Podcast
This Week in Futures Options
Hosted by The Options Insider Radio Network · EN
Gold, crude oil, corn, soybeans and more - with so many tradeable products the futures options market is an intimidating place. How can you possibly keep track of the latest trading activity across so many different products? Don't worry - we've got you covered. Welcome to This Week in Futures Options - the program designed to help active futures options traders stay on top of this ever-changing marketplace. Each week we'll break down the top trades, hot products, volatility explosions and much more. Whether you're an experienced veteran or a newcomer looking to separate the wheat from the lean hogs, This Week in Futures Options has the information you can't find anywhere else...
30episodes
Episodes
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TWIFO 498: Enduring Equities, Sordid Silver and Crude Theta Bombs
Yesterday00:54:37Tap to summarizeThis episode dives into the futures options landscape with special guest Bobby Iaccino (Path Trading Partners). The crew breaks down the relentless equity rally, small-cap rotation, crude oil "theta bombs," natural gas seasonality gone haywire, and the sharp reversal in silver. Plus: active trades in Russell puts, nat gas calls, crude upside bets, and Bobby's surprise euro short idea.
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TWIFO 497: Upside Continues in Equities, Crude and Copper
1w ago00:46:03Tap to summarizeThe markets are seeing a sea of green this week, and the bulls are showing no signs of slowing down. Host Mark Longo is joined by Scott Bauer of Prosper Trading Academy to break down a "meteoric" rally in the S&P 500 and a surprising surge in commodities that's defying the traditional geopolitical playbook. In this episode, we dive into: Equities Spotlight: The S&P 500 breaks through the psychological 7500 barrier. Scott explains why this is one of the "most hated rallies" in memory and how he's using Iron Condors to navigate high volatility. Energy Update: Crude oil (WTI) threatens the par strike once again. We analyze the narrowing volatility gap between Crude and Natural Gas and what the July 80 puts tell us about market sentiment. Metals Movers: Copper is stealing the spotlight from Silver, threatening all-time highs. We break down the massive vertical spreads hitting the tape in the September contracts. Agricultural Surprises: Why conflict in the Middle East led to an unexpected 11% explosion in SRW Wheat. Zero-Day Madness: A look at the "insatiable appetite" for 0DTE options and why traders are paying a nickel for outlandish strikes. Get the Data: Follow along with the reports featured in this episode at cmegroup.com/twifo .
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TWIFO 496: Live from OIC 2026
2w ago00:16:29Tap to summarizeTo make your workflow as smooth as possible, I've tailored these specifically for the requirements of each platform. The Libsyn version focuses on readability for mobile podcast apps, while the YouTube version is optimized for search visibility and video engagement. 1. Libsyn Show Description Copy and paste this into your Libsyn "Description" or "Show Notes" field. TWIFO 496: Live from OIC 2026 | Equity Surges & Volatility Shocks Live from the Options Industry Conference (OIC) 2026 in Palm Beach, Florida, host Mark Longo brings you a special "Just the Facts" edition of This Week in Futures Options. The markets are hitting a fever pitch as we balance a 50/50 split between "light side" gainers and "dark side" laggards. We break down the massive institutional volume at CME Group, from the surprising rally in Rough Rice to the heavy retreat in the Energy complex. On the Docket: Movers & Shakers: A look at the NASDAQ 100, Bitcoin, and Silver gains vs. the sharp drops in Brent, WTI, and RBOB. Equity Spotlight: The E-Mini S&P 500 is "kissing strikes" we've never seen. We analyze the 3.3 million contracts on the tape and the massive 0DTE (zero day) flow. NASDAQ Analysis: Why traders are eyeing the 26,000 puts for a potential near-term reversal. OIC 2026 Trends: Brief insights on 24-hour trading, crypto, and AI from the conference floor. Resources: CME Group Data: Check the reports for yourself at cmegroup.com/twifo Go Pro: Get exclusive Q&A sessions and live access at theoptionsinsider.com/pro
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TWIFO 495: Insane Equities and a Secret Oil Substitute
3w ago00:54:23Tap to summarizeIs soybean oil the new crude? As energy markets continue to dominate the headlines, Carley Garner (DeCarley Trading) joins Mark Longo to break down a wild week in the futures and options pits. From WTI crude skyrocketing toward $110 to the S&P 500 hitting "obscene" new intraday highs on the back of AI spending, the markets are anything but quiet. In this episode, Mark and Carley discuss: Energy Overdrive: Why WTI crude is seeing massive volume in the June $120 calls and July $70 puts. The "Secret" Substitute: Why traders looking for lower risk and high correlation are moving from WTI to Soybean Oil. Equities on Fumes: A look at the "insane" S&P 500 rally—is it fueled by AI infrastructure or just "fake money" in the system? Natural Gas Strategy: Why the $3.00 level is the focal point and how to scale into long positions with minis. Ag & Livestock: A "toppy" look at Live Cattle and why the seasonal trend favors the bears.
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TWIFO 494: Equity Whipsaws & Crude Oil Surges
4w ago00:43:03Tap to summarizeIn this "Just the Facts, Ma'am" edition of This Week in Futures Options, Mark Longo breaks down a bifurcated week at the CME Group. With volatility creeping back into the equities and geopolitical tensions lighting a fire under energy, we examine the massive shifts in skew and volume across the complex. On the Docket for Episode 494: Movers & Shakers: Why silver and soybeans are heading to the "Dark Side" while RBOB and KC Wheat lead the "Light Side." Equities: High-volume 0DTE action in the S&P 500 and a rotation check in the Russell 2000 (IWM). Agricultural Spotlight: A deep dive into the massive vol explosion in KC Wheat and the unusual wing-buying in Soybean Oil. Energy: WTI Crude vol is threatening triple digits. We analyze the 110/120 call spreads and the crumbling put skew as traders brace for more upside.
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TWIFO 493: Hunting for the Big Adios in Crude, Gold, Equities and Copper
Apr 1701:02:33Tap to summarizeIs it time to give the markets the "Big Adios"? Host Mark Longo and guest Dan Gramza of Gramza Capital Management break down an explosive week in the futures options markets. From relief rallies in equities to the curious behavior of the "safe haven" play in gold, we're dissecting the top movers and the most aggressive options paper hitting the tape. In This Episode: Movers & Shakers: A heavy bias toward the light side this week. We analyze the 8% surge in Hard Red Wheat and the massive 4.7% climb in the NASDAQ 100. Equities Spotlight: S&P 500 (ES) is hitting new all-time highs. Is this the "mother of all relief rallies," or are new sellers preparing a trend change? Plus, a look at the heavy 0DTE action around the 7100 level. Metals (Copper & Gold): Dan explains why he's skeptical of the copper rally and shares a "Big Adios" level for the red metal. We also explore the broken traditional playbook for gold during Middle East conflicts and its relationship with the 10-year yield. Energy (WTI Crude Oil): Crude is vacillating near the $91 mark. We break down the June par calls, the $65 puts, and why the "hopium" regarding Middle East de-escalation is driving the current term structure. Check out the Movers & Shakers report and more at CMEGroup.com/TWIFO .
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TWIFO 492: Crude Slides and Stocks Soar on Iran Deal
Apr 1000:57:48Tap to summarizeHere are two SEO-optimized show descriptions for TWIFO 492: Crude Slides and Stocks Soar on Iran Deal, tailored for Libsyn and YouTube. Is the energy rally finally running out of steam? In this high-octane episode of This Week in Futures Options, host Mark Longo is joined by Mike Tosaw of St. Charles Wealth Management. Together, they dissect a massive reversal in the markets as crude oil takes a double-digit tumble while equities stage an aggressive relief rally following headlines of a potential U.S.-Iran ceasefire. From the shifting volatility in WTI to the surprising resilience of small caps, we break down the institutional flow and retail sentiment across the CME Group complex. In this episode, we cover: The Movers & Shakers: A look at the "dark side" dominated by Energy (WTI, Brent, and Heating Oil) versus the "light side" led by Bitcoin and the Russell 2000. Equities (S&P 500 & Russell 2000): Analyzing the 24-hour market's reaction to geopolitical news and the aggressive rotation back into small caps. Energy Deep Dive: Why WTI volume is 2x the normal average and what the "par" strike (100) tells us about future price action. Plus, a look at the bizarre "volatility flip" between Crude and Natural Gas. Interest Rates: Examining the 10-year note, the disappearance of the inverted yield curve, and why puts are back on the menu for rates traders.
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TWIFO 491: Crude Oil Surges & Small Cap Volatility Amid Iran Conflict
Apr 300:13:44Tap to summarizeIn this episode of This Week in Futures Options, Mark Longo dives into a wild week of trading dominated by headlines surrounding the Iran conflict. From massive moves in WTI Crude to a fascinating rotation in the Russell 2000, we break down the movers and shakers lighting up the tape at CME Group. In this episode, we cover: The Movers & Shakers: Why WTI Crude Oil topped the list with an 18% move while Natural Gas continued its slide to the "dark side." Safe Havens vs. Risk Assets: A look at Gold, Silver, and Platinum's performance during geopolitical uncertainty. Equities & Small Caps: A deep dive into the Russell 2000 (RTY), exploring the 2300 put spreads and why puts dominated the tape despite a late-week rally. Volatility & Skew: Analyzing the 7-point drop in small-cap volatility and how skew is shifting in the April contracts. Whether you're a veteran trader or a newcomer, tune in for the data-driven insights you need to navigate today's volatile futures options marketplace. This episode is brought to you by CME Group.
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TWIFO 490: It All Ends In Tears
Mar 2700:53:08Tap to summarizeVolatility is back with a vengeance! In this episode of This Week in Futures Options, host Mark Longo and Carley Garner (DeCarley Trading) break down a "blood red" Thursday as equity indices struggle to hold their gains and the energy complex reaches a boiling point. From the "Queen of Crude" to the "Widow Maker," we dive deep into the massive volatility shifts hitting the CME Group markets. Is the stock market repeating last year's April pattern? Why is gold behaving like a risk asset instead of a safe haven? And what on earth is the "Oats Knows" indicator telling us about the grains? On the Dossier: Movers & Shakers: A 60/40 bias toward the dark side, led by a massive drop in Oats and Silver. Equities: Analyzing the "orderly" sell-off in the S&P and Nasdaq—and why the elevated VIX has us nervous about hidden leverage. Energy: WTI crude enters triple-digit volatility. Carley explains why "it all ends in tears" and offers a clever way to play the energy trade through the Japanese Yen. Metals: Gold breaks its traditional playbook. We look at the 4,100 "line in the sand" and why silver speculators have officially left the building. Agricultural: A flip in corn skew and how to use the grains to play the war without the "triple-digit" volatility of crude oil.
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TWIFO 489: Middle East Conflict Shakes Energy Spreads, Defies Gold Logic & Rattles Equities
Mar 2001:01:31Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Mark Longo and Dan Gramza dive deep into the massive dislocations hitting the futures and options markets as Middle East tensions escalate. While WTI remains surprisingly range-bound, the Brent spread has widened to levels not seen in over a decade. Why isn't gold acting as a safe haven, and what is the "put bomb" currently dropping in the S&P 500? In this episode, we cover: Movers & Shakers: Heating Oil and Lumber lead the bulls, while Silver and Platinum take a massive hit. Energy: The 11-year high in the Brent/WTI spread, the impact of the Strait of Hormuz, and a look at the massive 1x3 vertical calls in Brent. Equities: Why the S&P 500 remains "orderly" despite the volatility, and a look at the heavy 6500 put activity. Metals: The missing "flight to quality"—why Gold is selling off during a geopolitical crisis and what the 35+ vol means for traders. Nat Gas: Assessing the damage to global LNG facilities and the neutral zone between $2.90 and $3.30.
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