Volatility Views

Volatility Views 142: The Swiss Franc Black Swan Volatility Review: A look at the week that was: Swiss Franc: Deutsche Bank AG suffered about $150 million in losses Thursday after the Swiss National Bank abruptly removed the cap on the Swiss franc’s value, sparking a massive rally. Meanwhile, a major U.S. currency broker warned its equity was wiped out, a U.K. retail broker entered insolvency and a New Zealand foreign-exchange trading house collapsed. Crude Oil: Oil prices fell on Thursday after weak U.S. economic data spurred worries over crude oil demand. U.S. crude declined $2.23, or 4.6 percent, to settle at $46.25 a barrel. Brent crude was last down $1 to trade around $48 a barrel. Volatility Voicemail: Listener questions and comments Question from Mark Brant - @Options How long does VIX backwardation normally last and are the reversions to contango sharp or mild? Question from Analygos - I have heard you discuss previously buying options prior to earnings to capitalize on free gamma with no decay. My