Advertise on podcast: The Crypto Rundown

The "Fear Gauge" has officially arrived in the crypto world. In this episode, Mark Longo welcomes Rob Hocking, Global Head of Derivatives at Cboe, to the Hot Seat to break down the launch of the Cboe Bitcoin Volatility Index (BITVX). In this episode, we explore: The BITVX Reveal: How Cboe is using IBIT (iShares Bitcoin Trust) options to calculate a 30-day forward-looking volatility metric for Bitcoin. Institutional Shift: Why Bitcoin is evolving from a retail "crypto trade" into a legitimate macro asset class. The SKU Flip: How IBIT options have fundamentally changed the "call wing" dynamics of Bitcoin volatility. Tradable Volatility: Is a tradable Bitcoin VIX future on the horizon? Rob shares the technical hurdles and Cboe's vision. Cboe's Crypto Ecosystem: A look at Bitcoin Index options (MBT/CBT), perpetual futures, and the potential for crypto prediction markets. Plus, Mark breaks down the weekly Bitcoin Breakdown, covering the recent rally to $76k, the cooling of bearish skew, and heavy put-spread activity in the IBIT tape.

Is the volatility dream dead, or is Bitcoin just growing up? In this episode, host Mark Longo is joined by Mr. Bill Ulivieri of Cenacle Capital Management to break down a surprisingly "sleepy" couple of weeks in the digital asset space. As Bitcoin rallies toward the $72k mark, the crew explores why implied volatility (IV) is cratering and whether BTC has officially transitioned into a "risk-free" asset suitable only for "widows and orphans." In this episode, we dive into: The Bitcoin Breakdown: BTC's climb to $72,352 and why 30-day IV has dropped nearly 10 points. IBIT Analysis: How the flood of equity flow into Bitcoin ETFs is "killing the juice" for option traders. Altcoin Universe: A look at the Top 10 market caps, the persistence of Tron, and why Ethereum feels like the "next TLT." The "Degen" Corner: Introducing C-CUP (the T-Rex 2x Long Daily Target ETF) for those who find Circle too boring. Stacks (STX): Why Bill is eyeing this "forgotten" token as a massive AI + Bitcoin infrastructure play. Mainstream Adoption: The impact of the new Visa Bitcoin Rewards card and what it means for annual supply.

Can you buy a home without selling your Bitcoin? On this episode of The Crypto Rundown, host Mark Longo welcomes Josip Rupena, CEO of Milo, to explain the world of crypto-backed mortgages. We dive into how BTC and ETH holders can bridge the gap between digital assets and real estate without triggering taxable events or losing out on future appreciation. What's Inside this Episode: The Crypto Hot Seat: Josip Rupena breaks down the mechanics of the world's first crypto mortgage and how $100M+ in transactions are changing the lending game. Risk vs. Reward: How do these loans handle 60%+ drawdowns in Bitcoin? We discuss LTV (Loan-to-Value) ratios, margin calls, and custody options. Bitcoin Breakdown: A deep dive into the latest data from Amber Data. We analyze the recent BTC sell-off to $66k, shifting volatility, and why the long-term upside premium seems to be disappearing. Altcoin Universe: Quick hits on ETH flirting with the $2k level, the massive 30% correction in Circle (CRCL), and whether Doge or Shiba Inu will ever buy you a house. Links & Resources: Learn more about Milo: milo.io Get Granular Data: intelligence.amberdata.com Join the Pro Community: theoptionsinsider.com/pro

Is Bitcoin finally decoupling from Gold as a flight-to-quality asset? Join Mark Longo and Greg Magadini from Amberdata as they break down the 75K "magnet" level and the surge of "Hype" in the top 10. Full Description: In this episode, we dive deep into the shifting dynamics of the crypto derivatives market amidst global volatility. As the Middle East conflict influences traditional assets, we examine why Bitcoin is showing relative strength against Gold and what dealer positioning at the $75,000 strike tells us about the next move. Key topics include: The Bitcoin Breakdown: Analyzing the $65K–$75K consolidation range and the impact of extreme backwardation. Dealer Positioning: Why the 75K calls are acting as a "magnet" for price action. Altcoin Universe: The rise of Hyper Liquid (HYPE) into the Top 10 and why Solana (SOL) remains a favorite for "responsible yield." The Volatility Surface: Exploring the negative spot-vol correlation and the impact of IBIT options on the skew. Stablecoin Velocity: A deep dive into USDC (Circle) vs. Tether and the future of 24/7 blockchain settlement. Featured Guest: Greg Magadini, Director of Derivatives at Amberdata.

Bitcoin is back on the move, and the options market is telling a new story. Following the FIA Boca conference, we're digging into the data to see if this rally has legs. Topics discussed: Market Update: Bitcoin's run toward $75k. The Greeks: Weekly vs. Monthly volatility shifts. ETF Impact: Analyzing the massive IBIT options volume. Altcoin Rundown: Price action in ETH, SOL, Doge, and Shiba Inu. Brought to you by Amberdata. Visit amberdata.io to download the digital asset data guide.

The Crypto Rundown 310: COIN Hysteria, Jane Street Algos, and Bitcoin Conspiracies Is Bitcoin being suppressed by institutional algorithms? This week on The Crypto Rundown, Mark Longo and Bill Ulivieri of Cenacle Capital Management dive into the "Jane Street Conspiracy" taking Crypto Twitter by storm. We analyze the allegations of 10:00 AM sell-clocks and whether authorized participants (APs) actually have the power to manipulate BTC price action. In this episode, we break down: The Bitcoin Breakdown: BTC nears $69k despite geopolitical madness in the Middle East. The Jane Street "Smoking Gun": Is it a tinfoil hat theory or a predictable market-making reality? COIN & USDC Hysteria: Why Coinbase (COIN) is decoupling from the broader market and surging toward $100. SEC Shift: The significance of Chainlink's (LINK) former counsel joining the SEC's crypto task force in February 2026. Derivatives Check: Analyzing the massive 1 million contract A DV in IBIT options and the shift in volatility skew. Connect with us: 🌐 Data provided by: intelligence.amberdata.com 📱 Join the Pro Q&A: theoptionsinsider.com/pro

Is the crypto "retail wave" finally drying up? This week on The Crypto Rundown, Mark Longo and Greg Magadini (Amberdata) dive into a "blood-red" market as Bitcoin slips below $65k and Ethereum struggles to hold key support levels. We break down the dramatic shift in Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) skew, analyzing why the 25-delta risk reversal is hitting extreme negative levels not seen since the FTX or Terra Luna collapses. Key Topics Covered: The "Incremental Buyer" Problem: With VCs and ETFs already positioned, who is left to buy the dip? Volatility Analysis: Why implied volatility (IV) remains "hunched" while skew is screaming "danger." Ibit Options Impact: Analyzing the 1 million contracts per day milestone and the heavy flow on 35-strike puts. Altcoin Universe: Deep dives into Solana, Dogecoin, and the "wreckage" in Ethereum (ETH). MSTR & MSTU Strategies: Managing "lottery trades" when the underlying goes underwater. Resources: Get granular on-chain data: Amberdata Follow the network: @Options on Twitter/X

The crypto markets are in the midst of absolute madness, and this episode of The Crypto Rundown breaks down every twist and turn of this high-stakes soap opera. Host Mark Longo is joined by Bill Ulivieri of Cenacle Capital Management to dissect a week that saw Bitcoin plunge to $60K only to stage a dramatic turnaround. In this episode, we dive deep into the "MSTR Effect"—has MicroStrategy officially stolen the throne from Coinbase as the crypto market's primary bellwether? We explore the massive volatility spikes, the impact of "vibe coding" on market analysis, and the surprising resilience of the IBIT ETF during a period of intense capitulation. In This Episode: Bitcoin Breakdown: Analyzing the 10,000-point swing from $60K back to $75K and the "widows and orphans" state of BTC volatility compared to equity proxies. The MSTR Drama: A look at Michael Saylor's relentless buying and why MicroStrategy might be the "amplified" crypto play of the decade. Altcoin Universe: Why Ethereum (ETH) found a "perfect trend line" at $1,700 and why Bill is eyeing the Canton Network (CC) as a hidden institutional gem. 0DTE in IBIT: How the addition of intra-week expirations is changing the game for premium harvesters. Circle (CRCL) & Beyond: Analyzing the wreckage in Solana, XRP, and Doge, and finding the deals hidden in the firestorm.  

As Bitcoin slides back toward the $78,000 level and Ethereum feels the pressure, the "H" word is back on everyone's mind: Hedging. Is the crypto market finally cooling off, or is this the ultimate "blood in the water" opportunity for savvy institutional players? In this episode, Mark Longo is joined by Pat Wood, President and CEO of Delphix Capital Markets, to discuss the shift from all-time highs to a 37% correction. They dive deep into the mechanics of downside protection, the rise of institutional-grade hedging products, and why traditional finance (TradFi) structures are becoming the new "platinum standard" for digital assets. Inside this Episode: The Bitcoin Breakdown: Analyzing the drop from $88K to $78K. What does the surge in weekly volatility (from 39 to 49) tell us about the next move? Institutional Hedging 101: Why no one wants to buy a hedge at $126K, and why everyone is scrambling for it now. Collars & Put Obligations: Exploring bespoke structures for treasuries and funds that protect capital without cannibalizing yield. The Altcoin Universe: Ethereum breaks below the psychological $2,500 level—is it time for ETH holders to look at downside protection? Plus, updates on Solana, XRP, and the "Circle" sell-off. The Digital Showdown: A flash poll result: Which asset hits par ($100) first—Bitcoin or Silver?   Power Your Trading with Amberdata: Looking for granular on-chain and market data? Access the tools the pros use at Amberdata.io . Join the Options Insider Pro Community: Get access to live Q&A sessions, exclusive rallies, and the "Vol Death Match" at TheOptionsInsider.com/Pro .

On this episode of The Crypto Rundown, Mark Longo is joined by Greg Magadini, Director of Derivatives at Amberdata, to break down a wild start to the year. As Bitcoin (BTC) slips back toward $88k and Ethereum (ETH) struggles to reclaim the $3,000 handle, the team explores why current market conditions are a prime setup for "strangling" volatility. Inside This Episode: The Bitcoin Breakdown: BTC is down nearly 4,000 handles since the last show. We analyze the $88k support level and the shift in the 30-day volatility complex. Gold vs. Bitcoin Volatility: Why is a $34T asset like Gold currently showing nearly the same volatility as the $1.7T Bitcoin market? Greg explains the "Digital Gold" underperformance and what it means for the tape. The Rise of IBIT Dailies: Big news for liquidity! We discuss the launch of Monday and Wednesday weeklies for the BlackRock IBIT ETF and how "Zero Day" (0DTE) culture is officially entering the Bitcoin space. MicroStrategy (MSTR/MSTU) Mechanics: Analyzing the "canary in the coal mine." Is there a "death spiral" risk if BTC continues to slip, or are we on the verge of a massive short squeeze? Strategic Playbook: Why Greg is eyeing wide synthetic strangles and the "right tail" explosion. We also look at the massive bearish shift in weekly skew and what it tells us about trader sentiment. Altcoin Universe: Quick hits on Solana (SOL) volatility, the XRP sub-$2 struggle, and why Circle (CRCL) equity might be the most "serious" altcoin on your radar. Key Resources & Links: Check the Data: Explore professional-grade crypto derivatives metrics at pro.amberdata.io . New AI Insights: Visit intelligence.amberdata.com for Amberdata's new AI-powered market intelligence platform. Follow the Network: Stay updated via X @Options and @Amberdataio .

Is Bitcoin losing its "Digital Gold" status to traditional metals? Host Mark Longo and Bill Ulivieri of Cenacle Capital Management kick off 2026 by breaking down a frustratingly quiet crypto market. While BTC and ETH move like "widows and orphans" stocks, a new institutional player—The Canton Network—is appearing on the horizon. In this episode, we dive into: The BTC Breakdown: Analyzing the massive gap between Bitcoin and Gold performance. Volatility Shifts: How IBIT and TradFi are killing the legendary "crypto upside skew." Altcoin Universe: Why Ethereum is "sleeping" and what's next for Solana and Circle (CRCL). The "Drumroll" Moment: Bill introduces the Canton Network—the institutional play for US Treasuries on the blockchain. The 2026 Crystal Ball: Mark and Bill place their bets on where the VIX ends the year. This episode is brought to you by Amberdata. Eliminate infrastructure headaches and access granular digital asset data today at www.amberdata.io .

Bitcoin is back north of $90k and the crypto markets are firing on all cylinders to kick off 2026! Mark Longo returns for the first Bitcoin Breakdown of the year to analyze the massive "love fest" in digital assets and what the data tells us about the months ahead. In This Episode: The Bitcoin Breakdown: Bitcoin surges nearly $7,000 in a single week. We compare the current $94k levels to the start of 2025 and discuss whether BTC is truly acting as "digital gold". Volatility & Skew Analysis: Using Amberdata metrics, we look at the spike in weekly and monthly vol, and the shifting skew that suggests the "yield-seekers" are changing the derivatives landscape. The IBIT Story: BlackRock's IBIT continues its dominance. We break down the massive open interest in the Jan 43 puts and what it means for institutional sentiment. Altcoin Universe: A resurgence across the board! From ETH regaining the $3,200 level to double-digit pops in Solana and XRP, we rank the Top 10 by market cap. Yield Generation in Circle: Analyzing a massive stock repair/ratio spread in Circle options and what it reveals about current risk-reward profiles. Crypto Question of the Week: Will the major crypto assets end 2026 higher or lower? We reveal the early poll results. Resources Mentioned: Amberdata: Granular on-chain and market data for institutions. amberdata.io Options Insider Pro: Get access to exclusive Q&A sessions and Vol Deathmatch 2.0. theoptionsinsider.com/pro

The 2025 Crypto Year in Review | Bitcoin Breakdown & The IBIT Revolution As we close the books on an insane 2025, Mark Longo and Greg Magadini from Amberdata sit down for the final episode of The Crypto Rundown of the year. It has been a year of massive adoption, regulatory shifts, and the definitive "IPO moment" for Bitcoin. From the explosion of IBIT options to the wild rollercoaster of Ethereum and the rise of digital asset treasuries, we break down the data that defined the last 12 months. Inside This Episode: The 2025 Bitcoin Retrospective: Bitcoin started the year in the mid-90s, hit an all-time high of $126,000 in October, and weathered the "Tariff Tantrum" lows of $76,000. The IBIT Story: Why the IBIT ETF was the story of the year, bringing traditional US investors into the crypto vol space and shifting the vol surface from the offshore "whales" to Wall Street. Ethereum's Multiple Lives: ETH went from being "dead" in Q1 to hitting nearly $5,000 in August, before finishing the year back under $3,000. The Changing Vol Landscape: A deep dive into why crypto skew has turned negative, looking more like traditional equity markets than the "call-heavy" markets of years past. Altcoin Universe Wrap-up: Analyzing the 2025 performance of Solana, XRP, Doge, and the "Netflix of stablecoins," Circle. Digital Asset Treasuries: The struggle of MicroStrategy (MSTR) and MSTU as momentum shifted at the tail end of the year. Notable Quotes: "The spot ETF was the IPO moment for Bitcoin. It was the time for big-time whales to finally get liquidity and distribute shares like a corporate listing." — Greg Magadini Resources & Links: Amberdata: Access granular on-chain and market data at Amberdata.io . Options Insider Pro: Join the community and get the Pro Trading Crate at TheOptionsInsider.com/Pro . Follow the Network: Stay updated on Twitter @Options and @Amberdataio.

The Crypto Rundown 302: Holiday Whipsaws & The $90k Bitcoin Battle Episode Summary: Bitcoin is entering the holiday stretch with a fight for the $90,000 handle following the Fed's final interest rate cut of 2025. Host Mark Longo breaks down the high-stakes leverage building in the crypto markets. We analyze the "sell-the-open" pattern hitting U.S. sessions, the massive open interest in Bitcoin futures, and why the $85,000 floor remains the most critical support level for the end-of-year "Santa Rally."

Mark Longo welcomes Greg Magadini of Amberdata for The Crypto Rundown to dissect the crypto market's weakness following the latest Fed meeting. As Bitcoin (BTC) drops back below the $90,000 level and altcoins like Ethereum (ETH) and Solana (SOL) pull back, the hosts analyze critical volatility indicators and options flow to determine if a full "crypto winter" is approaching, or if it's time to buy the dip. Key Discussion Points & Trading Insights Is Winter Coming? Bitcoin has pulled back $4,000 post-FOMC, leading to a highly divided audience poll on whether to buy the dip or prepare for more downside. Vol Skew Analysis: The volatility surface has fundamentally reshaped since the summer, with long-dated Put Skew (puts more expensive than calls) priced in all the way out to 180 days. Greg explains how this positioning suggests IBIT holders are well-hedged. Critical Inflection Point: Analysis of Gamma Exposure profiles pinpoints the $85,000 strike as the key downside level for dealers, separating consolidation from a major crash risk. Understanding Shadow Term Structure: Greg explains this cool Amberdata tool, which acts as a time-lapse for volatility, allowing traders to compare current term structure to historical trends. Hottest Crypto Options: Dissection of trades in IBIT (Bitcoin ETF) and the highly speculative MSTU (leveraged MicroStrategy). Learn why the MSTU upside is a favorite sell for premium collectors. Altcoin Universe: Analysis of Ethereum (ETH) falling below $3,000, Solana (SOL) (SOL) at $125, and their relative volatility against each other. Trading Strategy: Greg explains why he prefers to sell long-term puts on assets like Circle (C) to finance long-term call spreads, capturing high Vega exposure before expected volatility repricing. Volatility Data Covered: BTC, ETH Volatility (7-Day, 30-Day, 180-Day) BTC, ETH Vol Skew & Risk Reversal IBIT Options Flow (Dec 52/54 Vertical)