January Volatility Setup, 2025 Portfolio Performance, and a $59,000 Client Breakthrough

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Hey Options Trader,

The markets are entering a more tactical phase as we head into the heart of January, with volatility starting to creep back into the equation. While the broader trend remains constructive longer term, the short term setup suggests we may see some back and forth as key economic data hits the tape. This week is more about positioning, patience, and preparation than chasing momentum. Staying flexible here allows us to take advantage of higher premiums and better entries if volatility expands.

Here’s what we are covering:

1. My neutral market outlook heading into key economic data

2. Client Spotlight on a first month $59,000 win

3. Free Trade of the Week with a high probability income setup

4. Bonus resource covering my full 2025 portfolio results

Market Snapshot

My market outlook is neutral heading into next week. We have several key catalysts coming up, including ADP unemployment and the U.S. unemployment rate on Friday, January 9th, which could easily introduce more volatility.

$QQQ ( ▼ 0.19% ) is currently trading around $613, and I think a pullback toward $605 or even $600 is very possible if volatility expands. On the upside, if unemployment data comes in weaker than expected and March rate cut probabilities increase, we could see a retest of the $637 area. The $VIX ( ▼ 2.94% ) is currently sitting in the mid 14s around $14.52, and we are now roughly 35 days into the average 42 day period where the VIX stays below $18.50. As we approach that threshold, the odds of a volatility spike increase, which is why I expect a potential pullback first, followed by a rally higher into earnings season.

Client Spotlight

This week’s client spotlight goes to Les. In his very first month trading with Options Trading University, Les generated $59,000 in profit by following our structured approach and risk management principles. Since then, he has gone on to produce six figure months and wrapped up a very successful 2025.

Stories like this are becoming more common inside OTU, with other clients recently sharing results such as Jason reaching $536,000 in profit and Chad reaching $692,000 in profit since joining in 2025.

Free Trade of the Week

Ticker: $IREN ( ▲ 13.05% )  
Strategy: Sell the January 30th $33 cash secured put
Premium Collected: $100
Duration: 28 days
ROI: Just over 3%
Annualized Return (compounded monthly): Approximately 42%
Risk: Assignment at $33 per share, a level well below current price and far from all-time highs

IREN saw a strong 13% rebound today, but I believe the move is not over. The stock is still well off its all-time highs, premiums remain elevated, and the company is fundamentally strong. As AI capital rotates back into the sector, IREN stands to benefit significantly due to its low cost electricity contracts in Texas and its ability to efficiently scale data center infrastructure.

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Bonus Video

I just uploaded a new YouTube video breaking down my full 2025 portfolio returns and walking through my top three cash secured put opportunities for the coming week. This is a great resource if you want to see how everything fits together at the portfolio level.

Discipline in preparation creates confidence in execution.

Talk soon,

Ryan

Disclaimer: This newsletter is for educational purposes only and is not a recommendation to buy or sell any financial instruments. Trading involves risk, and you are responsible for your own investment decisions.