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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