VIX Spike Setup Plus Mike’s $52k Profit Month

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Hey Options Trader,

Markets closed the week with elevated volatility, and heading into next week I’m approaching things with a slightly cautious yet bullish mindset. We’re sitting at a critical level in QQQ while the VIX remains historically elevated for the year, which keeps opportunity front and center for income-focused traders. I’m staying patient, keeping cash ready for volatility spikes, and watching closely for macro data that could shape direction. In today’s newsletter, I’ll walk you through how I’m positioning, highlight a powerful client story, and share a high-probability setup I’m watching right now.

Here’s what we are covering:

1. My market outlook for the week ahead

2. Client Spotlight and recent wins from the community

3. Free Trade of the Week

4. Bonus Resource video and updates

Market Snapshot

My outlook going into next week is slightly cautious yet bullish on any meaningful pullback. $QQQ ( ▼ 1.5% ) closed below 600 at 599.75, which opens the door for a potential flush toward 580, especially with the $VIX ( ▲ 24.17% ) closing at 29, a 2026 high. While the odds of it pushing higher on Monday are low, any negative weekend news could send the VIX above 30, which would create a strong opportunity to deploy capital.

I currently have about 11% cash on the sidelines and would be adding LEAPS across my favorite names if that scenario plays out. That said, I don’t expect a major selloff. I think we likely chop between 595 and 605 next week with limited catalysts until Core CPI on Wednesday. We also saw unemployment come in higher than expected, which boosted July rate cut odds and supported equities. Continued data pointing to cooling inflation and softer labor markets would be very bullish overall.

Client Spotlight

This week’s spotlight is on Mike, who we interviewed last week and recently hit a $52k profit month, which speaks to the power of disciplined execution over time.

We also saw strong results across the community this week, including one client locking in about $8,000 in weekly profit and another closing February with over $205,000 in gains.

Free Trade of the Week

Ticker: $PLTR ( ▲ 2.94% )  
Strategy: Sell the April 10th $140 put
Premium Collected: $430
Duration: 35 days
ROI: 3.19%
Annualized Return (compounded monthly): 38.1%
Risk: Assignment risk below the 140 level if momentum fades or broader markets weaken

PLTR continues to show strong momentum this week, supported by rotation into defense and continued interest around its AI capabilities in military applications. Technically, MACD has stayed in a bullish crossover while RSI remains strong, and I believe momentum could continue toward the 170 level over the next week if markets stay constructive.

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Bonus Video

Be sure to check out my most recent YouTube video where I break down five stocks I’m actively scaling into for next week and how I’m positioning around volatility.

Stay focused, stay tactical, and use this week’s volatility to your advantage.

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.