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Volatility Views 697: Nothing Makes Sense

Oct 3, 2026 · 1h 1m

Summary

Hosts Mark Sebastian and Jim Carroll discuss a paradoxical market reaction where a weak jobs report fueled equity gains due to Fed rate-cut expectations. They analyze the VIX term structure, noting elevated futures relative to spot and the impact of upcoming midterm elections on volatility. The episode also covers rumors of CBOE launching perpetual VIX futures, with guests debating potential ripple effects on existing strategies. Finally, they review weekly VIX options flow, highlighting significant roll activity and unusual interest in deep out-of-the-money strikes.

Topics discussed

Intro and Options Insider Network promotion Volatility Views segment introduction Guest introductions and host banter Market review: Non-farm payrolls and Fed reaction VIX performance and market confusion analysis Economic revisions and consumer sentiment Fed rate hike expectations and AI economy impact VIX term structure and futures spread breakdown Midterm elections and VIX term structure influence Tech earnings and AI legislation risks VIX futures volume and long volatility strategies CBOE perpetual VIX futures news and implications Discussion on perpetual VIX risks and market impact Top 10 most active VIX options contracts Notable VIX options trades and spreads VIX volume drivers and listener polls Daily VIX options open interest breakdown Volatility ETP landscape: SVIX, UVIX, and VXX VIX prediction game results and next week's outlook Closing remarks and upcoming episode teasers
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