The Futures Rundown
Everything you ever wanted to know about the futures markets all in one place. Brought to you by Plus500. Go to https://ctsfutures.com/ to learn more.
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The Futures Rundown 88: Is This The Bottom For Gold and Silver?
08/20/2026
The Futures Rundown 88: Is This The Bottom For Gold and Silver?
Is the bottom finally in for gold and silver? On this episode of The Futures Rundown, host Mark Longo is joined by Dana Samuelson, Founder and President of American Gold Exchange, for a deep dive into the wild precious metals market. Gold and silver have been on a roller coaster in 2026, but after recent intervention in the currency and Treasury markets, Dana believes the lows may finally be behind us. We break down what has been driving the metals markets, why gold initially struggled during the Iran conflict, and whether the next major move could be higher. We also discuss: Why rising Treasury yields pressured gold The impact of intervention in the yen and Treasury markets Whether the bottom is really in for gold and silver What physical gold and silver investors are doing right now The outlook for platinum and palladium Why Dana is watching crude oil and diesel for the next potential market shock The latest movers across futures, including Bitcoin and Ethereum Why wheat is emerging as another market to watch Plus, we break down the biggest weekly and year-to-date movers across the futures markets. Is this the beginning of the next leg higher for precious metals—or just another bounce in an already wild year?
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The Futures Rundown 87: The Most Disappointing Crude Rally Ever?
08/13/2026
The Futures Rundown 87: The Most Disappointing Crude Rally Ever?
On this episode of The Futures Rundown, host Mark Longo welcomes back Brett Friedman of Winhall Risk Analytics and OptionMetrics for a deep dive into one of the strangest stories in the futures markets: crude oil's surprisingly underwhelming response to a major geopolitical conflict. With dire supply warnings and plenty of doom-and-gloom predictions, many expected crude to explode higher. Instead, the rally has repeatedly struggled to live up to the hype. Brett compares the current environment with previous oil-market disruptions, including the historic volatility of 2020, and explains why this latest episode hasn't come close to matching those extremes. We also discuss: Why crude oil hasn't behaved the way many fundamental analysts expected The unusual volatility picture in WTI What's driving heating oil and gasoline Why gold and silver have fallen out of the market spotlight The return of the AI trade and the "most hated" equity rally What's happening in rates and the Fed-watching game Natural gas and the strange predictability of seasonal trading The steepening VIX futures curve Why palladium may have attracted the wrong crowd Whether traders are using the VIX the wrong way And much more
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The Futures Rundown 86: Slinging Futures From the Batcave
08/06/2026
The Futures Rundown 86: Slinging Futures From the Batcave
What happens when one of futures trading's most active voices joins us live from a secret "Batcave?" Plenty of market insight—and more than a few laughs. This week, Mark Longo is joined by Jermal Chandler (tastytrade) to break down the biggest stories moving the futures markets, including: Crude oil's wild reversal and why headlines continue to drive energy markets Gold, silver and palladium showing renewed strength Bond futures dominating trading activity as traders watch the Fed Nasdaq futures, tech volatility and the latest AI-driven market rotation The return of Bloomberg's B100 futures Are traders actually embracing the new Single Stock Futures? VIX volatility fades following another blockbuster earnings season Plus, the hottest futures products of the week, year-to-date leaders and laggards, and what active futures traders are watching next.
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The Futures Rundown 85: Something Looks A Little Off Here
07/29/2026
The Futures Rundown 85: Something Looks A Little Off Here
Something looks a little off in the futures markets. On this episode of The Futures Rundown, host Mark Longo is joined by Carley Garner of DeCarley Trading to break down a wild Fed Day and the increasingly unusual signals emerging across the futures landscape. They discuss the market reaction to the latest Fed decision, whether changes in liquidity and money supply could usher in a new market regime, and why Carley is seeing potential signs of liquidation across multiple asset classes. They also explore the return of single-stock futures, including the opportunities and challenges surrounding these products, early liquidity concerns, potential capital and tax efficiencies, and whether futures on names like NVIDIA, Tesla and Apple can finally gain traction. Plus, they examine the latest action in crude oil and the energy complex, VIX futures, rates, equities, cattle, sugar, coffee, crypto, metals, OJ and more.
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The Futures Rundown 84: Returning to the Scene of the Crime
07/23/2026
The Futures Rundown 84: Returning to the Scene of the Crime
Has crude oil finally returned to fair value after one of the year's biggest geopolitical shocks? This week on The Futures Rundown, Mark Longo welcomes back Morad Askar of EdgeClear to examine why crude oil has retraced nearly its entire Iran-driven rally and what "returning to the scene of the crime" means from a market profile perspective. They also dive into the hottest futures markets, from energy and grains to metals, crypto, and equity indexes. The discussion covers whether today's volatility is creating opportunity or chaos, why retail traders continue to dominate Nasdaq Micro futures, and what the return of single-stock futures could mean for active traders. In this episode: Why crude oil has returned to its pre-war equilibrium WTI, Brent and the outlook for energy markets Gold, silver and whether precious metals have finally found fair value Coffee, cocoa, cattle and the surprising commodity landscape Why Nasdaq Micro futures continue to dominate trading volume Retail traders, prop firms and index futures activity Bitcoin, Ethereum and crypto futures trends The return of CME single-stock futures and why traders should pay attention
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The Futures Rundown 83: Unexpected Performance
07/15/2026
The Futures Rundown 83: Unexpected Performance
Why are the futures markets acting so strange? In this episode of The Futures Rundown, host Mark Longo welcomes back Mr. Rich Excell, Director of the Derivatives and Trading Academy at the Gies College of Business (University of Illinois)—frequently dubbed the "Hogwarts for derivatives traders." Mark and Rich dive deep into the concept of "unexpected performance" across the tape. When prices fail to rally on good news or refuse to drop on bad news, it’s a major indicator of crowded positioning. The duo dissects the anomaly of falling livestock prices despite record Midwest heat waves, the rock-bottom correlation compressing index-level volatility (VIX), and why everyone is watching the E-Mini technical chart patterns for an impending breakout. What's Inside This Episode: The Trading Pit (Movers & Shakers): Analyzing why Natural Gas and Orange Juice (OJ) are stuck in the cellar, while Wheat variants and Ethereum (ETH) lead the charge to the green zone. The Volume Breakdown: Breaking down the massive spikes in Nasdaq Micro contracts and why fixed-income volume is surging despite muted data reactions. Equities & Macro Outlook: Why strong economic fundamentals and robust corporate earnings point toward a potential summer breakout, despite heavy confusion in the pit. Foreign Exchange & Metals Focus: Rich shares his structural look at the Japanese Yen, the Aussie/Yen growth indicator, and whether Gold is settled into a long-term range trade. The Futures Free-For-All: Answering listener questions on crypto hype, the possibility of a "water futures" contract, and whether the VIX is heading for the summer doldrums or a sudden spike.
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The Futures Rundown 82: Blame the Kiwis!!!
07/08/2026
The Futures Rundown 82: Blame the Kiwis!!!
Mark Longo welcomes veteran trader Dan "The Man" Gramza of Gramza Capital Management back to the trading pit to break down a wild, volatile week across the global macro landscape. Mark and Dan dive deep into the renewed geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and why energy markets are suddenly dominating the tape again. From crude oil and heating oil surges to unexpected movements in crypto and commodities, they separate the signal from the noise. In this episode, they discuss: The Energy Resurgence: Why crude oil, RBOB gasoline, and heating oil are lighting up the top performance lists. Commodity Shockers: What is driving the massive 19%+ explosive move in Cocoa? Crypto Volatility: A look at Ether (ETH) and Bitcoin (BTC) as they struggle with ongoing volatility despite near-term spikes. The "Teenie" B100: First impressions of Bloomberg's new index futures and potential spread trading opportunities against the Nasdaq. Blame the Kiwis? The surprising history behind the Federal Reserve's 2% inflation target and why New Zealand is at the root of it all. Equity Market Outlook: Dan’s technical predictions for the S&P 500 and Nasdaq neutral-zone bounds over the summer.
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The Futures Rundown 81: A Blood-Red Week in Silver, Crude and Crypto
06/24/2026
The Futures Rundown 81: A Blood-Red Week in Silver, Crude and Crypto
It was a brutal week across many of the most popular futures markets. On this episode of The Futures Rundown, Mark Longo breaks down a massive selloff that hammered precious metals, cryptocurrencies, and other key futures products. Silver led the losers, plunging nearly 20% on the week, while Bitcoin and Ether continued their painful year-to-date declines. Meanwhile, energy markets remained volatile as traders digested developments in the Middle East and watched fuel prices retreat from recent highs. Inside this episode: Silver's stunning collapse and why traders are watching the July 40 puts Bitcoin and Ether continue their 2026 bloodletting Platinum and palladium join the precious metals selloff Cocoa stages a surprising comeback VIX futures catch a bid The year's biggest winners and losers across the futures landscape Record activity in Nasdaq Micro futures RBOB gasoline and heating oil pull back from their recent highs What futures traders should be watching next
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The Futures Rundown 80: Revenge of the Losers
06/17/2026
The Futures Rundown 80: Revenge of the Losers
Welcome to another action-packed edition of The Futures Rundown! On this Fed week and shortened holiday session leading into Juneteenth, host Mark Longo breaks down a fascinating "bifurcated" tape. Is it finally time for the beaten-down assets to mount a comeback? We deep dive into a week dubbed the "Revenge of the Losers" as some of the year's biggest underperformers find their footing. Plus, we break down the latest interest rate decision from the Federal Reserve, massive volume spikes in equity micros, and the energy market wipeout. In this episode, we cover: The Trading Pit: Weekly upside movers including Silver, Palladium, Cocoa, Coffee, and a surprising rally in Ether (ETH) futures. The Energy annihilation: What's driving the massive downside in WTI, Brent crude, RBOB, and heating oil amidst Middle East detente rumors. Fed Day Reality Check: How the markets reacted to the Fed holding rates steady under the new Fed governor, and why volume suddenly went wild in the second half of the session. Volume Leaders: A look at the massive paper moving through Nasdaq Micros, 10-Year notes, and the E-mini. Year-to-Date Movers & Shakers: Checking in on the biggest winners (spoiler: nonfat dry milk is still king) and the cellar-dwellers of 2026.
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The Futures Rundown 79: It all Comes Back to Energy
06/11/2026
The Futures Rundown 79: It all Comes Back to Energy
The futures markets are reacting violently to changing geopolitical headlines, but are financial assets completely detached from physical reality? In this episode of The Futures Rundown, host Mark Longo welcomes back Brian Pieri, founder of Energy Rogue, to break down why the global commodity complex always finds its way back to energy. Mark and Brian take a deep dive into the massive physical vs. financial mispricing in the crude markets, the tightening Brent to WTI spread, and the global domino effect triggering massive supply-demand shocks. From the agricultural impacts of high diesel prices to the explosive moves in RBOB, heating oil, and soybean oil—discover how energy is fundamentally reshaping correlations across the entire market, including tech equities and crypto. In this episode, we cover: The Physical vs. Financial Disconnect: Why physical barrels are clearing much higher than screen prices. Trading the Spreads: Why the Brent/WTI and RBOB/Heating Oil spreads offer compelling opportunities right now. The Diesel Crunch: How global shortages of sour crude are inflating everything from Amazon deliveries to livestock and wheat. Equities & Crypto on a Cliff: A look at the top 10 volume movers and whether tech values are artificially inflated. The Long-Term Commodity Outlook: Why metals (silver, palladium) and certain agricultural products are positioning for sustained growth.
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The Futures Rundown 78: Aging Crude Rally and Flesh-Eating Parasites!!!
06/03/2026
The Futures Rundown 78: Aging Crude Rally and Flesh-Eating Parasites!!!
In this episode, host Mark Longo is joined by veteran futures broker and author Carley Garner of DeCarley Trading to break down a wild week of macro action, massive energy spikes, and some deeply unusual livestock drivers. Mark and Carley dive into the ongoing Middle East conflict's impact on energy, tracing why the crude oil rally is starting to "get old" despite the Strait of Hormuz remaining closed. They analyze the structural parallels between the current market and the 2022 price spikes, outline the best hedging strategies using micro futures and options, and explain why soybean oil is stepping up as a fascinating energy substitute. They also break down this week's top movers—including an unexpected surge in cash-settled butter—and take a look at the dark side of the tape, where crypto (Bitcoin and Ether) and grains are experiencing aggressive liquidations. Plus, Carley reveals how "screw worm" flesh-eating parasites, border closures, and a multi-year drought have fueled an historic, toppy rally in live cattle futures. In this episode, we cover: The Trading Pit: Early vs. later-stage trading strategies during geopolitical conflicts; selling expensive upside call premium in WTI and Brent. The Energy Overdrive: Why heating oil, RBOB, and soybean oil are pacing the year-to-date leaderboard. Crypto vs. Equities Divergence: Bitcoin ($BTC) and Ether ($ETH) falling out of lockstep with the tech-heavy NASDAQ. Is Bitcoin still a reliable risk barometer? Livestock & Ag Breakdown: Spotting a potential double-top in Live Cattle and how to manage downside risk using cheap options. Futures Free-for-All Q&A: Carley's take on the upcoming move to 23.5-hour equity trading and extended options hours, plus cutting through social media "hype" coins.
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The Futures Rundown 77: The Equity Battle Heats Up
05/27/2026
The Futures Rundown 77: The Equity Battle Heats Up
Are equity index derivatives finally getting some real competition? In this episode, MIAX Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer Shelly Brown joins host Mark Longo on the Futures Hot Seat to unpack their new index product suite developed with Bloomberg. The conversation focuses on the structural mechanics of the new Tini Bloomberg 100 Futures ($TBQ) and the upcoming rollout of the Tini Bloomberg 500 Futures ($TBX). Shelly explains how these 100% objective, algorithmically-driven indices operate compared to traditional benchmarks like the Nasdaq and S&P—including how a strict mathematical methodology allows them to fast-track new IPOs into the index. They also look at the microstructure advantages designed to attract retail order flow: lower exchange fees, tight market maker spreads, and capital efficiencies via OCC clearing. Plus, we get a realistic timeline for index options and a upcoming Spikes 2.0 volatility product. Later, Mark heads into The Trading Pit to break down a wild week of price action across the tape: The Green Side: Small caps lead the charge with the Russell 2000 surging over 6%, Cocoa catches a rare bid, and the new Tini Bloomberg 100 makes an immediate debut on our weekly upside list. The Dark Side: Energy gets hammered. WTI, Brent, and RBOB slide roughly 14% on potential Middle East resolution news, while lithium and wheat follow to the downside. Volume Leaders: Micro Nasdaq contracts and Treasury rates see heavy volume blocks dominating the weekly data. Get early access to live streams, Pro Q&As, and more at .
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The Futures Rundown 76: Forget Stocks and Oil - It's all About Cattle and Sulfuric Acid!!!
05/21/2026
The Futures Rundown 76: Forget Stocks and Oil - It's all About Cattle and Sulfuric Acid!!!
This episode of The Futures Rundown goes way beyond stocks and crude as Mark Longo and Kevin Green from the Schwab Network dive into the futures stories nobody else is talking about. From booming cattle prices and live calf auctions to sulfuric acid shortages impacting global copper production, this show covers the wild side of the futures markets. Plus: energy, metals, natural gas, coffee, cocoa, rates, and the latest geopolitical impacts shaping futures trading.
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The Futures Rundown 75: Return Of Metals Insania Mania?
05/14/2026
The Futures Rundown 75: Return Of Metals Insania Mania?
The metals markets are heating up once again! On this episode of The Futures Rundown, host Mark Longo is joined by Dana Samuelson, President of the American Gold Exchange, to break down the "Insania-Mania" currently gripping the precious metals space. They dive deep into the counterintuitive performance of Gold during recent geopolitical conflicts, the massive physical demand driving Silver back toward recent highs, and why Platinum is suddenly catching a bid. Plus, they explore the "sneaky" fundamentals of Copper and why the electrification of India is a long-term game changer. Highlights include: The Gold Liquidity Trap: Why the "King of Shiny" sold off while oil rallied. Silver Frenzy 2.0: Analyzing the dislocation between New York and London markets. Battery Tech Revolution: Could silver-based batteries replace lithium for EVs? Rates vs. Metals: How the 10-year Treasury yield is "driving the bus" for precious metals pricing. The Trading Pit: A look at the week's biggest movers, from Wheat and Oats to the recent slump in Bitcoin and Cocoa.
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The Futures Rundown 74: Crude Reigns Supreme
04/30/2026
The Futures Rundown 74: Crude Reigns Supreme
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 to learn more.
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The Futures Rundown 73: Another Wild Week in the Energy Markets
04/22/2026
The Futures Rundown 73: Another Wild Week in the Energy Markets
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
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The Futures Rundown 72: Energy, Crypto, Agriculture & Commodity Futures Breakdown
04/16/2026
The Futures Rundown 72: Energy, Crypto, Agriculture & Commodity Futures Breakdown
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 - THE brokerage for active traders
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The Futures Rundown 71: Energy Back in the Crosshairs
04/01/2026
The Futures Rundown 71: Energy Back in the Crosshairs
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.
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The Futures Rundown 70: Let's Talk About Brent
03/25/2026
The Futures Rundown 70: Let's Talk About Brent
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: Get more options and futures insight: Follow the network on X: @Options
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The Futures Rundown 69: Crude Is In The Driver's Seat
03/19/2026
The Futures Rundown 69: Crude Is In The Driver's Seat
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.
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The Futures Rundown 68: Energy is Inescapable
03/05/2026
The Futures Rundown 68: Energy is Inescapable
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: Futures Brokerage: Join the Network:
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The Futures Rundown 67: Who the Hell Knows about Crypto, Coffee, Cocoa and More?
02/26/2026
The Futures Rundown 67: Who the Hell Knows about Crypto, Coffee, Cocoa and More?
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 to get started with the tastytrade platform.
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The Futures Rundown 66: The Madness of Metals, Crypto, Cocoa and More
02/19/2026
The Futures Rundown 66: The Madness of Metals, Crypto, Cocoa and More
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.
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The Futures Rundown 65: The Year of Living Dangerously In Gold
02/12/2026
The Futures Rundown 65: The Year of Living Dangerously In Gold
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
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The Futures Rundown 64: Fallout from the Metals Apocalypse
02/05/2026
The Futures Rundown 64: Fallout from the Metals Apocalypse
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 for more information.
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The Futures Rundown 63: What the Heck Is Going On In Silver?
01/29/2026
The Futures Rundown 63: What the Heck Is Going On In Silver?
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.
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The Futures Rundown 62: The Greenland Trade War & Precious Metals Surge | Silver, Nat Gas, Lithium
01/22/2026
The Futures Rundown 62: The Greenland Trade War & Precious Metals Surge | Silver, Nat Gas, Lithium
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
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The Futures Rundown 61: Werewolves Beware! The Silver Rampage Continues
01/15/2026
The Futures Rundown 61: Werewolves Beware! The Silver Rampage Continues
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: Join the Pro Team: #FuturesTrading #SilverShortSqueeze #GoldPrice #Commodities #VIX #MacroInvesting #SilverPrice #EnergyFutures #Tastytrade #FuturesRundown
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The Futures Rundown 60: The Big Adios to 2025 – Silver, OJ & Venezuela
01/08/2026
The Futures Rundown 60: The Big Adios to 2025 – Silver, OJ & Venezuela
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: Join the Pro Community: Episode Sponsor:
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The Futures Rundown 59: Partying With Cheese and Lithium... Plus Silver, ETH and Crude Oil
12/18/2025
The Futures Rundown 59: Partying With Cheese and Lithium... Plus Silver, ETH and Crude Oil
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?
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