Mark Sebastian

Mark Sebastian is a former market maker on the Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE) and the American Stock Exchange (AMEX) and is currently the Director of Risk for a private hedge fund.

He writes a popular blog, Option911.com, where he posts his insight on the market multiple times a day. Mark’s writing can also be found in Expiring Monthly: The Option Trader’s Journal, which was launched in March 2010.

In Q2 2010, Mark became the Director of Education at OptionPit.com, a new education service that specializes in trade structure, risk management and efficient use of capital.

Recent Articles

Alcoa Calls Shining This Week

By Mark Sebastian Jan 6, 2011

Alcoa call options are attractive as Alcoa (NYSE: AA) prepares to announce earnings next Monday.

Petrobras Calls Could Heat Up the New Year

By Mark Sebastian Dec 27, 2010

Petrobras Brasileiro SA (NYSE: PBR) call options look attractive as the oil stock benefits from a rally in the commodity.

Option Volume Up in KRE Regional Bank ETF

By Mark Sebastian Dec 23, 2010

Option investors are watching the KBW Regional Banking ETF (NYSE: KRE), buying at-the-money calls as banks become takeover targets and emerge from the financial meltdown.

Review RIMM Carefully Ahead of Earnings

By Mark Sebastian Dec 14, 2010

A straddle on unpredictable Research in Motion may make sense as earnings loom.

A Smarter Way to Trade Buyout Rumors

By Mark Sebastian Dec 9, 2010

Avoid ringing up commissions and trading costs with a risk reversal strategy using an options spread.