The Futures Rundown

Is the "Strait of Hormuz" the only phrase you're hearing lately? You aren't alone. In this episode of The Futures Rundown, Mark Longo and Jermal Chandler, Head of Options Strategy at tastytrade, dive deep into a market where geopolitics is keeping Crude Oil firmly on the throne. The duo breaks down a wild week in the pits, where energy is lighting up the tape while precious metals like Silver and Platinum lose their luster. They also tackle the "AI trumps all" sentiment in equities and what the recent Fed decision means for your portfolio. Inside this episode: The Trading Pit: A "Top 6" countdown of the biggest movers, featuring the massive rallies in WTI, Brent, and RBOB Gasoline. Ag Watch: Why wheat is catching a bid and the strange correlation between fertilizer routes and your bread prices. The "Shiny Stuff" Slump: Why traders are abandoning Gold and Silver to chase the oil trade. Most Active Contracts: Breaking down the heavy volume in the 10-Year Note and the Micro NASDAQ on Fed Day. The Year-to-Date Leaderboard: A look at the staggering 103% gain in Heating Oil and the continued freefall of Cocoa. Genius Loves Company. See for yourself why Investopedia named tastytrade the Best Broker for Options in 2024. Visit tastytrade.com/podcasts to learn more.

The energy complex is on fire, and Mark Longo is back in the "Trading Pit" to break down a week of explosive moves and head-scratching correlations. While geopolitical tensions in the Middle East keep oil bulls on their toes, an unlikely rally in equities is defying traditional logic. From "triple-digit" volatility in crude to the surprisingly cheap breakfast table, we're dissecting the biggest movers in the futures world. In this episode, we cover: The Energy Surge: Why WTI, Brent, RBOB, and Heating Oil are dominating the leaderboard with gains up to 7.5% this week. The "Breakfast Table" Trade: A deep dive into the downside, featuring the massive sell-offs in Orange Juice, Butter, Cocoa, and Oats. Active Contract Breakdown: Why the Nasdaq Micro and 10-Year Notes are still the kings of volume, and why we're seeing a resurgence in the Ag complex (Corn and Soybeans). Year-to-Date Movers: An analysis of the 2026 leaders, including the 71% surge in Non-fat Dry Milk and the ongoing "bloodletting" in the Cocoa markets (down 44%). Market Riddles: How are equities hitting all-time highs while crude oil rallies nearly 65% on the year? Whether you're curious about RBOB specs or trying to avoid getting a truckload of soybeans dumped on your lawn, this "Just the Facts" edition has you covered. This episode is brought to you by tastytrade.  Recognized as Investopedia's Best Broker for Options for the third year in a row. Genius loves company. Learn more at tastytrade.com/podcasts

On this episode of The Futures Rundown, Mark Longo breaks down a fascinating week where equities are hitting all-time highs and the VIX is facing a serious "bloodletting." We dive into the "Dark Side" to see what's crashing (looking at you, OJ and NatGas) and flip the script to find out why Silver and Cocoa are finally finding some love. In this episode, we explore: The Trading Pit: Why a 200k contract day feels like "watching paint dry" and what's leading the volume (hint: it's the Micros). Energy & Metals: Crude oil's threat to par, the Brent/WTI spread, and the "classy" move in Aluminium. Crypto Corner: Ether and Bitcoin's year-to-date struggle vs. this week's "inhale." The Leaderboard: Why Heating Oil is the king of the mountain (+75%) while Cocoa remains the year's biggest loser despite a weekly bounce. Check out tastytrade - THE brokerage for active traders

Is crude oil the new meme stock, or are we just witnessing a classic supply shock? In this episode of The Futures Rundown, Mark Longo is joined by Brett Friedman, Managing Partner at Winhall Risk Analytics, to dissect a wild week in the pits. As geopolitical tensions shift from Venezuela to Iran, the energy complex has reclaimed center stage. We break down why WTI and Brent are seeing "triple-digit" volatility levels—territory usually reserved for Natural Gas—and whether the current market madness truly is "unprecedented" or if history has a lesson for today's traders. In this episode, we explore: The Energy Surge: Why WTI and Brent are dominating the tape and what the extreme backwardation in the futures curve is telling us about the next three months. The Gold & Silver Flip: Why the "debasement trade" lost its luster just as conflict flared, and whether gold is still a "flight to quality" or just another risk asset. Volatility Reality Check: Brett compares today's markets to Gulf War I, Gulf War II, and the 2020 "negative crude" era. The Trading Pit: A countdown of the week's biggest gainers and losers, from Heating Oil's massive rally to the ongoing "bloodletting" in the Crypto complex. Equities & Correlation: How the S&P is reacting to headlines out of Washington and what rising correlation indexes mean for your strategy.

The global energy landscape is shifting, and WTI isn't the only story in town. In this episode of The Futures Rundown, host Mark Longo breaks down the massive divergence in the energy complex as the Brent-to-WTI spread hits its widest level in over 11 years. With Middle East tensions impacting the Strait of Hormuz, we move beyond the headlines to analyze the contract specs, volume trends, and risk profiles that every futures trader needs to understand in 2026. Inside the Trading Pit: Energy Dominance: Why Brent Crude and Heating Oil are leading the year-to-date leaderboard (up 68% and 85%, respectively). The "Shiny Stuff" Slump: Analyzing the surprising 6-7% weekly sell-off in Gold, Silver, and Palladium. Equity Rotation: Small caps (Russell 2000) finally turn green for the year—is the move out of large-cap tech permanent? Contract Specs 101: A deep dive into ICE Brent Crude—contract sizes, tick values ($10 vs. $5), and the reality of cash settlement vs. physical delivery. Futures Free-for-All: We tackle your questions on Crypto futures (BTC/ETH pullbacks) and the big debate: Will the Fed actually cut rates in 2026? Resources & Links: Analyze markets with tastytrade: tastytrade.com/podcasts Get more options and futures insight: TheOptionsInsider.com/Pro Follow the network on X: @Options

The futures markets are heating up, and energy is leading the charge. In this episode, host Mark Longo is joined by Jermal Chandler, Head of Options Strategy at tastytrade, to break down a wild "Fed Day" and explain why Crude Oil has become the "current VIX" of the marketplace. From the impact of global conflicts on the Strait of Hormuz to the surprising sell-off in Silver, we dive deep into the movers and shakers of the week. Are sky-high valuations keeping traders awake, or is the "buy the dip" mentality still reigning supreme? Inside this episode: The Trading Pit: Why WTI and Brent are dominating the volume charts. The Fed Factor: Analyzing the latest decision to sit on rates and what it means for the 10-year yield. Movers & Shakers: A look at the massive rallies in Heating Oil and RBOB Gasoline versus the slump in Cocoa and Crypto. Futures Free-for-All: We reveal the results of our listener poll—what is the #1 risk traders are actually worried about? Whether you're trading micros, ETFs, or large-cap futures, this rundown gives you the macro perspective you need to stay ahead of the curve. Contact the Show: Twitter/X: @Options Guest Info: Catch Jermal Chandler daily on the tastytrade network or follow him @JermalChandler.

Energy is the "800-pound gorilla" in the markets this week. As geopolitical tensions escalate in the Middle East and the Strait of Hormuz becomes a critical flashpoint, products like crude oil, heating oil, and RBOB are dominating the tape. Is this a permanent shift or a temporary shock? In this episode, host Mark Longo is joined by Brian Pieri, founder of Energy Rogue, to break down the "geopolitical premium" currently baked into energy prices. We dive deep into why energy is truly inescapable for any futures trader and why one specific product—heating oil—is outperforming the rest of the complex by nearly 30% in a single week. In this episode, you'll learn: The Strait of Hormuz Crisis: Why 20-25 million barrels a day are at risk and what "naval escorts" actually mean for supply. Crude Oil Outlook: Brian's case for why WTI and Brent might actually head back to the $60s despite the headlines. The "Heating Oil" Phenomenon: Analyzing the massive spread between gasoline (RBOB) and distillates. The Trading Pit: Winners and losers in Silver, Palladium, and a surprising rally in Bitcoin futures. Resources: Analyze the markets with Brian: EnergyRogue.com Futures Brokerage: tastytrade.com/podcasts Join the Network: TheOptionsInsider.com/Pro

The futures markets are moving fast this week. From a 20% surge in Lithium to the continued "annihilation" of Cocoa bulls, Mark Longo and Dan Gramza break down the top 15 most active contracts and the year-to-date movers you need to watch. In this episode: Crypto Uncertainty: Why Bitcoin and Ether are struggling to find sustainable footing despite recent bounces. Agricultural Deep Dive: Exploring the global supply chains of Coffee (Arabica vs. Robusta) and the unique production systems of Cocoa in West Africa. Energy Outlook: Why Crude Oil is currently an "anticipation market" rather than a supply-demand story. Metals Momentum: Is Silver finally ready to lead Gold, or is it just a byproduct of industrial demand for solar cells? If you're ready to move from listening to trading, head over to tastytrade.com/podcasts to get started with the tastytrade platform.  

The futures markets are living multiple lifetimes in just a few short weeks! Join host Mark Longo from the Options Insider Radio Network and special guest Carley Garner of DeCarley Trading as they navigate the volatile landscape of the early 2026 markets. In this episode, the duo dives deep into the "symmetrical madness" of the week, analyzing why thin markets like Oats and Orange Juice are leading the charge while heavy hitters like Bitcoin and Cocoa face massive pullbacks. Is the Bitcoin double-top signaling a broader correction for the Nasdaq and S&P 500? And is Coffee poised to follow in the footsteps of Cocoa's historic boom-and-bust cycle? Highlights include: The Trading Pit: Breaking down the 16% surge in OJ and the surprising resilience of Oats. Crypto & Equities: Carly discusses the correlation between Bitcoin and the Nasdaq—and why $30,000 might be on the horizon. The Ags & Softs: A deep dive into the 45% year-to-date crash in Cocoa and why "Coffee is the new Cocoa." Energy Update: Why the "textbook" Nat Gas trade actually worked this year. The Active 15: A look at the volume leaders, from the Japanese Yen to the Treasury five-year note. Guest: Carley Garner, DeCarley Trading Host: Mark Longo, The Options Insider Media Group This episode is brought to you by tastytrade. Recently named the #1 Options Trading Platform for 2026 by StockBrokers.com and the Best Overall Options Broker by Investopedia. Go to https://tastytrade.com/podcasts.    

Is the "Gold Rush" of 2025 just the beginning? In this episode of The Futures Rundown, host Mark Longo is joined by Dana Samuelson, Founder and President of the American Gold Exchange, to dissect one of the most unprecedented years in the history of precious metals. From gold shattering all-time highs to silver's "Black Friday" volatility and the rise of the "debasement trade," we dive deep into the forces driving the 2026 commodities market. Whether you're a seasoned futures trader or a physical metal collector, this episode provides the expert insight you need to navigate these "scary" markets. In This Episode, We Explore: The Unprecedented Bull Run: Why Dana Samuelson, a 46-year market veteran, calls the recent action in gold and silver unlike anything seen since 1980. The "Debasement Trade": How global tariffs, the shifting status of the US Dollar, and central bank demand are fundamentally altering gold's value proposition. Silver's Wild Ride: A look at the "Indian Influencer" effect, industrial demand from the EV battery sector (Samsung), and why silver is facing a physical supply squeeze. The Gold-to-Silver Ratio: Analyzing the massive divergence and subsequent "catch-up" trades that rocked the second half of 2025. Bitcoin vs. Gold: Is BTC truly "Digital Gold"? We discuss the bifurcation of investors and where both assets fit in a modern portfolio. The Trading Pit: A breakdown of the week's movers, including Nat Gas reversals, the Yen's resurgence, and the most active contracts on the CME (10-Year Notes, Nasdaq Micros, and more). "We've seen industry going directly to the supply chain source to secure silver for the future... we've never seen anything like this." — Dana Samuelson

The metals markets are reeling after a historic "Metals Apocalypse," and The Futures Rundown is here to pick up the pieces. Host Mark Longo is joined by Jermal Chandler, Head of Options Strategy at tastytrade, to break down the massive volatility crushing Silver and Bitcoin while an unlikely sector—Dairy—dominates the leaderboard. In this episode, we dive into: The Trading Pit: A post-mortem on the Silver route and why the "90 handle" is the new psychological battleground. The Crypto Slide: Bitcoin and ETH are breaking key technical levels—is this a "risk-off" moment or something deeper? The Dairy Palooza: Why Cash-Settled Cheese, Butter, and Non-fat Dry Milk are the surprise winners of 2026. Top 10 Most Active: Rates and Equities continue to lead the tape, with the Micro Nasdaq 100 taking the crown. Futures Free-for-All: We answer listener questions on whether Silver or Bitcoin hits the 100 handle first and how to trade Silver volatility using strangles. Go to https://tastytrade.com/podcasts for more information.

This episode of The Futures Rundown explores the explosive, and frankly "crazy," price action currently dominating the metals complex. Host Mark Longo is joined by Brett Friedman, Managing Partner at Winhall Risk Analytics, to dissect the unprecedented surge in silver, the "tail of two tapes" on Fed Day, and the lurking geopolitical wild cards that could upend the markets in early 2026. Inside This Episode: The Silver "Freight Train" Silver has officially decoupled from reality, outperforming the S&P 500 by eight times in 2025 and starting 2026 with a staggering 61% year-to-date gain. Brett Friedman breaks down why this move is the most intense silver "craziness" he's seen in a career spanning multiple decades. Key Discussion Points: What is Driving Silver? We move beyond the standard supply deficit narrative to look at momentum trading, social media frenzy (Google Trends), and why implied volatility is hitting triple digits. The "Bubble" Checklist: Is silver in a bubble? Brett explains the "constant feeding" requirement and why the metal is currently thriving on global uncertainty. Fed Day Reality Check: A look at the top 10 most active futures products. While metals dominate the headlines, the volume remains concentrated in NASDAQ Micros (MNQ) and 10-Year Notes. Lurking Wild Cards: Why the upcoming Supreme Court decision on tariffs and a potential government shutdown are the "uncertainty triggers" the market is ignoring. Energy Complex Update: Why crude oil is stuck in a sideways band despite tensions in Iran and Ukraine, and the "demand destruction" currently hitting the cocoa and orange juice markets.

Mark Longo breaks down a tumultuous week 3 of 2026 as geopolitical tensions over Greenland drive massive futures volume. The first three weeks of 2026 have been a geopolitical whirlwind. From "snatch and grab" maneuvers in Venezuela to carrier strike fleets moving toward Iran, and now a brewing trade war over Greenland, the futures markets are lighting up with volatility. Mark Longo takes you into the trading pit for a breakdown of what's limit up and what's crashing. Inside the Trading Pit: The Metals Super-Cycle: Silver continues its rampage, up another 7.6% this week after a 25% gain last week. Is it unstoppable? Energy Update: An arctic polar vortex is sending Natural Gas soaring over 21% this week. Meanwhile, Heating Oil jumps 6.25% as the cold snap hits the Midwest. Lithium's Wild Ride: Up nearly 11% this week and a staggering 42.4% year-to-date. Mark explores what's driving this electric move. The Crypto Slide: Bitcoin and Ether futures both outpaced the downside this week, dropping 6% and 9% respectively. Ag & Softs: Cocoa continues to get cheaper for your breakfast table, down nearly 15% this week and 26% for the year. Volume King: The Nasdaq 100 Micro steals the throne with over 2.1 million contracts on the tape. Watch the Year-to-Date Leaders: We analyze the rotation out of large-cap tech and the surprising strength in commodities like Palladium and Platinum. 0:00 – Introduction: 19 Years of the Network! 1:30 – Geopolitical Update: Venezuela, Iran, and Greenland 3:45 – Top 5 Gainers: Silver, Nat Gas, and the "Shiny Stuff" 6:10 – Top 5 Losers: The Crypto Pain & Cocoa's Collapse 9:20 – Volume Report: Nasdaq Micros vs. The 10-Year Note 11:50 – Year-to-Date Movers: Lithium's 42% Rampage 14:00 – Closing Remarks: Join us for This Week in Futures Options Brought to you by tastytrade.com/podcasts

Is the "Silver Rampage" the start of a massive new commodity super cycle? On this episode of The Futures Rundown, Mark Longo is joined by the newly minted VIX Crystal Ball Hall of Famer, Rich Excel, to break down one of the wildest weeks in commodity history. While the "Tech Wreck" pulls down equities, the metals are lighting up the tape with silver posting a massive 19% gain in a single week. We dive deep into why "price insensitive buyers" are driving spot prices higher and what it means for your trailing stops. Inside This Episode: 0:00 - Intro & The VIX Hall of Fame Induction 3:45 - Metals Dominance: Why Gold led and Silver is finally catching up with abandon. 7:15 - The Energy Flare-Up: WTI, Brent, and Heating Oil's 10%+ weekly surge. 11:00 - Silver Squeeze 2026: Are we looking at $100 Silver? Analyzing the 100+ IV. 16:30 - Ag Markets & The Breakfast Table: Why OJ and Cocoa are cratering while everything else pops. 21:10 - VIX Crystal Ball 2026: Rich Excel gives his official "Revolutionary" year-end prediction. 26:45 - Hogwarts for Traders: How the derivatives experts are positioned for Q1. Resources for Traders: Brought to you by Tastytrade: tastytrade.com/podcasts Join the Pro Team: TheOptionsInsider.com/Pro #FuturesTrading #SilverShortSqueeze #GoldPrice #Commodities #VIX #MacroInvesting #SilverPrice #EnergyFutures #Tastytrade #FuturesRundown

Happy New Year! We are kicking off 2026 on The Futures Rundown by giving the "Big Adios" to the wild, untamed year that was 2025. Mark Longo and Dan Gramza of Gramza Capital Management reunite to break down the final ledger of a year that was anything but boring in the pits. From the absolute explosion in Silver (+140%) and Platinum to the brutal sell-off in Orange Juice and Rough Rice, we count down the Top 10 movers of the year. We also dive into the recent geopolitical shifts in Venezuela and why the crude oil market isn't reacting the way many expected. In this episode, we explore: The Precious Metals Clean Sweep: Why Silver was the late-bloomer that ended the year up a staggering 140%. The 2025 Leaderboard: Deep dives into the winners like Lithium, Copper, and the surprising strength of the Brazilian Real. The "Big Adios" Losers: Breaking down the 50% drop in OJ and the continued struggles for the Widowmaker (Natural Gas). Energy Outlook 2026: Dan Gramza explains the infrastructure and political hurdles facing Venezuela's oil production and what it means for WTI and Brent prices. The Crypto Futures Flip: Analyzing the volatile year for Bitcoin and Ether futures and why spot vs. futures performance varied so widely. Resources Mentioned in this Episode: Dan Gramza's Daily Videos: DanGramza.com Join the Pro Community: TheOptionsInsider.com/Pro Episode Sponsor: Tastytrade.com/podcasts

In this episode of The Futures Rundown on The Options Insider Radio Network, host Mark Longo is joined by Jamal Chandler, Head of Options Strategy at Tastytrade. Together, they dissect the final trading weeks of 2025, providing a deep dive into the high-volatility moves across metals, energy, and digital assets. Market Deep Dives: Precious Metals: Why Silver ($SI) has become the inescapable asset of 2025, hitting new highs near the $65 level, and the massive year-to-date runs in Gold ($GC), Platinum, and Palladium. The Energy Complex: Analyzing the "Bruhaha" in Crude Oil ($CL) following Venezuelan embargoes and the steep correction in Natural Gas ($NG). Crypto Trends: Is a "Crypto Winter" coming for Ether ($ETH)? We break down the 15% weekly drawdown and the maturity of the crypto ecosystem. Agricultural Movers: A look at the surprise rallies in Lithium and Cash Settled Cheese, alongside the underperformance of Coffee and Orange Juice. Key Segments: The Trading Pit: A review of the most active contracts, including the Nasdaq-100 Micro and 10-year notes. Year-to-Date Movers: Which assets took the "rocket ship to the moon" and which are ending 2025 as the biggest losers? Prediction Markets: The implications of binaries on everything from sports to the Oscars. Listener Polls: Is it time to buy the dip in Silver or get out before 2026?

Futures markets and commodity trading expert Carley Garner joins Mark Longo on 'The Futures Rundown' for a deep dive into metals, energy, and ag products. In this episode, we tackle risk management during volatile times, analyze year-to-date performance, and explore key market movements, including silver volatility and seasonal trends in coffee futures. Carly offers sage advice, covering everything from liquidity issues to an intriguing dive into the Japanese Yen. We also discuss the contentious topic of binaries and predictions markets, plus debate the essential question: Is cranberry sauce a side or a topping?

In this Thanksgiving Eve episode of the Futures Rundown, host Mark Longo navigates the complexities of the futures markets, breaking down the top futures trading activity for the week. The episode covers a diverse array of futures, including Ethereum, sugar, silver, S&P mid-caps, small caps, and more. The show also delves into the CME's new Solana futures contracts, exploring their specifics and implications for traders. To wrap up, a lively discussion on Thanksgiving side dishes ensues, with a poll questioning whether cranberry sauce is a side dish or merely a topping.

HOST: Mark Longo, The Options Insider In this episode, host Mark Longo delves into the latest trends and activities in the futures markets. The discussion starts with a review of the week's top performers, including Midwest Steel, oats, and heating oil, and highlights the significant gains in lithium and VIX futures. Conversely, it also covers the major downturns, with lumber, cocoa, and Bitcoin experiencing notable declines. The episode features an in-depth look at trading volumes, revealing a busy day in the trading pits with the Ultra T-Bond, NASDAQ 100, and three-month SOFR among the top traded assets. The show also addresses broader market trends, year-to-date performances, and engages with audience questions about the potential impact of binary options on intraday futures volume. 

HOST: Mark Longo, The Options Insider In this episode of the Futures Rundown, host Mark Longo examines the latest activities and trends in the futures market. The episode highlights the top and bottom performers of the week, focusing on commodities like platinum, gold, nat gas, and silver. Mark also discusses the trading volume levels and notable trading products.

HOST: Mark Longo, The Options Insider Media Group GUEST HOST: Dan Gramza, Gramza Capital Management In this episode, Mark Longo and Dan Gramza explore the latest activities in various futures markets, including stocks, currencies, interest rates, metals, and commodities like crude oil, natural gas, soybeans, and more. Key highlights include market movements, technical analysis, and predictions for future trends. Listener questions about crypto sell-offs and specific commodity movements are also addressed.

In this episode, hosted by Mark Longo, listeners are guided through the complexities of the futures markets. The episode discusses top futures trading activities, including the recent impacts of rate cuts by Powell and Company. It highlights significant movements in high-grade copper, hard red winter wheat, soybean meal, heating oil, and more. The show also examines active trades and trends in the market, addressing items like the S&P 500 PE ratio and how geopolitical events influence trading decisions. The episode concludes with a question-answer session tackling listener inquiries and market trends.

HOST: Mark Longo, The Options Insider Media Group GUEST: Kevin Green, Schwab Network In this episode, host Mark Longo and special guest Kevin Green from the Schwab Network analyze the latest trends in the futures markets. They discuss the recent performance of key assets, including crude oil, natural gas, and precious metals like gold and silver. The show also explores the impact of market volatility on trading volumes, with particular attention to the activity in equity futures, treasuries, and the rise of micro contracts. Additionally, the episode features a detailed discussion on the year's top performers and losers in the futures markets.  

Host: Mark Longo, The Options Insider Media Group Guest: Dan Gramza, Gramza Capital Management   This episode dives deep into the current state of gold, discussing its impressive year-to-date performance and its role as a barometer for economic sentiment. Other key topics include the dynamics of feeder cattle, the impact of interest rates on market trends, and the ongoing strength of the US dollar. They also touch on notable fluctuations in exotic markets like orange juice and oat futures. The episode further examines trading volumes, sector-specific movements, and potential future trends in markets, including cryptocurrencies.

In this episode, Mark Longo and guest Morad Askar delve into the complexities of the futures markets. They discuss the recent market activities, including significant movements in NatGas, precious metals, and the stock market's reaction to the government shutdown. The episode also covers year-to-date movers, highlighting key players like gold and crypto, and explores the ongoing debate between gold and VIX as indicators of market sentiment. Additionally, they provide insights into various trading strategies and the benefits of using micros and why certain futures might not be suitable for all investors. 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 03:58 Market Analysis: Government Shutdown and Market Reactions 07:03 Futures Market Movers: Ups and Downs 14:14 Top 10 Contracts and Trading Insights 18:14 NASDAQ's Dominance in Equity Volume 18:33 Year-to-Date Movers: Precious Metals and Crypto 21:18 Downside Movers: A Rough Year for Some Commodities 22:22 Futures Market Insights and Trading Advice 23:29 Crypto Futures and Hedging Strategies 24:56 Debating Market Sentiment: Gold vs. VIX 25:33 Futures Free-for-All: Audience Q&A 32:56 Wrapping Up: Final Thoughts and Contact Info

Mark and guest Brett Friedman from Winhall Risk Analytics and OptionMetrics discuss the dynamics of the futures markets, particularly focusing on precious metals like gold, silver, and platinum. They delve into the recent performance trends, debate if gold is in a bubble, and analyze its behavior as a market fear gauge. Additionally, the episode covers year-to-date movers across various commodities, including feeder cattle, palladium, and uranium, as well as those that have decreased in value like cocoa and natural gas.  01:30 Welcome and Show Overview 02:40 Guest Introduction: Brett Friedman 04:32 Gold Market Analysis 07:09 Precious Metals and Market Trends 21:14 Downside Movers and Market Activity 27:07 Year-to-Date Movers and Market Insights 32:08 Conclusion and Upcoming Content  

In this episode, Mark breaks down the impact of the latest Federal Reserve rate cut on various futures markets. With guest John Seguin from Market Taker Mentoring, they discuss the market's reaction to the Fed's quarter-point rate cut and subsequent hints at future rate reductions. The conversation covers the performance of various assets, including precious metals like gold and silver, as well as the volatility in agricultural products and softs such as sugar and coffee. They also delve into the broader implications for equities and interest rates, providing key levels to watch in the coming days. The episode wraps up with audience questions, tackling the complexities and unpredictabilities of trading specific futures contracts.   02:00 Welcome to the Futures Rundown 03:33 Market Analysis and Insights 04:47 Fed's Impact on the Markets 12:35 Commodity Movers and Shakers 18:54 Top 10 Most Active Contracts 20:40 Analyzing Market Momentum 22:06 Weekly Fair Price Analysis 24:36 Yearly Movers and Shakers 28:52 Futures Free for All Q&A 34:41 Closing Remarks and Resources  

In this one-year anniversary episode of The Futures Rundown, host Mark Longo celebrates a year of exploring the futures markets. He begins with a brief look back at the show's origins and then dives into the "Trading Pit" segment. This week's top five movers include gains in Midwest Steel, Ultra T-Bond, Coffee, FCOJ, and Dry Whey, while Cash Settled Butter, Rough Rice, Platinum, Ethanol, and the VIX saw declines. Mark notes a surprisingly robust trading day with high volume, highlighting the most active contracts in a mixed market. For the special anniversary segment, he reviews the top and bottom performers over the past year, with cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum leading the gains, and agricultural and dairy products like OJ and Cash Settled Butter seeing significant losses. The episode concludes with the "Futures Free for All" Q&A, where a listener asks about the "60/40 thing" in futures. Mark explains Section 1256 contracts and their favorable tax treatment, providing an example of how the 60% long-term and 40% short-term capital gains rule applies to futures profits, a key advantage for frequent traders.   Timestamps   0:00 - Intro & Reflection on One-Year Anniversary of the Show. 3:00 - Trading Pit: This segment breaks down the week's market activity. 3:00 - Market Overview 5:25 - Top 5 Upward Movers: 7:58 - Top 5 Downward Movers 10:20 - Most Active Contracts by Volume 13:58 - One-Year Movers and Shakers: A special anniversary segment reviewing a full year of futures market performance. 22:50 - Futures Free for All (Q&A): Mark answers a listener's question about the 60/40 rule for futures taxes. 32:32 - Conclusion

Welcome to The Futures Rundown, the show where we break down all the action in the futures markets. In this episode, we're giving you a special early edition to catch up on all the week's biggest moves. We'll analyze the top movers to the upside and downside, reveal the most actively traded contracts, and dive deep into a crypto futures product that surprised even our hosts. Timestamps 2:05 The Trading Pit: A rundown of this week's top movers. 2:26 Winners of the week 3:27 Losers of the week 4:28 Most Active Contracts 7:22 Year-to-Date trends: The biggest losers of the year 8:20 Year-to-Date trends: The biggest winners of the year 10:18 Answering a listener question about XRP futures.

In this episode of The Futures Rundown, host Mark Longo is joined by guest Carley Garner from DeCarley Trading to discuss the latest action in the futures markets. They begin by exploring an unexpected commodity that has caught Carley's attention: feeder cattle, and the challenges producers face in a record-high market. The conversation then shifts to a detailed breakdown of the week's top movers, both to the upside and downside, in agricultural, energy, and crypto futures. Mark and Carley analyze surprising trends, including a deflationary narrative in commodities and the extreme volatility of crypto products like Ether. The episode concludes with a deep dive into the contract specifications for the newer Solana futures, including a discussion on contract sizing and the pros and cons of cash settlement for crypto futures.   Timestamps 00:00 Welcome 04:08 The Trading Pit: Feeder Cattle and Grain Markets 06:50 The Week's Top 5 Upside Movers 10:35 The Week's Top 5 Downside Movers 15:05 Host and Guest Discuss Crypto Options 17:25 Top 10 Most Active Futures Contracts 23:25 The Year-to-Date Movers (Losers) 27:30 The Year-to-Date Movers (Winners) 31:35 Contract Specs: Solana Futures 39:00 Final Thoughts and Outro

In this episode of The Futures Rundown, host Mark Longo is joined by Nick Cassano, the Director of Trading and Risk Management at Tradier, who shares insights on trading activities and market trends. They discuss the top gainers and losers of the year, focusing on the significant movements in cryptocurrencies like Ethereum and traditional markets such as the NASDAQ, soybeans, and platinum. The episode also addresses listener questions about ETH's resurgence and its potential impact on future options trading. 00:00 Introduction to Options Insider Radio Network 01:07 Understanding the Futures Markets 02:59 Guest Introduction: Nick Cassano 04:10 Market Analysis: Movers and Shakers 05:04 Crypto Market Insights 06:42 Top Futures Trading Activity 17:04 Year-to-Date Market Trends 23:33 Futures Free for All: Listener Q&A 30:36 Closing Remarks and Upcoming Shows  

This episode dives into the complexities of the futures market with host Mark Longo and guest Dan Gramza from Gramza Capital Management. The discussion covers various topics including the impact of Fed decisions on the markets, with particular attention to recent reactions and movements in interest rates and equities. They also explore the effects of weather events on agricultural futures such as soybean, corn, and wheat, particularly in light of a dust storm in the Midwest. Additionally, the episode touches on the performance of energy sectors like crude oil, the notable gains and declines of precious metals and cryptocurrencies over the year, and the intricacies of long-term tracking of futures prices. The show concludes with listener questions on earthquake and tsunami impacts on ag markets, showcasing the community's engagement.   01:07 Exploring the Futures Markets 03:15 Market Analysis with Dan Grama 04:02 Trading Pit Insights 04:19 Fed Day Market Reactions 07:40 Commodity Market Movements 09:01 Top Movers and Shakers 23:45 Year-to-Date Market Analysis 24:39 Biggest Losers of the Year 25:14 Soybean Meal and Other Declines 27:05 Top Movers of the Year 28:35 The Controversy of Ether's Performance 34:17 Futures Free-for-All Q&A 37:02 Impact of Weather on Agriculture 42:26 Global Agricultural Market Dynamics 43:53 Wrapping Up and Listener Appreciation  

In this episode of 'The Futures Rundown,' listeners are introduced to various insights and trends in the futures markets. The show covers the recent trends in the futures market, touching on key products like metals, agricultural commodities, and cryptocurrencies. Key highlights include silver's strong performance, a deep dive into Ethereum's remarkable turnaround, and discussions around the Commitment of Traders (COT) report. Additionally, there are segments where the hosts provide tips for beginners entering futures markets, with specific advice on trading strategies and capital requirements for different futures products. The episode features special guest Morad Askar from EdgeClear, who shares his expertise on futures trading and risk management.   01:27 Introducing the Futures Rundown 04:13 Guest Introduction: Morad Askar from EdgeClear 06:25 Market Analysis: Upside Movers 13:25 Market Analysis: Downside Movers 16:01 Top 10 Most Active Futures Contracts 21:49 Impact of Current Administration on Industry 22:20 Deflationary Trends in Commodities 23:13 Top Performing Metals of the Year 26:32 Futures Free for All: Listener Q&A 27:33 Tips for Futures Spread Trading 29:42 Getting Started in FX Trading 34:43 Understanding the COT Report 38:21 Capital Requirements for Futures Trading 43:04 Conclusion and Upcoming Episodes  

In this episode of The Futures Rundown, Mark Longo and Dan Gramza (Gramza Capital Management) delve into the volatile and sometimes confusing world of futures trading. Key topics include the complexities of the futures markets, with a special spotlight on commodities and cryptocurrencies, such as the performance of Bitcoin and Ethereum. They also discuss the latest movements in key futures like crude oil and agricultural products. Dan provides his insights, highlighting significant market drivers, from geopolitical events to Federal Reserve policies. As always, the show concludes with audience questions, offering practical advice for navigating these unpredictable markets.   01:07 Welcome to The Futures Rundown 02:09 Exploring the Futures Markets with Dan Gramza 03:30 Entering the Trading Pit 09:13 Market Movers: Ups and Downs 15:53 Analyzing Market Volume and Trends 22:57 Crypto Market Surge: ETH's Wild Week 23:19 Washington's Changing Attitude Towards Crypto 24:38 Big Moves in the Crypto Market 26:11 Year-to-Date Losers: A Look at the Red 30:49 Year-to-Date Winners: Metals and More 36:18 Futures Free For All: Listener Q&A 39:45 Crypto Poll and Market Outlook 43:18 Wrapping Up: Resources and New Shows  

In this episode of the Futures Rundown, listeners are welcomed back to explore the complexities of the futures markets with host Mark and guest Rich Excel from the University of Illinois Gies School of Business. The discussion kicks off with a recap of past episodes and recent market trends, including a notable dive into uranium and the latest in the futures market activities such as the performance of commodities, metals, and major indices. Rich discusses his recent educational trip to Europe, where he expanded the horizons of derivative students, covering key spots like Frankfurt, Zurich, and Vienna. The episode goes further into dissecting the top upside and downside movers in the futures market for the year and delves into Rich's insights on global bond market attractiveness, especially focusing on Japan. The show wraps up with a playful yet divisive debate on the controversial issue of ketchup on hot dogs, reflecting listener sentiments and sparking lively interaction among the audience.   02:59 Welcome Back, Rich Excel 04:20 Diving into the Trading Pits 06:09 Market Movers and Shakers 11:32 Analyzing the Downside 15:11 Active Day in the Futures Market 22:36 Exploring the Japanese Market Angle 23:00 Mid-Year Market Trends and Insights 23:27 Top Performing Assets of the Year 26:40 Analyzing the Downside Movers 29:56 Futures Free for All: Q&A Session 34:00 The Great Ketchup Debate 38:05 European Derivatives Tour Highlights 40:18 Conclusion and Upcoming Episodes  

This episode explores the challenges and intricacies of trading uranium futures. Mark Longo and Dan Gramza discuss a listener question about the viability and current status of uranium futures listed on CME, revealing the lack of volume, industrial participation, and official dissemination. They suggest alternatives such as trading uranium-related ETFs, stocks, and even blockchain options. The hosts emphasize the importance of liquidity and risk management, providing listeners with insights into the broader implications of trading in esoteric and illiquid markets.   01:07 Introduction to Futures Markets 02:10 Exploring Uranium Futures 03:47 Challenges in Trading Uranium Futures 08:15 Alternative Uranium Investment Options 16:21 Final Thoughts and Resources  

This episode of The Futures Rundown, hosted by Mark Longo and featuring guest Dan Gramza from Gramza Capital Management, delves into the intricacies of the futures markets. Discussions include the volatility in energy markets prompted by Middle Eastern conflicts, with a focus on crude oil and natural gas price fluctuations. The episode covers performance trends in various futures assets, including significant movements in soybean oil, platinum, copper, and precious metals. The hosts also address user questions about the impacts of geopolitical events on market behavior and provide insights on specific commodity trends like coffee and silver.    02:09 Welcome to the Futures Rundown 03:24 Market Analysis with Dan Gramza 06:19 Impact of Mideast Conflict on Markets 12:13 Crude Oil and Natural Gas Insights 18:13 Upside Movers in the Futures Market 21:12 Downside Movers in the Futures Market 21:23 Energy Market Highlights 22:55 Coffee Market Analysis 25:48 Futures Market Activity 29:59 Year-to-Date Market Trends 33:13 Soybean Oil vs. Soybean Meal 36:20 Silver and Copper Insights 39:49 Dan's Market Analysis and Resources 42:07 Conclusion and Upcoming Episodes  

In this episode of the Futures Rundown from Options Insider Radio Network, host Mark Longo and guest Kevin Green from Schwab Network dive into the dynamic world of futures trading. They discuss the current volatility in the futures market, driven by recent geopolitical events and energy market fluctuations. Key highlights include the impact of soybean oil and crude oil due to geopolitical risks, the performance of key commodities and precious metals, and a detailed analysis of the top gainers and losers year-to-date. Additionally, they explore the changes in market sentiment and trading volume across various futures contracts.    02:00 Welcome to the Futures Rundown 02:09 Market Analysis and Trading Insights 04:11 Top Movers in the Futures Market 05:17 Upside and Downside Movers 16:49 Year-to-Date Trends in Futures 21:53 Conclusion and Farewell  

In this episode of The Futures Rundown, Mark Longo discusses the intricacies of the futures markets with guest Carley Garner from DeCarley Trading. They delve into current market trends, focusing on the top movers in futures, including rates, equities, and precious metals. The conversation touches on key trading strategies, the season's market behavior, and the importance of risk management. Carley shares insights on the complexities of trading in less liquid markets, such as orange juice futures and options, and the advantages of focusing on familiar trading instruments. The episode wraps up with listener questions, exploring topics like viable trading strategies and hard-earned lessons in trading.     01:27 Introducing the Futures Rundown 03:01 Special Guest: Carley Garner 04:48 The Trading Pit: Market Analysis 07:06 Top Movers: Downside and Upside 16:30 Rates vs. Equities: A Market Overview 18:54 Discussing the Euro's Performance 19:58 Year-to-Date Movers: Downside 24:02 Year-to-Date Movers: Upside 27:08 Futures Free for All: Listener Q&A 36:13 Concluding Remarks and Resources  

In this episode, Mark Longo and guest Dan Gramza discuss current hot topics in futures trading, including the complexities of the 10-Year Note contract specs, the impact of tariffs on the global market, and the performance of various futures contracts ranging from metals like gold and silver to agricultural products like oats and soybeans. They also delve into intriguing market movements, from the resilience of the stock market to the drop in volatility and the perplexing activity in oats. A brief light humor ensues, discussing personal anecdotes relating to unexpected market behaviors like a rare dust storm in Chicago. 00:00 Introduction and Greetings 00:55 Discussing the 10-Year Note 02:52 Options Insider Radio Network Introduction 03:59 Futures Rundown Overview 07:19 Top Movers and Shakers in Futures 07:58 In-Depth Analysis of Specific Futures 19:55 Agricultural Market Insights 25:33 Dust Storm and Local Crop Impact 28:52 Most Active Futures Contracts 31:11 Market Activity Overview 31:29 Interest Rates and Market Uncertainty 33:41 Year-to-Date Movers: Top Performers 34:47 Gold and Central Bank Demand 39:10 Year-to-Date Movers: Biggest Losers 42:29 Lithium and Emerging Battery Technologies 44:36 Concluding Thoughts and Future Topics  

In this episode of the Options Insider Radio Network, Mark Longo and Carley Garner from DeCarley Trading discuss the volatile futures markets with detailed analysis and expert predictions. The show highlights recent market movements, including a surprising rebound in Ethereum and significant changes in commodities like crude oil and gold. Carley provides insights into potential future market trends, including a bold prediction of gold prices possibly dropping below $2000. They also explore the impact of these movements on other assets like silver, and offer practical advice on trading strategies during such volatile times. Carley also shares thoughts on potential future developments in micro and mini futures contracts amid evolving market demands, providing listeners with a comprehensive view of current and future market dynamics. 00:00 Introduction to Options Insider Radio Network 01:08 Exploring the Futures Rundown 04:51 Welcome Back Carley Garner 05:37 Market Movements and Analysis 09:03 Downside Movers in the Market 14:45 Upside Movers and Surprises 20:06 Most Active Contracts This Week 20:37 Top Contracts of the Week 22:02 Analyzing the 10-Year Note 24:25 Year-to-Date Movers: Upside 26:33 Year-to-Date Movers: Downside 28:20 Futures Free for All: Q&A 29:37 Market Predictions and Strategies 36:44 The Future of Mini and Micro Contracts 39:34 Conclusion and Contact Information  

This episode of the Futures Rundown offers an in-depth analysis of this week's top futures trading activities. Broadcasting from the Options Industry Conference in Palm Beach, Florida, the host explores key movements in the market, including notable upticks in palladium, dry whey, and class three milk, along with declines in lumber, soybean oil, and corn. The episode also reviews year-to-date trends, highlighting significant gains in high-grade copper, soybean oil, coffee, gold, and the VIX, while noting substantial drops in lithium, dry whey, orange juice, and Ether Micro. The episode concludes with a rundown of the most active futures contracts by volume, emphasizing the NASDAQ 100 micro with 1.436 million contracts traded.   00:00 Introduction to Options Insider Radio Network 02:49 Live from the Options Industry Conference 2025 03:50 Top Performers in the Futures Market 04:38 Biggest Decliners in the Futures Market 05:22 Year-to-Date Trends in Futures 07:00 Most Active Futures Contracts Today 08:50 Conclusion and Upcoming Content  

Mark Longo, alongside guest Rich Excell, discuss various futures including WTI crude oil, natural gas, and agricultural products. They analyze trends in equities, particularly NASDAQ and S&P, and provide evaluations on the agricultural, commodities, energy, metals, and crypto markets. Notable highlights include the impact of the trade war on different markets, market volatility, key economic indicators, and inflation.    02:40 Welcome to the Futures Rundown Show 03:55 Special Guest: Rich Excell Returns 05:55 Analyzing the Current Futures Market 12:36 Top Upside Movers in Futures 18:09 Top Downside Movers in Futures 23:15 Today's Active Futures Markets 24:13 Gold and Rates Overview 24:40 Top 10 Contracts of the Day 28:15 Retail vs. Institutional Investors 30:44 Year-to-Date Movers and Shakers 38:29 Crypto Market Insights 40:27 Final Thoughts and Upcoming Events  

In this episode of The Options Insider Radio Network, host Mark Longo discusses the latest in futures trading, providing listeners with an array of insights and strategies. The show features guest John Seguin, Senior Technical Analyst and Educator at Market Taker Mentoring. Mark and John analyze the current tumultuous state of the markets, touching on commodities, equities, and cryptocurrencies. The discussion covers significant market moves, including wild swings in the S&P, gold volatility, and an extraordinary rise in cryptos. John provides practical trading tips for these volatile times, emphasizing short-term trading and the risks of trading in fast-moving markets. Listeners' questions on trading strategies and specific market predictions, such as gold and Bitcoin, are also addressed in depth. The episode concludes with John sharing his contact information for those interested in his unique charting tools and further guidance.   01:08 Understanding the Futures Markets 01:27 Introducing the Futures Rundown 04:01 Guest Introduction: John Seguin 04:44 Market Analysis and Trading Strategies 05:58 Top Movers in the Futures Market 17:03 Downside Movers and Trading Insights 21:58 Volume Analysis and Market Activity 23:06 Top 15 Most Active Futures 27:22 Year-to-Date Trends: Upside Movers 29:46 Year-to-Date Trends: Downside Movers 31:33 Futures Free for All: Listener Q&A 34:47 Market Insights and Strategies 37:40 Crypto Market Analysis 40:22 Conclusion and Contact Information  

In this episode, Mark Longo dives into the latest trends and activities in the futures markets. The discussion highlights gold's significant 8.5% surge, coffee price increases, and notable movements in other commodities like palladium and copper. The NASDAQ faces a sharp downturn, leading the downside movers alongside cocoa and dry whey. The episode also covers the biggest year-to-date movers, top trading activities for the day, and the impact of current market events.    00:00 Introduction to Options Insider Radio Network 01:08 Understanding the Futures Markets 01:27 Introducing The Futures Rundown 02:40 Weekly Market Analysis 03:56 Trading Pit Insights 05:07 Top Movers of the Week 08:28 Daily Trading Highlights 12:26 Year-to-Date Trends 15:43 Conclusion

In this episode of The Futures Rundown, the hosts discuss the turbulent state of the futures markets amidst unprecedented volatility. They explore significant moves in various asset classes, including equities, metals, rates, and cryptocurrencies, while providing expert analysis and insights. Special guest Carley Garner from DeCarley Trading shares her perspectives on trading strategies, the state of gold and silver markets, and the significance of current market movements. The episode also features an interactive Q&A session with listener questions about trading approaches and market trends.   02:40 Welcome to The Futures Rundown Show 03:43 Market Analysis with Carley Garner 04:27 Diving into the Trading Pit 04:50 Unprecedented Market Movements 09:43 Top Movers in the Futures Market 17:54 Year-to-Date Market Trends 19:48 Market History and Predictions 19:59 Top Market Declines of the Year 20:40 Small Caps and Commodities 21:58 Current Market Activity 23:08 Top 15 Most Active Contracts 27:11 Treasury Market Insights 28:10 Listener Q&A: Trading Strategies 29:01 Listener Polls and Opinions 30:27 Carley's Trading Preferences 36:14 Final Thoughts and Contact Information  

This episode of the Future's Rundown, hosted by Mark Longo, dives into key trends and exciting movements in the futures markets. The show begins with a recap of the latest gains and losses within the market, highlighting notable movements in natural gas, canola, VIX, cocoa, and soybean oil, along with analysis of major downtrends in copper, Ethereum, and orange juice. Listeners gain insights on notable contracts and commodities such as gold, crude oil, and bonds, while also discovering the top performing and underperforming futures year-to-date. Additionally, the episode mentions the benefits of being a pro member of the network, including early access to content and the chance to participate in special programs like the Options Oddities. The episode ends with a reminder to tune in to the upcoming shows for more updates on futures and options. 00:00 Introduction to Options Insider Radio Network 01:08 Understanding the Futures Markets 01:27 Introducing The Futures Rundown 02:40 Breaking Down the Futures Markets 04:12 Top Movers in the Futures Markets 14:05 Year-to-Date Trends in Futures 17:58 Conclusion and Upcoming Programs  

In this episode, host Mark Longo delves into the latest developments in the futures markets alongside guest Brett Friedman from Winhall Risk Analytics. They discuss the current market activity, focusing on the resurgence of crude oil, high copper prices, and the relatively quiet week in trading volumes. Additionally, they explore unconventional investment topics such as tokenized wine trading and its potential impact on the market. Listeners also get a detailed analysis of year-to-date movers in various commodities and insights into volatility trends.    00:00 Introduction to Options Insider Radio Network 01:07 Understanding the Futures Rundown 03:42 Guest Introduction: Brett Friedman 04:22 Entering the Trading Pit: Market Analysis 06:22 Top Movers in the Futures Market 13:16 Year-to-Date Movers and Shakers 21:49 Futures Free-for-All: Q&A Session 22:59 Wine Futures: A Left Field Topic 28:21 Conclusion and Upcoming Shows

In this episode, host Mark Longo and co-host Carly Garner (DeCarley Trading) discuss the latest updates in the futures markets, including the introduction of new CME Solana Futures contracts. They cover the most active futures contracts of the week, highlight significant year-to-date movers such as gold and natural gas, and analyze trading activity in various sectors including metals, agriculture, and energy. They also touch on macroeconomic factors impacting futures trading, particularly the effects of Federal Reserve announcements on market dynamics. Additionally, listener questions about trading volumes and strategies are addressed.    04:03 Market Movements and Trading Insights 04:24 Diving into the Trading Pit 06:58 Analyzing Top Futures Trading Activity 09:48 Economic Developments and Market Reactions 18:58 Year-to-Date Movers and Trends 22:16 Market Performance Recap 22:53 Solana Futures Market Update 23:22 Orange Juice Market Analysis 24:37 New Futures Product: Solana 25:01 Solana Futures Contract Specifications 26:06 Initial Reactions to Solana Futures 32:22 Trading Volume and Market Sentiment 36:01 Futures Free For All: Q&A 41:40 Closing Thoughts and Upcoming Events  

In this episode of the Futures Rundown, we break down the differences between Brent and West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil futures. Jermal Chandler from Tasty Live joins the discussion to help traders understand key nuances in contract specifications, market behavior, and pricing. The episode covers contract sizes, tick values, settlement types, and the geographical distinctions between Brent (Europe) and WTI (Texas). The show also touches on trading volumes, liquidity, and occasional anomalies like the negative pricing event in April 2020.    03:38 Futures 101: WTI vs Brent Crude 05:30 Contract Specifications and Trading Insights 09:06 Brent vs WTI: Market Dynamics and Trading Strategies 13:45 Final Thoughts