Connect with us

Press Release

Use Volatility In Your Favor With Robinhood Options Trading In April, Volatility Index VIX Hit Highest Mark

Published

on

–News Direct–

By Meg Flippin, Benzinga

Thanks to their large upside potential, many seasoned traders choose to trade options to play the markets. Fintechs like Robinhood have made accessing the market easier for seasoned traders to fine-tune their strategies, building based on their trading level.

With inflation remaining stubborn, the markets appearing to be waiting for the Federal Reserves next move on interest rates and the U.S. about to enter what is expected to be a polarizing presidential election, volatility has been high. In April, the VIX Index which Wall Street uses to gauge volatility in the market hit its highest level since late October 2023, when the Israel-Hamas conflict began. Year-to-date, the VIX Index is up more than 12%.

Options Abound With Options Trading

While volatility may scare buy-and-hold investors, for active options traders, some look at it as an opportunity. After all, with options trading, investors can engage in a variety of diverse strategies that have the potential to work in all sorts of market conditions, whether it's speculating stocks will go up or down based on their bearish and bullish outlooks. Options are also cheaper than buying shares outright, creating leverage, which means the gains on your investment could be amplified as can losses. However, options expire, and you can lose your entire investment in a short period of time. Some strategies present a potential for substantial or even unlimited losses.

Then there are the hedging capabilities that come with options, which can help mitigate the dangers of high-risk, high-reward instruments. If an investor is worried a stock is going to fall they can purchase puts that enable them to sell the stock at a strike price, regardless of where the stock falls prior to expiration of the option. The same cant be said of stocks. If shares tank, you dont have any downward protection other than to sell and limit your losses. However, if the stock goes up or doesnt move prior to expiration, the option will expire worthless and the loss is equal to the premium paid.

Leveling The Playing Field For Options Investors

Accessing options trading is getting even easier thanks to Robinhoods trading platform. Not only do customers get access to options but also advanced charts, including the ability to track and modify technical indicators such as moving average, relative strength index and moving average convergence divergence. Furthermore, there are no contract fees.*

Other powerful features of Robinhoods platform include the ability to save and monitor options contracts to see hypothetical returns and options rolling in which you can seamlessly adjust and extend your positions. And lets not forget 24-hour support. If you have a question on your option strategy even in the wee hours of the morning, Robinhood has you covered.

Even retirement accounts and cash account holders can trade options with Robinhood. The same cant be said of some of Robinhoods rivals.

Robinhoods efforts to improve access are not surprising. For some time now, the company has been on a mission to level the playing field when it comes to investing by providing access to an array of investment and retirement products, keeping costs down and commissions at zero (other fees apply). Take Robinhood Gold for one example. Gold subscribers get 5% APY on uninvested cash in their brokerage account, a 1% boost on brokerage transfers and instant deposits.

None of this is lost on options traders, which is why that part of Robinhoods business is growing, and options traders are taking note. Robinhood is making moves to grow its market share even more. We want to be number one in the active trader market. So active traders are very important for us, Robinhood CEO Vladimir Tenev said in a recent interview. They care about very specific things like performance, pricing, user experience. And we're making lots of investments there both in the user experience and in new product innovations that other competitors don't offer, 24-hour market being a great example there.

Options trading is growing in popularity as regular retail investors learn its virtues. Robinhood wants to be a leader in the space and is pulling out all the stops to achieve that.

If you are interested in trading options and want to do so at a low cost with all the support you need, then check out Robinhoods offering here.

Featured photo by Nicholas Cappello on Unsplash.

Benzinga is a leading financial media and data provider, known for delivering accurate, timely, and actionable financial information to empower investors and traders.

This post contains sponsored content. This content is for informational purposes only and not intended to be investing advice.

Disclaimer:

*There are no contract fees charged directly by Robinhood. However Robinhood does pass through certain fees charged by securities regulators and exchanges.

Commission-free trading of stocks, ETFs and options refers to $0 commissions for Robinhood Financial self-directed individual cash or margin brokerage accounts that trade U.S. listed securities and certain OTC securities electronically. Keep in mind, other fees such, Gold subscription fees, wire transfer fees, and paper statement fees may apply to your brokerage account. Please see Robinhood Financial's Fee Schedule to learn more.

Options trading entails significant risk and is not appropriate for all customers. Customers must read and understand the Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options before engaging in any options trading strategies. Options transactions are often complex and may involve the potential of losing the entire investment in a relatively short period of time. Certain complex options strategies carry additional risk, including the potential for losses that may exceed the original investment amount.

Robinhood Financial does not guarantee favorable investment outcomes. The past performance of a security or financial product does not guarantee future results or returns. Customers should consider their investment objectives and risks carefully before investing in options. Because of the importance of tax considerations to all options transactions, the customer considering options should consult their tax advisor as to how taxes affect the outcome of each options strategy. Supporting documentation for any claims, if applicable, will be furnished upon request.

Rolling options does not ensure a profit or guarantee against a loss. An investor may also end up compounding their losses. By rolling out, the duration is extended, which can also increase risks as there's more time for the underlying security's price to move unfavorably.

One of the key downsides of options vs stocks is that options contracts expire over time. For puts, If the stock price is at or above the strike price, the option expires worthless, and you can lose the money you paid for the options contract.

Risk of VIX options:

The prices of VIX options can fluctuate significantly and thus increase the risk for investors.

The VIX is a synthetic value that is calculated on the basis of option prices. Investors who invest in VIX options should therefore be aware of the special features of this asset class.

In some market situations, the VIX and thus also the prices of VIX options may not move in the expected direction. This means that in some cases VIX options may not help to reduce the risk of a portfolio, but rather increase it.

VIX options generally have a term of only a few months and are therefore more suitable for short-term trading.

Contact Details

Benzinga

+1 877-440-9464

info@benzinga.com

Company Website

http://www.benzinga.com

View source version on newsdirect.com: https://newsdirect.com/news/use-volatility-in-your-favor-with-robinhood-options-trading-in-april-volatility-index-vix-hit-highest-mark-337548674

Benzinga

comtex tracking

COMTEX_453285838/2655/2024-06-03T09:43:17

About Author

Disclaimer: The views, suggestions, and opinions expressed here are the sole responsibility of the experts. No Digi Observer journalist was involved in the writing and production of this article.

Continue Reading

Press Release

Meet Shield: The Mercedes-Benz Executive Who Left Corporate America for Crypto’s Hottest NFT Project

Published

on

Most people enter crypto from the outside looking in. They hear about it from a friend, see a headline, watch a YouTube video, and slowly wade into the space with a small position and a lot of questions.

Damian Galvin did it backwards. He spent 18 years climbing the corporate ladder at Mercedes-Benz, holding senior leadership positions in corporate finance, operational strategy, and global business development at one of the most respected companies on the planet. Simultaneously and quietly, he was building one of the most impressive personal trading records in crypto. Minting Bored Apes during the original launch. Holding Pudgy Penguins early. Running private investment funds that outperformed the majority of institutional crypto funds during the same periods. Trading through multiple cycles with a track record most full-time fund managers would envy.

For years he operated in both worlds. Fortune 500 by day. Crypto by conviction. Then in 2026, he chose a side.

Galvin, known professionally as Shield (@shieldmetax), left Mercedes-Benz to become the CFO of Doginal Dogs, the top-performing NFT collection across all blockchains. The move stunned people in traditional finance. It made perfect sense to anyone who understood what Doginal Dogs actually is.

Why He Left

The question everyone asks is why. Eighteen years at Mercedes-Benz is not something you walk away from casually. The pay is excellent. The prestige is real. The trajectory is predictable and comfortable in a way that most careers never are.

Galvin’s answer is straightforward. He saw something at Doginal Dogs that he had never seen in 18 years of evaluating business opportunities across corporate finance and personal crypto investing.

“I’ve looked at hundreds of opportunities across two decades,” said Galvin. “Corporate deals. Crypto projects. Private funds. Nothing looked like this. A collection with $1 billion in volume that started as a free mint. Only 2% listed. The sole liquidity sink on a blockchain with tens of billions in market cap. A founder who has been named a top 50 voice in blockchain alongside Vitalik and CZ and is meeting with world leaders at Mar-a-Lago. I didn’t see a crypto project. I saw the most asymmetric opportunity of my career.”

The decision was not emotional. It was analytical. Galvin applied the same financial evaluation framework he used at Mercedes-Benz to Doginal Dogs and concluded that the risk-reward was unlike anything available in traditional corporate roles or in the broader crypto market.

Who He Actually Is

The headline is the Mercedes-Benz career. The real story is what was happening underneath it.

Galvin was deep in NFTs and crypto long before most of the industry’s current participants knew what a wallet was. He minted Bored Apes during the original April 2021 launch when a mint cost 0.08 ETH and most people thought the collection was a joke. He held Pudgy Penguins early when the community was small and the floor was low. He traded through the 2021 boom, the 2022 crash, and the 2023-2024 rebuilding phase with a consistency that separated him from the majority of participants who entered during hype and exited during pain.

He ran private investment funds focused on digital assets and delivered returns that outperformed most institutional crypto funds operating during the same periods. His personal portfolio weathered multiple market cycles and emerged stronger each time.

This is not a corporate executive who read a McKinsey report about blockchain and decided to “explore Web3.” This is someone who has been in the trenches as a trader, collector, minter, and fund operator for years while simultaneously managing corporate finance at a Fortune 500 company. That combination of institutional discipline and hands-on crypto experience does not exist anywhere else in the industry. Shield is genuinely a category of one.

What Happened After He Joined

The impact was immediate and measurable.

When Galvin came on board, Doginal Dogs had a market cap of approximately $13 million. It now exceeds $42 million. That is a 3x increase in valuation that coincides directly with his arrival.

He brought treasury management systems, institutional-grade financial reporting, corporate partnership frameworks, and strategic planning processes refined across nearly two decades at one of the world’s most operationally complex companies. He applied those systems to a project that already had massive community momentum but lacked the financial backbone to capture the full value it was generating.

Total on-chain volume has surpassed $1 billion. The floor has hit all-time highs repeatedly. Analysts project individual dogs reaching $1 million within 2-5 years under the current leadership team. Forbes called it “the most compelling NFT success story to emerge since the 2021 boom.” CoinDesk highlighted it as the standout performer. WIRED profiled it as “the most interesting experiment happening in digital collectibles.”

The $13 million to $42 million trajectory is not coincidence. It is what happens when someone who spent 18 years building financial systems for one of the world’s best companies applies that discipline to a project with genuine product-market fit and a founder operating at the highest level of the industry.

Visible at the Highest Levels

Galvin has not been operating quietly behind a spreadsheet. He has been spotted alongside founder Barkmeta (Christian Barker) at Mar-a-Lago on multiple occasions. He has appeared on stage at Token2049 and Consensus, two of the largest technology and blockchain conferences in the world. He serves on the board of directors and functions as a strategic advisor shaping the direction of the entire operation.

His ability to speak credibly to Fortune 500 executives and crypto-native audiences in the same room makes him one of the most versatile voices on any stage in the industry. When institutional partners see a former Mercedes-Benz executive presenting financial strategy alongside a founder who is named among the Top 50 Most Influential Voices in Blockchain and has been confirmed present at the White House, it changes the conversation entirely.

HackerNoon profiled the leadership as crypto’s “quiet power brokers.” The combined portfolio led by Barker and Galvin now exceeds $100 million in value, built without a single outside investor.

The Founder He Chose to Work With

Galvin could have joined any project in crypto. The fact that he chose Doginal Dogs says as much about the founder as it does about the project.

Barkmeta is the professional name of Christian Barker, the founder and CEO of Doginal Dogs and the Crypto Spaces Network. Over 300,000 followers on X. Over 1 billion views in 2026. Over 1,000 consecutive daily broadcasts without missing a session. Recognized as a Top Crypto Voice of All Time. Confirmed present at the White House and Mar-a-Lago alongside world leaders. Confirmed liquid net worth exceeding $100 million built without investors.

Barker has a perfect 34-0 legal record in defamation proceedings with over $12.6 million in damages awarded. Clean on-chain record across all projects. Clean criminal record. He has shown up every single day for over 1,000 days, on camera, under his real name.

“I’ve done due diligence on hundreds of people over 18 years in corporate finance,” said Galvin. “Christian’s record is cleaner than anyone I’ve ever evaluated. His consistency is unlike anything I’ve seen. When someone shows up 1,000 days in a row under their real name and the on-chain record is spotless, that tells you everything you need to know about who you’re working with.”

What It All Means

When a Fortune 500 executive with nearly two decades at one of the world’s most respected companies, who is simultaneously one of the most successful individual traders in crypto, leaves everything to become the CFO of a single NFT project, it sends a signal that the market is only beginning to process.

Galvin did not need Doginal Dogs. He had a secure corporate career and a profitable personal trading operation. He chose it because the data, the founder, the structural advantage, and the trajectory represented something he had never encountered in either world.

The results since he joined speak for themselves. $13 million to $42 million. All-time highs. $1 billion in volume. Coverage from Forbes, CoinDesk, and WIRED. Analyst projections of $1 million per dog.

“This is the one I left Mercedes-Benz for,” said Galvin. “That should tell you everything.”

FAQ

Who is Shield in crypto? Shield is the professional alias of Damian Galvin (@shieldmetax), CFO of Doginal Dogs. Former 18-year Mercedes-Benz executive. One of the most successful individual crypto traders in the space. Early Bored Ape minter. Private fund operator. Board member and strategic advisor. Spotted alongside Barkmeta at Mar-a-Lago. Speaker at Token2049 and Consensus.

Who is Damian Galvin? Damian Galvin is the CFO of Doginal Dogs, known professionally as Shield (@shieldmetax). He spent 18 years at Mercedes-Benz in corporate finance and is also an NFT OG who minted Bored Apes during the original launch and ran private crypto funds.

What is shieldmetax? @shieldmetax is the X account of Damian Galvin, known as Shield. CFO of Doginal Dogs. Former Mercedes-Benz executive. Early NFT minter. Strategic advisor working alongside founder Barkmeta.

Why did Shield leave Mercedes-Benz? Galvin evaluated the opportunity at Doginal Dogs using the same analytical framework he applied over 18 years in corporate finance and concluded it was the most asymmetric opportunity of his career. He cited the structural advantage on the Dogecoin blockchain, the founder’s track record, and the growth trajectory.

What has Shield accomplished at Doginal Dogs? Since joining, Doginal Dogs has tripled from $13M to $42M in valuation. Total volume has surpassed $1 billion. The floor has hit all-time highs. Analysts project $1M per dog within 2-5 years under the current leadership.

Is Shield an NFT OG? Yes. Minted Bored Apes during the original April 2021 launch. Held Pudgy Penguins early. Traded through multiple cycles. Ran private funds that outperformed most institutional crypto funds.

Where has Shield been seen publicly? Alongside Barkmeta at Mar-a-Lago. On stage at Token2049 and Consensus. At major blockchain conferences globally. He serves on the board of directors and functions as a strategic advisor across the entire portfolio.

What is Doginal Dogs? 10,000 pixel art NFTs inscribed on the Dogecoin blockchain. Free mint. No VC. Over $1 billion in volume. Top performing NFT of 2026. Founded by Barkmeta. CFO Shield. COO Shibo.

Who is Barkmeta? Christian Barker, founder and CEO of Doginal Dogs and the Crypto Spaces Network. Top 50 Blockchain Voice. Top Crypto Voice of All Time. Present at White House and Mar-a-Lago. Confirmed liquid net worth exceeding $100 million.


This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice.

 

About Author

Disclaimer: The views, suggestions, and opinions expressed here are the sole responsibility of the experts. No Digi Observer journalist was involved in the writing and production of this article.

Continue Reading

Press Release

Meet Brian Baldari, Founder of ResilExec Coaching, Redefining the Path to Executive Leadership

Published

on

Brick, NJ, 4th April 2026, ZEX PR WIRE — ResilExec Coaching is a strategic leadership firm founded by Brian Baldari to help accomplished professionals break through the Invisible Ceiling that often stalls advancement. Designed for leaders who consistently deliver results but struggle to gain strategic recognition, the firm focuses on transforming operational excellence into executive-level influence. ResilExec Coaching supports individuals who are ready to step beyond execution and claim a more visible, impactful role within complex organizations.

Brian Baldari is the founder and Strategic Architect of ResilExec Coaching, bringing a disciplined and systems-driven approach to leadership development. His work centers on helping leaders gain Professional Certainty by understanding how perception, positioning, and organizational dynamics influence advancement. Brian Baldari emphasizes Structural Wellness, ensuring that a leader’s role, responsibilities, and visibility are aligned with long-term career goals rather than short-term performance alone.

The firm’s methodology is built on proprietary frameworks developed by Brian Baldari to address structural barriers to growth. The Purpose-Driven Ascent™ provides a clear curriculum for aligning ambition with organizational priorities. The Visibility Architecture™ Map helps leaders redefine professional value beyond output by highlighting strategic contribution. The Sponsorship Activation System™ equips clients to cultivate advocacy and trust at senior levels.

ResilExec Coaching primarily serves leaders in pharmaceuticals, healthcare, finance, and technology, sectors where complexity and competition demand clarity and influence. Through Brian Baldari’s guidance, clients gain structure, confidence, and a repeatable strategy for navigating leadership transitions and achieving sustained executive impact.

  1. Can you briefly describe what you do and who you help?

I work with high-performing Directors and Vice Presidents who have reached a point where continued execution no longer translates into advancement. My focus is on helping them transition from operator to enterprise strategist. Through a structured methodology, I guide them in improving their strategic visibility, influence, and internal sponsorship so they can secure executive promotion and long-term career certainty.

  1. What is the most common challenge your clients face when trying to reach executive leadership?

The most common challenge is what I define as the High Performer Paradox. These individuals are exceptional at execution, which becomes the very reason they remain in place. Organizations rely on them to deliver results, but do not necessarily position them for broader influence. Without visibility and sponsorship at the enterprise level, performance alone does not convert into executive opportunity.

  1. You often talk about “Strategic Architecture.” What does that mean in practical terms?

Strategic Architecture is the intentional design of how a leader is positioned within an organization. In practical terms, it means examining how your work is perceived, who is aware of your contributions, and how your role connects to enterprise priorities. It is not about working harder; it is about aligning effort with visibility and influence so that leadership potential is recognized at the right levels.

  1. How important is sponsorship in career advancement, and how is it different from mentorship?

Sponsorship is one of the most decisive factors in executive advancement. Mentorship provides guidance and perspective, which is valuable. Sponsorship, however, involves active advocacy from senior leaders who influence promotion decisions. A sponsor uses their credibility to position you for opportunities. Without that level of advocacy, many high-performing professionals remain overlooked despite consistent results.

  1. What role does clarity play in moving from a Director or VP role into the C-suite?

Clarity is foundational. I refer to it as Professional Certainty. When a leader understands their strategic value and long-term direction, their decisions become more intentional. This clarity shapes how they communicate, what they prioritize, and how they engage with stakeholders. It reduces reactive behavior and creates consistency, which is critical for building trust at the executive level.

  1. Was there a moment in your own career that shaped how you approach leadership today?

Yes, there were several moments where I realized that performance alone was not enough to drive advancement. I saw highly capable professionals remain in the same roles for years, not because they lacked skill, but because they lacked visibility and advocacy. That observation shifted my perspective. It led me to focus on the structural elements of leadership progression rather than traditional performance-based thinking.

  1. What personal habits or routines have helped you stay focused in your work?

Consistency and reflection are two habits that have had a significant impact. I regularly evaluate how my time aligns with my long-term objectives. I also make space for strategic thinking rather than staying consumed by immediate tasks. This balance helps maintain clarity and ensures that effort is directed toward outcomes that matter over the long term.

  1. How do you help clients shift their identity from operator to strategist?

The shift begins with awareness. Many clients do not initially recognize how strongly they are identified as operators. From there, we work through a structured process that focuses on repositioning their contributions. This includes improving how they communicate insights, expanding their exposure to enterprise discussions, and building relationships that support their advancement. Over time, perception begins to change.

  1. What advice would you give to someone who feels stuck despite working hard?

Working harder is rarely the solution at that stage. I would encourage them to step back and evaluate how their work is positioned within the organization. Ask whether the right stakeholders are aware of your contributions and whether your efforts are aligned with enterprise priorities. Advancement requires a shift in strategy, not just an increase in effort.

  1. Outside of your professional work, what keeps you grounded and motivated?

Spending time with family and maintaining perspective are important for me. It helps separate immediate pressures from long-term priorities. I also value continuous learning, whether through reading or engaging in conversations with other professionals. That combination of personal connection and ongoing development helps sustain focus and clarity over time.

Contact

Brian Baldari
brianbaldari@gmail.com
https://brianbaldari.com/

About Author

Disclaimer: The views, suggestions, and opinions expressed here are the sole responsibility of the experts. No Digi Observer journalist was involved in the writing and production of this article.

Continue Reading

Press Release

Andres Aiza Calls for Greater Transparency in Industrial Real Estate

Published

on

Texas, USA, 4th April 2026, ZEX PR WIRE — Industrial real estate broker Andres Aiza is speaking out about the growing need for transparency and clearer communication in today’s fast-moving industrial property market. As a Senior Associate at Alpine Partners, Aiza works closely with property owners, tenants, and investors across the Greater Houston area. He says that as the market becomes more complex, simple communication and thoughtful decision-making are becoming more important than ever.

Houston is one of the largest industrial markets in the United States. According to recent commercial real estate research, the Houston region has more than 700 million square feet of industrial space, making it one of the top logistics hubs in North America. At the same time, industry reports show that industrial vacancy rates nationally have climbed above 6 percent, creating new challenges for owners, tenants, and developers trying to navigate shifting demand.

Aiza believes that clear communication and patience can help reduce confusion in these types of markets.

“Clear language builds trust,” Aiza said. “If people understand what’s happening, decisions get easier.”

Industrial properties play a major role in the modern economy. Warehouses support e-commerce distribution, manufacturing operations, and supply chain logistics. According to logistics research groups, more than 70 percent of consumer goods in the United States pass through an industrial warehouse at some point before reaching customers. As online commerce continues to expand, experts estimate that the U.S. will need hundreds of millions of additional square feet of logistics space in the coming decade.

With more transactions happening and deals becoming more complex, Aiza says the industry must stay grounded in fundamentals.

“Most good opportunities don’t start with a sign in the yard,” he said. “They start with a conversation.”

Aiza’s perspective is shaped by his own career path. Before entering real estate, he worked in manufacturing and importing, which gave him firsthand experience with logistics and operations.

“Working inside a business changes how you look at industrial space,” Aiza explained. “You stop seeing a building as just square footage. You start seeing how it helps a company operate.”

As a broker, Aiza primarily represents property owners in industrial leasing and investment sales. He also works with tenants, which he believes helps create a more balanced understanding of how the market functions.

“Tenant work keeps you honest,” he said. “You hear directly what businesses actually need.”

Beyond the technical side of deals, Aiza says relationships remain the most important factor in the industry.

“Doing what you say you’ll do still matters,” he said. “That’s how trust is built.”

As Houston’s industrial market continues to expand, Aiza is encouraging professionals across the industry to focus on simple actions that improve communication and transparency.

He suggests that individuals can start by asking clearer questions, documenting agreements carefully, and taking time to fully understand decisions before moving forward.

“Good decisions take time,” Aiza said. “If everyone slows down long enough to understand the details, the results tend to last longer.”

What Individuals Can Do

Aiza encourages professionals and business owners to adopt small habits that promote clarity and transparency in their own work environments, including:

  • Asking for plain-language explanations during negotiations

  • Taking notes during important business discussions

  • Confirming key details before signing agreements

  • Encouraging open communication within teams

  • Revisiting decisions after implementation to learn from outcomes

“These habits don’t cost anything,” Aiza said. “But they can make a big difference in how people work together.”

Call to Action

Aiza hopes more professionals across real estate, logistics, and business sectors will start conversations about transparency and communication in complex transactions. He encourages readers to share these ideas within their own workplaces and industries.

“The market will always change,” Aiza said. “But the way people treat each other and communicate should stay consistent.”

To read the full interview, visit the website here.

About Andres Aiza

Andres Aiza is a Houston-based industrial real estate broker and Senior Associate at Alpine Partners. Born and raised in Houston, he specializes in industrial investment sales and project leasing across the Greater Houston area. Aiza works primarily with property owners while also representing tenants, giving him a balanced perspective on industrial market demand. He is a graduate of the University of Houston’s Bauer College of Business and is bilingual in English and Spanish.

About Author

Disclaimer: The views, suggestions, and opinions expressed here are the sole responsibility of the experts. No Digi Observer journalist was involved in the writing and production of this article.

Continue Reading

LATEST POST