Rumor Mill Generates Options Feeding Frenzy On U.S. Steel Corp. – Featured Tickers: X & BBY

Options Intelligence Report for American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. (AEO) and Cree, Inc. (CREE)

Friday was the first time in a while that private equity made a large acquisition in the power generation market. The Blackstone Group (NYSE: BX) announced that it was acquiring Dynegy Corp. (NYSE: DYN). The $542 million buyout valued Dynegy at $4.50 per share. It looks like at least some investors believe that there is a chance of a higher bid.

I struck up a conversation with the person who was seated next to me. It turns out that he worked for Lloyds TSB Bank. His initial comment to me when I told him I was a trader and used technical analysis for trading decisions was, "Oh, so you read tea leaves!"

A roundup of pre-session activity in the futures market – Has Mixed Economic Data Tarnished Investors' Interest in Silver?

Unusual options activity review for Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Put Player Pads About Family Dollar Stores, Bears Bombard Chico's Ahead Of Earnings – Featured Tickers: FDO, CHS, KWK, JCG

Implied volatility movers and unusual volume movers for midday 8/17

So the company averages 107 contracts traded a day; of which 65 are calls. Here's where it gets fishy.

Bulls Stockpile Calls On Las Vegas Sands As Shares Hit New 52-Week High – Featured Tickers: LVS & XOM

Options Intelligence Report for H&R Block, Inc. (HRB) and Hologic, Inc. (HOLX)

For the most part, the major indexes climbed a wall of positive earnings reports until last week. Lately, it does not take much to make things turn south and push everyone to the exits. With the VIX in the mid-20's this is understandable but I would like to see additional reasons.