[06/16] Weekly GEX Roadmap - Diagonal Spreads or Put Hedges?📊 Weekly GEX Map (SPX)
This week’s GEX profile looks nearly identical to last week:
Positive bias above 6020 up to 6100
But a sticky chop zone remains from 5975 to 6020
Below 5950? That’s where things get interesting…
⚠️ What Happens If 5950 Fails?
In that case - welcome to negative gamma territory:
Delta becomes unstable → fast, erratic moves
Gamma loses influence → hedging effectiveness drops
Dealer hedging lags → market makers chase, not lead
Vega + theta distort readings → charm decay accelerates
Result:
GEX zones lose clarity.
Pinning breaks down.
Reactions become nonlinear and emotional.
If we drop below 5950, we might see acceleration instead of stabilization — despite the positive GEX profile.
💡 Trade Idea of the Week – With Caution
If not for Wednesday's macro risk (Fed rate decision), I'd suggest a bullish diagonal spread toward 6100–6150:
Limited downside
Defined risk
Covers the full squeeze zone
But with FOMC looming, I'd only hold this trade until Thursday and close once the debit doubles or earlier.
🧨 Macro + Geo Risks
Fed is priced for “no move” → any surprise = volatility spike
Rising tensions with Iran → oil and futures could react violently
Recommendation : Avoid OIL this week, especially futures and naked strategies
🛡️ Prefer Downside Protection?
If you expect weakness on SPX weekly:
Consider a put debit spread with the short leg at 5950, where the second strongest Put Support sits.
This type of structure can offer up to 6:1 reward-to-risk, making it one of the most efficient bearish hedges for this week.
If you enjoyed the above breakdown, feel free to check out my previous weekly analyses or explore my tools as well.
Until next time – Trade what you see, not what you hope,
– Greg @ TanukiTrade
Volatility
Nvidia - Weekly Volatility SnapshotGood Afternoon! Let's talk NASDAQ:NVDA
Last week we saw HV10 (24.96%) increase above HV21 (23.67%) after starting what could be a regression towards HV63 (39.13%). IV (37.37%) entering this week reflects within 6% of it's sliding yearly lows and resonating around quarterly means. This could be showing a fair prediction to the regression potential and a volatility spike.
Here, the RSI has room but is elevated and hinged down with the MACD crossed red -- lagging indicators showing trend reversal. If bi-weekly values can find regression to quarterly; the implied range I would be watching is $135.47 - $148.47 with IV increasing affecting premium positively. If the grind up continues slowly, expect IV to melt and be watching for contracting HV10 ranges between $137.82 - $146.12 -- Keep an eye on the news, it will ever affect the broader markets and any underlying within.
Follow along through the week as we track our volatility prediction -- I will pull the charts back in at the end of the week to review!
CHEERS!
Oil (WTI) – Geo-Political Concerns Drive SentimentA quickly escalating conflict in the Middle East between Israel and Iran has seen Oil (WTI) volatility increase dramatically as the focus for traders has shifted overnight from worries about an on-going lack of demand due to a slowing global economy over to major supply concerns moving forward from this oil rich region.
This shift has seen Oil trade from lows of 60.17 on May 30th, to an early Monday high of 76.31, as weekend attacks by Israel on Iran's energy infrastructure introduced more uncertainty at the start of this new trading week regarding Israel's future strategy in this conflict. Prices have since settled down and moved back towards 72.80 (0830 BST) at time of writing but looking forward traders may need to balance the potential for further escalation/duration of this conflict against extra Oil production/supply from OPEC+ and the US.
Also important for Oil prices across the week could be the outcome of the Federal Reserve (Fed) Interest Rate Decision (Wed 1900 BST) and Press Conference (Wed 1930 BST). No change to interest rates is expected, but the updates from Fed policymakers to their inflation and interest rate expectations for the rest of 2025 could have a major impact on risk sentiment, the dollar and anticipated Oil demand.
Technical Update: Utilising Bollinger Bands
A rise in tensions in the Middle East last week prompted a sharp acceleration higher in the price of Oil. This saw price volatility increase, reflected by the widening upper and lower Bollinger bands and prices trading to levels last seen in late January 2025, as the chart below shows.
Traders will now likely be wondering if this type of price strength can continue, or if prices can enter a correction phase, even possibly a more extended period of price weakness.
Much will clearly depend on future market sentiment and price trends, and on any easing or escalation in geo-political tensions. However, with this in mind let's consider what may be the relevant support and resistance levels .
Potential Resistance Levels:
As the chart shows below, interestingly, last weeks price strength stalled against 75.99, which is equal to the February 3rd session high and with a setback in price developing from it so far today, this might be viewed by some as a potential first resistance.
As such, while not a guarantee of further price strength, closing breaks above 75.99 may be a sign of continued upside momentum towards 81.01, which is the January 15th price high and a potential next resistance focus for traders.
Potential Support Levels:
After such a strong advance in price, it might be harder to establish support levels, although, Fibonacci retracement levels on the recent May 30th to June 16th upside move in price, might prove useful. These retracement levels are highlighted on the chart below.
The 38.2% Fibonacci retracement of the price strength stands at 70.12 and this might prove to be a possible first support focus, if price weakness is seen over coming days. Closing breaks below 70.12, if seen, may then lead to declines towards 66.32, the deeper 61.8% Fibonacci retracement level.
The material provided here has not been prepared
accordance with legal requirements designed to promote the independence of investment research and as such is considered to be a marketing communication. Whilst it is not subject to any prohibition on dealing ahead of the dissemination of investment research, we will not seek to take any advantage before providing it to our clients.
Pepperstone doesn’t represent that the material provided here is accurate, current or complete, and therefore shouldn’t be relied upon as such. The information, whether from a third party or not, isn’t to be considered as a recommendation; or an offer to buy or sell; or the solicitation of an offer to buy or sell any security, financial product or instrument; or to participate in any particular trading strategy. It does not take into account readers’ financial situation or investment objectives. We advise any readers of this content to seek their own advice. Without the approval of Pepperstone, reproduction or redistribution of this information isn’t permitted.
BITx - Weekly Volatility Snapshot Good Morning -- Happy Father's day to any dad's out there!
Let's took a weekly look at CBOE:BITX -- our 2x leveraged BITSTAMP:BTCUSD fund.
Last week, we saw a beautiful gap up to the upper HV63 implied ranges were profit was taken and accelerated selling begin. Our bi-weekly trending values have increased due to the increasing volatility. The weekly candle ended with some body to it, but was mostly flat due to the gap closing with a big wick up.
Our IV (85.47%) entering the week is trending within 4% of the sliding yearly lows and seemingly increasing as it tracks near-term trending markets -- HV10 (70.04%) has increased from the movement last week +7.35% and is now +22.17% off sliding yearly lows. As the spring is uncoiling, and bi-weekly regresses towards quarterly means our premium capture erodes and our range expands. I love trading volatility and ranges.
The 'strength of IV' here for HV10 is 82% -- so you have to account when positioning that the trending near-term volatility IS INCREASING but IS WEAKER than what is predicted. The 'strength of IV' here for HV63 is 101% -- showing that what is predicted is fairly valued to me on a regression scale.
Please -- Pull my chart onto your layout and use my implied ranges and data, follow along through the week on your own screen as we track and measure the volatility -- let's get this conversation started!
CHEERS
NQ Power Range Report with FIB Ext - 6/16/2025 SessionCME_MINI:NQU2025
- PR High: 21903.75
- PR Low: 21726.00
- NZ Spread: 396.75
No key scheduled economic events
Contract rollover week
Session Open Stats (As of 12:15 AM 6/16)
- Session Open ATR: 382.14
- Volume: 18K
- Open Int: 62K
- Trend Grade: Neutral
- From BA ATH: -4.1% (Rounded)
Key Levels (Rounded - Think of these as ranges)
- Long: 22096
- Mid: 20383
- Short: 19246
Keep in mind this is not speculation or a prediction. Only a report of the Power Range with Fib extensions for target hunting. Do your DD! You determine your risk tolerance. You are fully capable of making your own decisions.
BA: Back Adjusted
BuZ/BeZ: Bull Zone / Bear Zone
NZ: Neutral Zone
Weekly Volatility Snapshot Good Evening -- Here we are again looking down the barrel of another week tracking the volatility within the broader markets!
Let us begin --
Last week, the TVC:VIX was trending down as the S&P500 rotated upwards making it within 1.43% of highs, before selling off on war conflict news to end the week -- spiking the VIX again. We are now 114 days into the correction with uncertainty still being the only thing that is defined.
However, it does seem that buyers are stepping in during these times of selling off. But, without lifting the uncertainty of trade deals and deadlines or negative news cycles, we could just be locking in a lower high and within another bear market phase.
As we trend into the 2nd half of June, the SP:SPX has an IV (16.18%) entering the week trending 72% to it's yearly range suggesting slightly expensive premium. This is up from 52% IVp last week. Now in comparison to what is happening, HV10 (9.94%) is showing a lower volatility range than stated IV by -6.24%.
This can be important when considering a premium disadvantage with a consolidating VIX under already expensive premium. The 'strength of IV' here is 61% -- and in turn my weighted implied ranges for the week are $5,914.78 - $6,039.16.
If there happens to be a volatility spike this week due to anything out of the blue, we will find our range expanded to long-term trending means of quarterly values, that being HV63 (30.39%). This would create a 'strength of IV' of 188% and a massive spike in the VIX -- respectfully these weighted implied ranges would be $5,786.82 - $6,161.12.
As always, I hope you enjoy the weekly write up and have a great week of trading ranges! Know you ABCs and REMEMBER stay hedged people.
Till next week, CHEERS.
Ethereum Liquidity Pool RangeOn the ETH/USDC liquidity pool on the Base network, Ethereum’s volatility is beginning to stabilize, creating a favorable range for liquidity provision, as indicated by the horizontal red lines. There may be an opportunity to tighten this range further in the coming hours, but additional data is needed to confirm. For now, the concentrated range is being set slightly wider, given that we’re still relatively close to the significant volatility spike from earlier in the week.
QQQ - Weekly Volatility PotentialGood Morning --
Last week we reviewed the potential of the S&P 500, this week let us take a look at the potential perspective of NASDAQ:QQQ .
IV (17.97%) entering the week is trending 31% IVp on the year and has been gradually lowering as price action grinds higher and out of corrective territory -- This is +2.61% more volatile than near-term trending values of HV10 (15.36%) and only -0.57% under HV21 (18.54%), our monthly trending values.
Looking towards next week, I expect the CBOE:VIX to continually soften IV values as the broader markets push towards all-time highs this week. NASDAQ:QQQ historical values are coiling to where we will soon need a volatility spike, but not just yet -- my weekly price target here is simple (HV10 upper implied range) $539.44 with wicking potential above to monthly trends (HV21 upper implied ranges) at $541.42.
Only time will tell, we can't control the markets but we sure can manage our own risk within them. Remember to always be hedged and come back to join me next weekend as we review the charts for what happened VS our expectation!
CHEERS
BITx - Weekly Volatility PotentialGood Morning!
Here is my weekly perspective for CBOE:BITX --
From when we reviewed last weekend, IV (84.60%) has lowered -2.39% and is entering the week with a 2% IVp. We have been in this pattern of rotating IV and Bi-Weekly volatility trends back and forth as HV10 (62.69%) entering the week has increased +2.47% from it's respective level entering last week. The prediction of what is to happen is contracting as what is actually happening in the short-term is trending up.
Bi-Weekly and Monthly volatility values after being 100% coiled and both putting in new yearly lows a month ago are starting to unwind as they create distance from those exact lows.
Could long-term trending means be on the horizon with quarterly values? Bi-weekly will eventually find it's way back there, question is when. Our best advantage, is to continue to track the data and ebb and flow with the markets and macro news.
Looking towards this next week, Our HV10 (62.69%) trending values are still contracting under our monthly HV21 (68.45%) trends, but IV (84.60%) although lowering, is reflecting expansion.
There is a premium capture past stated IV if we can find means regression back to HV63 (99.07%), as what is happening will expand past what is predicted to happen. As of now this value is 14.97% and equates to a premium capture $8.24 or $88.24 per lot or contract.
Again, when IV contracts chasing HV10, but it expands to HV63, we look to collect the premium value difference with the move.
Only time will tell, I think we will see another volume push into this week -- Remember to always be hedged and come back to join me next weekend as we review the charts for what happened VS our expectation!
CHEERS
Weekly Volatility SnapshotVolatility, as measured by standard deviation, quantifies market elasticity and provides a level of probability and precision to trade within, that humbles us all.
Last week, the TVC:VIX opened steadily dropping as markets rose into Thursday, (June 5th) where the broader markets drilled within the public drama of Elon Musk and President Trump. Talk about DRAMA -- Lay of the JUICE GUYs. On top of that -- Although there was progress, trade deals are still looming and uncertainty lingers. That day the volatility index closed spiking to $18.46, where it was to start the week -- only to once again have the dip bought right up and the index drops again to close the week at $16.44.
We have now finished our first week of June with markets volatility still contracting as they grind higher. I expect the TVC:VIX to continue lowering softly as markets rotate to new highs this week. When this happens expect IV to lower within the move -- Unless we can see a news catalyst with any progress on trade deals, good or bad, we will see the same movement as last week with individual stocks being rotated.
As we talked about last weekend, we saw NASDAQ:MSFT make a HUGE move! Entering this week HV10 (14.55%) has expanded above HV21 (13.97%) and IV (16.77%) has lowered to it's lowest value in the past year with IVp reaching 0%. Yet still above bi-weekly values.
Looking towards next week, the SP:SPX with IV (13.56%) is still lowering as markets push higher while matching HV10 (13.11%) trending values. These bi-weekly values are of 97% strength of current IV. I believe we will see the target of $6082.71 with even a stretch to HV21 (15.69%) weighted to IV ranges showing potential of $6100.00 this week.
As for our precious BTC funds, NASDAQ:IBIT and CBOE:BITX for 2x leverage, look for my upcoming weekly post on the current state of low IV and the potential expansion overhead to quarterly values. I do currently have open trades and providing transparency within my weekly analysis.
See you back here next week! Same time same place.
VIX Call Spread – Hedging Against Black Swan Risk (Aug ’25)📌 VIX Vertical Call Spread – Aug 19, 2025 (18/25)
Executed on June 13, 2025
Volatility has compressed near multi-month lows, but the chart shows two major spikes above 45 in less than a year — triggered by macro shocks (Fed surprises, Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariffs, geopolitical escalations like Israel–Iran).
I’m positioning with a long call spread on the VIX (Buy 18C / Sell 25C, exp. Aug 19), structured to hedge against a black swan while maintaining capital discipline.
• Risk/Reward: 2:1
• Probability of Profit (POP): ~58%
• Breakeven: ~21
• Defined risk / Defined reward
• No directional delta risk
I’m not forecasting volatility — I’m accepting that extreme events can (and do) happen. This spread pays off only if volatility spikes again above 21–22 in the next 60 days, which aligns with historical context.
🔒 No need to predict the trigger. Just manage exposure and define your risk upfront.
📈 Follow for more volatility and options setups based on structure + context.
Let’s stay ahead, not reactive.
[$BA] Boeing's black friday?NYSE:BA
Quick-Take
Unfortunately, an accident occured with a Boeing Dreamliner 787 in India.
This triggered a 'small crash' in the stock as well, due to Boeing's (ongoing) raising concerns for quality and safety.
However, we should see it as chance for a potential swing-trade of 7 days.
⭕ Risks
The analysis of the plane crash will take a couple of days and there are even rumors about an 'external factor' being the reason for the plane to fall from the sky.
Eitherway: Volatility is a two-edged sword that we should utilize to our advantage.
🟢 Pros
The Iran/Israel conflict is escalating, that led to a spike for a Defense companies such as $ NYSE:LMT XETR:RHM . But NYSE:BA takes also part of the military-industrial complex that should profit of the bad times in geopolitics.
📏 Position
We position ourselves bullish via options:
-> buy Call-Options (long-call or bull-call-spreads)
-> sell Put-Options (short-put (cc) or bull-put-spreads)
What do you guys think?
[$BA] Boeing's black friday?NYSE:BA
Quick-Take
Unfortunately, an accident occured with a Boeing Dreamliner 787 in India.
This triggered a 'small crash' in the stock as well, due to Boeing's (ongoing) raising concerns for quality and safety.
However, we should see it as chance for a potential swing-trade of 7 days.
⭕ Risks
The analysis of the plane crash will take a couple of days and there are even rumors about an 'external factor' being the reason for the plane to fall from the sky.
Eitherway: Volatility is a two-edged sword that we should utilize to our advantage.
🟢 Pros
The Iran/Israel conflict is escalating, that led to a spike for a Defense companies such as NYSE:LMT XETR:RHM . But also NYSE:BA is part of the military-industrial complex that should profit of the bad times in geopolitics.
📏 Position
We position ourselves bullish via options:
-> buy Call-Options (long-call or bull-call-spreads)
-> sell Put-Options (short-put (cc) or bull-put-spreads)
What do you guys think?
GBPUSD – Rejection From New Price High Questions UptrendThe escalation in geo-political risks overnight in the Middle East, marked by Israel's attack on Iranian nuclear sites which was followed by Iran's retaliatory drone strikes against Israel, have seen a rush to safe haven assets, which this time included buying dollars (a rarity of late!).
This has seen GBPUSD fall quickly from a fresh 2025 high hit early this morning at 1.3633, back down to lower levels around 1.3540 (at time of writing) and questions whether the highs for GBPUSD may now be in place in the short term, with traders possibly reluctant to add to fresh longs into the weekend, and ahead of next week's Bank of England (BoE) rate meeting on Thursday (June 19th).
Looking forward into the Friday close, traders may now be on headline watch, especially considering Iran's vow to respond to Israel's initial attack with harsh blows against both Israel and the US. Any attack by Iran against US targets, while potentially unlikely, could be viewed as a level up and President Trump has stated that the US are on high alert just in case.
On the data front, the US Preliminary Michigan Consumer Sentiment for June is released at 1500 BST today. This will provide the next update on US consumer inflation expectations as well as sentiment, which although important are possibly unlikely to shift the focus of traders from progress reports regarding geo-political developments in the Middle East.
Technical Update: Rejection From New Price High Questions Uptrend
Of late, it has been a positive phase of sentiment that has been evident for GBPUSD, as a price pattern of higher highs and higher lows has formed, as the chart below shows.
This has resulted in a new recovery price high being posted this morning at 1.3633, which represents the highest trade in GBPUSD since late February 2022. However, so far this new upside extreme in price has held and seen price weakness emerge.
This may now see some traders questioning the ability of GBPUSD to maintain its current upside momentum, even suggest the potential of a more extended phase of weakness.
What support and resistance levels might be worth watching to maybe help determine the next direction of price movement?
Potential Support Levels:
Having held price weakness seen earlier this week, the rising Bollinger mid-average may continue to be a support focus. This currently stands at 1.3504, and closing breaks below this level, if seen, might result in a more extended phase of weakness.
Such downside breaks in price, while not a guarantee of further price declines, could see focus then shift to potential support at 1.3444, which is equal to the 38.2% Fibonacci retracement level, and if this in turn gives way on a closing basis, towards 1.3385, the deeper 50% retracement level.
Potential Resistance Levels:
As the chart below shows, sellers have been found this morning at the 1.3633 level and may be again. This could prove to be the first resistance point to monitor if fresh attempts at price strength are seen over coming sessions.
Successful closing breaks above 1.3633 as a result, could point to an extension of the current uptrend pattern, with the next resistance level then potentially being 1.3749, which is the January 2022 high.
The material provided here has not been prepared
accordance with legal requirements designed to promote the independence of investment research and as such is considered to be a marketing communication. Whilst it is not subject to any prohibition on dealing ahead of the dissemination of investment research, we will not seek to take any advantage before providing it to our clients.
Pepperstone doesn’t represent that the material provided here is accurate, current or complete, and therefore shouldn’t be relied upon as such. The information, whether from a third party or not, isn’t to be considered as a recommendation; or an offer to buy or sell; or the solicitation of an offer to buy or sell any security, financial product or instrument; or to participate in any particular trading strategy. It does not take into account readers’ financial situation or investment objectives. We advise any readers of this content to seek their own advice. Without the approval of Pepperstone, reproduction or redistribution of this information isn’t permitted.
[06/09] [GEX] Weekly SPX OutlookLast week’s outlook played out quite well — as anticipated, SPX hit the 6000 level, closing exactly there on Friday. This was the realistic target we highlighted in last week's idea.
🔭 SPX: The Bigger Outlook
It's difficult to say whether the rising SPX trend will continue. We're still in the "90-day agreement period" set by the administration, and so far, the market has shown resilience, avoiding deeper pullbacks like the one we saw in April.
With VIX hovering around 17–18, we’ve reached a zone where further SPX upside would require volatility. For the index to continue rising meaningfully, it needs to reverse the current bearish macro environment, and that can only happen with strong buying momentum — not a slow grind.
The parallel downward channel drawn a few weeks ago is still technically valid. Even a short 100-point squeeze would fit within this structure before a larger move down unfolds.
GEX levels give us useful clues heading into Friday. We're currently in a net positive GEX zone across all expirations, giving bulls a structural advantage, just like last week.
As of Monday’s premarket, SPX spot is at 6009.The Gamma Flip zone is between 5975–5990, with a High Volume Level (HVL) at 5985.
🔍 Let’s zoom in with our GEX levels — this gives us a deeper view than our GEX Profile indicator for TradingView alone.
🐂 🟢 If SPX moves higher, the following are logical profit-taking zones:
6050 (Delta ≈ 33)
6075 (Delta ≈ 25)
6100 (Delta ≈ 17)
🎯 Targeting above 6100 currently feels irrational — for instance, the next major gamma squeeze zone is at 6150, but that corresponds to a delta 6 level (≈94% chance the price closes below it), so I won’t aim that high yet.
🐻🔴 In a bearish scenario:
5975 and 5950 are the first nearby support zones (Deltas 30 and 38).
If momentum picks up, 5900 becomes reachable quickly, even if it's technically a 17-delta distance — because that’s deep in the negative GEX zone.
📅 Don’t forget: On Wednesday premarket, we’ll get Core Inflation Rate data — a key macro risk that could shake things up, regardless of TSLA drama fading.
📌 SPX Weekly Trading Plan Conclusion
Whatever your bias, keep cheap downside hedges in place. We've been rising for a long time, and even if SPX breaks out of the descending channel temporarily, resistance and the gamma landscape may pull price back swiftly.
NQ Power Range Report with FIB Ext - 6/13/2025 SessionCME_MINI:NQM2025
- PR High: 21915.75
- PR Low: 21861.75
- NZ Spread: 120.5
No key scheduled economic events
Session Open Stats (As of 12:45 AM 6/13)
- Session Open ATR: 389.53
- Volume: 66K
- Open Int: 267K
- Trend Grade: Neutral
- From BA ATH: -4.9% (Rounded)
Key Levels (Rounded - Think of these as ranges)
- Long: 22096
- Mid: 20383
- Short: 19246
Keep in mind this is not speculation or a prediction. Only a report of the Power Range with Fib extensions for target hunting. Do your DD! You determine your risk tolerance. You are fully capable of making your own decisions.
BA: Back Adjusted
BuZ/BeZ: Bull Zone / Bear Zone
NZ: Neutral Zone
NQ Power Range Report with FIB Ext - 6/12/2025 SessionCME_MINI:NQM2025
- PR High: 21894.25
- PR Low: 21827.25
- NZ Spread: 150.0
Key scheduled economic events:
08:30 | Initial Jobless Claims
- PPI
13:00 | 30-Year Bond Auction
Session Open Stats (As of 12:25 AM 6/12)
- Session Open ATR: 376.45
- Volume: 24K
- Open Int: 268K
- Trend Grade: Neutral
- From BA ATH: -3.6% (Rounded)
Key Levels (Rounded - Think of these as ranges)
- Long: 22096
- Mid: 20383
- Short: 19246
Keep in mind this is not speculation or a prediction. Only a report of the Power Range with Fib extensions for target hunting. Do your DD! You determine your risk tolerance. You are fully capable of making your own decisions.
BA: Back Adjusted
BuZ/BeZ: Bull Zone / Bear Zone
NZ: Neutral Zone
Trading the VIXOften dubbed the "fear index," the VIX gauges SPX options' implied volatility, typically rising during equity market declines and vice versa. It quantifies investor anxiety, demand for hedging, and market stress, crucial for traders and risk managers seeking to measure turbulence.
The VIX calculates a constant 30-day implied volatility using SPX options expiring over the next two months. Unlike simple weighted averages of equity indices, its methodology is more complex, involving implied variance calculation for the two nearest monthly expirations across all strikes. For detailed formulas, refer to the introductory chart or visit the CBOE’s official VIX Index page.
While the VIX Index itself isn’t tradable, exposure can be gained through VIX futures or exchange-traded products (ETPs) like VXX, UVXY, and SVXY. However, these instruments come with their own unique risks, pricing behaviors, and structural nuances, which can make directional VIX trading considerably more complex than it might initially appear.
What You Need to Know About Implied Volatilities
• In calm or uptrending markets, the volatility curve typically slopes upward (contango), indicating higher implied volatility with longer maturities.
• In declining or turbulent markets, the curve can invert, sloping downward (backwardation), as shorter-term implied volatilities rise sharply.
• This pattern can be observed, comparing VIX9D, VIX, and VIX3M against the SPX. In stable markets: VIX9D < VIX < VIX3M. In stressed markets, this relationship may reverse. The VIX9D and VIX3M are the 9-day respectively 3-month equivalent to the 30-day VIX.
What You Need to Know About VIX Futures
• When the volatility spot curve is in contango, the VIX futures curve will also slope upward.
• In backwardation, the futures curve slopes downward, reflecting heightened short-term volatility and short-term volatility spikes.
• While in contango, VIX futures "roll down the curve," meaning that—independent of changes in volatility—futures tend to decline in value over time.
• In backwardation, the opposite occurs: futures "roll up the curve," potentially rising in value over time even without volatility changes.
• VIX futures’ responsiveness to VIX Index movements – the beta of VIX futures against the VIX index - declines with longer expirations; front-month futures may react to 70-80% of VIX changes, compared to 40-60% for third or fourth-month futures.
Key Consequences for Traders
• Directional trading of VIX futures can be strongly influenced by the shape of the futures curve.
• Contango in low-VIX environments creates strong headwinds for long VIX futures positions, caused by the “roll-down-effect”.
• Conversely, backwardation in high-VIX environments creates headwinds for short positions.
• These effects are more pronounced in front-month contracts, making timing (entry and exit) for directional trades critical.
• There's a trade-off in directional strategies: front-month futures offer greater exposure to VIX movements but suffer more from negative roll effects.
How to Trade VIX Futures
• Due to these structural challenges, directional VIX futures trading is difficult and requires precision.
• A more effective approach is to trade changes in the shape of the futures curve using calendar spreads (e.g., long VX1, short VX2). This reduces the impact of roll effects on individual contracts.
• In low-VIX, contango conditions, a rising VIX typically leads to VX1 increasing faster than VX2, widening the VX1–VX2 spread—an opportunity for spread trading.
• While VX1 may initially suffer more from roll-down than VX2, this can reverse as the VIX rises and VX1 begins to “roll up,” especially when VIX > VX1 but VX1 < VX2.
• The opposite dynamic applies in high-VIX, backwardation environments.
• More broadly, changes in the shape of the futures curve across the first 6–8 months can be profitably traded using calendar spreads. Roll-effects and the declining beta-curve can also be efficiently traded.
How to capture the Roll-Down-Effect
One of the more popular VIX-trading strategies involves capturing the roll-down effect,, while the curve is in contango. It is a positive carry strategy that is best applied during calm or uptrending market conditions. Here’s a straightforward set of guidelines to implement the Roll-Down-Carry trade:
• Entry Condition: Initiate during calm market conditions, ideally when VIX9D-index is below VIX-index (though not guaranteed).
• Choosing Futures: Use VX1 and VX2 for calendar spreads if VX1 has more than 8-10 trading days left; otherwise, consider VX2 and VX3.
• Spread Analysis: Short VX1 and long VX2 if VX1–VIX spread is larger than VX2–VX1; otherwise, VX2 and VX3 may be suitable.
• Contango Effect: VX1’s roll-down effect typically outweighs VX2’s during contango.
• Relative Beta: VX1 shows higher reactivity to VIX changes compared to VX2, mimicking a slight short position on VIX.
• Exit Strategy: Use spread values, take-profit (TP), and stop-loss (SL); consider exiting if VIX9D crosses over VIX.
________________________________________
Conclusion
Directional trading of the VIX Index—typically through futures—demands precise timing and a good understanding of the volatility curve. This is because curve dynamics such as contango and backwardation can create significant headwinds or tailwinds, often working against a trader’s position regardless of the VIX’s actual movement. As a result, purely directional trades are not only difficult to time but also structurally disadvantaged in many market environments.
A more strategic and sustainable approach is to trade calendar spreads, which involves taking offsetting positions in VIX futures of different maturities. This method helps neutralize the impact of the curve's overall slope and focuses instead on relative changes between expirations. While it doesn’t eliminate all risk, calendar spread trading significantly reduces the drag from roll effects and still offers numerous opportunities to profit from shifts in market sentiment, volatility expectations, and changes in the shape of the futures curve.
What else can be done with VIX instruments
VIX indices across different maturities (VIX9D, VIX, VIX3M), along with VIX futures, offer valuable insights and potential entry signals for trading SPX or SPX options. In Part 2 of the Trading the VIX series, we’ll explore how to use these tools—along with VIX-based ETPs—for structured trading strategies.
NQ Power Range Report with FIB Ext - 6/11/2025 SessionCME_MINI:NQM2025
- PR High: 21983.75
- PR Low: 21937.00
- NZ Spread: 104.75
Key scheduled economic events:
08:30 | CPI (Core|YoY|MoM)
10:30 | Crude Oil Inventories
13:00 | 10-Year Note Auction
Session Open Stats (As of 12:25 AM 6/11)
- Session Open ATR: 380.78
- Volume: 24K
- Open Int: 272K
- Trend Grade: Neutral
- From BA ATH: -3.4% (Rounded)
Key Levels (Rounded - Think of these as ranges)
- Long: 22096
- Mid: 20383
- Short: 19246
Keep in mind this is not speculation or a prediction. Only a report of the Power Range with Fib extensions for target hunting. Do your DD! You determine your risk tolerance. You are fully capable of making your own decisions.
BA: Back Adjusted
BuZ/BeZ: Bull Zone / Bear Zone
NZ: Neutral Zone