Option Block 48: Slinkies Are Wonderful Things

Trading Block:
Snooze fest ahead of Bernanke interview. Mixed day on oil. Copper testing support. Weight bearing down on silver bulls.

Odd Block: VVUS – does 26k contracts on ADV of 4k on the news that one of their drugs can reduce both blood pressure and cholesterol.  XNPT: Front month vol is 360%. Does 11k contracts on ADV of 2k. IRM – ADV of 6k, does 14,500 on bullish activity, especially July 35-40 call spread and a sizable call to put ratio.  AKS: Upside coming from renewed takeover chatter, bulls stampede in with upside calls.

Xpress Block: A lot of Southwest (LUV) activity on the bullish side.  Nasdaq stocks on a slow grind. Are people afraid to short the market?  Traders riding the oil wave.

Strategy Block: The top five questions to ask to know if your financial adviser understands options or not.

Around the Block: Ben Bernanke interview tonight.  Fed minutes coming up.  Jobless claims.  Keep an eye on time spreads.

Upcoming items of note:

Option Pit: In celebration of the one-year anniversary, if you sign up for the future professionals class, you can get the vol seminar free.

optionsXpress: Live event coming up in LA.  Complimentary coaching webinar. Xpresso webinar debuts on 4/21.