This Week in Futures Options

Hosted by The Options Insider Radio Network

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513

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Jun 2026

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About the show

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...

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June 12, 2026Episode 50135 min

TWIFO 501: Equities Roar ahead of SpaceX Launch

On this episode of This Week in Futures Options, host Mark Longo is joined by Catherine Yoshimoto (FTSE Russell) for an in-depth look at the latest Russell Reconstitution changes, the return to semi-annual rebalancing, surging small-cap performance, and the explosive market interest surrounding the upcoming SpaceX IPO. In this episode, you'll discover: The biggest movers and shakers across CME Group markets Why silver, platinum and gold led the downside this week Small caps' impressive resurgence and the Russell 2000's renewed leadership The return to semi-annual Russell Reconstitution and what it means for investors Record-breaking growth in U.S. equity market capitalization Russell 2000 options flow, volatility and unusual put activity How skew dynamics in small-cap options differ from other major indices NVIDIA, Alphabet and the changing hierarchy of America's largest companies The unprecedented attention surrounding the SpaceX IPO and index inclusion debate FTSE Russell's methodology and fast-entry IPO rules explained New E-mini Russell 3000 futures A preview of the upcoming Russell 9000 Global Index What all of these developments could mean for futures and options traders

June 5, 2026Episode 5001 hr 4 min

TWIFO 500: The 500th Episode Spectacular

This Week in Futures Options reaches an incredible milestone as we celebrate 500 episodes of breaking down the markets that move the world. To mark the occasion, Mark Longo welcomes longtime TWIFO contributor Nick Howard of Bantix and QuickStrike for a special look back at more than a decade of futures options trading. Together they explore the biggest winners and losers since the show's debut, from the explosive rise of technology, precious metals, and equity indexes to the struggles of bonds and currencies. Plus, special congratulatory messages from friends of the show including Carley Garner, Catherine Yoshimoto, Dan Gramza, Derek Sammann, Kevin Green, Mike Tosaw, Rich Excell, Russell Rhoads, Scott Bauer, and Sean Smith. In this special episode: The best and worst performing futures markets of the past decade Silver, gold, equities, energy, and tech sector performance Bonds, rates, and currencies through a historic market cycle QuickStrike updates and futures options technology insights Listener questions and memories from 500 episodes A celebration of the guests and listeners who made TWIFO possible Whether you've been with us since the beginning or are discovering TWIFO for the first time, this milestone episode is a celebration of the futures options markets and the community that has grown around them.

May 29, 2026Episode 49957 min

TWIFO 499: Equities and Nat Gas Soar While Crude Plummets

Dan Gramza joins Mark Longo on TWIFO 499 to break down a wild week across futures options. Equities continue to rally, nat gas lights up the tape, crude oil and Brent tumble, and metals remain stuck in a choppy range. Plus, a look at hot options activity in Russell 2000, natural gas, WTI crude, gold and silver.

May 22, 2026Episode 49854 min

TWIFO 498: Enduring Equities, Sordid Silver and Crude Theta Bombs

This 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.

May 15, 2026Episode 49746 min

TWIFO 497: Upside Continues in Equities, Crude and Copper

The 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 .

May 8, 2026Episode 49616 min

TWIFO 496: Live from OIC 2026

To 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

May 1, 2026Episode 49554 min

TWIFO 495: Insane Equities and a Secret Oil Substitute

Is 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.

April 24, 2026Episode 49443 min

TWIFO 494: Equity Whipsaws & Crude Oil Surges

In 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.

April 17, 2026Episode 4931 hr 2 min

TWIFO 493: Hunting for the Big Adios in Crude, Gold, Equities and Copper

Is 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 .

April 10, 2026Episode 49257 min

TWIFO 492: Crude Slides and Stocks Soar on Iran Deal

Here 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.