Volatility Views 63: The Low End of the Volatility Spectrum

Volatility Views 63: The Low End of the Volatility Spectrum

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Volatility Review: Vol didn't get a boost going into the weekend, but it didn't sell off either. Very dull week in NASDAQ.

Listener Questions: The listeners direct the conversation.

• Comment from Lee on Mark Sebastian's "Arrogant VIX Trade" story: "Possibly one of the most honest and transparent posts I've seen about a losing trade and the reasoning behind it. Well done and thanks for the honesty. We have all been there, fighting a losing battle because our head tells us we are right when everything else is telling you otherwise. It really highlights the need to follow a plan, stick to you risk reward no matter what happens and act like a robot with no emotion when trading. Regards, Lee"
• Facebook Question from Tom Sevens: “You guys are always talking about the implied volatility premium vs. realized. But it seems like implied vol is always priced at a premium to realized, so is there ever a reason why anyone would want to do the opposite trade - buy implied and sell realized vol?”
• Tweet from @GIN4: “Are there any products out there that replicate vol trades (straddles, iron condors, etc.) to save me the hassle?”
• Email from Ed S.: "I really want to understand option volatility. I have even subscribed to sites that ANALYZE volatility, but I can never figure out what to do with the number it generates. I don't know if the result is particularly high, medium or low. This is very distressing to me, because I know vol is very important. But it simply eludes me. Your help is appreciated."
• Tweet from @TOMOTON “Both Marks slammed buying 20,000 Feb 70 VIX calls for $0.15. What trade would you prefer to see?”

Crystal Ball: Looking ahead to a slow upcoming week in vol.

About Mark S. Longo

Mark S. Longo is the founder of The Options Insider Inc. - a firm dedicated to providing free options information, education, news and analysis for options users. Whether it's on TheOptionsInsider.com, a leading online options destination; through Options Insider Radio, the world's only radio network for options users; or through a growing number of newsletters and live events, Mr. Longo continues to provide new ways to spread the word about options.Mr. Longo's analysis of the options market has appeared in a wide variety of domestic and international publications, including The Wall Street Journal, Financial Times, Reuters, Futures Magazine, and more. As one of the few industry commentators with practical options experience, he has developed a substantial following among industry veterans and newcomers looking for insight into this complex market.Mr. Longo began his career as an options trader on the floor of the Chicago Board Options Exchange.