http://www.theoptionsinsiders.com Trade and Technology Articles en-us Copyright 2010 The Options Insider Fri, 30 Jul 2010 04:41:00 GMT 20 Thu, 29 Jul 2010 08:12:00 GMT As an options expiration day arrives, traders note that stocks sometimes get "pinned" to a specific strike price. But now that every week is an expiration week for a select group of stocks and ETFs, will we see this phenomenon every Friday? http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=5046 http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=5046 Wed, 28 Jul 2010 12:27:00 GMT This title assumes a great deal. It assumes that as a trader you are already profitable and that markets are not ordinarily scary. If you can identify with these assumptions, then you have come a long way in your development as a successful trader. In as much as 95% of traders fail in their attempt to become successful trader. I suggest I back up a bit and address this to those who would be amongst that 5% who are consistent winners in this zero sum game we call day trading. http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=5039 http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=5039 Mon, 26 Jul 2010 09:48:00 GMT Once again, the pendulum swung back to the "risk on" position despite the uncertainties created by the unresolved macro debate over deficit cutting or more stimulus and coming changes to the financial system from "Fin Reg". http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=5010 http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=5010 Mon, 26 Jul 2010 10:07:00 GMT People are excited about tail risk. On the institutional side, banks and asset managers are packaging up complex, multi-asset hedging products and selling them to pension funds, endowments, and other natural longs. On the retail side, Barclays and others are getting great traction with products like VXX, VXZ, VXX options and now XXV. http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=5011 http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=5011 Mon, 26 Jul 2010 10:37:00 GMT Trade selection using volatility as the primary criteria. Different trades for different volatility opportunities. http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=5012 http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=5012 Fri, 23 Jul 2010 10:14:00 GMT Do traders expect more volatility in the longer term than they do in the short term? The one-month volatility (VIX) is almost always lower than the (three-month volatility (VXV), but sometimes it soars higher. http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=5005 http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=5005 Mon, 19 Jul 2010 11:02:00 GMT Trade selection using volatility as the primary criteria. Different trades for different volatility opportunities. http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=4959 http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=4959 Mon, 19 Jul 2010 11:00:00 GMT For the expected downside, or to hedge existing long positions, we think an interesting idea is to employ debit bear put spreads and credit call spreads. http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=4960 http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=4960 Fri, 16 Jul 2010 15:22:00 GMT In theory, a more volatile market in the next 30 days would justify higher options prices today, but does the VIX usually get it right in practice? Does today and s VIX have any correlation with actual volatility over the next 30 days? http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=4954 http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=4954 Thu, 15 Jul 2010 19:25:00 GMT From "Risk Off" last week it was "Risk On" once again with an oversold rally taking the S and P 500 Index 5.4% higher. Now traders and investors want to know if the bottom has been made, or should we expect to see lower lows? http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=4934 http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=4934 Thu, 15 Jul 2010 19:30:00 GMT After a substantial rally that took the index past the overhead resistance at 1040.78 look for a minor trend change indicator for clues that this run could be about over. http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=4935 http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=4935 Thu, 15 Jul 2010 12:07:00 GMT I and rsquo;m not that enthusiastic about the benefits of managed futures, at least in their current form. http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=4940 http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=4940 Mon, 12 Jul 2010 11:28:00 GMT One of the basic directional spreads in trading options is that of the vertical spread. It is extremely versatile and represents a major building block of more complex spreads. http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=4909 http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=4909 Mon, 12 Jul 2010 13:23:00 GMT The trend is your friend - until it ends. How can you determine when a change in trend is likely? http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=4911 http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=4911 Thu, 8 Jul 2010 09:54:00 GMT Equity investors who want a broad-based hedge have essentially three vehicles from which to choose: equity index options (SPY, SPX, ES, etc.), VIX futures (or their ETF permutations), and VIX options. http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=4890 http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=4890 Tue, 6 Jul 2010 07:01:00 GMT The markets appear bewildered switching back and forth from "risk on" to "risk off" as if there is nothing in between. Now equities are in the risk off position as they accelerated to the downside creating a dramatic change in the technical condition. http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=4866 http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=4866 Tue, 6 Jul 2010 07:17:00 GMT Now the best plan is conditioned on the behavior of the SPX in the next few days. If a solid oversold rally develops then we suggest long call spread positions with defined risk in the previous strong sectors. Here are a few ideas. http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=4867 http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=4867 Mon, 28 Jun 2010 12:36:00 GMT Trade selection using volatility as the primary criteria. Different trades for different volatility opportunities. http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=4827 http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=4827 Mon, 28 Jun 2010 12:43:00 GMT The apathetic response to numerous fundamental developments last week could partly be attributed to seasonality, but a more likely explanation is the lack of clear vision for the global economy. Slower economic growth in the US and the many announced cuts in government spending in Europe are rekindling the inflation vs. deflation debate once again and creating hesitation. http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=4828 http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=4828 Fri, 25 Jun 2010 10:59:00 GMT The initial months of this year have been characterized by a low implied volatility (IV) environment in virtually all underlying securities. This milieu ended suddenly and abruptly on the recent "flash crash" and IV generally remains significantly elevated above its recent nadir. http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=4816 http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=4816 Tue, 22 Jun 2010 11:17:00 GMT In Roman mythology the god of beginnings and endings, Janus, is typically portrayed having two heads, each facing in opposite directions. His countenances are displayed in this manner so that he can observe the past as well as the future. The two types of option volatility, historical volatility and implied volatility, also reflect this dual perspective. http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=4784 http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=4784 Mon, 21 Jun 2010 10:27:00 GMT The S and P 500 Index broke out above the upper trendline defining the falling wedge technical pattern. Since the volume on the breakout appears to have been not as high as required for a valid breakout we are suspicious that it can meet its measuring objective above the April high. http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=4772 http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=4772 Mon, 21 Jun 2010 11:06:00 GMT Expecting an upside bias we set up our RT Spread Scanner and found some possible suggestions in the oil and gas sector that we are now calling event related due to the supply uncertainty from the problems in the Gulf of Mexico. http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=4773 http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=4773 Tue, 15 Jun 2010 07:08:00 GMT The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) continues to make news. With the VIX hitting its one year high last month, it continues to buoy near 2010 highs. There is no shortage of media coverage on the VIX either, which may be prompting investors to try to profit off of it. http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=4731 http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=4731 Tue, 15 Jun 2010 08:49:00 GMT This oil spill is like a vortex. Ruins everything it touches. Coastline, jobs and companies, you name it. Like the spill itself, it casts a dark shadow over the market. What the spill is doing is affecting market sentiment and not in a good way. We can now actually measure market sentiment and create a number from it and combine that number with other market data. http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=4733 http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=4733 Mon, 14 Jun 2010 11:40:00 GMT Last Tuesdays and news that the Swiss National Bank and s foreign currency reserves increased 80% in May resulting from the sale of Swiss francs and investing in Eurobonds, at a rate that appears to have exceed that of the European Central Bank, helped turn the tide of the very oversold euro. The result, a somewhat stronger euro also boosted equities and the economically sensitive commodities. http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=4723 http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=4723 Thu, 10 Jun 2010 12:30:00 GMT VIX skew can be a good indicator of the future. It can also fail in that regard. In actuality the VIX skew is just the sum of expectations for the future. And expectations of the market can be right or wrong. http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=4707 http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=4707 Mon, 7 Jun 2010 14:10:00 GMT To find a week with a comparable litany of bad news we need to go all the way back to the week ending September 22, 2008, a week that included the Lehman Brothers Chapter 11 petition of Bankruptcy and then after reducing their credit lines, Bank of America announced it would buy Merrill Lynch. http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=4676 http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=4676 Mon, 7 Jun 2010 15:00:00 GMT Direct from the Options Data Analysis and the Rankers and Scanners sections of IVolatility.com present the Best Calendar Spread based upon a differential between the implied volatility of the near term call compared to the implied volatility of the deferred month call. http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=4677 http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=4677 Wed, 2 Jun 2010 09:31:00 GMT Although European sovereign debt still occupies a large portion of the financial news space there is little doubt that the crude oil bellowing up from the bottom of the Gulf of Mexico is about to take top billing on the list of economic concerns. Like the inverse of decaying option time premium, every day the rupture spews more crude oil, the risk of permanent supply disruption due to political exasperation increases exponentially. http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=4638 http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=4638 Wed, 2 Jun 2010 09:29:00 GMT The updated weekly chart of the S and P 500 Index shows both a developing falling wedge outlined in green and the location of a potential right shoulder (RS) of a possible developing Head and Shoulders Top. http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=4639 http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=4639 Tue, 1 Jun 2010 09:58:00 GMT Volatility, one of the darlings of the options marketplace, has been all over the map this year. If you look at a sample of headlines from the first five months of 2010, you might think that either the market cannot make up its mind, or volatility has multiple, competing personalities. http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=4625 http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=4625 Wed, 26 May 2010 14:58:00 GMT In the recent weeks of market volatility, the hyper focus has been on global economies. In the short-term what and s going to happen with Europe and the Euro Zone? Is the US immune? Is the "jobless" recovery going to sputter? http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=4603 http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=4603 Tue, 25 May 2010 12:10:00 GMT Over the last few weeks traders have experienced a sea change in the volatility environment of the market; we have gone from a milieu in which implied volatility (IV) was low and was perhaps establishing a new long term reality to the current state of accelerating IV in a wide range of underlyings. http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=4590 http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=4590 Mon, 24 May 2010 08:04:00 GMT When the markets swoon, traders are making people pay (volatility premiums go up as they should in these conditions) and buyers are hitting the exits. http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=4573 http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=4573 Mon, 24 May 2010 08:59:00 GMT Last week and s flight to the safety of the dollar, the yen, and US Treasuries was a driven by more than just the comments of Germany and s Finance Minister. http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=4575 http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=4575 Mon, 24 May 2010 09:17:00 GMT Although the relative strength of the iShares Russell 2000 Index (IWM) over the SPDR S and P 500 Index (SPY) has diminished recently it still has the advantage for upside moves. http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=4576 http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=4576 Mon, 17 May 2010 09:51:00 GMT The SPX is now in the process of making a consolidation pattern in the form of a right triangle or perhaps a rising wedge during which implied volatility is likely to remain high. For those who want to trade the swings it appears a leg down to reversal point 3 is now underway. http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=4528 http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=4528 Mon, 17 May 2010 10:14:00 GMT Since our last market review, the character of the equity market has abruptly changed from a likely correction of the major uptrend to something of greater concern for the bulls. http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=4529 http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=4529 Mon, 17 May 2010 10:24:00 GMT In our May 3rd post, we began exploring the concept of having an edge, or advantage and its importance in trading. Today and s post looks at the edge from the options perspective. Many people are familiar with the leverage advantage of options however, some are not familiar with the disadvantages including time decay and how changing volatility influences options values. http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=4530 http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=4530 Mon, 17 May 2010 10:38:00 GMT The Euro shivers still resonate. No doubt. Usually for a day or two lately but they are very real and drive our equity and volatility markets to hair raising swings. The stock market does not seem to care about fundamentals or earnings anymore. Does any of the recent volatility moves make anything standout as a possible opportunity? http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=4531 http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=4531 Thu, 13 May 2010 10:44:00 GMT "May you live in interesting times" is an ancient Chinese curse. The fact that the last week has seen neck snapping and unprecedented changes in volatility, I think we qualify for living in what these philosophers would consider to be interesting times. http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=4510 http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=4510 Mon, 10 May 2010 11:29:00 GMT What happens to stock markets, which are now dominated by mathematical algorithms (algos), when they are all programmed to do the same thing? The likely answer is - no bids. http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=4477 http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=4477 Mon, 10 May 2010 11:45:00 GMT For those who may be looking for long ideas after the sell off here is a relative strength idea from the Options Data Analysis and Rankers and Scanners sections of Ivolatility. http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=4478 http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=4478 Mon, 3 May 2010 12:45:00 GMT Generally, there are two categories for the word edge; one describes a physical characteristic or location, such as a sharp edge or the edge of the cliff or canyon as shown above while the other is an analogy for advantage, such as having an edge or getting an edge. In this Digest, we explore both. http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=4425 http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=4425 Mon, 3 May 2010 13:05:00 GMT A look at market activity from a volatility perspective http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=4428 http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=4428 Mon, 3 May 2010 13:29:00 GMT That catchy line from the movie seems to describe the change in action last week. http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=4429 http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=4429 Mon, 26 Apr 2010 11:09:00 GMT Heavily indebted Greece formally asked for help from the European Union and the International Monetary Fund. http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=4381 http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=4381 Mon, 26 Apr 2010 12:11:00 GMT Many quarterly earnings reports are now coming every day and so far, most have beaten expectations. Instead of trying to guess which companies will beat, our approach to earnings is to look for prospective volatility opportunities. http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=4382 http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=4382 Fri, 23 Apr 2010 11:57:00 GMT The news has been bad for GS in the short term and the system will take its course. In the meantime, let and s analyze the news since last Friday and see how that has effected option volatility for GS. http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=4373 http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=4373 Mon, 19 Apr 2010 14:59:00 GMT The Greek Debt Crisis seems to be spilling over to the quality end of the corporate credit risk markets. http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=4336 http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=4336 Mon, 19 Apr 2010 13:52:00 GMT The 2Gs - Goldman and Greece – it took both, but finally the retest of the S and P 500 Index breakout above 1150, has started. http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=4338 http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=4338 Mon, 19 Apr 2010 13:57:00 GMT Up until Goldman joined Greece on Friday, SPX was continuing higher with only the slightest indication of retesting support at the breakout high of 1150.45. Now all of that has changed. http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=4339 http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=4339 Tue, 13 Apr 2010 11:02:00 GMT The hangover of the Credit Crunch is alive and well with the market making highs for the year. Does the VIX look likely to continue moving down? http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=4299 http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=4299 Tue, 13 Apr 2010 08:33:00 GMT Ideas on using increasing implied volatility and a high IV/HV ratio http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=4300 http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=4300 Tue, 13 Apr 2010 08:35:00 GMT Last week and s news was dominated by Greece. Again. http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=4301 http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=4301 Mon, 5 Apr 2010 09:59:00 GMT Is a merger in Lihir Gold and s future? http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=4236 http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=4236 Mon, 5 Apr 2010 10:06:00 GMT A roundup of recent market activity, with a volatility slant http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=4237 http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=4237 Thu, 1 Apr 2010 01:23:00 GMT The battle between Google and the Chinese government appears to be over. Google broke down their small campground and retreated to Hong Kong. And to victory. How to use options to play the Google/China showdown. http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=4220 http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=4220 Mon, 29 Mar 2010 09:15:00 GMT After a long absence, there was some evidence last week that the "Bond Market Vigilantes" are indeed alive and once again expressing their anxiety and displeasure with the endless supply of sovereign debt offered, including US Treasury Bonds. http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=4195 http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=4195 Mon, 29 Mar 2010 09:30:00 GMT While waiting for the S and P 500 Index to complete a retest of the breakout there are some special situations worth considering. As the second quarter earnings reports begin, volatility is likely to begin increasing. http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=4196 http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=4196 Tue, 23 Mar 2010 23:25:00 GMT Now near the end of March 2010, with the help of modern day media, we are watching a modern day version of a Greek tragedy being played out as protests in the streets of Athens. Without the benefit of classic currency devaluation, it is hard to imagine a tranquil conclusion to this tragedy. We begin with a review of the markets followed by strategy comments and another hedging suggestion. http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=4150 http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=4150 Tue, 23 Mar 2010 00:08:00 GMT Volatility Trading Strategies for DJI, FTSE, CL, ENP, CVX, MRO, FXE, IWM, SPX. http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=4152 http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=4152 Fri, 19 Mar 2010 00:24:00 GMT Live from the FIA Expo, Mark sits down with Scot Warren, MD of Equity Products and Index Services at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. Scot dispels a number of rumors surrounding the CME and s recent volatility licensing deal with the CBOE. Will we see VIX options and futures trading on the CME in the near future? Mark and Scot also explore the reasoning behind the CME and s acquisition of the Dow Jones family of index products. http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=4132 http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=4132 Fri, 19 Mar 2010 12:16:00 GMT Pro handicappers use statistics, systems, and hunches to win--just like traders. http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=4136 http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=4136 Fri, 12 Mar 2010 13:22:00 GMT Recent asset sales embolden, but leave questions http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=4082 http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=4082 Mon, 1 Mar 2010 09:43:00 GMT Breakout from consolidation at $19 leans lower http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=3981 http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=3981 Thu, 11 Feb 2010 08:52:00 GMT A look at a Google iron butterfly http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=3891 http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=3891 Wed, 10 Feb 2010 08:23:00 GMT Sell a strangle, buy a strangle, and get paid for the risk until March http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=3884 http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=3884 Mon, 8 Feb 2010 11:51:00 GMT Volatility Tracking Report for February 8, 2010: Long Gamma Pays Off http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=3871 http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=3871 Fri, 5 Feb 2010 08:26:00 GMT Kevin Cook looks at recent S and P 500 movement and what it tells us. http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=3861 http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=3861 Thu, 4 Feb 2010 08:32:00 GMT Rounding up the last part of Adam Sussman and s presentation with a look at various market insiders and opinions of HFT, and which asset classes are traded in this space. http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=3859 http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=3859 Wed, 3 Feb 2010 18:36:00 GMT The first installment in a series covering the Buy-Side Tech High Frequency Trading Forum. Part one covers Adam Sussman and s presentation "High Frequency Trading: Understanding the Participants and Their Roles in the Market" http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=3850 http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=3850 Tue, 2 Feb 2010 07:29:00 GMT Second installment of Adam Sussman and s presentation "High Frequency Trading: Understanding the Participants and Their Roles in the Market," featuring detail of institutional asset holdings and comparing those assets to average daily volume. http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=3852 http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=3852 Mon, 1 Feb 2010 23:36:00 GMT If you hold a position larger than a specified threshold in a futures or options contract that is regulated by the CFTC, your clearing firm must report it and classify your position as either commercial or non-commercial. Futures traders have been tracking these reports for years, but I and m not aware of any studies that analyze the history of VIX futures commitments... http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=3821 http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=3821 Mon, 1 Feb 2010 13:28:00 GMT Weekly Volatility Tracker http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=3824 http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=3824 Wed, 20 Jan 2010 23:14:00 GMT Last week, I noted the very wide spread between short-term realized and implied volatilities. Although the selloff on Friday alleviated conditions slightly, [5] the spread is still large enough that traders inclined to be net sellers of options need not fear occasional daily increases in realized volatility. http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=3748 http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=3748 Tue, 29 Dec 2009 23:25:00 GMT Sure, the World Series and Super Bowl Sunday are much-anticipated. But personally, I can and t wait for the excitement of earnings season, because I get to watch my favorite sport four times a year! Every publicly held company has to report not only their performance during the past quarter, but they also typically provide outlooks for the following quarter and possibly the full year as well. No other market event offers more opportunities for traders to earn big bucks not only on companies and fiscal hits and misses during the past three months, but also for the effect on shares from all of that "other" data that means so much to Wall Street. http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=3651 http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=3651 Wed, 23 Dec 2009 22:45:00 GMT Often in my option classes I ask the students a question that only on the surface appears to be tricky: "What comes first, the price action on the chart or the print?" Most of the time, the students give me that puzzled look which tells me that most likely they are somewhat confused, yet as the discussion commences, the perplexity becomes more noticeable. http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=3633 http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=3633 Mon, 21 Dec 2009 00:13:00 GMT Basically, in this article I will share with the readers an option/choice that a trader could have selected instead of going along with his broker and s advice of selling a naked straddle. http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=3616 http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=3616 Fri, 18 Dec 2009 23:55:00 GMT The Powershares Nasdaq 100 Trust (QQQQ) is a highly liquid, very popular ETF with actively traded options. But for traders who want to implement an options strategy on the Nasdaq 100 with any precision, QQQQ may not be the optimal product... http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=3607 http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=3607 Thu, 17 Dec 2009 22:38:00 GMT A Q and A regarding the upcoming Options Symbology Initiative and its impact on trading firms. http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=3599 http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=3599 Tue, 15 Dec 2009 23:04:00 GMT This is the first of a couple of articles on the topic of how any painful trade can hold a valuable lesson... http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=3586 http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=3586 Mon, 14 Dec 2009 00:33:00 GMT My sense of the markets at this juncture is that elevated implied correlations are truthful, even oracular, with too-high index implied volatility representing not so much the jump risk with which the VIX is usually associated as the unwelcome prospect of individual equities tracking each other too closely. http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=3578 http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=3578 Thu, 10 Dec 2009 22:41:00 GMT The jump in volatility indexes noted in our previous report was met with a similar decline last week. The VIX could easily make a new 52-week low before 2009 is through. Gold implied volatility advanced sharply on Friday and s price decline, with GVZ closing just shy of my 30% short-term target. The shift in the volatility skew in gold deserves attention: if traders continue to pay higher premiums for downside protection this week, that should be confirmation that the parabolic run in gold is over for the moment. http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=3563 http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=3563 Tue, 1 Dec 2009 13:58:00 GMT When equity index options consistently price in moves of more than 1.5% on two-thirds of trading days, Friday and s trading range should not be a surprise, even if you believe equity volatility is significantly and consistently overpriced. We wouldn and t expect longer-dated volatility futures contracts to move noticeably on last week and s news, but even the December VIX contract only lifted slightly. http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=3525 http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=3525 Wed, 25 Nov 2009 01:17:00 GMT There really isn and t an easy or obvious way for an investor to be highly risk-averse in this market, not when one of the biggest tail risks that people want to protect themselves against is inflation. Big investors can try taking the Taleb approach of buying large numbers of out-of-the-money options and reckoning that a bunch of them will pay off when the next crisis hits, but that and s not a strategy available to most of us... http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=3514 http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=3514 Tue, 24 Nov 2009 00:48:00 GMT Weekly Options Volatility Tracking Report: No Surprises In Gold http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=3507 http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=3507 Tue, 17 Nov 2009 22:30:00 GMT Equity index options are about as evenly priced as they and ve been in some time, but another continuation of the intermediate-term rally would mean more disappointment for option buyers, especially those who entered new positions in early November... http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=3476 http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=3476 Mon, 16 Nov 2009 22:25:00 GMT People seem to be about as loss-averse empirically as they are expected to be based on smaller studies. One reason this feature of human psychology is so important is that it is one probable cause of the persistence of the variance/volatility risk premium.. http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=3469 http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=3469 Tue, 10 Nov 2009 00:13:00 GMT I wondered last week whether we would see a return to the reflation rally or were entering a new regime dominated by mean reversion. The price action last week counts in favor of both, as we reverted to the closing highs of the prior week; I expect a more definitive answer by November options expiration... http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=3437 http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=3437 Tue, 3 Nov 2009 20:16:00 GMT Does the VIX actually measure fear? http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=3392 http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=3392 Mon, 2 Nov 2009 12:36:00 GMT Weekly Options Volatility Tracker Report http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=3386 http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=3386 Fri, 30 Oct 2009 00:23:00 GMT VIX: Fact Or Fiction http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=3377 http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=3377 Tue, 27 Oct 2009 23:24:00 GMT As I and ve noted on many occasions, the relationship between spot VIX and longer-dated VIX estimates has not "worked" as a directional indicator for at least several months. This looks like a genuine puzzle: the premium VIX futures traders are willing to pay and/or requiring in order to sell is too steep and has been too persistent to be dismissed as a phenomenon typical of the "wall of worry" that bull markets proverbially climb... http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=3345 http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=3345 Thu, 15 Oct 2009 22:52:00 GMT In my last article, I explained the reasons for entering into a bearish trade. I also provided a possible repair for a vertical spread by turning it from a bearish trade into a bullish one. However, here in this article, I will expand on what really happened to that particular vertical trade described in the previous article. I will present the scenario in greater detail which involved exiting for a profit after being in the trade for only a few days. http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=3266 http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=3266 Wed, 7 Oct 2009 23:20:00 GMT Is it possible to have a nearly perfect setup for an Iron Condor but not the right premium in the underlying to actually place it? Yes. Here is the what and how of it... http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=3215 http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=3215 Thu, 1 Oct 2009 22:38:00 GMT This article looks like a new attempt at establishing an old (but important) thesis, namely that there is a persistent volatility risk premium in options on equity index products (futures, ETFs, etc.). Most studies have attempted to define this premium in terms of option selling, and this is the first I can recall that looks at the negative returns from straddle purchases as additional evidence. http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=3174 http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=3174 Wed, 30 Sep 2009 23:42:00 GMT Why It and s Important To Use Limit Orders When Initiating Options Trades... http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=3166 http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=3166 Tue, 29 Sep 2009 00:15:00 GMT The Options Volatility Tracker Report for the week of 9/28.... http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=3157 http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=3157 Tue, 22 Sep 2009 21:57:00 GMT A weekly breakdown of the volatility in gold, silver, equities, and oil... http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=3108 http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=3108 Fri, 11 Sep 2009 00:40:00 GMT A new study examines the impact of VIX options and futures on the overall volatility of the S and P 500.... http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=3041 http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=3041 Wed, 9 Sep 2009 22:45:00 GMT If you missed it in Las Vegas last month, now you can catch a streamlined version Mark Longo and s Top 5 Mistakes of Options Traders webinar. The webinar will be streamed live online at 11am Central on Weds 9/9. http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=3024 http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=3024 Tue, 8 Sep 2009 23:51:00 GMT Many novice traders approach their option trading unsuccessfully due to their sole focus on a single dimension - price. With options, the price could move in the anticipated direction and the option premium could lose value due to time (second dimension) decay, due to change in the I.V. (the third dimension), or due to the combination of both time and I.V... http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=3015 http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=3015 Mon, 31 Aug 2009 23:54:00 GMT Examining vertical volatility skew and strategic strike selection... http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=2966 http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=2966 Fri, 28 Aug 2009 23:55:00 GMT Successful option traders use volatility to their advantage on every single trade. While most seasoned option traders perform an implied historical volatility analysis, some traders don and t go quite far enough. For a complete volatility study, traders must also look at the volatility skew... http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=2957 http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=2957 Wed, 12 Aug 2009 00:51:00 GMT Options traders are always looking for ways to predict how the market will move, and you and ve likely heard professional traders talk about a stock and s moving average, which can help you to gauge whether it and s time to buy puts or calls... http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=2870 http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=2870 Mon, 10 Aug 2009 17:33:00 GMT Today and s choppy session was somewhat expected with renewed interest in "safety trades"... http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=2851 http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=2851 Tue, 4 Aug 2009 01:10:00 GMT Options Insider Founder Mark Longo will host an educational seminar on Tuesday 8/4 at 4:30pm (PST). The seminar is entitled "The Top 5 Mistakes of Options Traders (and how to avoid them). Options Insider users should follow the included link to watch the seminar... http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=2807 http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=2807 Mon, 27 Jul 2009 23:03:00 GMT In one of my previous newsletters, I addressed the issue of the intrinsic value of option premium as well as the extrinsic (Time) component of it. However, no matter how obvious and self-evident those concepts appear to me, to my students, they seem to be extremely confusing... http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=2754 http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=2754 Fri, 24 Jul 2009 00:42:00 GMT In one of my previous newsletters, I addressed the issue of the intrinsic value of option premium as well as the extrinsic (Time) component of it. However, no matter how obvious and self-evident those concepts appear to me, to my students, they seem to be extremely confusing... http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=2745 http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=2745 Tue, 30 Jun 2009 21:55:00 GMT After the publication of my previous article, I have received some emails from our readers asking for a specific example. Some even said that the article was incomplete without the example, for I have provided the readers only with a template for an I.C. At any rate, I will oblige the readers and request, as I usually do, and present a current I.C. trade that I am in... http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=2619 http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=2619 Mon, 29 Jun 2009 23:10:00 GMT Tips, tricks and strats for choosing the right put option... http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=2610 http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=2610 Thu, 18 Jun 2009 00:38:00 GMT Sooner or later, the financial sector will come back. Calling a bottom (or a top) in anything is downright impossible. Anyone who does it once is lucky. So how do you play the longer term, realizing that you don and t know when the eventual reversal will happen? The better way to play this is with an exchange-traded fund (ETF) that covers the sector, such as the Financial Select Sector SPDR (XLF). Or, better yet, you could commit even less cash and play LEAPS... http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=2545 http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=2545 Fri, 22 May 2009 16:35:00 GMT In this episode, Mark is joined by Peter Hauser, President of Sungard and s Microhedge Business Unit. Mark and Peter explore the reasons behind Microhedge and s continued popularity with options traders. They also examine new upgrades to the software and the rumors of an impending retail version of this long-running analytical platform. http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=2381 http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=2381 Thu, 21 May 2009 21:36:00 GMT Exclusive OIC 2009 Panel Audio: Exchange Leaders Panel http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=2364 http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=2364 Tue, 19 May 2009 23:07:00 GMT Exclusive OIC 2009 Panel Audio: Technology Leaders and Forum (Challenges in Today and s Environment) http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=2349 http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=2349 Tue, 14 Apr 2009 23:50:00 GMT In my previous article, I alluded to the importance of trading psychology by discussing two types of trading errors: Decision Making Error and Data Error. Some readers have indicated their desire to learn more about it. In this article, I will dive deeper into the topic of option trading and trading psychology. http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=2138 http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=2138 Mon, 6 Apr 2009 23:56:00 GMT Sell stops, averaging down and "the secret to surviving" when trading options... http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=2096 http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=2096 Fri, 3 Apr 2009 01:14:00 GMT Knowing when to exit an options trade is the most-difficult part of trading options, according to a recent survey. But after several years of managing my shorting service and 25 years of trading options, I have some rules... http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=2087 http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=2087 Fri, 27 Mar 2009 23:05:00 GMT Leveraging earnings plays with options is a great trading strategy because earnings are more predictable than most of the market. If a company disappoints, the stock usually declines, while a surprise typically spurs a stock gain. And those moves often come regardless of what the market is doing... http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=2048 http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=2048 Thu, 26 Mar 2009 02:16:00 GMT Traders Talk Live Radio (which airs on AM 560 WIND in Chicago) recently featured www.TheOptionsInsider.com founder Mark S. Longo as a special guest. Mark discussed the impact of volatility on the options market. In addition, Mark and the hosts devoted an entire segment to the vagaries of volatility skew. Options Insider Radio listeners can find the complete broadcast here... http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=2041 http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=2041 Fri, 20 Feb 2009 01:08:00 GMT Profit Big on Someone Else and s Dime - Write Calls on GILD and Buy Puts On SPDR http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=1874 http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=1874 Wed, 18 Feb 2009 01:05:00 GMT How do investors and traders cope with a market that has fallen more than 40% in just one year and survive until greener pastures return? Many traders have lived to tell the tale by trading both the long and short sides, or by taking a longer-term inverse (contra) Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) as a portfolio hedge. And it and s the contras that have insulated them against the big slides... http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=1856 http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=1856 Tue, 17 Feb 2009 00:42:00 GMT When we decide to pursue trading as a career, the first thing we do is seek out as much market information as possible. We search the wellspring of the web, we read books, and attend seminars. Then, we read some more books and attend more seminars until we acquire so much market information that our problem now becomes information overload. http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=1849 http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=1849 Tue, 27 Jan 2009 02:32:00 GMT Exploring the relationship between the CBOE Volatility Index (VIX), CBOE Russell 2000 Volatility Index (RVX) and CBOE Nasdaq Volatility index (VXN). http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=1766 http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=1766 Thu, 15 Jan 2009 02:39:00 GMT While it and s true that there are a lot of special clauses when it comes to trading options, the profits outweigh any of the provocations. High among traders and complaints, though, are the ticker changes for Long-Term Equity Anticipation Securities, or LEAPS... http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=1718 http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=1718 Mon, 5 Jan 2009 01:58:00 GMT The fundamentals tell me the banks are going to take a big hit, but when? Let and s go back to the put and call premiums. Many in the market are betting that the banks will have horrific earnings -- the big ones report in mid-January -- and their stocks will fall. Many also think this is already built in... http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=1668 http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=1668 Fri, 12 Dec 2008 00:41:00 GMT I and ve probably mentioned the term volatility in every article I and ve written about options trading. Everyone probably has an intuitive feel as to what volatility means. But how do we define volatility and how do we measure it? http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=1602 http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=1602 Wed, 3 Dec 2008 23:38:00 GMT I and ve had two great questions about the VIX from our viewers recently. What is the "Rule of 16" and how does a small increase in price impact the implied volatility of a far OTM option? http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=1567 http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=1567 Wed, 26 Nov 2008 00:22:00 GMT Although much has been written about the CDS market there are some very simple ways investors can use price information from that market, but it and s important to note that CDS levels and equity prices move in opposite directions (what and s known as ceteris paribus)... http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=1543 http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=1543 Tue, 25 Nov 2008 00:33:00 GMT Just as options are derivatives of their underlying stocks, credit-default swaps also fall under the "derivatives" umbrella. Just like you can use put options to "insure" your portfolio, investors use the CDS market to spend a small amount of money for the possibility of making a large amount of cash if a company performed poorly. http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=1537 http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=1537 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://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=1523 http://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://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=1510 http://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://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=1505 http://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://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=1488 http://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://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=1465 http://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://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=1452 http://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://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=1446 http://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://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=1438 http://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://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=1363 http://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://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=1348 http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=1348 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://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=1263 http://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://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=1256 http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=1256 Wed, 3 Sep 2008 00:13:00 GMT Strategies for trading options on expiration day.... http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=1165 http://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://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=1158 http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=1158 Thu, 7 Aug 2008 00:34:00 GMT Analyzing the breakeven points of backspreads... http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=1052 http://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://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=1045 http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=1045 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://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=989 http://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://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=978 http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=978 Tue, 22 Jul 2008 01:10:00 GMT Exploring how time spreads perform in various market conditions... http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=971 http://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://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=965 http://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://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=933 http://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://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=937 http://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://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=928 http://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://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=907 http://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://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=904 http://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://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=896 http://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://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=892 http://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://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=887 http://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://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=801 http://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://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=789 http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=789 Wed, 16 Apr 2008 09:48:00 GMT Options Update: Occidental Petroleum (OXY) http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=729 http://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://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=624 http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=624 Sat, 26 Jan 2008 02:26:00 GMT It and s important to be mindful when it comes to how much leverage you can wield by implementing a single options trade, because a small investment can go a long way... http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=1760 http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=1760 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://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=537 http://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://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=532 http://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://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=528 http://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://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=526 http://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://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=523 http://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://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=514 http://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://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=513 http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=513 Fri, 21 Dec 2007 09:43:00 GMT Volatility as an asset class? What is Goldman Sachs thinking...? http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=506 http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=506 Thu, 20 Dec 2007 09:45:00 GMT Volatility as an asset class? What is Goldman Sachs thinking...? http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=503 http://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://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=487 http://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://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=480 http://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://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=468 http://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://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=466 http://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://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=463 http://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://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=407 http://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://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=404 http://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://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=402 http://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://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=382 http://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://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=379 http://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://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=377 http://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://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=373 http://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://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=371 http://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://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=353 http://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://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=350 http://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://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=349 http://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://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=332 http://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://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=328 http://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://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=326 http://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://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=320 http://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://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=317 http://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://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=315 http://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://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=313 http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=313 Fri, 20 Jul 2007 10:25:00 GMT Options Order Flow Summary http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=312 http://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://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=311 http://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://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=308 http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=308 Wed, 18 Jul 2007 10:28:00 GMT Options Order Flow Summary http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=310 http://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://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=305 http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=305 Tue, 17 Jul 2007 10:30:00 GMT Options Order Flow Summary http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=307 http://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://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=302 http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=302 Mon, 16 Jul 2007 10:33:00 GMT Options Order Flow Summary http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=304 http://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://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=301 http://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://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=299 http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=299 Thu, 12 Jul 2007 10:57:00 GMT Options Order Flow Summary http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=300 http://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://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=297 http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=297 Wed, 11 Jul 2007 11:59:00 GMT Options Order Flow Summary http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=298 http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=298 Tue, 10 Jul 2007 12:01:00 GMT Options Order Flow Summary http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=296 http://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://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=295 http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=295 Fri, 6 Jul 2007 12:03:00 GMT Options Order Flow Summary http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=292 http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=292 Thu, 5 Jul 2007 12:04:00 GMT Mid-day Options Order Flow http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=290 http://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://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=289 http://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://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=286 http://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://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=277 http://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://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=276 http://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://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=250 http://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://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=244 http://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://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=239 http://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://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=221 http://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://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=219 http://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://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=216 http://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://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=215 http://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://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=207 http://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://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=206 http://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://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=199 http://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://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=196 http://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://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=188 http://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://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=138 http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=138 Mon, 26 Feb 2007 14:39:00 GMT Options highlights from the Tech Sector http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=135 http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=135 Wed, 24 Jan 2007 00:27:00 GMT An Overview of Volatility Skew http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=112 http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=112 Tue, 23 Jan 2007 01:39:00 GMT An Introduction to the World of Volatility http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=111 http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=111 Sat, 20 Jan 2007 00:14:00 GMT Contract Specs and Margin Requirements for Single Stock Futures http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=103 http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=103 Wed, 17 Jan 2007 02:10:00 GMT Trading a New Skew Can Be a Difficult Prospect http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=97 http://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://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=94 http://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://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=95 http://theoptionsinsider.com/TradingTechnology/?id=95