Volatility Finally Popped and Stacy Turned It Into a $21K Win

Hey Options Trader,

This week’s market action gave us exactly what disciplined options traders wait for. We saw a brief volatility spike that created selective opportunities, while the broader trend remains constructive heading into earnings season. I’ll walk through how I’m thinking about QQQ, VIX, cash allocation, and why I’m staying bullish but controlled. I’ll also highlight a strong client result, break down this week’s free trade, and share a new video update.

Here’s what we are covering:

1. Market outlook for the week ahead

2. Client Spotlight with Stacy

3. Free Trade of the Week

4. Bonus resource and latest portfolio update

Market Snapshot

My outlook for the week is bullish, with discipline. We saw the $VIX ( ▲ 0.13% ) spike up to around 18 last week, which in my view was the volatility pop many of us had been waiting for. While it wasn’t extreme, it did provide solid entries in select names, and there are still discounted stocks available, including Robinhood.

As we head toward earnings week starting January 30th, I think $QQQ ( ▼ 0.08% ) can grind modestly higher toward the prior all-time highs near $637, while VIX likely drifts back below 15. Even with a bullish bias, I am keeping VIX-based cash allocation levels very strict, with roughly 20% cash ready to deploy on any unexpected news. We also have the Fed interest rate decision the following week, and with markets closed for Martin Luther King Day on Monday, this will be a shortened trading week.

Client Spotlight

Stacy has been an incredible example of consistency and execution. In her first two months inside Options Trading University, she has produced returns in the 3 to 5% range, including a $21,000 profit in December alone. More importantly, she has stayed disciplined, followed the system, and built confidence through repeatable results. We had the pleasure of interviewing her recently, and you can watch her full story by clicking the button below.

Free Trade of the Week

Ticker: $CRDO ( ▲ 1.24% )  
Strategy: Sell the 130 cash-secured put
Premium Collected: Approximately $600
Duration: 34 days
ROI: 4.62%
Annualized Return (compounded monthly): Approximately 72%
Risk: If CRDO falls below 130, assignment of 100 shares at an effective entry below the lower Bollinger Band on the daily chart.

I like CRDO because the company holds a substantial amount of cash, enough to cover its debt multiple times over. While the P/E ratio is elevated above 100, net profit margins are strong, and the chart setup combined with premium quality makes this trade attractive. If assigned, the entry would be below the lower Bollinger Band, which historically provides a favorable risk-reward zone.

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Bonus Video

Be sure to check out my most recent update video where I break down a new position, along with updates on Robinhood and IREN, and how I’m positioning the portfolio going into earnings.

Consistency compounds faster than intensity.

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.