Not sure which signals to trust? We’ll show you how to use Tape to cut through the noise and identify real-time flow that signals market sentiment shifts.
What You’ll Learn:
Introduction to Tape and Its Evolution (00:01:39 – 00:02:44)
Tape is a fundamental flow visualization tool integrated into SpotGamma’s dashboard, evolving from traditional options flow data into an interactive, visual format with HIRO, allowing users to track unusual options activity without subscribing to external flow services.
Dashboard Features and Tape Integration (00:03:17 – 00:07:57)
Tape is accessible both on its dedicated page and beneath the HIRO window, featuring options volume, premiums, and Greek exposures for selected tickers. Key dashboard tips include resetting filters to ensure accurate, real-time data visualization.
Use Cases: Iron Condor Validation and Market Reaction (00:09:58 – 00:19:30)
By analyzing tape and cross-referencing with TRACE and Synthetic Open Interest, traders can identify large iron condors—and other complex multi-leg option spreads—and validate their impact on prices and hedging activity, as demonstrated with SPX and Google examples.
Flow Interpretation and Trade Confirmation Techniques (00:24:38 – 00:29:19)
Understanding size, timing, and matched timestamps is crucial for interpreting spreads and block trades. The presenter highlights how to discern bullish or bearish options flow and confirms these in HIRO through price action alignment, illustrated with Tesla and DDOG trades.
Ticker-Specific Insights and Calendar Spread Dynamics (00:29:49 – 00:31:56)
Deep dives into tickers like CoreWeave reveal prevalent calendar spreads, which are strategic volatility trades involving selling near-term and buying longer-term options. These positional insights help gauge market sentiment and expected volatility.
Strategic Framework for Using Tape and HIRO in Trading (00:36:21 – 00:48:41)
Tape and HIRO provide a framework to anticipate price behavior around key levels, such as the 6450 strike iron condor in SPX, by analyzing gamma exposure and flow dynamics. Traders can use these insights to set trade bias, identify consolidation zones, and prepare for breakout or breakdown scenarios.
