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Volatility Views 695: Fed Vol and the Return of Weekend Risk

Sep 18, 2026 · 59m

Summary

Host Mark Longo reviews a volatile week marked by Fed rate hike concerns, which initially spiked VIX to 18.5 before equities rebounded and volatility dropped back to the mid-15s. The episode highlights a significant disconnect between VIX cash and futures, with the front-month contract trading at 18.15 despite spot levels near 15.40. Guest Russell provides a detailed breakdown of weekly option flows, noting heavy bullish activity in September contracts and unusual structures like time verticals. The discussion also covers the growing impact of algorithmic trading and AI on market dynamics, …

Topics discussed

Intro and network promotion Show opening and host introduction Personal updates and AI in hiring AI in trading and algorithmic patterns Fantasy football banter and market recap Fed decision impact and VIX drop VIX levels and SPX correlation Bond market concerns and inflation risks Crude oil market disruption analysis VIX futures curve and contango structure Trading strategy discussion on VIX futures VIX options volume and put activity Russell's weekly rundown: September trades Russell's weekly rundown: Complex spreads Discussion on 0DTE and daily expirations Daily volume breakdown and specific strikes Vol ETP landscape and secret trade results Crystal Ball: VIX price predictions Upcoming events and show outro
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