The VIX is signaling all clear ahead right now, but there are warning signs on the front. For those new to this arena, the VIX is the implied volatility index of the S&P 500 options. I have been successfully using it for more than 15 years as a model input for trading. The VIX has… Continue reading VIX Signals
Market Disconnect
Where to from here? Given the general state of the world, it feels wrong to have the markets at all time highs. Of course, when we say markets, we are referring to some index or another. What I should say is that the broad based US equity market indexes are just off all time highs.… Continue reading Market Disconnect
The Markets reward poor process
Someone smarter than me (I can’t remember who it was) made the distinction that we can distinguish games of pure luck and those that require some skill by whether or not you can lose on purpose. For instance, if you were betting on the flip of a coin, you can’t lose on purpose. Poker, on… Continue reading The Markets reward poor process
What is needed in the markets right now?
Much of the problem in the US right now does come down to a failure of education. And we can see that in the markets as much as anywhere. Options volume has exploded, much presumably due to the sports-bettors turned option gurus that have flocked to Robinhood. They are clearly not the only culprits, but… Continue reading What is needed in the markets right now?
The VIX is not a “Fear Index”
May 2010 The VIX, as the CBOE Volatility Index is commonly known, has gained in prominence over the last year and a half since the financial crisis. A CNBC day would not be complete without some mention of the “fear index” and its various ups and downs. Numerous blogs are dedicated to the topic, and… Continue reading The VIX is not a “Fear Index”
ACE your Trading
Given all that is going on in the world right now, I think it is important to remember our spheres of control. There is so much going on in the world right now with the Coronavirus, the government, the markets. And then you can throw in all those personal matters like sick or hurt loved… Continue reading ACE your Trading
The Risk Not Taken
We cannot eliminate risk. We can only choose the risks that we think are worth it. I have worked in the “risk management” realm for quite a while in various realms. Options trading is, at its heart, all about risk management, or as some say, risk transfer. But if you are trading, no matter how… Continue reading The Risk Not Taken
Figuring Out What Works
More and more I have come to realize that there are no answers. There is no best way to do something. There is no path to success. There are, however, likely best ways for YOU to do things. And there are many paths to success, some of which will suit you. I have always had… Continue reading Figuring Out What Works
In Discipline is Our Freedom
We think we are free to choose our trading strategies and set-ups. But modern neuroscience suggest that may not be the case. The study of neuroscience has shed fascinating light on many issues. It has even transformed the way that I look at designing individual training and coaching programs for people. The different levels of… Continue reading In Discipline is Our Freedom
Now Partnered with NeuroCrux
iVol Trading has recently partnered with NeuroCrux. NeuroCrux does assessments and builds individualized programs. Finding the best fit given your mind and brain makeup is the crux of the matter. For traders this means finding the systems, time-frames, strategies, as well as support systems that help maximize success in the markets. All of our efforts… Continue reading Now Partnered with NeuroCrux
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