Option Block 157: We Are in a Holding Pattern Until We Are Not
Trading Block: For the second show in a row, the S&P is literally closed unchanged at 0.0%, what are the odds? The Fed pretty much stymied most activity. Have to love the Feds - says end of tax cuts is the most important fiscal event on the horizon, yet refuses to comment on whether tax cuts should stay or go. China cut their benchmark lending rate for the first time in about 4 years. VIX drifting toward the lower end of its recent range. Commodity/Metals update.
Odd Block: Interesting and unusual activity in Lululemon Athletica, Inc. (LULU), Market Vectors Gold Miners Index ETF (GDX), and SPDR S&P Homebuilders ETF (XHB)
Xpress Block: Sean Fitzgerald returns to the Xpress Block for the second time and discusses Facebook and its seemingly recent divorce from the public's love and attention. In other news, Starbucks will start producing for the "K-Cup" Green Mountain single cup coffee brewing system.
Listener Mail:
When do you think daily options will become available and what impact do you think they will have on the industry? Also what particular strategies do you see coming of these daily contracts that vary from some of the current strategies? Thanks. (Via The Options Insiderís online forum from optionsvoodoo)
Hello crew, I was wondering if any of you have a bread and butter income type trade that you put on consistently with little regard to overall market conditions/bias? Whether that be on a weekly or monthly basis where the primary profit driver is theta decay. Also in terms of viewing options skew, what products offer the best way to view and understand skew? Thank you. (Via email from Kyle Bongers)
Around the Block: Keeping an eye on Greece and The Fed.
About Mark S. Longo
Mark S. Longo is the founder of The Options Insider Inc. - a firm dedicated to providing free options information, education, news and analysis for options users. Whether it's on TheOptionsInsider.com, a leading online options destination; through Options Insider Radio, the world's only radio network for options users; or through a growing number of newsletters and live events, Mr. Longo continues to provide new ways to spread the word about options.Mr. Longo's analysis of the options market has appeared in a wide variety of domestic and international publications, including The Wall Street Journal, Financial Times, Reuters, Futures Magazine, and more. As one of the few industry commentators with practical options experience, he has developed a substantial following among industry veterans and newcomers looking for insight into this complex market.Mr. Longo began his career as an options trader on the floor of the Chicago Board Options Exchange.
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