, Zenga unchanged. Ford before the bell tomorrow. Eastman/Kodak earnings too, but it’s trading at $0.28.

Option Block 145: What’s the Point of Open Interest?

Trading Block: The term structure of the VIX was today's worst enemy. Netflix, the widowmaker, reporting after the bell, and exhibiting its typical bad behavior. Apple seems stuck in the $570 range going into earnings. Revisiting a question from last week, what account size do you need to really trade Apple effectively?
Odd Block: Unusual and interesting activity in Aastrom Biosciences (ASTM), IAC Interactive Corp. (IACI), and Old Fields Ltd (GFI).

Xpress Block: Tim Navabi discusses earnings and some of the things you may want to be concerned about when trading options going into earnings.

Mail Block: Email question from Dan Tolefi, Vancouver, BC. I know that you guys regularly disdain buying premium ahead of earnings. But what are some scenarios where you would actually consider going long options going into earning. Bear in mind that I don't have the capital, or really the sophistication to delta hedge my positions. So I'm not going to be able to lock in "cheap" Vol. So I'm really looking for scenarios that would be suitable for the active retail audience.

Via the Options Insider forum from Delta Trader. What is the point of open interest? Mark and Andrew were pretty dismissive of using open interest to inform your options trading on a recent episode of The Option Block. My question is if you're not supposed to use OI to inform your options trading, then what is it good for?

Around the Block: The big news is Apple earnings tomorrow. Will the continued decline in Apple have a continued affect across the broad market? Andrew's favorite, Zenga, reports earnings on 4/26. Also, Amazon 4/26, Ford 4/27, AMZN 4/26, and F 4/27.

Option Block 144: Walking into the Bandsaw of Theta

Trading Block: Tosaw's run with Apple may be on its last legs. Loads of earnings after the close: NOT AAPL, but AMD, Bank of America (BOA), and Microsoft (MSFT).

Odd Block: Unusual and interesting activity inPandora Media, Inc. (P), CBS Corp. (CBS), and EXCO Resources, Inc. (XCO).

Xpress Block: Tim Navabi discusses being prepared for expiration and keeping an eye on your position during price swing movements.

Strategy Block: Uncle Mike Tosaw discusses how to get back into a stock once you have been called out of it.

Around the Block: More earnings coming up.

Option Block 143: Apple Apocalypse

Trading Block: S&P rally vs. NASDAQ (Apple) apocalypse. AAPL sold out aggressively, down about 4%. Tosaw suggested last week the many buyers were lurking around $600. Priceline, Google and Apple were all down on the day. Andrew has a theory on why. Ten-year note rebound.

Odd Block: An Apple overview, and unusual activity in Arvin Meritor INC. (MTOR).

Xpress Block: John Grigus sits down in the OX hot seat and discusses earnings, Citi and OX's parent company, Charles Schwab. Other activity in Starbucks, Amazon and Chipotle.

Mail Block: Capitol requirement for trading AAPL?Email questions from: Jack Tronty, Worcester, MA “Approximately how much capitol do you recommend in your trading account to trade Apple options effectively? You can obviously trade one-lots with a small account, but that isn't really worth anyone's time. If I want to trade 10-up (straddles, verticals, iron condors/flies, etc.) and perhaps delta hedge my positions, how much of a commitment am I really looking at?

Around the Block: Keeping an eye on Spain. Huge earnings week ahead: APPL, CMG, BAC, INTC, AMD, NOK all this week.

Option Block 142: Premium Selling Idiots

Trading Block: VIX popped out of its range -- so much for fading to the downside. Apple, the target of an antitrust suit, was still up 1% yesterday. Commodities rundown -- new 10 year lows reached in the natural gas market.

Odd Block: Interesting and unusual activity in Iron Mountain (IRM).

Xpress Block: Mike Z from OX sits down for his first Xpress Block and discusses the announcement of ICE launching a cash settled grain futures contracts.

Strategy Block: Mike Tosaw goes over the difference between being a degenerate premium seller and just being an idiot -- and how to be the former instead of the latter.

Around the Block: Earnings are back baby! Google after the bell today. Intel earnings - 4/17. Thursday is (4/19) the big day with -- CMG, LUV, BAC, AMD, NOK. Keeping an eye on short puts in crude oil.

Option Block 141: Getting Long Prison Premium

Trading Block: Market down today in the wake of weak non-farm numbers on Friday. Yet Apple still up, if only by 1/2%. VIX heading north. It’s the $1billion day -- Microsoft buys 800 AOL patents for $1B and Facebook buys Instagram for $1B.

Odd Block: Interesting and unusual activity in America Online (AOL) and Corrections Corps of America (CXW).

Xpress Block: John Grigus sits down at the OX desk and discusses the possibility of mini-stocks (1/10th size).

Mail Block: Open Interest Question: I am entering the world of trading weekly options. With monthly options I have been told to make sure there is at least 100 open interest when I consider buying an option. I'm noticing some of the weeklies I'm considering don't have much open interest even though they perform well in my back testing. My question is. If there is little or no open interest, is there a chance I will not be able to sell my option. Even at the bid price?

Around the Block: Looking to see if the vol can expand a little more - waiting for the bulls to come back. Keeping an eye on initial claims given the weak jobs number. Alcoa earnings 4/10, Google earnings 4/12.

Option Block 140: Doing Stuff with the Funk

Trading Block: The markets were aimless today except for Apple carrying the NASDAQ. It's a weekday, so Apple must be up 1%. Vol rundown. The mainstream media finally starts to pick up on what we've been saying about VIX, VXX and the TVIX all along, “Curious Case of VIX and VIX Products.”
Odd Block: Activity review from March 8: Carnival Cruise Lines (CCL). Unusual activity today in: Wellcare Health Plans Inc. (WCG). Xpress Block: Newcomer Anitra DuPart jumps into the OX hot seat and today's customer activity at optionsXpress. Jobless claims and an Apple rally gave a little bounce to the market. Bed, Bath & Beyond (BBY) came out with earnings today, profits up 32%. Strategy Block: Uncle Mike Tosaw sits down and discusses some valuable life lessons. First, you must have trust when working with a business partner, financial planner, etc. - even Bernie Madoff has a clean record. Second, you must understand the important of financial education. Around the Block: Watching the weekend, it hasn't really come out yet. The endless European crisis continues, but switches the Spain.

Option Block 139: No More Exchanges, Please

Trading Block: Lots of upside on the day: Dow, S&P, NASDAQ, and VIX. The many masters of VIX. Andrew and the love of fundamental indicators. Doing stuff - NASDAQ-style. Yes, they're launching ANOTHER options platform. More fragmentation! More issues with spreading! More quotes! The more the merrier? Um, not so much. The gang also discusses myriad ways to improve the market, including regulation, margin, managing risk, and doing stuff.

Odd Block: Unusual activity in Gap, Inc. (GPS), Electronic Arts, Inc. (EA), and TJX Compaines, Inc. (TJX).

Xpress Block: Groupon restates earnings from last quarter, sparking several calls to the trading desk.

Around the Block: Shortened trading week this week, so make sure you price the weekend out accordingly. Andrew is thinking that volatility will come in a little. Webinars are on the calendar for KYO in April and May. Non-farm payrolls are still coming out on Friday, despite the market being closed.

Option Block 138: There Is No Crying in Options

Trading Block: Vol rundown - despite little movement, there is quite a bit of intraday volatility in the vol products. RIMM, COSI & TIBX earnings after the bell. Obama looks to end oil subsidies. Europe still weighing in on the broad market. Best Buy slashing stores nationwide. The BATS debacle continues after they cancelled their IPO. ZNGA buys app developer for $180M plus $30M retention bonuses.

Odd Block: Wednesday activity review: Groupon, Inc. (GRPN). Monday activity review: Red Hat, Inc. (RHT). Last but not least, unusual activity in TIBCO Software Inc. (TIBX).

Xpress Block: Tim Navabi discusses getting quotes when trading - always have a plan B for getting a quote. Also, learn how to get out of a trade if you make a mistake.

Around the Block: Taking another look at today's earnings. Andrew tells a hallowing tale about making sure to cover your errors. Keeping an eye on XLV and oil upside. The end of the quarter looms ahead.

Option Block 137: Selling the Hunger Games

Trading Block: BATS debacle: All IPO trades busted as a matching engine encountered a software bug. The range of symbols, of course, included Apple. If you are executed on a limit order what do you do after your trade is busted? It's analogous to pin risk. CBOE suing ISE over 10x SPY contracts -- the no-brainer news of the week. The crushing of TVIX continues -- it is bound to reverse split.

Odd Block: Unusual activity in Red Hat, Inc. (RHT).

Xpress Block: After the dust settled on customer fallout from BATS/APPL debacle and recent TVIX drama, Lions Gate Films (LGF) saw an increase in options contracts in front of the new movie release "The Hunger Games."

Around the Block: Keeping an eye on crude oil, if and/or when gas hit $5/gallon is when we'll see things grind to a halt. Corporate earning in a few weeks. Looking for something to push to market before the summer doldrums.

Option Block 136: Hunting, Fishing, and Options

Trading Block: The market felt the weight of manufacturing issues in Germany, France and, most importantly, China. Chinese manufacturing shrank for the fifth straight month. Dollar General earnings before the bell today -- a Tosaw favorite. Also, the TVIX train wreck continues.

Odd Block: Unusual activity in LULU again! Lululemon Athletica, Inc. (LULU).

Xpress Block: Tim Navabi holds down the OX seat in today’s show and discusses TVIX and the recent increase of customer concerns/questions.

Strategy Block: Mike Tosaw talk Apple: collars, covered calls, and other trade strategies. Around the Block: Expecting moves in GLD, bonds and oil. Where can USO go given political issues in Iran? Upcoming economic calendar: Earnings - RIMM & COSI 3/29.

Option Block 135: Naked Canadians & A Conference Roundup

Trading Block: VIX on the rebound - the weekend coming back into the VIX, but the futures themselves were down today. A rundown from RMC: What is going into the term structure of the VIX futures? How does negative gamma scalping impact the market? Weeklies are not the primary gamma driver - it's still in the front month. SPX put spread vs. VIX call calendars as a market hedge. A rundown from FIA Boca: Blame is still being tossed about for MF Global. CBOE announces "VIX of VIX." ISE is perhaps creating a trading floor - what is the thought process on this? One share of Apple stock is now worth more than a new iPad! Thoughts on the Apple dividend?

Odd Block: Friday review: Lululemon Athletica, Inc. (LU), an activity review from Feb. 27: United Technologies Corp. (UTX)

Xpress Block: Holding down the OX desk, John Grigus discusses the increase in volume that's been seen recently. Also JP Morgan dividends, a lot of OTM calls going out to June/July. The interest rate futures got pummeled.

Around the Block: Economic Calendar: This week starts with and ends with housing. DG on 3/22

Option Block 134: The Day the Market Moved

Trading Block: A lot of excitement on the trading desk today following the largest move of the year so far. What factors contributed to this swing in to the upside? What was the rise in Vol that we show intraday? The Fed has hinted that it may start raising interest rates starting in 2014 - what effects might we see in the housing market?

Xpress Block: John Grigus discusses Barron's 17th annual ranking of online brokers. OX received the 2nd highest score for customer service and education! This week starts the outbound calling for ETF dividends.

Strategy Block: Mark Sebastian discusses some of the weird stuff he's being seeing the option order flow. Including the VIX and the Apple "bubble".

Around the Block: Keeping an eye on oil prices - the DOE/EIA comes out at 9:35am CDT tomorrow. Initial claims on Thursday, looking to see if it continues in downward trend. PPI and CPI later this week. There doesn't seem to be any reason why this current rally shouldn't continue.

Option Block 133: One Thing Sebastian Won't Do

Trading Block: With Greek deadline looming, will we get a vol pop or further vol implosion? CBOE is being investigated by the SEC, and its Chief Regulatory Officer put "on leave." TVIX is starting to couple back again, and volume in UVXY has helped alleviate that of TVIX. The new iPad is not exactly setting the market on fire or the hottest thing since sliced bread? Where is Apple vol in the wake of this announcement?

Odd Block: Usual activity in Starbucks Corp. (SBUX), D.R. Horton, Inc. (DHI), and Carnival Corp. (CCL).

Xpress Block: Tim Navabi discusses advice for working with your broker, and the process that goes into a broker override.

Around the Block: Non-farms is the big event tomorrow that everyone will be watching. Keeping an eye on Greece.

Option Block 132: Has No One Heard of a Dutch Auction?

Trading Block: China lowers annual growth target by half a percent, enough to send the bears into an uproar. Apple sells-off. Yelp has quite the surge to the upside, following the launch of its IPO. Metals/commodity rundown.

Odd Block: Unusual activity in Pandora (P) and Baker Hughes, Inc. (BHI).

Xpress Block: John Grigus talks about the Apple sell-off. A lot of calls in silver recently.

Around the Block: Non-Farms. Pandora earnings tomorrow.

Option Block 130: Nothing Short of Titillating

Trading Block: The VIX cash limbo strikes again - how low can it go? Greek deal in place since the last show. A lot of movement has continued in oil over the past few sessions. Sears posts huge Q4 loss, yet stock up 20% on news of spinning off assets. Tons of activity in SHLD options -- 23k ADV vs over 100k today.

Odd Block: Unusual activity for Odd Block newcomer TRW Automotive Holdings (TRW)

Listener Mail: U.S. Index Options
I am looking to short strangles on either the Dow Jones Industrial Index or the S&P 500. I not from the U.S. so not really familiar with the options industry here and am having trouble selecting the right options to trade. I've looked at the websites of CBOE and CME to try to figure out the right options, but the number of different contracts available has left me totally confused. Can someone guide as to which is the right contract to trade if I want to take monthly positions by selling OTM strangles. Also, is it better to trade the Dow or the S&P 500?

Around the Block: Getting close to some moving averages in silver, we could see some more upside ahead. Earnings season is slowing down since its heyday a few weeks ago.

Option Block 129: How Do You Know When You're Being Stupid?

Trading Block: Markets up, VIX down. Interesting activity in the VIX futures. Massive retail growth in weeklys. The Michael Myers market.

Odd Block: Unusual activity in Morgan Stanley (MS) and Kellogg (K).

Listener Mail: A listener has a college-age son with $10,000 to invest. They want to know if they're foolish to think if they can make money over time, and possibly even beat the S&P?

Strategy Block: Uncle Mike asks, "How do you know when you're being stupid?"

Around the Block: GM earnings before the open. Earnings next week in: RDN, Garmin. AAPL chat. CPI number out on Friday. Tim's keeping an eye on copper.

Option Block 128: Funky Backspread

Trading Block: A decent selloff in VIX cash, but is the unknown still lurking? Greece stumbling toward salvation, but the worst is not over yet. Apple over 500 — up 2%. What's been causing this move to the upside? A few earnings after the bell: LPSN, SGEN.

Odd Block: Unusual activity in NetApp, Inc. (NTAP), Live Nation Entertainment, Inc. (LYV), and Seattle Genetics, Inc. (SGEN).

Xpress Block: Tim Navabi helps to explain "Estimated Commisions" when closing out short positions.

Around the Block: Upcoming earnings: Zenga - 2/14 (The love following Facebook's IPO continues), GM 2/16, Marriott -2/15, NVDA - 2/15 and TESLA - 2/15. What's the best way to incorporate weeklies into ones’ current model?

Option Block 127: Predicting Facebook’s First Day Closing Price

Trading Block: Apple is back to the races following the Nortel patent news -- up 10% post earnings and vol popping to the upside. Groupon down 14% - AGAIN. Cisco earnings were decent, but is the worst over? CBOE announces record volume numbers - stock shrugs in response. Activision out after the bell - now trading close to $13. LinkedIn after the bell as well. Tis the season to trading earnings long premium.

Odd Block: Unusual activity in IROBOT, (IRBT) AMDOCS LTD - (DOX), and a RENN review from Jan 30.

Xpress Block: Jon Grigus talks Facebook, its upcoming IPO, and poses the question "What will Facebook's closing price be on the first day of trading?"
LISTENER QUESTION If a brokerage says the fee for option assignment is $20, is that per share, per contract (100 shares) or per order? So if I have 10 contracts of 100 shares each, do I pay 2000, 200, or 20 assuming they are all assigned?

Around the Block: Upcoming earnings: GM 2/16 - Marriott 2/15 - NVDA 2/15 - TSLA 2/15. A final rundown of the earnings that came out today.

Option Block 126: VIX: You Don't Have To Go Home, but You Can't Stay Here

Trading Block: VIX creeping up off concerns of Greek debt weighing on the market again. Greece reportedly eliminating 15,000 jobs. NYSE/Deutsche Boerse deal was killed last week by the EU – there will be no mega combination of three different options exchanges.

Odd Block: Unusual activity in: Abercrombie & Fitch (ANF), and Solarwinds Inc. (SWI).

Xpress Block: Tim Navabi discusses recently active and popular names out on the trading floor.

Listener Mail: I want to be long the VIX or VX, what is the best way to do this?
I want to be long the VIX, but not get the decay and rebalancing from T-VIX of VXX. I've never made a VX deep call with an option or future. Please let me know the best way to be long the VIX without the problems from VXX and T-VIX. Thanks so much, any help is appreciated.

Around the Block: A big earnings week ahead: Disney 2/7 AMC; Cisco 2/7 AMC; CBOE 2/9 BMO; Activision 2/9 AMC; Groupon 2/8 AMC; LinkedIn 2/9 AMC.

Option Block 125: When Squishy Becomes a Technical Term

Trading Block: Is it too risky to actively short volatility in this environment? Andrew thinks that, from a volatility point of view, all things are pointing in the same direction. Earnings plays. What's the deal with Amazon? Chipotle, or stealth Apple, is nothing but classy. Andrew gives taqueria recommendations in San Francisco. All is right in the world, so it's time to buy stocks.

Odd Block: Unusual activity in Zynga, Inc., Facebook is spreading the love.

Xpress Block: John Grigus discusses the IPO process, and the confusion around when the stock will actually trade. Tax season updates on 1099's.

Around the Block: Non-farms payrolls released on Friday before the open. Andrew suggests an ADP indicator. Earnings still coming out: Activision, CBOE, CSCO, Groupon.

Option Block 124: Confessions of a Juice Buying Junkie

Trading Block: It was a calm day in volatility, given that it has been beaten up recently. What effect does Greece's financial woes has on our market anymore? The precious Metals market pulls back, affected by China. The yellow Wiggle is out: Australia is in turmoil! The biggest kids brand is in the toilet, sold Wiggles sold!!! Scalping tech Vol.

Odd Block: Unusual activity in Pfizer Inc. (PFE), Cell Therapeutics Inc. (CTIC) (an odd block special!), and RenRen Inc. (RENN). It looks like Facebook love is spreading to RENN.

Mail Bag: The weekly butterfly risk and rewardI've seen recommendations to make profit equal to risk, instead of trying to get the peak profit on butterflies - I totally agree with this. Now the question I have is: What should be the relationship of debit to risk? I lean toward making my debit the full risk and leaving enough upside to make a 1-to-1 return. And in my example below I have - if I can buy 10 contracts for a debit of $0.80, my peak profit in this example will be $3.50, my maximum loss would be $0.80 and a profit taking of +$0.80 versus a scenario where I buy 20 contracts on a debit of $0.80, my peak profit is $3.50, my maximum loss is $0.40 and a profit taking would be $0.40. So risking the same amount to make more contracts to make possibly less but also having less loss on the downside. Since weekly have so much gamma risk, it makes sense to me to define max risk as the debit instead of worrying about exiting if the market is moving quickly. What do you think? Other ideas?

Around the Block: Earnings: Amazon coming out after the close tomorrow. Numbers: Non-Farms on Friday, this week we might see some numbers pop.

For more information on Mark’s webinar with ICE on weekly options, please click here: https://icewebinar.webex.com/icewebinar/onstage/g.php?t=a&d=661422660.

Option Block 123: Like a Virgin

Trading Block: Apple blows the doors off earnings again – long premium going into earnings was the way to play it. JC Penney up $6.50 today, but is it best to still keep a short position? Netflix on the comeback trail?

Odd Block: Unusual activity in Deutsche Bank AG (DB) and DeVry Inc. (DV).

Xpress Block: Tim Navabi breaks down the recent activity at OX. Have the recent round of earnings and a move to the upside started to lure back degenerate premium sellers back to Netflix? Have people continued to dive back into the short end of Google?

Strategy Block: In this rare opportunity, Mark Sebastian takes over the strategy block to discuss what he thinks about the VIX.

Around the Block: Keeping an eye on Ford and Apple - again. Very interesting to see oil still around the 100 mark - gold and silver are also moving. Earnings: Jan 31 - Amazon, Feb 1 - Chipotle (stealth Apple), Exxon Mobile & UPS - next week. For more information on Mark’s webinar with ICE on weekly options, please click here: https://icewebinar.webex.com/icewebinar/onstage/g.php?t=a&d=661422660.

Option Block 122: Option Block After Dark

Trading Block: Greek debt swap is keeping the market in neutral. S&P and VIX both up today, but overall a slow trading day. Natural gas and Google are both gathering interest among traders. It is an interesting time to looking at long premium.

Odd Block: Usual activity in Melco Entertainment (MPEL), Alexza Pharmaceuticals (ALXA), and Ingersoll Rand (IR).

Xpress Block: Tim Navabi discusses the most recent strike of the widowmaker, Google, and some of the calls received by customers last Friday, unhappy with their positions.

Around the Block: Big earnings tomorrow! Apple, AMD, and Ford to name a few of the biggest. How much more can Apple rally on earnings? Ford, a wheel of fun candidate, is not risky enough for a collar.

Option Block 121: Degenerate Options Traders

Trading Block: Ho hum day on the street, but VIX makes it below 20 after much dancing in the area. Looking at a sleepy creep up of the general markets and for a dedicated selling of volatility. Uncle Mike’s patience has paid off in Ford. Mark rolls in the Wheel of Fun. The gang fixes the issues with weeklys, but are the exchanges listening? Playing around in earnings season. Kodak throws in the towel and declares bankruptcy.

Odd Block: Unusual activity in Safeway, Inc. (SWY).

Strategy Block: Uncle Mike takes us through win-loss ratios. High probability does not equal guaranteed money. Premium selling is not an annuity; you still have to prepare for risk.
Around the Block: Earnings dominating the horizon.

Option Block 120: Doin' Stuff

Trading Block: Another mild day on the market. Metals/Commodities rundown - GLD up a bit, but not much. Premium on the VIX futures is getting crushed. Corn and grains limit down after a USDA report this morning rocked the market.

Odd Block: Unusual activity in Newell Rubbermaid, Inc. (NWL) and Research in Motion (RIMM).

Xpress Block: Rob Kurzatkowski commands the OX desk today and discusses the ags from CME and Globex, limits and what you need to know before trading following reports.

Strategy Block: Andrew Giovanazzi runs the strategy block and talks about doing stuff after trading Zenga and XLF.

Around the Block: Earnings outlook: Goldman Sachs, Citi - 1/18, Intel - 1/19, as well as Apple - 1/24. Will we push through the 1300-level, or will it act as a level of resistance? Next Wednesday is VIX expiration for the Jan contracts.

Option Block 119: The Fanboy Piggyback

Trading Block: Another mild day on the street. Apple hits a new high ahead of earnings, riding high on iPad 3 rumors. Apple's new high comes in spite of the fact that Android finally eclipsed IOS in the mobile market over the holidays. Netflix was up 14% today despite opting out of ultraviolet program. Is the widowmaker back? Nuance, perhaps a stealth play going into CES.

Odd Block: Unusual activity in Perfect World Co., Ltd. (PWRD).

Xpress Block: John Grigus runs the OX desk this week and discusses year-end topics, such as closing out worthless securities and most importantly, taxes.

Listener Questions: Option margin
“Hello, everyone. Who knows how and where to get the historical margin data for the options? Thanks!”

Around the Block: Biotech and pharmaceutical stocks are lighting up the screens. Kodak closed and $0.40. What is their future? Looking forward to Alcoa. Lots of earnings and retail sales coming up.

Option Block 118: Buying Cheapy Premium

Trading Block: Market mostly unchanged today. Vol off modestly - a decent day for gamma scalping in the VIX. Jobless claims modestly lower - the market shrugged it off. A Metals/Commodities rundown. Apple on a little bit of a tear which has rallied since mid-December, augmented by a lot of attention with the CES next week. A quick discussion of butterfly and iron butterfly positions.

Odd Block: Unusual activity in Barnes & Noble, Inc. (BKS) and Fossil, Inc. (FOSL).

Xpress Block: Tim Navabi discusses the recent surge in costumers buying risk, with Bank of America being the most popular.

Around the Block: CES on the horizon and will impact the volatility of many tech stocks - be on the lookout for the next Nvidia, which rallied 50% in the weeks following CES last year. Where will oil go now that it's above 100?

Option Block 117: 2011 Year in Review

Trading Trends

Rocky year for volatility
The ups and downs of AAPL
NFLX: aka the Widowmaker
Weeklys
Metals
Migration into other products

Headlines:

SPXpm
OX + Schwab
Deutsche Borse + NYSE
MF Global fallout
Social media IPOs

The Year Ahead:

Andrew puts it all on the line re: VIX
Mark makes an over/under prediction on SPX
What you can expect to see from KYO, OX, Option Pit, and The Options Insider in 2012

Option Block 116: Holiday Volatility Sale

Trading Block: A weak rally going into the holiday -- not too much going down on the street except for the continued annihilation of volatility. GLD and GVX ended the year down. Not much movement otherwise given the time of year.

Odd Block: A look back at some usual activity from the past, including GLD and Darden Restaurants, Inc. (DRI).

Xpress Block: Rob K talks about straddles and strangles given the fact that volatility has been crushed lately.

Around the Block: The bulk of the holiday weekend has already come out. Have a happy holiday!

Option Block 115: Scooping Cheap Volatility

Trading Block: A volatility/VIX rundown -- it's up, it's down, it's in lockstep with the market, it does its own thing. It's VIX madness. Zenga, a new tech name to hit the market -- can it follow in the footsteps of Linkedin, Groupon, Angie's List or the other 2011 tech bubble names? A Metals/commodity rundown.

Odd Block: Unusual activity in Norfolk Southern Corp. (NSC), St. Jude Medical, Inc. (STJ), and an Odd Block review from 10/27 on Hecla Mining Co. (HL).

Xpress Block: Tim Navabi discusses the busy Friday expiration, taking calls from customers about deep in-the-money spreads and other goings on at OX.

Around the Block: What are we watching this holiday week? Buffalo Wild Wing (BWLB) joins the Wheel of Fun, also game developer Take 2. It’s a holiday week, so plan accordingly if you are long premium.

Option Block 114: No Straddles Without Gamma Scalping Trading Block: SPY and other expirations on ETFs--close out your shorts! More put buyers are rolling into VIX - even the Journal is starting to pick up on it. Given this erratic movement, how risky is hedging the VIX? GLD put options, a relatively inexpensive option if you still need to hedge you're GLD downside. A Reuters article debating and discussing the sideways movements of the market, which gained popularity of the site recently, recommended straddles as a way to play with market. Should it even be allowed to recommend straddles without following it up with the appropriate discussion on gamma scalping? RIMM earnings after the close – at-the-money straddle trading $1.75 with one day to go. Odd Block: Unusual activity in Walgreens Co. (WAG), Credit Suisse Group (CS), and an activity review from November 17Louisiana-Pacific Corp. (LPX). Xpress Block: John Grigus from OX discusses the Van Eck ETFs and Sears (SHLD), which came out with a re-org. The December futures contracts will go off and stop trading at 8:30 CST. Strategy Block: Mike Tosaw talks about diagonal spreads and the diagonal butterfly given the weekly options being the great fascination of the retail world and gives us his two cents. Around the Block: An update on RIMM - that straddle still not paying the bills, trading about a dollar lower. Will VIX continue to decline? Will the market head north from here?

Option Block 113: The Great VIX Implosion

Trading Block: It's been quite the roller coaster ride for VIX as of late, a lot of people picked up their insurance and are sitting fully hedged, just riding out the storm. Over at KYO, Dollar General and GNC stocks continue an upward climb. Gold down today, as well as crude oil, bonds may be next. Plus, Netflix, aka the widow-maker, makes a return cameo.

Odd Block: Unusual activity in Activision Blizzard, Inc. (ATVI), Targacept, Inc. (TRGT), and revisiting an 11/28 activity review on MGIC Investment Corp. (MTG).

Xpress Block: Tim Navabi discusses corporate restructuring and how once they announce some news it can affect the stock and options.

Around the Block: Retail sales tomorrow, crude inventories Wednesday. Best Buy could be interesting to watch along with other names in the Wheel of Fun.

Option Block 112: VIX Resistance

Trading Block: VIX cash back above 30, how long can it last? MF Global disaster continues to get worse, with no clue as to where customer money is. Customers are making additional margin payments because their funds at MF Global are frozen. This disaster may have ramifications for years to come. Metals/commodity rundown -- volatile gold and silver. Ford brought their dividend back after five years.

Odd Block: Three-legged spreads. Unusual activity in Yahoo!, Inc. – (YHOO) andLiz Claiborne, Inc. – (LIZ). Plus, an update on last week's activity review: RIMM and Darden Restaurants (DRI).

Strategy Block: Uncle Mike Tosaw discusses the simulated index concept and how to relate it to higher income and higher net worth individuals. How to use a life insurance policy if you exceed your retirement plan contribution level.

Around the Block: The ongoing turmoil in the Eurozone is continuing to keep the VIX in limbo. RIMM earnings next week. Walgreens producing very high vol levels.

Option Block 111: The Waffle and Egg Indicator

Trading Block: VIX was all over the map today. Stocks opened strong but rumors of an S&P downgrade warning to Germany killed some of the optimism. The ups and downs of trading Groupon. Trading the wheel of fun: keeping an eye on Dollar General and GNC.

Odd Block: Unusual activity in Angie’s List - (ANGI), Darden Restaurants, Inc. - (DRI), and American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. - (AEO). Plus an update from last week on RIMM.

Xpress Block: John Grigus from OX discusses the Van Eck ETFs and the news concerning ETFs and options.

Around the Block: Jobless claims on 12/08. Michigan Sentiment later this week. The ongoing kurfuffle in the Euro zone. RIMM earnings on 12/15.

Option Block 110: Worthless December Lottery Tickets

Trading Block: A massive explosion to the upside, what was the impetus for the 400 point rally? The S&P 500 has climbed 3% or more in a day 36 times in the past three years compared with 27 times for the nine years before, according to Bloomberg. EU battling to hold itself together. The first of the month means “Options Numbers Day.”

Odd Block: Unusual activity in Research in Motion, Ltd. (RIMM) and Barnes & Noble, Inc. (BKS)

Xpress Block: Tim Navabi shares the news from Direxion Shares that their 2x bull and bear ETFs will now be converted to 3x. Also, how did OX handle the frenzied rally in the past days?

Around the Block: Non-farms tomorrow, but almost a back-burner issue compared to the wild and irrational exuberance in the market recently. VIX finally takes a turn below 30, a long awaited event.

Option Block 109: Danger is in the Air

Trading Block: A strong move to the upside after the holiday weekend. VIX at 30 yet again – is this becoming the new norm? Strong Black Friday sales compelling market. Metals/commodity rundown.

Odd Block: Unusual activity in MGIC Investment Corp. (MTG); BlackRock, Inc. (BLK), and Charles Schwab Corp. (SCHW). Plus, an update on Guiled (GLID) from last week.

Xpress Block: Rob discusses the extreme polarity last week from doom and gloom to consumer uplift on Black Friday. Has there been an uptick of people looking at SPXpm at OX?

Around the Block: The afterglow of Black Friday and Cyber Monday are still driving all the major indices up. Dark clouds looming on the horizon in Europe. Groupon playing the mini-widowmaker down 9%. Unemployment, housing numbers, and non-farms later this week.

Option Block 108: Super Committee VIX Spreads

Trading Block: Dow back in the red for the year. Debt cutting debate concerns hit the market -- reminiscent of the debt debate from August, only you don't see everyone loading up on VIX puts this time. Did they learn their lesson? Could more DC gridlock trigger another debt downgrade?

Odd Block: Unusual and interesting activity in: Gilead Sciences Inc. (GILD) NII Holdings, Inc. (NIHD)

Strategy Block: Andrew Giovanazzi from Option Pit discusses getting short the VIX without overloading on risk.

Around The Block: Super committee debate dominates the outlook for this week -- how do you position for this? Apple below the 375 handle for the first time in a while -- maybe the best is behind Apple?

Option Block 107: The End of the AAPL Bulls?

Trading Block: Housing starts better than expected, yet the market shrugged off an usually strong indicator for movement. S&P breaks through 1225 -- a key support level. Apple down in the 375 level. Ford getting crushed -- down $0.40 despite strong October sales. Is the Dec 9/10 put spread a popular sale? Metals down today. AGQ is gaining popularity, could ultra short terms make a difference?

Odd Block: Unusual activity in: Ann Taylor (ANN), Louisiana-Pacific Corp. (LPX), and Coca-Cola Co. (KO)

Xpress Block: Nelson from OX discusses questions are concerns raised with expiration a day away. A lot of interest around Angie's List, a tech IPO going public today. Is there still a lot of fallout from the MF situation?

Strategy Block: Mike Tosaw discusses the simulated index concept.

Around the Block: A light earnings and economic week coming up. Apple - Jan 2013 call or put?

TRADING BLOCK: Italian borrowing costs spooked the market. May we actually see some countries abandon the Euro? Groupon options finally went live, not surprisingly, with 100+ vols in the downside skew, puts were bid! A lot of selling in the 1 and 500 lot July 15's, the highest activity strike next to the Dec 20 puts.
ODD BLOCK: Unusual activity in: Titanium Metals Corp. (TIE) Home Depot Inc. (HD) International Business Machines, Inc. (IBM) XPRESS BLOCK Jon Gregius is in the OX hot-seat for this Xpress Block and discusses RJO. Also, on Thursday of last week, FAS did a 1 for 5 reverse split, which lit up the help line at OX. Crude oil is up 30% in the last 5 weeks, which also brings in the calls.
STRATEGY BLOCK: Andrew Giovianazzi talks in depth about conversions/reversals and ratio call spreads for GRPN options traders.
AROUND THE BLOCK: Thursday will be an active day with both Jobless Claims and Housing Starts on 11/17. Moving forward, the market may need to purge itself whatever is making it sick. Might it be the end of an era for Apple at KYO? Green Mountain Coffee, Can it hold its volatility?

Read more: http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/radio/?id=313#ixzz1doNcYK59
The Options Insider: Your Inside Source For Options Information

Option Block 105: A Pod of Sissy girls

Trading Block: How to use SPX movement in the downside skew to gauge the sentiment of a particular rally. An uncharacteristic sell-off in Apple -- will they finally lose their grip on the 400 handle? Green Mountain Coffee closed at nearly $41 today, down a whopping 40%.

Odd Block: Unusual activity in eBay Inc. (EBAY): A Bullish option strategist appears in online marketplace provider EBAY this morning with the purchase of the January 30-34 call spread for $2.04 on 5,600 by 8,400 ratio and the simultaneous sale of 8,400 January 27 Puts at $1.03. EBAY is slated to release their Q4 earnings on January 18th, two days before these contracts expire.

Computer Science Corp. (CSC): A provider of information technology services to government and industry, saw its shares trading lower again today after yesterday’s disappointing 2012 profit forecast. The shares lost 15% yesterday and have drifted down so far this morning. Investors positioning for the stock to continue to decline picked up deep out-of-the-money November and December expiry puts that look for the price of the underlying to suffer additional double-digit declines in the near future. Bears populating the front month picked up more than 700 puts at the Nov. $25 strike for an average premium of $0.58 each, and purchased some 400 put options at the lower Nov. $22.5 strike at an average premium of $0.15 a-pop. The stock was cut to ‘Underweight’ from ‘Neutral’ at JPMorgan today.

Xpress Block: Tim Navabi takes the reins at discusses the reverse split of FAS at OX today and talks adjusted options.

Around the Block: Disney earnings after the bell - Things are looking good in the house of Mouse, it closed at 34.60, trading about $1 higher in the after-hours. NVDIA after the bell - closed at about 14.5, trading about $0.70 higher. Under Armor, Mastercard, Red Hat and Ulta Salon all had nice small pops before earnings. Oil and TLT have both been on a significant rally.

Option Block 104: Piling Onto Groupon Trading Block: A bit of a market turnaround, but mainly a relatively mild day. What a strange place VIX and volatility are in general right now. Priceline (PCLN) earnings today after the close, trading over $500. The frenzy began Friday as Groupon went public -- when will the options go live? A quick metals/commodity rundown. Odd Block: Unusual activity in:
McMoRan Exploration Co. (MMR) - Two noticeably bullish option trades in Gulf of Mexico oil and gas producer McMoRan Exploration Co. (MMR) today with investors looking for the stock to climb back to the 16 - 17.50 range over the coming months. The largest trade saw the purchase of 2,000 January 15 Calls and the simultaneous sales of 2,000 January 17.5 and 19 strike calls. This traded for a net debit of $.08 and reach maximum profit if the stock settles at $17.50 by January expiration. A more short term trade saw the purchase of the December 10-16 call spread 1,500 times for $3.55. No news in MMR today to account for today’s activity.

Knight Capital Group (KCG) - FRIDAY REVIEW The global financial services firm is seeing bearish option order flow for the second day in a row. Thursday saw new positions opened in the January and April 10 puts with open interest increasing more than twofold in both strikes. Friday's activity was even more eye opening with investors focusing on the 35% out-of-the-money 7.50 strike bearish contacts in the December and January expiries with VWAPs of $.15 and $.32 respectively.

Career Education Corp. (CECO) Put selling on the for-profit provider of education services may represent a vote of confidence by at least one options strategist positioning for shares in Career Education Corp. to exceed $7.00 through November expiration. The stock was hammered in the most recent six-month period, declining around 75.0% off its 52-week high of $27.60 on June 2, down to a more than 10-year low of $6.92 last Thursday. CECO’s shares are in recovery-mode today, gaining 5.25% in the first half of the session to trade at $8.40 as of 11:15 in New York. Options traders exchanged some 4,400 puts at the Nov. $7.0 strike against open interest of 1,544 contracts. It appears the majority of these put options were sold for an average premium of $0.10 apiece.
Xpress Block: John Grigus discusses the details of the MF Global account, which has brought about stress at OX fielding questions. Around the Block: Earnings! Disney 11/10 - General Motors 11/9 - Cisco 11/9. Also, jobless claims 11/10.

Option Block 103: Greece is the Word

Trading Block: Greece! The other European countries have finally said enough is enough - they may survive without Greece, but Greece can't survive without them. It looks like the VIX was hedging its own bets, there was a giant relief sell-off like was last week. XLE up over 2% on the day. There's definitely been a lot of movement in energy today, when it feels like things are getting better, people flock towards energy - a good time to be a bull. Gold closed at the highest it’s been in a while, gold and silver are starting to claw their way back after a recent pull-back in the metal world. In the land of collars - the premiums in the weekly have been high enough, especially in GLD, to justify using some of the near term options.

Strategy Block: Today feature of the strategy block will be a dual session, split by Andrew Giovinazzi and Mike Tosaw. Andrew starts by enlighten us on the uses of the front spread. What is a 1x2? How do you pick a front spread? With his turn, Tosaw discusses the back spread, including topics on modified stock repair strategies and hedging a front spread with a back spread.

Around the Block: Back spreads - with the financials prone there are some opportunities because the volatility is at a point where it's cheap enough since they're moving so much. Keep an eye on Greece - Will they oust their prime minister? Greece is the word!

Option Block 102: Turn Off the Idiot Box

Trading Block: Bonds rallied, volatility exploded. MF Global news, combined with inflation and the Japanese efforts to intervene in their currency, provided for a big up day in the dollar. Given the lack of volume, the market had a strong sell-off today. Here in Chicago the Merc and the Board had to come down and say no trading. Gold and silver, they've been down a bit and out of the news spotlight, but could there be another run on it give the lows here?

Odd Block: Unusual activity in: Chesapeake Energy (CHK) - Traders came in and bought 12,000 of the Nov 28 puts, with earning coming out on the 3rd, this may not be a good sign for CHK

The Materials Sector (XLB) - A 12-to-1 put to call ratio in XLB today, 42,000 of the 34 puts and 66,000 of the 31 puts traded. We saw a trader sell about 10,000 of the March 26 puts, a big sell in Dec 29 and buy of Dec 31 puts, this could be traders setting up hedges, looking for ways to get long in the sector.

Herbalife (HLF) - Earnings just came out, and in the spirit of Halloween, they were quite scary. Already off 10% before the bell, a very strong sell-off. It seems companies that miss a little bit on their earnings have not been treated well.

Strategy Block: Host Mark Sebastian gives a special strategy block, "Turn off the Idiot-Box". If you're an active trading, turn off what CNBC thinks the market may do and watch the market the see what it actually does and you are bound to have better success.

Around the Block: Looking for some follow through on last Thursday's big volume move or any stocks that hit new highs and were able to hold on to those highs. A lot of earnings and employment data come out this week, so you may be on the edge of your seat. Tomorrow may be a big day, as people try not to miss another big up-turn. But overall the tone will be set by the international markets.

Option Block 101: Size Money vs. Smart Money Trading Block: The market is off to the races...again. Strong rallies across the board. VIX cash finally makes its way down into the sub-30 range, welcome news for those who have been leaning to the downside in VIX. European leaders expand bailout fund - 50% write-down on Greek debt. Is the European debacle behind us? Strong economic data -- the economy grew at 2.5%, consumers strongest since Q4 2010. Also, a strong earnings season so far -- more than half of the companies in the S&P 500 have released quarterly results since Oct. 11, and about three- quarters have beaten the average analyst estimate, data compiled by Bloomberg show.

Odd Block: Unusual activity in:
Avon Products, Inc. (AVP) It’s been a rough day for door-to-door cosmetic seller Avon Products, Inc. (AVP) with the company posting Q3 earnings this morning that missed estimates by 17% and announcing the SEC is investigating its contracts with financial analysts. The shares are currently trading 17% lower and are flirting with their 52 week low. Option volume is already 10 times the company’s average daily activity with the most notable trading carrying a long term Bullish sentiment. The January ’13 20 strike Calls have seen more than 6,000 contracts cross the tape and, with 85% of the trades taking place on the offers and little current open interest, it appears to be opening buyers looking for the stock to climb above the $22.20 price level during 2012.

MGIC Investment Corp. (MTG) A long term Bullish option player appears in private mortgage insurer MGIC Investment Corp. (MTG) this morning with the purchase of 82,500 January ’13 10 Calls at $.45. This trade not only creates the largest contract position in all of MTG’s listed option but also ranks as the highest volume option trade so far today. With a long delta of 32, this trade carry’s a long share equivalence of more than 2.6 million shares and will need the stock to rally more than 300% over the next 14 months to reward this investor with any profits. Total option volume in MTG is currently more than 17 times its average daily contract activity.

HL – Hecla Mining Co. Shares in the mining company are up 7.5% to stand at $6.30 as of 1:40 pm EDT, on an up-up-and-away kind of day for U.S. equities. Hecla Mining Co. popped up on our ‘hot by options volume’ market scanner following a burst of activity in December contract calls. Options traders exchanged about 25,000 calls at the Dec. $6.0 strike this morning against open interest of 3,315 positions. It looks like most of these in-the-money calls were purchased for an average premium of $0.63 apiece. Shares in Hecla Mining last traded above $6.63 back on September 22.

Xpress Block: Tim Navabi runs down the recent activity at OX. Buy, buy, buy! Traders are getting long as sellers are exhausted and saying goodbye to the puts holders. Using a LEAP as a covered call swap out - the LEAP vs. the short term call. What happens to that LEAP if your front month option expires or is about to expire and the option is in the money?

Around the Block: An update that the Baidu (BIDU) earnings just came out and in the afterhours is trading, hovering around $1.50. Netflix trading in the 80 handle, creating widows left and right. Amazon down as well, closed today at about $2.07, was trading as high as $2.40 before earnings. MF Global hitting the 4 handle, a lot of activity in the Nov 01 puts - not a good sign.

Option Block: The 100th Episode Extravaganza

Trading Block: A brand new Options Insider website! Are there any legs to the rally? Where was VIX during this rally? Netflix, the window maker, released earnings after the bell.

Odd Block: Unusual activity in:
Bank of America - (BAC)
Signs of optimism in the progress towards a European debt crisis deal has helped push Bank of America Corp. (BAC) and the rest of the financials higher this morning but early option activity in BAC suggests at least one investor believes this is the top in the company’s share price, at least for the rest of this week.
H.J. Heinz Co. - (HNZ)
A bearish put spread open today with an investor buying the December 50-55 Put spread on a 3-1 ratio 6,000 by 2,000 times. A net debit of $.625/spread was paid for this strategy that reaps maximum profits if HNZ’s shares settle at $50, or 5.9 % lower from today’s price, at December expiration. Earnings on the 18th.

Xpress Block: John Grigus from OX discusses his interesting first two calls of the day - customers ask "Why was I assigned on OTM options? Why was I not assigned on ITM options?" A review of the first few weeks of trading in SPXpm.

Around the Block: An update on Netflix, will it bounce? Amazon earnings out 10/25, after the bell - is it wise to have underlying going into the earnings?

Option Block 99: Selling MSFT Premium Trading Block: A rare fairly uneventful day. Chipotle Mexican Grill with earnings after the bell - Is CMG the other Apple? Microsoft after the close - a whopping non-event. Odd Block: Unusual activity in:
Microsoft (MSFT) Basically printing money today. Options on the software giant are the most actively traded by volume on any single stock ahead of the company’s much-anticipated first-quarter earnings report. The near month October at-the-money contracts, which expire after the close tomorrow, are seeing the most activity with the 27 strike Puts leading in volume.
BP PLC – (BP) Earlier in the session, Total SA, Europe’s third-largest oil company, popped up on our ‘hot by options volume’ market scanner after a block of 8,500 calls changed hands at the May 2012 55 strike against open interest of 385 contracts. Roughly 30 minutes before the call activity in Total appeared on our scanners, it looks like the same investor purchased 8,500 call options on BP at the April 44 strike for a premium of $2.45 apiece. Xpress Block: News on the OX app for iPhone and soon to be released app for iPad. When might listeners of the Options Insider be able to stream and download this show through the OX app? Around the Block: Amazon next Tuesday - A counter-pole to Apple right now, given their rival content ecosystem. General Nutrition Corporation with earnings tomorrow, GNC has been making some interesting volume spikes recently. Ford earnings next Wednesday - how to prep for this.

The Option Block 98: Playing Apple Earnings Trading Block: Volatility rundown. Issues with the structure of the VIX - is it time to revamp the "Fear Index." Hot metals action. Odd Block:One massive bull in CHMT. Sizable bullish call activity in USU. Xpress Block - Debating the use of market orders by retail options traders. Around the Block: Playing AAPL earnings with options. Is a buywrite synthetic your best bet?

Option Block 97: Live From FIA Chicago Trading Block: VIX Rundown - VIX at a decisive point, at the 32 level, it could be on the move. Apple rallying post-Jobs -- how best to position going into earnings. Alcoa came off after the bell already selling off. A look at upcoming earnings season perhaps? SPXpm -- comments and criticisms. Odd Block: Integrated circuit maker Marvell Technology Group Ltd. (MRVL) with a multi-exchange sweep of 5,000 October 16 weekly calls. Short-term bulls gobbling up weekly calls. XLF – Financial Select Sector SPDR (ETF). The XLF has rallied 9.2% in the past week, but impending earnings from big banks spurred some strategists to snap up bearish put options on the ETF. Bears looking to hedge their bets in XLF ahead of earnings season with short-term puts.

Listener Questions: Impact of Weekly Options on Brokerage Firms. The ongoing narrative of weekly options says that they are a boon to the options business, and to options brokers, because they are prompting many customers to trade 4 times a month vs. once a month. I'm curious if the boys at OX can confirm this trend with what they've seen internally? I'd imagine this isn't the case for premium buyers, but I'd think that premium sellers have certainly increased their trading due to the weeklies. Is it 2X, 3X, 4X, perhaps some other factor like 1.8X, etc. Any insight you could provide into this would be appreciated. Around the Block: Earnings, Earnings, Earnings! AAPL & BAC next week. Also, Jobless Claims - 10/13, Retail Sales & Michigan Sentiment - 10/14.

Option Block 96: Resetting the VIX Bar Trading Block: VIX finally gets to the mid-30s! The bar for has been raised. Apple without Jobs - down 0.5%. What effect could Jobs have on Apple stock post-mortem, or is this a turning point for Apple?
Odd Block:
Mortgage insurer MBIA Inc. (MBI): Shares are trading 3% higher this morning and early option activity suggests some investors believe the recent upturn in the company’s shares will continue over the next couple weeks. The bullish October 9 calls have seen nearly 5,000 contracts trade already this morning and, with 80% of the activity either mid-market or on the offers, it looks like buyers looking for the stock to rally another 16% over the next 11 trading days.
Children’s Place Retail Stores, Inc. (PLCE): The specialty retailer of children’s clothing saw greater-than-normal activity in its options this morning. It looks like one call seller populating the November contract expects the stock to resist below a specified ceiling through expiration day in six weeks. A block of 2,000 calls changed hands at the Nov. $55 strike against paltry previously existing open interest of just 20 contracts. The call options appear to have been sold by one options player for a premium of $0.85 per contract. Xpress Block: Tim Navabi grabs the reins and discusses what was trading today at OX, as well as a rundown of some of the commodity movers. CBOE also recently unveiled SPXpm -- has it been successful?

Around The Block: Nonfarms: October 7 Gold and Silver are both consolidating, something to definitely check out. Apple earnings: October 18. Google earnings: October 13

Option Block 95: Kodak vs. American Airlines

Trading Block:

The Greek yo-yo has struck again! Greek debt outlook was not as rosy as last week -- market down again in response.
Apple down again, amid rumors of an Amazon tablet continue.
Whack-a-Bankruptcy -- just when rumors of one bankruptcy subside, more emerge to take its place.
Airline stocks are taking a nose dive today due to fears the weak economy will reduce travel demands and hit fares over the coming months.
BAC taking it on the chin - down 7.5% and blew through their $6 support level
Kodak denies bankruptcy rumors - the stock is all over the map, cut by 66% on Friday and up 300% today. Some advantageous and amazing trading opportunities during the fast market on Friday.

Odd Block:
AMR Corp. (AMR)
The parent company of American Airlines, is the worst performer with its stock trading 17% lower today and currently sitting at a two year low. Shares in AMR Corp. went down in flames today, falling nearly 40.0% this afternoon to $1.83, before trading in the stock was halted for a second time...and then a third, fourth, and fifth time at current count.

McDermott International, Inc. - (MDR)
Worldwide energy services company McDermott International, Inc. (MDR) sees its shares set a new 52 week low of $10.45 this morning and it looks like some option investors are using the recent drop in share price to open a Bullish two month position.

Las Vegas Sands Corp. - (LVS)
Interesting trade structure - call spread/stupid spread.
At least one options trader is positioning for the recovery story to continue to play out on LVS through October expiration. It looks like the investor effectively established two call spreads on the stock to prepare for limited gains in the price of the underlying.

Xpress Block: Mr. Grigus takes the reins and discusses SPXpm, the new CBOE product which debuts tomorrow. Also, a few listener questions are addressed: Exercise Fee. "If a brokerage says the fee for option assignment is $20, is that per share, per contract (100 shares) or per order? So if I have 10 contracts of 100 shares each, do I pay 2000, 200, or 20 assuming they are all assigned?"

Around the Block: * Greece! - The endless question mark lurking off the horizon. * Jobless claims Thursday, 10/6 and Non-farms Friday, 10/7 * Looking forward the release of SPXpm.

Attention Option Block fans.....do you want to see another live taping of your favorite options podcast? Yes, it's back, and this time, it's at the FIA Futures and Options Expo.

Register now through VolX, The Volatility Exchange and receive your complimentary Exhibits Only pass for Options Insider listeners.

In addition to enjoying the Expo, please join the The Options Insider for live radio shows.

Here's the schedule:
October 11
4 pm - The Option Block
5 pm - Volatility Views
October 12
1:30 pm - The Long & Short of Futures Options

All shows will be recorded on the FIA Main Stage in the exhibit hall.

Live audience seating will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Hope to see you there!

Option Block 94: AMZN Takes On AAPL Trading Block: The market rallied on stronger than expected GDP numbers, and a little ease on European concerns, combined for a strong up move early in the day. Thirty-year rate is 4.01% -- the lowest on record. Rumors of Amazon getting into the tablet wars -- stock down 3%. With Amazon in its territory, Apple moved to the downside -- is it time to be bullish? The spread between VIX and VXN continues to widen.

Odd Block: Unusual activity in Dollar General (DG) - size call sales going up for the past couple of months. Dreamworks Animation Skg. (DWA) - been on a downside tear over most of the last year, as high as 38 early November last year, straight down since then, trading near 18 now. Looks like someone is trying to protect some downside and decided to put on the puts and end the free fall.

Strategy Block: Mike Tosaw dispenses some vintage options wisdom, discussing the concept of dollar cost averaging. Around the Block: Ford hovering at the 10 strike. Apple earnings out October 18; CBOE earnings out October 5. A lot of energy stocks are at lower levels now.

Option Block 93: Metal-Ocalypse Strikes Again

Trading Block: The relationship between VIX and VXN, how it could have helped you. Late session rally on European hopes. The Metal-ocalypse continues - where is the bottom? Sell-offs in both GLD and SLV. EK crushed to the downside...again -- CDs upfront premium not at 41%! Groupon's ponzi scheme continues -- restated their entire 2010 results and slashed revenue in half.

Odd Block: Harry Winston Diamond Corp. (HWD) – Size put seller. Fresh prints in HWD puts drove options volume in the front month above the prevailing level of overall open interest on the stock in the first half of the trading session. Hasbro, Inc. (HAS) - A Mark Sebastian favorite. Call buying spread to the Jan. 2012 $40 strike, where 723 contracts were picked up at an average premium of $0.80 each. Open interest in calls at the Jan. 2012 $40 strike far exceeds volume of 1,015 contracts exchanged thus far in the session, suggesting trades today may or may not be opening. Options implied volatility on Hasbro rose 5.9% to 37.75% in early-afternoon trade. Novagold Resources (NG) - On average, they do about 7,000 contracts, today though 100,000! Size time spread - looks like 44K Dec 7 puts were sold in a closing transaction for around $1.08 - existing open interest of 70,000 contracts.

Xpress Block: Tim Navabi runs through the top moving stocks and commodities over at OX today. Also a little overview on the use of settled and unsettled funds.

Around The Block: Jobless claims on Thursday as well as GDP. Greek debt still on the horizon. The bulk of today's rally come after the lessening of those concerns, but the outlook on that changes frequently -- things could get either really good or really bad.

Option Block 92: Werewolves Love SLV

Trading Block: A sea of red in the market today - recession fears slam everything except treasuries. VIX cash gaps up yet again -- VIX futures outlook. Metals/Commodities rundown - everything down across the board, with gold down as well, but no rolling down will be taking place before the weekend. Ford below the $10 handle.

Odd Block: Yahoo! - (YHOO) Following an upgrade at Stifel, Nicolaus from “Hold” to “Buy” with a price target of $18.00, shares are on the plus side this morning. The analyst stated “the likelihood of a buyout has increased to 80%.” Looks like some folks are betting on a buyout over the next few weeks. Bank of America - (BAC) Some large option players are “raising the white flag” in Bank of America Corp. (BAC) today with two large blocks of call options being sold on the bids and most likely closing out previous bullish positions. Perhaps most painful, someone dumped over 100k Jan 20 calls for $0.01! Covanta Holding Corp - (CVA) Stock has been hammered over the past few days. Someone thinks it’s overdone and bought a size bullish risk reversal. Range Resources Corp - (RRC) Looks like those upside specs on the 70 and 75 strikes could have paid off.

Xpress Block: Tim Navabi runs down the daily goings on at OX. Today was a day for risk management. There's always a tomorrow in the market. The tools available on the OX are here to the rescue.

Strategy Block: Mike Tosaw discusses his profound belief that we will get through our current financial situation. But you need some type of plan in place for down days like today.

Around The Block: A lot of concern going into the weekend. Another good time to have some units in you back pocket. VIX option implied volatility exploded today, selling premium does not make sense. Has the bleeding stopped at Netflix for now? If you're thinking of playing in inverse ETFs or options on the ETFs, the margin requirements are tighter on the inverse ETFs. Apple held onto 400 today - a flight to safety.

Option Block 91: The Widowmaker Rides Again

Trading Block: The "Widowmaker" (NFLX) CEO apologizes for the screw up with their pricing and thusly losing 1 million customers and the stock dropping 50% since the price increases in July. Could Netflix split into two separate businesses? Lenders tell Greece to get its act together and reduce the size of its government, or run out of cash within a few weeks. Metals/Commodities rundown -- collaring gold until November. Oil really took it on the chin due to uncertainty in Europe.

The Odd Block: Range Resources Corp. (RRC) saw its shares pop late this morning on news out of DealReporter that the company has been approached by a non-U.S. suitor. Cypress Semiconductor Corp. (CY) sees an early bearish put buyer this morning with the focus on the near month at-the-money contracts. Amerigroup Corp. (AGP) Interesting Option activity in ahead of the company’s analyst meeting in New York tomorrow morning.

Xpress Block: Rob Kurzatkoski discusses the goings on today at OX, including Netflix and the recent and strange gold and S&P relationship. Strategy Block: In this strategy block, Andrew Giovinazzi talks strategy about the metals/gold frenzy that is consuming everyone these days.

Around the Block: Housing starts tomorrow and existing home sales on Wednesday. Is housing a good indicator of the market? FOMC Wednesday -- their relevance is fairly benign given they're holding fast for the next couple of years. Also, Jobless claims Thursday.

Option Block 90: The Voice of Options
TRADING BLOCK: Research in Motion (RIMM) - The future looks bleak. “The Widowmaker” strikes again - Netflix (NFLX), which was trading $300 just two months ago, down 40%. Yet another “rogue trader” on the loose - this time it costs UBS $2 billion. Commodities rundown - gold is coming down, is this the right time tighten up your hedges?

ODD BLOCK: Unusual and interesting options activity in: UBS AG (UBS) - a staggering $2 billion lost in trading as a rogue trader racked up unauthorized dealings. Call buying and put selling on the stock appear to be the most employed strategies of the day, with investors expecting shares to recover in the next five weeks. Amerigroup Corp. (AGP) - ahead of the company’s analyst meeting in New York tomorrow morning, an opening buyer appeared in the September 45 Calls, paying the offers of $0.25-$0.35 for approximately 3500 contracts. These options expire tomorrow after the close so these trades will need the stock to climb another 4.6% to begin to see any profits.

XPRESS BLOCK: Tim Navabi takes the reins and discusses the hectic day today at OX due to "The Widowmaker" aka Netflix, as well as the upcoming expiration of September futures.

STRATEGY BLOCK: Mike Tosaw illuminates us on some in-depth options strategy. First, with the upcoming expiration, if you're not ready to hold a stock and you're short a put, maybe you'll want to close out those penny options. Second, make sure you know position delta before doing ratio spreads.

AROUND THE BLOCK: An update on RIMM. Still some concern over Greece, also some concern about expiration upcoming. Not too much else lighting up the tape on the earnings front though. Play it safe this weekend.

Option Block 89: Risk On, Risk Off
Trading Block: Metals outlook - Gold, bonds, and GLD have all been pulling back, there seems to be a lot of building of cash reserves right now. The heavy movement in VXO relative to VIX means there is a lot at the money buying to up the curve. Risk on/ risk off. VIX has been trading above VXN, so clearly the risk is in the financials, not tech. Could there be a violent move toward the upside? Is there any truth to the rumor that China could be buying Italian debt?

Interview Block: Today's guest Joe Cusick, the head of education at OX, talks a little about the progression he feels most people should go through when learning about options. How do you keep investors interested while teaching them about the stuff that's not as fun? Education for some of the more refined and advanced traders. Finally, what is Joe's opinion of the VIX-based products, ETF - ETN, that have come into the market place? Has volatility become an asset class?

Strategy Block: Mike Cavanaugh discusses what he saw in the marketplace, and how to build a long term investment portfolio given the trends he observed.

Around The Block: Our hosts prognosticate about the upcoming week. In a market like this, it’s a great opportunity to sell premium. Retail sales on the 14th and Philly Fed comes out on the 15th, both of these could have a big impact on the market. When will things with Greece get resolved?

Option Block 88:Gold Vol and The Big O

Don't forget that Option Block listeners get FIVE FREE trades when you open a new OX account. Click for details: www.optionsxpress.com/oxradio
Trading Block: The market turned red despite Uncle Ben's promises. Obama's jobs speech - how will it affect the market? Commodity rundown - GLD off to the races again today, but is it time to start being bearish? A rundown of volatility & VIX.

Odd Block: DNDN halted with suspicious option activity. Unusual activity also in SuperValu Inc. (SVU) - This is probably someone taking advantage of option liquidity to dump some stock. FedEx Corp. (FDX) - An example of Bullish risk reversals; R.R. Donnelley & Sons Co. (RRD).

Xpress Block/Mail Block: OX's own Tim Navabi answers a few listener questions in this combo Xpress / Listener Questions block.
1.) Schwab hasn't offered portfolio margin in the past, but now that they have acquired OX, will they be offering that to their customers now or is that still a benefit only for OX customers?
2.) I have some clients who are also Schwab customers. They are excited about the prospect of portfolio margin coming to their accounts. How do they go about getting that treatment? Do they have to switch their accounts to OX? Will it be automatic? Is there some online form to fill out?

Around The Block: Looking forward to The Big O's speech on jobs - could the payroll tax be a huge issue? After the speech, will we see the whole weekend coming out?

Option Block 87: OX-Schwab Day One

Trading Block: Another yo-yo day on the street. Manufacturing data was stronger than expected, but not enough to keep the market positive. The long weekend should have been priced out already, but it seems that many traders are holding off from hitting the bids ahead of non-farms tomorrow. A look of the metals/commodities: gold, silver, and natural gas.

Odd Block: Unusual activity in: Dunkin’ Brands Group, Inc. (DNKN); American Express Co. (AXP); Lexmark (LXK)

Xpress Block: Alex Jacobson is back and discusses Legal Day 1 - the first day the Schwab/Option Xpress business combination became legal, and the party that ensued outside his window. The futures are becoming a more mainstream product.

Strategy Block: Mike Tosaw discusses the world of 1 by 2 ratio spreads. What are the advantages &disadvantages?
Around The Block: Everyone is keeping their powder dry ahead of non-farms payrolls tomorrow. Is this the time to get long premium and perhaps get a free weekend?

Option Block 86: Back in the Day
Trading Block: Tech leads the way today, while GLD finally has a down day. Short VIX bets are finally paying off, but there's still more downside to go. Plus, a rundown of metals from a wild day. How much of a downside move in gold are we looking at before considering rolling the puts back down? Not much action to report from commodities today.

Odd Block: Unusual activity in Amazon.com, Inc. (AMZN) - Who purchased the lottery ticket? IMAX Corp. (IMAX) - Is this from the re-running of Transformers 3? Sealed Air Corp. (SEE) - A size day for SEE on Friday

Xpress Block: Today's guest Alex Jacobson discusses retail's appetite for futures recently. How the times have changed in the futures market, especially for retail.

Around the Block: Is there more VIX downside ahead? What's the weekend risk? Is it worth it to own premium? Non-farms coming up on Friday, more to be discussed about that next show.

*Option Block 85: Apple's Jobs-lessness*

Trading Block: The news of Steve Jobs stepping down from Apple has dominated the headlines. What does this mean for future Apple plays? What's the outlook on Apple vol going forward? An outlook of the metals market. The CME raises the margin rate of gold, a little too late? What's driving an interest in copper? Also, has scalping negative gamma exacerbated the downward movements seen in the past few weeks? Xpress Block: Rob K discusses how Bank of America's order flow surged as bottom pickers got an early Christmas care of Warren Buffet. The newest OX iPad app is just around the corner!

Around the Block: QE3 - Does it even have a prayer of happening? What is the positioning ahead of the Bernanke speech? Could we possibly take a hit going into the weekend?

Option Block 84: The Madness Returns

Trading Block: Special guest Andrew Giovinazzi of Aqumin takes Sebastian’s seat as the all-star gang discusses market madness. The market has become quite the drama queen with global concerns smack the market again. Consumer confidence is still low - this is getting to be a broken record. Commodities rundown - gold and treasuries are where everyone is putting their money. Patent lust has been inflating some smaller tech stocks like NOK, EK, etc.

Odd Block: Unusual activities in Seagate Technology (STX), New York Times Co. (NYT) and NRG Energy, Inc. (NRG)

Xpress Block: What's been going on behind the scenes at optionsXpress - today was one of those outlier days.

Around the Block: The patent wars continue to drive activity in the tech sector – watch your upside. Niche names like CBOE should be faring well in the environment, not following the market down - perhaps there may be some opportunity in the downside? Also, a VIX outlook for the next few sessions.

Option Block 83: GOOG Gobbles MMI. Who's Next?

TRADING BLOCK Google (GOOG) acquires MMI, which explains some of their strange trading patterns recently. Were rumors leaked out ahead of time? A rundown of metals and commodities. The price of gold - is it realistic?

INTERVIEW BLOCK This week's guest, Russell Rhoads, author and instructor at Options Institute at the CBOE discusses his newest book "Trading VIX Derivatives," as well as hedging VIX options.

AROUND THE BLOCK Housing start numbers come out tomorrow and jobless claims come out August 18 - will they move the market significantly. Who’s next after MMI? RIMM? NOK?

Trading Block: An overview of Vix performances for the last week. Is everything rosy again? Treasury auction came out very weak. Jobless claims numbers rallied. Odd Block: Unusual activity in Cisco (CSCO), Asiainfo Holdings Inc. (ASIA) and OmniVision Technologies Inc. (OVTI). Xpress Block: Mr Navabi walks us through what it was like to be at the center of the madness this week at OX. Mail Block: From Tom S, in Cleveland: Does OX offer IRAs? Can you use naked short puts to leg into long equity positions in an OX IRA account? Strategy Block: Uncle Mike Tosaw discusses a cash and hedge secured, unlevered bull put spread Around the Block: Not too much in the way of earnings. What's the outlook for weekend risk?

Read more: http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/radio/?id=271#ixzz1V3zGVBkJ
The Options Insider: Your Inside Source For Options Information

Trading Block: A fractured round table discusses the bloodbath following the S&P's downgrading of the US credit rating, including Motorolla (MMI), LinkedIn (LNKD) and Apple (AAPL)

Around the Block: Will the sell off continue? Tomorrow may not be the rebound the most people were looking for.

Option Block Xtra
For your listening pleasure - the Banter Block from Episode 80 that hit the cutting room floor. Topics on tap: SPX, VIX, covered calls vs. ratio repair spreads and more...

Trading Block: The Bloodbath Begins! Jobless claim records much weaker than expected, getting closer to the Tosaw apocalypse, CBOE takes a hit despite good earnings. Plus Ford, LinkedIn and VIX skew. Metals/Commodities rundown
Xpress Block: Mr Navabi runs through a list of interesting/unusual/common/annoying questions received on by Options Express. Also, what to do when facing margin calls.
Around the Block: Overnight futures - to buy or not to buy? Is LinkedIn a sign of a turnaround in the market? Will Non Farms add to the bloodbath?

Trading Block: The debt kerfuffle reaches the 11th hour. How ugly could it really get if there is no deal? A rundown of metal and oil commodities.
Odd Block: Unusual activity in Sonus Networks (SONS), Cable Vision Systems (CVC), Cavium Inc. (CAVM) \
Xpress Block: Beware of tech IPOs...
Mail Block: Mr. Rob Kurzatkowski from the OX dives into questions submitted by listeners.
Around the Block: Life after the potential "Tosaw" apocalypse, if a deal is not reached by Tuesday. CEBO, RDN, and Testla Motors earnings, as well as LinkedIn (LNKD)

Read more: http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/radio/?id=267#ixzz1TtmdYU18
The Options Insider: Your Inside Source For Options Information

Trading Block: The debt kerfuffle in Washington continues as debates stall. What could happen with a no vote? Exxon misses their earnings, MMI earnings after the bell, and a metals/commodities breakdown. Also a debate over the future of ISE.
Odd Block: Unusual activity in Oshkosh Corp (OSK), Titan International Inc (TWI) and Clearwater (CLWR)
Around the Block: Debt ceilings worries continue into the weekend, the VIX and Ford’s upcoming auto and truck sales numbers.

Option Block 77: The Widowmaker Strikes Again

Trading Block: The on-going kerfuffle in Washington, the debt ceiling and its effect on the metals,what happens to VIX and broad market if a deal isn't reached?, along with a discussion about E-trade (ETFC)
Odd Block: Unusual activity in Express Scripts (ESRX), Raptor Pharmaceutical (RTPT), and Sketchers (SKX)
Xpress Block: Mr Grigus takes the reins and runs down what's been going on at Options Express, including: Apple, gold and Dunkin Donuts
Around the Block: Live coverage of Netflix earnings as The Widowmaker strikes again!Super Tuesday! Amazon, Ford, Electronic Arts, Eastman-Kodak

Option Block 75: AAPLs in the Mist Option Block fans you only have two more days until the first ever live Option Block episode is taped. If you have ever wanted to see what goes on behind the scenes when taping an episode, your chance has arrived. The entire gang will be live, in person at Elephant & Castle at 111 W. Adams Street in Chicago on July 21. Taping will start around 3:30, so you won't miss a minute of market action. Stop by, bring your friends, and come prepared for a podcast experience like no other.

If you're inclined to want to RSVP so that we make sure we have enough room, you can do so at the Options Insider Facebook page or by sending an email with your name & guest count to: Events@TheOptionsInsider.com

Trading Block: The market is down, but metals keep shining. Broad selloff continues with banks leading the way. Treasuries falling over debt worries. Earnings season kicks off with the tech sector paving the way. Odd Block: Unusual activity in Harry Winston Diamond Corp. (HWD), Clorox Co. (CLX), and Delta Air Lines (DAL). Xpress Block: The pros and cons of auto trading. FX account holders will see a newly designed page, but not to worry...it's only for regualtory reasons. Around the Block: Earnings! Coming up...IBM, AAPL, GS, NFLX.

The Big Live Show is finally here!

Join...

Mark Longo
Tim Navabi
Rob Kurzatkowski
John Grigus
Mike Cavanaugh
Mike Tosaw
Mark Sebastian
and special guest Tony Battista (of Tasty Trade fame)...

...for the first-ever live Option Block. In this epic two-and-a-half hour extravaganza, the topics include:

Scalping gamma during AAPL earnings
Trading Ford Earnings using options
Strange movements in VIX
Option strategies/outlook for Oil
Selling puts in LNKD
Trading "The Widowmaker" - aka NFLX
The difficulties with spread execution
Common customer questions/complaints at brokerage firms
Trading bond options
Blaming/defending market makers
Ag options/futures activity
Unusual activity in RSH, GNW, STJ, ETFC, OC
Is it stupid to trade stupids?
Live audience questions
and MUCH more...

So settle back in your chair (or on your commute to/from work) and enjoy this epic episode of The Option Block.

A special thanks to all of our listeners who attended the Big Live Show. We had a fantastic turnout and some interesting (if lengthy) questions. We couldn't do this show without you.

Option Block 74: Apple vs. U.S. Government

Trading Block: Uncle Ben spooks the markets into retreat. If you can't buy stocks, and you can't buy treasuries, what can you do? Buy puts. Would a government shutdown be bad for the market? Metals rally. LNKD update.

Odd Block: Unusual activity in North American Palladium, Ltd. (PAL), and Virgin Media (VMED).

Around the Block: Debt. Debt. Debt. Debt. Debt. Earnings season is upon us, with Citi and AAPL coming up. The wonder that is AAPL.

Option Block fans you only have six more days until the first ever live Option Block episode is taped. If you have ever wanted to see what goes on behind the scenes when taping an episode, your chance has arrived. The entire gang will be live, in person at Elephant & Castle at 111 W. Adams Street in Chicago on July 21. Taping will start around 3:30, so you won't miss a minute of market action. Stop by, bring your friends, and come prepared for a podcast experience like no other.

If you're inclined to want to RSVP so that we make sure we have enough room, you can do so at the Options Insider Facebook page.

Coming up at...
Option Pit: Register for services on Friday, July 15 and receive 10% off. Check out OptionPit.com for details.
Know Your Options, Inc.: Get your free, 18-minute portfolio review from Know Your Options, Inc. It's fast, it's free, it's easy. Go to KnowYourOptionsInc.com for more information.

Read more: http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/radio/?id=260#ixzz1SCQ4jwiE
The Options Insider: Your Inside Source For Options Information

Trading Block: Contagion woes on the continent. KYO liking LNKD for a stock replacement strategy. GLD was one of yesterday's few bright spots. Ford takes a hit from India. Premium buyers have returned. The futures parking lot, V2.0. Odd Block: Unusual activity in CLX and IGT. Xpress Block: The many ways to screw up covered calls. Option pricing when looking at longer and shorter-dated options. Synthetic covered calls. Listener Question: Is it true that you can't do more than four trades in five days or your account will get locked? Around the Block: Earnings season: It's back. LNKD. VIX to break 25? Problems in Europe...do tell. Initial and continued jobless claims.

Read more: http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/radio/?id=258#ixzz1S69UpYl4
The Options Insider: Your Inside Source For Options Information

Option Block 72: The Star Spangled Episode

Option Block fans, if you have ever wanted to see what goes on behind the scenes when taping an episode, your chance has arrived. The entire gang will be live, in person at Elephant & Castle at 111 W. Adams Street in Chicago on July 21. Taping will start around 3:30, so you won't miss a minute of market action. Stop by, bring your friends, and come prepared for a podcast experience like no other.

If you're inclined to want to RSVP so that we make sure we have enough room, you can do so at the Options Insider Facebook page.
**------------------

Trading Block:** Readjusting collars in AAPL; rolling out of VXX; Sebastian trades AAPL Alpha index options; the futures parking lot.

Odd Block: Unusual activity in AMKR, AEO, KLAC, and THOR

Xpress Block: Commodity rundown: sugar on the move up; natural gas still going down. Most actives: SPY, RUT, SPX, AAPL, NFLX, SLV, GOOG, QQQ, VIX, and BIDU. On the move: MSFT, XOM, GE, and JPM. Trade idea: Crude oil strangle.

Strategy Block: Risk management on naked options. One word: Gamma

Around the Block: Non-farm payrolls, VIX futures out of whack for the Aug-Sep term structure; earnings season is almost here.

Coming up....

Mark Sebastian is a one-man webinar machine presenting a webinar with VolX on "Understanding and Trading Currency Volatility" on July 12. You can find more information on the VolX.us website. The next day, July 13, is his free monthly webinar, and on July 14, he's presenting a webinar with Price Futures Group. For more details, visit the OptionPit.com website.
Speaking of webinars....Know Your Options will be presenting a series of Sunday night webinars throughout July, including It's All Greek to Me on 7/17, Strike Price Selection on 7/24, and Plan the Trade, Trade the Plan on 7/31. Check KnowYourOptionsInc.com for more information.
optionsXpress is also in the webinar business with IRA Strategies Part One: Covered calls on 7/12, and It's All Greek to Me on 7/17.

Read more: http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/radio/?id=256#ixzz1RXkIwH8N
The Options Insider: Your Inside Source For Options Information

Option Block 71: The Spread Trap

Option Block fans, if you have ever wanted to see what goes on behind the scenes when taping an episode, your chance has arrived. The entire gang will be live, in person at Elephant & Castle at 111 W. Adams Street in Chicago on July 21. Taping will start around 3:30, so you won't miss a minute of market action. Stop by, bring your friends, and come prepared for a podcast experience like no other.

If you're inclined to want to RSVP so that we make sure we have enough room, you can do so at the Options Insider Facebook page.

Trading Block: The gang discusses GLD, SLV, the Euro, Kodak, and the commodity rundown.

Odd Block: Unusual activity in DNDN, EW, IO, and BAC. Plus, how to tell if a large trade is a buy or a sell by using deductive reasoning.

Xpress Block: Mark & John discuss problems Mark had getting filled on an EK spread order at the NBBO.

Around the Block: Long weekend.

Option Block 70: The Condor Strikes Back Trading Block:No Euro implosion. Ford moving up, Cisco breaking hearts, and AAPL on a rollercoaster.

Odd Block: Unusual activity updates in YHOO, USU, and HK Xpress Block: Most actives at OX: SPY, SPX, NLY, QQQQ, AAPL, SLV, GLD, RUT, and FXI. Interview Block: Dr. Duke is back. He and the gang discuss condor strategies, including entry and exit points, adjusting positions, his first steps to implementing condors, and what he's watching int he markets. Around the Block: Greece and the Euro. Cattle...COW. Initial jobless claims, Chicago PMI, and a long weekend coming up. Items of note.... * The first-ever LIVE Option Block episode will tape on Thursday, July 21 starting at 3:30 at the Elephant & Castle at 111 W. Adams Street in Chicago. Be sure to see what happens behind the scenes when the entire gang gets together in the same room. It's sure to be memorable. * Dr. Duke is presenting a webinar entitled "Adjusting the iron condor in a bear market" this Wednesday, June 29 at 8:30 CDT. You can visit his website, ParkwoodCapitalLLC.com, for more information. * Speaking of webinars....Know Your Options will be presenting a series of Sunday night webinars throughout July. Check KnowYourOptionsInc.com for more information. * Not to be left out, Mark Sebastian is a one-man webinar machine presenting a webinar with VolX on "Understanding and Trading Currency Volatility" on July 12. You can find more information on the VolX.us website. The next day, July 13, is his free monthly webinar, and on July 14, he's presenting a webinar with Price Futures Group. For more details, visit the OptionPit.com website.

Read more: http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/radio/?id=252#ixzz1QbFwCZmC
The Options Insider: Your Inside Source For Options Information

Option Block 68: Masters of the Universe

Trading Block: people are finally starting to buy puts, and the VIX goes up. Real-time RIMM earnings reports. Ford's running on natural gas. Commodity update.

Odd Block: RIMM live updates pre-earnings report.

Interview Block: The guys have a surprise discussion with Paul Price, dentist and trader. They talk tech stock bargains, AAPL earnings, and more.

Xpress Block: From 6/14 - 6/21 is the Motley Fool promotion, in which you can get up to $500 for funding an account and placing some trades. Contingency orders. Chinese stock. Expiration.

Strategy Block: Ford strategies: Band-aids, tourniquets, and splints: Death by a thousand cuts.

Around the Block: Michigan sentiment, leading indicators. People finding religion on SPX. Put on some protection!!

Read more: http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/radio/?id=247#ixzz1PZOyDGvo
The Options Insider: Your Inside Source For Options Information

Option Block 67: Decepticons Attack!!!!

Trading Block: Timberland & Arbys both on the sales block. Commodity rundown...energies getting pummled. Uncle Mike adjusts his SLV position...again.

Odd Block: Unusual activity from JDSU, HNR, and ESI. There was a frenzy for short-term lottery tickets.

Xpress Block: Top 10 OX tickers for Monday: SPX, SPY, SLV, AAPL, RUT, QQQQ, GLD, VXX, VIX, and NFLX. Problems with Chinese stocks. Interview Block: The gang talks to Steve Papale, veteran options trader and newest face at Know Your Options, Inc. Steve talks about his non-directional trading style and strategies to employ in various market conditions.
Around the Block: Economic numbers coming up: CPI, PPI, crude inventories, jobless claims, housing starts. Oh, and expiration Friday.

Read more: http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/radio/?id=245#ixzz1PSuWkIMK
The Options Insider: Your Inside Source For Options Information

Trading Block: Trade deficit falls. MSFT loses patent lawsuit. Exchange scuttlebutt. Commodity rundown. USDA report comes out. Trading floor nostalgia.
Odd Block: Unusual activity in BAC, VRTX

Xpress Block: What happens when a trade gaps against you? Halting Chinese stocks. NFLX. Looking for a big spike in vol.
Around the Block: RIMM earnings on 6/16. Ford paying back loan money.

Coming up....

Know Your Options, Inc.: Calendars & Diagonals webinar on Sunday night. Next week, Steve Papale joins the gang for Option Block.

optionsXpress: Check out market insights. There is a New York trading event coming up on 6/25. There is still time to vote in the overview wish list.

Option Pit: Un-do your bad mentoring experiences with the Option Pit Life Boat. Email mark@optionpit.com for more details. Also, Mark is giving a free webinar with CBOE on 6/21 at 3:30 on when to switch from an ETF to the big index. Visit cboe.com for more details.

Read more: http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/radio/?id=243#ixzz1PStrkQTE
The Options Insider: Your Inside Source For Options Information