Why hasn’t “VOL” done better amidst stock market losses in 2022 with Logica’s Wayne Himelsein

Why hasn’t “VOL” done better amidst stock market losses in 2022 with Logica’s Wayne Himelsein

Author: RCM Alternatives December 9, 2022 Duration: 1:16:36

Despite the market being down substantially this year, bouncing around inside of bear market territory, it's been a bit of a challenging year for long-vol traders. Simply put, the Vol spikes we’ve become accustomed to getting with a down market haven’t materialized as much.  While the retracement of vol on bounces higher in stocks has remained. it's hard not to think, "What is going on?!'  And that's why we're putting Wayne Himelsein, CIO at Logica, in the 'Vol' seat to share what he's witnessed in 2022.

In our final episode of 2022, Jeff and Wayne delve into a variety of topics like; the lack of Vol sensitivity, contagion risks, and feedback loops, digging into Logica's straddle strategy, paying for long-term exposure, problems with machine learning, and is there enough data for machines and quants to work with when it comes to volatility? Tune in to see if this new Vol regime is our new normal — SEND IT!

Chapters:

00:00-02:23 = Intro

02:24-05:28 = Sunny California from "the bunker"

05:29-27:00 = A difficult year for Long-Vol traders: Lack of sensitivity, contagion risks, feedback loops & is selling Vol protection

27:01-41:00 = Digging into Logica's strategy: Put spreads, Gamma Scalping & protecting what you're trying to protect

41:01-51:22 = Skew vs Distribution of Return: Panic events, debunking the signal & the skew price is lower than it used to be

51:23-01:00:21 = Is there enough data to cipher the VIX? / Problems with machine learning

01:00:22-01:12:03 = Seeking strength in the straddle

01:12:04-01:16:35 = Hottest take: Vol, there is no normal

Other Derivative Episodes with Wayne:

Wayne Himelsein: The Human Behind the Hedge Fund

The Volvengers: Wayne Himelsein (Iron Man) & Mike Green (Captain America) on the derivative

Follow along with Wayne on Twitter @WayneHimelsein and check out Logicafunds.com for more information

Don't forget to subscribe to The Derivative, and follow us on Twitter at @rcmAlts and our host Jeff at @AttainCap2, or LinkedIn , and Facebook, and sign-up for our blog digest.

Disclaimer: This podcast is provided for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as legal, business, or tax advice. All opinions expressed by podcast participants are solely their own opinions and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of RCM Alternatives, their affiliates, or companies featured. Due to industry regulations, participants on this podcast are instructed not to make specific trade recommendations, nor reference past or potential profits. And listeners are reminded that managed futures, commodity trading, and other alternative investments are complex and carry a risk of substantial losses. As such, they are not suitable for all investors. For more information, visit www.rcmalternatives.com/disclaimer


For investors looking beyond the traditional stock and bond markets, The Derivative offers a deep and practical exploration of the alternative investment landscape. Hosted by RCM Managing Partner Jeff Malec, this podcast demystifies complex strategies and brings listeners directly into conversations with the hedge fund managers and specialized investors who navigate these unique asset classes. Each episode breaks down the mechanics, risks, and opportunities behind non-traditional investments, from managed futures and private equity to niche market strategies. The discussions are grounded in real-world analysis, moving beyond theory to examine what actually drives performance and strategy in this dynamic corner of finance. By focusing on the people and ideas shaping the field, The Derivative provides an insider's perspective that is both educational and actionable. Listeners gain a clearer understanding of portfolio diversification and the tactical approaches used by professional fund managers. This podcast serves as a valuable resource for anyone seeking to comprehend the broader, often opaque world of alternatives, delivered through straightforward dialogue and expert commentary. Tune in for a focused and insightful ride through the strategies that define alternative investing.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

The Derivative
Podcast Episodes
Spring Six Pack talking Florida Conferences, Bonds, AI & Hand Dryers [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:41
Join Jeff Malec for another solo Six Pack episode of The Derivative, where he riffs on everything from the post-COVID conference circuit to bond markets, AI, and yes… public restrooms. Jeff contrasts the buttoned-up ener…
The Hedge Fund that Polls Regular People Where Markets Are Going ? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:20:36
In this episode, Jeff Malec sits down with Vuk Vukovic and Scott Alford of Oraclum Capital (ORCA) to explore how an academic project on elections turned into a $70M hedge fund powered by crowd predictions. Vuk explains h…