The markets keep rallying, volatility keeps fading, and traders keep asking the same question: what could possibly go wrong?

This week on Volatility Views, Mark Longo, Russell Rhoads (Dr. VIX), and Jim Carroll of Ballast Rock Private Wealth dive into the "don't worry, be happy" market regime, VIX refusing to break higher, massive VIX weekly call activity, surprising market resilience in the face of geopolitical risk, and whether traders are underpricing uncertainty.

Plus:
• The rise of "Sexy Volatility" (VSXY)
• Urban legends, Bobby McFerrin, and market complacency
• Historic VIX weekly options activity
• Spot-up / vol-up behavior
• SVIX vs UVIX performance
• Crystal Ball forecasts and more

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In this episode of Volatility Views, host Mark Longo checks in from the road at the Options Industry Conference (OIC) to break down a week of relentless market rallies and "upside crashes." Joining the show is Hans Albrecht from Option Pit, who steps into the hot seat to discuss why volatility isn't dropping despite the S&P 500 blowing past 7,300.

The duo explores the shifting market structure—from the rise of 0DTE (Zero Days to Expiration) options to the looming world of 24-hour options trading and AI-powered brokers. Plus, a look at the "Evil Hans" trope in fiction and why giving yourself "time to be wrong before you're right" is the ultimate trading edge.

• The OIC Briefing: Predictions for 18 billion contracts in 2024 and the legal battle over "trades vs. bets" in prediction markets.

• The Upside Crash: Why the VIX is staying bid even as markets hit all-time highs—and the parabolic moves in names like Micron.

• Market Structure Shifts: The impact of CTAs, vol-targeting funds, and leveraged ETFs on daily closing imbalances.

• Volatility Term Structure: A deep dive into the contango/slope and why the October "midterm" futures are worth watching.

• VIX Options Flow: Analyzing the massive activity in June 65 calls and the unwinding of May upside verticals.

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