http://www.theoptionsinsiders.com Trade and Technology Articles en-us Copyright 2008 The Options Insider Sat, 22 Nov 2008 05:10:00 GMT 20 Fri, 21 Nov 2008 23:07:00 GMT Diversification, important in all investments, is critical when it comes to trading options. Especially for novice option traders, because some of your positions will be losers, the more positions you have means increased odds of hitting a home run. But with only a few positions, you could easily wipe out your portfolio very quickly... http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=1523 http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=1523 Wed, 19 Nov 2008 23:43:00 GMT Options have been, and should soon be again, excellent predictors of intermediate-term trends. On a stock-by-stock level, they track many of the most sophisticated, leveraged market participants. On a broader market level, they capture current market sentiment in real-time. With the intermediate market trend identified, we take the extra step of finding the most lucrative, low-risk option plays available... http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=1510 http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=1510 Tue, 18 Nov 2008 00:30:00 GMT Today we and re going to examine some characteristics of a very popular option trading strategy known as a straddle. We and re also going to determine the perfect time to reach into your bag of tricks and pull out this killer strategy... http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=1505 http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=1505 Thu, 13 Nov 2008 21:24:00 GMT You and ve probably been advised to "buy low and sell high" so many times that your eyes automatically roll when you hear the phrase. Let and s face it, who doesn and t want to buy stocks or options "on the cheap" and close the positions for double or triple their original value? But what a lot of folks outside the options world don and t realize are the, well, "options" behind "selling high." And there, friends, is where you have a unique advantage over thousands, if not millions, of investors who are neither talking the talk, nor walking the walk... http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=1488 http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=1488 Fri, 7 Nov 2008 01:31:00 GMT In this episode of Trader Interviews, host Tim Bourquin profiles www.TheOptionsInsider.com founder Mark Longo. Tim and Mark discuss the VIX, the election and s impact on the financial market, options strategies for a volatile environment, floor trading vs. screen trading, options products for retail investors and much more... http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=1465 http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=1465 Wed, 5 Nov 2008 00:27:00 GMT Answers to frequently asked options questions including: how do you trade options profitably in this high volatility environment, why are Iron Condors failing in this market, how does the VIX correlate to the broad market and why does volatility skew reduce profits in upside call positions? http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=1452 http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=1452 Tue, 4 Nov 2008 23:42:00 GMT Exploring the growing controversy over possible manipulation in the CBOE VIX. http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=1446 http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=1446 Mon, 3 Nov 2008 23:41:00 GMT There and s been lots of talk about the CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) recently, and not just because it and s stuck in the stratosphere. Some traders have raised controversy about whether it is an accurate reflection of volatility in the market place, especially after the October VIX futures expiration. They were upset about the disconnect between the VIX futures, which closed around 53, and the VIX calculation itself the next day. The futures were subject to a final settlement with that calculation and it came in at around 64. "Ouch!" if you were short. But, it and s highly likely that those traders don and t understand the VIX. http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=1438 http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=1438 Wed, 15 Oct 2008 15:04:00 GMT The Options News Network and s Options Cocktail program recently featured Options Insider founder Mark Longo as a special guest... http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=1363 http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=1363 Mon, 13 Oct 2008 12:09:00 GMT Everyone seems to think that this level of VIX is the highest ever. But that and s simply not the case... http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=1348 http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=1348 Mon, 29 Sep 2008 21:40:00 GMT Using open interest put/call ratios to track options volatility... http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=1285 http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=1285 Fri, 26 Sep 2008 21:44:00 GMT Analyzing the factors that determine put/call ratios along with the three major drawbacks of relying on put/call ratios to track options volatility. http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=1279 http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=1279 Thu, 25 Sep 2008 21:44:00 GMT Many option traders believe that the CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) can help predict bullish or bearish market sentiment. However, in recent years the VIX has arguably become less effective. Put/call ratios, another market-sentiment statistic, may be a potential alternative. We and ll discuss the pros and cons of each of these ways to track volatility. http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=1275 http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=1275 Tue, 23 Sep 2008 00:26:00 GMT With the current ban on short selling in financial stocks, many options traders may want to consider hedging with single stock futures instead of traditional equities. http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=1263 http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=1263 Mon, 22 Sep 2008 23:52:00 GMT There have been calls for a volatility ETF based on the popular CBOE VIX. However, there are serious questions about how such a product would work and whether it is even a good idea in the first place... http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=1256 http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=1256 Mon, 8 Sep 2008 00:29:00 GMT While VIX options are an exciting new product, it is important to realize just how different VIX options are from other options. What we are talking about is an option on implied volatility, and not on a stock, ETF or index. Unless you are a brilliant mathematician, it kind of gives you a headache just thinking about it... http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=1185 http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=1185 Wed, 3 Sep 2008 00:13:00 GMT Strategies for trading options on expiration day.... http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=1165 http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=1165 Tue, 2 Sep 2008 01:13:00 GMT Expiration is the time of the month when market makers make some "bonus" money. This bonus comes from public traders who do not know how to properly exit their positions and leave nickels, dimes or more for the market makers. I and m going to tell you how to avoid this little trap... http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=1158 http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=1158 Thu, 28 Aug 2008 00:52:00 GMT How to use covered puts to manage your option risk along with a few notes of warning about options and risk... http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=1147 http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=1147 Wed, 27 Aug 2008 00:53:00 GMT Risk management is key to a trader and s survival. It has often been said that those who survive are not the ones who make the most, but the ones who lose the least. Even the best traders make bad trades, and minimizing losses is one of the most important things you can do to help ensure that you and ll survive to trade another day. In volatile markets, this is more important than ever. That and s why I and d like to focus on a couple of ways you may be able to use options to reduce or limit your risk... http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=1142 http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=1142 Thu, 7 Aug 2008 00:34:00 GMT Analyzing the breakeven points of backspreads... http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=1052 http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=1052 Wed, 6 Aug 2008 00:35:00 GMT One of my favorite types of trades is called the backspread. It and s another one of those trades where you can make money in several different ways... http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=1045 http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=1045 Mon, 4 Aug 2008 00:35:00 GMT How to trade collars and cash-secured puts for retirement... http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=1033 http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=1033 Fri, 1 Aug 2008 14:32:00 GMT How to trade covered calls and collars for retirement... http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=1027 http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=1027 Thu, 31 Jul 2008 14:35:00 GMT When investors think of saving for retirement, options are not always top-of-mind. But used effectively, options can be a great way to hedge and help generate income. While there are a number of option strategies that can be employed in an IRA account, in this article I and d like to focus specifically on the three strategies listed below, since they and re probably the most common and can be beneficial when used appropriately. http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=1021 http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=1021 Thu, 24 Jul 2008 15:58:00 GMT The top ten most active options and strikes for 7/24/2008. Includes PowerShares QQQ (QQQQ), Energy Select Sector (XLE), Bank of America (BAC), IShares Russell 2000 Index FD (IWM) and SPDR S and P 500 (SPY). http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=989 http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=989 Wed, 23 Jul 2008 01:09:00 GMT In this article we explore the optimal market conditions for trading time spreads... http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=978 http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=978 Tue, 22 Jul 2008 01:10:00 GMT Exploring how time spreads perform in various market conditions... http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=971 http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=971 Mon, 21 Jul 2008 00:40:00 GMT When dealing with options, almost anything is possible. In fact, options traders often talk in terms of buying and selling time. Unfortunately, they and re probably talking about time premium, and so the search for the fountain of youth must continue! The trading of time premium is typically done using Calendar Spreads (although you will also hear them referred to as Time Spreads or Horizontal Spreads)... http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=965 http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=965 Fri, 11 Jul 2008 00:14:00 GMT How to trade short straddles and strangles delta neutral. In addition, we also discuss how to expand your straddle and strangle positions into an "Iron Condor." http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=933 http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=933 Fri, 11 Jul 2008 15:33:00 GMT We take a look back at the roller coaster week in the CBOE and s Volatility Index (VIX). We also examine interesting activity in VIX options. http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=937 http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=937 Thu, 10 Jul 2008 00:33:00 GMT Straddles and strangles are popular option positions that allow traders to profit regardless of market direction. These positions are usually discussed from the long side, but there is another side to this story - the short side. This article will explore the pros and cons of selling premium by shorting straddles and strangles. http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=928 http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=928 Wed, 2 Jul 2008 00:49:00 GMT How to construct "costless collars," "diagonal collars" and "bearish collars" using options. http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=907 http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=907 Tue, 1 Jul 2008 12:03:00 GMT It is well known that you can hedge a stock by either buying a put or by writing a call on it. What is not so well known is that you can combine these two strategies. This long stock + short call + long put combination is known as a "collar"... http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=904 http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=904 Fri, 27 Jun 2008 11:21:00 GMT The real question is not how to keep a position delta neutral, that and s fairly easy, but rather when to make the adjustments. This is where some art gets mixed in with the science... http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=896 http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=896 Thu, 26 Jun 2008 11:25:00 GMT Exploring the impact of delta adjustments on delta neutral options positions... http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=892 http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=892 Wed, 25 Jun 2008 00:10:00 GMT The consequence of having a position that is delta neutral is that for small changes in the price of the stock, the total value of the position does not change. Note the emphasis on the word small. In effect, by making a position delta neutral, we have eliminated, or at least reduced, the impact of a change in the value of the stock on the value of the position. http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=887 http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=887 Mon, 19 May 2008 10:47:00 GMT Are you a volatility trader? Did your long volatility portfolio suffer despite a rally in the VIX? If so, then you may be one of the many options traders that has been fooled by Vega. Read on for a few simple steps to understanding this common, and infuriating, problem... http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=801 http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=801 Wed, 14 May 2008 11:43:00 GMT Are you a volatility trader? Did your long volatility portfolio suffer despite a rally in the VIX? If so, then you may be one of the many options traders that has been fooled by Vega. Read on for a few simple steps to understanding this common, and infuriating, problem... http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=789 http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=789 Wed, 16 Apr 2008 09:48:00 GMT Options Update: Occidental Petroleum (OXY) http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=729 http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=729 Fri, 29 Feb 2008 13:45:00 GMT Volatility is one of the most important, and also one of the most confusing, concepts in the options market... http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=624 http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=624 Mon, 21 Jan 2008 14:16:00 GMT In spite of the caveats and analysis in Part Three, there still may be brief periods in which a strongly trending market threatens the success of your positions. This article contains several ways to deal with that scenario... http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=537 http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=537 Fri, 18 Jan 2008 14:18:00 GMT Even during a strong trend, indexes and equities never go straight down or straight up. They vacillate and bounce and pause and drift. It is this tendency, not the presence or absence of a trend, that makes iron condors profitable. It is the passage of time, not the movement of price, that generates returns. http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=532 http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=532 Thu, 17 Jan 2008 14:20:00 GMT As we look ahead to 2008, it seems increasingly likely that the U.S. economy is going to fall into a recession. As a result, many options traders are asking whether the iron condor strategy is appropriate for a bear market.... http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=528 http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=528 Tue, 15 Jan 2008 14:21:00 GMT Will OTC opposition and SEC scrutiny kill the upcoming binary options before they begin? http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=526 http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=526 Mon, 14 Jan 2008 09:32:00 GMT At-the-money options are too expensive for many retail customers. However, a new class of binary options may finally allow more retail customers to break into the options market... http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=523 http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=523 Mon, 7 Jan 2008 09:39:00 GMT Should you trade at-the-money, in-the-money or out-of-the-money calls? http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=514 http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=514 Fri, 4 Jan 2008 09:41:00 GMT Should you buy calls? Many people say you should not, but we beg to differ... http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=513 http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=513 Fri, 21 Dec 2007 09:43:00 GMT Volatility as an asset class? What is Goldman Sachs thinking...? http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=506 http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=506 Thu, 20 Dec 2007 09:45:00 GMT Volatility as an asset class? What is Goldman Sachs thinking...? http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=503 http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=503 Fri, 7 Dec 2007 09:59:00 GMT A covered call portfolio is more complicated to manage than a stock portfolio, but a few simple calculations and basic guidelines can make its management a whole lot simpler. In this article, we show you how to decide when to hold your covered call, when to roll the call and when to close both the stock and the call. http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=487 http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=487 Thu, 29 Nov 2007 11:39:00 GMT It and s fairly common for people to approach us with questions about the right time to trade iron condors, and one of the most common assumptions they make is that it and s better to trade condors in low volatility, non-trending environments. This is an understandable assumption, but it and s totally false. http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=480 http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=480 Mon, 19 Nov 2007 11:45:00 GMT Most strategies that options investors use have limited risk, but also limited profit potential... http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=468 http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=468 Fri, 16 Nov 2007 15:19:00 GMT A covered call portfolio is more complicated to manage than a stock portfolio, but a few simple calculations and basic guidelines can make its management a whole lot simpler. In this article, we show you how to decide when to hold your covered call, when to roll the call and when to close both the stock and the call. http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=466 http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=466 Thu, 15 Nov 2007 11:49:00 GMT A covered call portfolio is more complicated to manage than a stock portfolio, but a few simple calculations and basic guidelines can make its management a whole lot simpler. In this article, we show you how to decide when to hold your covered call, when to roll the call and when to close both the stock and the call. http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=463 http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=463 Fri, 5 Oct 2007 10:25:00 GMT Having the discipline to wait for a good trade is so difficult that it can be prohibitive for many options users. There are constant temptations to force a trade or to enter into mediocre trades at bad prices. The most likely result of failing the waiting game is revealed when the real action resumes. When the market starts moving again, you and re suddenly stuck with a trade that is too narrow or too risky for the current market conditions. The end result is a trade that is likely to be a loser. http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=407 http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=407 Thu, 4 Oct 2007 10:27:00 GMT Whether you are trading iron condors or other positions, overtrading can be a very dangerous thing. So why add to your risk by constantly adjusting your positions? Instead, try legging into an iron condor... http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=404 http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=404 Wed, 3 Oct 2007 10:28:00 GMT There and s definitely value in planning how your strategy should work in advance of a trade. This planning should be done under a variety of different circumstances so that you aren and t caught off-guard when these unexpected circumstances arise. So let and s look at three aspects of our strategy that relate to these questions of preparation and holistic thinking: trading, overtrading, and waiting... http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=402 http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=402 Tue, 18 Sep 2007 11:07:00 GMT There is a great deal of confusion among novice options traders regarding the difference between equity options and index options. Despite many efforts to dispel it, the belief that equity and index options are separate animals that perform differently under identical conditions persists. http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=382 http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=382 Mon, 17 Sep 2007 11:09:00 GMT Sometimes the best way to understand an options position is simply to look at it... http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=379 http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=379 Fri, 14 Sep 2007 11:10:00 GMT Sometimes the best way to understand an options position is simply to look at it... http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=377 http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=377 Tue, 11 Sep 2007 11:12:00 GMT Sometimes the best way to understand an options position is simply to look at it... http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=373 http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=373 Mon, 10 Sep 2007 11:13:00 GMT Sometimes the best way to understand an options position is to simply look at it... http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=371 http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=371 Fri, 24 Aug 2007 11:18:00 GMT The effect of an increase or decrease in the volatility of the underlying stock may be noticed in the time value portion of the options and premiums. The net effect on the strategy will depend on whether the long and/or short options are in-the-money or out-of-the-money, and the time remaining until expiration. http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=353 http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=353 Wed, 22 Aug 2007 11:20:00 GMT This strategy offers the stock protection of a put. However, in return for accepting a limited upside profit potential on his underlying shares (to the call and s strike price), the investor writes a call contract. http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=350 http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=350 Tue, 21 Aug 2007 11:21:00 GMT A collar can be established by holding shares of an underlying stock, purchasing a protective put and writing a covered call on that stock... http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=349 http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=349 Tue, 7 Aug 2007 11:25:00 GMT Once you and ve decided on an appropriate options strategy, it and s important to stay focused. That might seem obvious, but the fast pace of the options market and the complicated nature of certain transactions make it difficult for some inexperienced investors to stick to their plan... http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=332 http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=332 Mon, 6 Aug 2007 11:26:00 GMT Before you buy or sell options you need a strategy. Of course, before you choose an options strategy, you need to understand how you want options to work in your portfolio... http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=328 http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=328 Thu, 2 Aug 2007 11:27:00 GMT "Survival" is possibly the most important aspect of successful trading. Money management and risk management may sound like boring subjects, but they can be exciting once you learn the concrete systems and logic that underlie them. It and s safe to say that, after you read this article, you may never trade the same way again! http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=326 http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=326 Mon, 30 Jul 2007 11:28:00 GMT "Survival" is possibly the most important aspect of successful trading. Money management and risk management may sound like boring subjects, but they can be exciting once you learn the concrete systems and logic that underlie them. It and s safe to say that, after you read this article, you may never trade the same way again! http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=320 http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=320 Wed, 25 Jul 2007 11:30:00 GMT "Survival" is possibly the most important aspect of successful trading. Money management and risk management may sound like boring subjects, but they can be exciting once you learn the concrete systems and logic that underlie them. It and s safe to say that, after you read this article, you may never trade the same way again! http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=317 http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=317 Tue, 24 Jul 2007 10:22:00 GMT "Survival" is possibly the most important aspect of successful trading. Money management and risk management may sound like boring subjects, but they can be exciting once you learn the concrete systems and logic that underlie them. It and s safe to say that, after you read this article, you may never trade the same way again! http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=315 http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=315 Mon, 23 Jul 2007 10:24:00 GMT "Survival" is possibly the most important aspect of successful trading. Money management and risk management may sound like boring subjects, but they can be exciting once you learn the concrete systems and logic that underlie them. It and s safe to say that, after you read this article, you may never trade the same way again! http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=313 http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=313 Fri, 20 Jul 2007 10:25:00 GMT Options Order Flow Summary http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=312 http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=312 Thu, 19 Jul 2007 10:27:00 GMT Establishing a bear put spread involves the purchase of a put option on a particular underlying stock, while simultaneously writing a put option on the same underlying stock with the same expiration month, but with a lower strike price... http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=311 http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=311 Wed, 18 Jul 2007 10:29:00 GMT Establishing a bear put spread involves the purchase of a put option on a particular underlying stock, while simultaneously writing a put option on the same underlying stock with the same expiration month, but with a lower strike price... http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=308 http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=308 Wed, 18 Jul 2007 10:28:00 GMT Options Order Flow Summary http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=310 http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=310 Tue, 17 Jul 2007 10:31:00 GMT Establishing a bear put spread involves the purchase of a put option on a particular underlying stock, while simultaneously writing a put option on the same underlying stock with the same expiration month, but with a lower strike price... http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=305 http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=305 Tue, 17 Jul 2007 10:30:00 GMT Options Order Flow Summary http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=307 http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=307 Mon, 16 Jul 2007 10:35:00 GMT Not all conventional commodity trading folklore is correct. Most of it is designed to make you feel "comfortable" in a trade. Feeling "comfortable" is the fastest way to the poorhouse in commodity trading. We are paid to provide liquidity and take on risk. Read on to see if you adhere to this basic and important market law... http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=302 http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=302 Mon, 16 Jul 2007 10:33:00 GMT Options Order Flow Summary http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=304 http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=304 Fri, 13 Jul 2007 10:55:00 GMT Not all conventional commodity trading folklore is correct. Most of it is designed to make you feel "comfortable" in a trade. Feeling "comfortable" is the fastest way to the poorhouse in commodity trading. We are paid to provide liquidity and take on risk. Read on to see if you adhere to this basic and important market law... http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=301 http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=301 Thu, 12 Jul 2007 11:57:00 GMT Not all conventional commodity trading folklore is correct. Most of it is designed to make you feel "comfortable" in a trade. Feeling "comfortable" is the fastest way to the poorhouse in commodity trading. We are paid to provide liquidity and take on risk. Read on to see if you adhere to this basic and important market law... http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=299 http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=299 Thu, 12 Jul 2007 10:57:00 GMT Options Order Flow Summary http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=300 http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=300 Wed, 11 Jul 2007 12:00:00 GMT Not all conventional commodity trading folklore is correct. Most of it is designed to make you feel "comfortable" in a trade. Feeling "comfortable" is the fastest way to the poorhouse in commodity trading. We are paid to provide liquidity and take on risk. Read on to see if you adhere to this basic and important market law... http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=297 http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=297 Wed, 11 Jul 2007 11:59:00 GMT Options Order Flow Summary http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=298 http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=298 Tue, 10 Jul 2007 12:01:00 GMT Options Order Flow Summary http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=296 http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=296 Mon, 9 Jul 2007 12:02:00 GMT Not all conventional commodity trading folklore is correct. Most of it is designed to make you feel "comfortable" in a trade. Feeling "comfortable" is the fastest way to the poorhouse in commodity trading. We are paid to provide liquidity and take on risk. Read on to see if you adhere to this basic and important market law... http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=295 http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=295 Fri, 6 Jul 2007 12:03:00 GMT Options Order Flow Summary http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=292 http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=292 Thu, 5 Jul 2007 12:04:00 GMT Mid-day Options Order Flow http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=290 http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=290 Tue, 3 Jul 2007 12:05:00 GMT A bull call spread tends to be profitable when the underlying stock increases in price. It can be established in one transaction, but always at a debit (net cash outflow). The call with the lower strike price will always be purchased at a price greater than the offsetting premium received from writing the call with the higher strike price. http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=289 http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=289 Mon, 2 Jul 2007 12:08:00 GMT Establishing a bull call spread (a.k.a. vertical spread) involves the purchase of a call option on a particular underlying stock, while simultaneously writing a call option on the same underlying stock with the same expiration month, at a higher strike price. http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=286 http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=286 Tue, 26 Jun 2007 12:13:00 GMT Many investors write puts because they are willing to be assigned and acquire shares of the underlying stock in exchange for the premium received from the put and s sale. For this discussion, a put writer and s position will be considered as "cash-secured" if he has on deposit with his brokerage firm a cash amount (or equivalent) sufficient to cover such a purchase. http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=277 http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=277 Mon, 25 Jun 2007 12:14:00 GMT Many investors write puts because they are willing to be assigned and acquire shares of the underlying stock in exchange for the premium received from the put and s sale. For this discussion, a put writer and s position will be considered as "cash-secured" if he has on deposit with his brokerage firm a cash amount (or equivalent) sufficient to cover such a purchase. http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=276 http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=276 Wed, 6 Jun 2007 12:25:00 GMT The versatility of index options stems from the variety of strategies available to the investor. Index puts are useful if you are anticipating a decline in the broad market or market sector measured by the underlying index in the near future. These products are also useful if you want to take an aggressive position with a great deal of leverage. http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=250 http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=250 Mon, 4 Jun 2007 12:55:00 GMT The versatility of index options stems from the variety of strategies available to the investor. http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=244 http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=244 Wed, 30 May 2007 12:57:00 GMT The versatility of index options stems from the variety of strategies available to the investor. http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=239 http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=239 Thu, 17 May 2007 13:04:00 GMT The buying of options (versus writing them) is the most popular way most new commodity traders start out. Little do they know that there are many hidden dangers waiting in store for them... http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=221 http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=221 Wed, 16 May 2007 13:06:00 GMT You asked for it, and now Part 3 is finally here. The buying of options (versus writing them) is the most popular way most new commodity traders start out. Little do they know that there are many hidden dangers waiting in store for them... http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=219 http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=219 Tue, 15 May 2007 13:07:00 GMT An investor purchasing a put while at the same time purchasing an equivalent number of shares of the underlying stock is establishing a "married put" position - a hedging strategy with a name from an old IRS ruling. http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=216 http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=216 Mon, 14 May 2007 13:09:00 GMT An investor purchasing a put while at the same time purchasing an equivalent number of shares of the underlying stock is establishing a "married put" position - a hedging strategy with a name from an old IRS ruling. http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=215 http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=215 Tue, 8 May 2007 13:14:00 GMT The covered call is a strategy in which an investor writes a call option contract while at the same time owning an equivalent number of shares of the underlying stock. This strategy is the most basic and most widely used strategy combining the flexibility of listed options with stock ownership. http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=207 http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=207 Mon, 7 May 2007 13:16:00 GMT The covered call is a strategy in which an investor writes a call option contract while at the same time owning an equivalent number of shares of the underlying stock. This strategy is the most basic and most widely used strategy combining the flexibility of listed options with stock ownership. http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=206 http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=206 Mon, 30 Apr 2007 13:22:00 GMT A long put can be an ideal tool for an investor who wishes to participate profitably from a downward price move in the underlying stock. http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=199 http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=199 Wed, 25 Apr 2007 13:25:00 GMT An overview of the risks and rewards associated with buying protective puts. http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=196 http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=196 Thu, 19 Apr 2007 13:29:00 GMT Purchasing calls has remained the most popular strategy with investors since listed options were first introduced. Before moving into more complex bullish and bearish strategies, an investor should thoroughly understand the fundamentals of buying and holding call options. http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=188 http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=188 Mon, 5 Mar 2007 13:36:00 GMT The buying of options (versus writing them) is the most popular way most new commodity traders start out. Little do they know that there are many hidden dangers waiting in store for them... http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=138 http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=138 Mon, 26 Feb 2007 14:39:00 GMT Options highlights from the Tech Sector http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=135 http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=135 Wed, 24 Jan 2007 00:27:00 GMT An Overview of Volatility Skew http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=112 http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=112 Tue, 23 Jan 2007 01:39:00 GMT An Introduction to the World of Volatility http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=111 http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=111 Sat, 20 Jan 2007 00:14:00 GMT Contract Specs and Margin Requirements for Single Stock Futures http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=103 http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=103 Wed, 17 Jan 2007 02:10:00 GMT Trading a New Skew Can Be a Difficult Prospect http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=97 http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=97 Mon, 15 Jan 2007 22:17:00 GMT Options on the SPDR ETF Offer a Cheaper and More Flexible Alternative to the Boring Old SPX http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=94 http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=94 Mon, 15 Jan 2007 00:23:00 GMT You and d Better Know Your Craft If You and re Going to Trade Paper Flow http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=95 http://www.theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=95