Volatility Views 87: It All Comes Down to Timing Volatility Review: The VIX shot up at the beginning of the week, but was selling off by the end of the week. There was a broad vol story happening this week, particularly in the commodities with gold vol spiking 500% over two weeks. Volatility Viewpoint: Bob Krause discusses the RealVol Index, available at VolX, which features nine daily indexes. Bob also talks about how a real-time value can be calculated from a daily value. Listener Mail: Tell us what you want to know.

• Question from Blake M, Troy, NY: If I trade bullish risk reversals, does the volatility premium give me an inherent advantage over collar/bearish risk reversal trades?
• Question from Mitten, Toronto, ON: When does VolX plan to launch a RealVol contract on commodities? I think a metals contract would be very popular and profitable for the exchange.
• Question from Mike P: Mark, are you aware of any research, or can you bring on any guest to discuss to the performance of at-the-money straddles during earnings cycles? It can be either from the short or long side. I'm surprised at the lack of available information on this topic, given the importance of the subject matter. This impacts pretty much every options trader at least once every quarter. Any light that you could shine on this through your fantastic radio network and website would be very much appreciated.

The Crystal Ball: Apple and other earnings next week, which have an impact on vol premium. The bulls could be coming back in force.