The Options Insider

Options Insider Radio 77: Real Volatility

by | Nov 23, 2010 |

In this episode, Mark is joined by Robert Krause, CEO, The Volatility Exchange. Mark and Robert discuss the methodology and psychology behind the new realized volatility contracts from Volx. With the VIX obsession reaching a fever pitch, is there room for a realized volatility product in the marketplace? How will Volx overcome the initial stumbling blocks for new proprietary products and attract liquidity providers? Why did Volx decide to launch its first listed contracts on CME currency futures? What else is on the horizon for Volx? Tune in to find out…

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Exclusive Exchange Leaders Roundtable – Part One: The Death Of Market Makers

by | Nov 18, 2010 |

EXCLUSIVE: Live from FIA Chicago, Mark is joined by the heads of the major options exchanges for an exclusive roundtable session. In Part One, the participants discuss the slow death of options market makers and what can be done to reverse this disturbing trend. Participants include: Gary Katz, CEO – ISE; Tony McCormick, CEO – BOX; Ed Boyle, Head of U.S. Options – NYSE; Ed Tilly, Executive Vice Chairman – CBOE; Jeromee Johnson, Head of BATS Options; Mike West, AVP for Options – NASDAQ OMX.

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Clash of the Tech Titans: Apple vs. Google

by | Oct 19, 2010 |

In The Trading Block, our panel discusses the growing battle between tech titans Apple, Microsoft and Google, as well as the current outlook for IBM. In The Odd Block, they explore unusual options activity in WHR, LNC, GE, AAPL and IBM. In The Xpress Block, OptionsXpress explores recent customer activity in GOOG, including a surge of selling activity in the 540 straddle. In the Strategy Block, Mike Tosaw explores the benefits of using a 1×2 ratio put spread to leg into an equity position. Finally, our panelists break down the coming wave of earnings in Around The Block.

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Options Insider Radio Episode 71 – Live From OIC: BOX

by | Aug 27, 2010 |

Live From OIC: Our summer radio hiatus, and our long stream of OIC content, draws to a close with Tony McCormick, CEO, Boston Options Exchange (BOX). Mark and Tony discuss BOX's plans to compete with the big boys in the options space. They also debate whether BATS Options is freeloading in the options market. Finally, they discuss Tony's pledge to "defend with his life" the ability for retail customers to receive price improvement. All that and more on this thrilling episode of Options Insider Radio…

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Options Insider Radio Episode 69 – Live From OIC: Charles Schwab

by | Aug 8, 2010 |

Live From OIC 2010 – Mark is joined by Randy Frederick, Director of Trading and Derivatives, Charles Schwab. Mark and Randy discuss the benefits of collars in the current market environment. They also explore the benefits of writing naked puts vs. equity limit orders. Finally, they discuss the results of Schwab's active trader survey as well as the dangers of diving headlong into VIX options.

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Options Insider Radio Episode 68 – Live From OIC: TAG

by | Aug 4, 2010 |

Mark is joined by Alan Shapiro, Founder & Chairman of the Transaction Auditing Group (TAG). Mark and Alan discuss the ongoing quest for "best execution" in the options market. They also discuss the growing fixation on execution quality in the retail options world. Finally, they debate the impact of the penny pilot on overall execution quality in the options market.

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