Calls, Puts & Options Trades

Make a Bullish Run (Well, Jog) at Google

By Joseph Hargett, InvestorPlace Contributor Apr 18, 2013

Google's fundamentals and technicals both have the stock primed to head higher on a good earnings report. If you want to play it conservatively, consider this bull call spread.

A Quiet Apple Can Be a Profitable Apple

By John Kmiecik, InvestorPlace Contributor Apr 18, 2013

Apple is oozing volatility and earnings are just around the bend, giving this speculative butterfly option idea some appeal.

2 Ways to Play Google Before Earnings

By Tyler Craig, Tales of a Technician Apr 18, 2013

If you're inclined to make a directional bet into Google's earnings report, here are two high-risk, high-reward plays -- one bullish and one bearish -- to consider.

Squeeze Profits From Oil With Strangles

By Tyler Craig, Tales of a Technician Apr 17, 2013

On the heels of the downturn in oil, implied volatility for United States Oil Fund options has risen to its highest levels of the year. Play this rich volatility with a short strangle.

Let Traders’ Low Expectations for AmEx Be Your Friend

By Joseph Hargett, InvestorPlace Contributor Apr 17, 2013

AmEx isn't getting much love ahead of tonight's first-quarter earnings report ... but those low expectations coupled with technical support help make a bullish case.

Don’t Bet on Intel Ahead of Earnings

By Joseph Hargett, InvestorPlace Contributor Apr 16, 2013

The sentiment going into Intel's quarterly earnings report tonight are middling to bearish. Those wanting to swim with the crowd might consider this options spread.

Exploit This Volatility Spike With Iron Condors

By Tyler Craig, Tales of a Technician Apr 16, 2013

The Russell 2000 was taken to the woodshed Monday, but if you think the cratering will give way to more even trading, consider this options play.

The Ceiling Is Coming for Whole Foods

By John Kmiecik, InvestorPlace Contributor Apr 15, 2013

Whole Foods is coming up against a line of resistance that has held strong in WFM's past two attacks. Expect that ceiling to go 3-0, and make this bearish trade to profit.

Tie Down Your Silver Straddle

By Tyler Craig, Tales of a Technician Apr 15, 2013

Last month's long straddle on SLV is sitting on 50% gains. Here's how to squeeze a little bit more out while securing some of the profits in the original trade.

3 Whale Trades to Make Now

By Traders Reserve Apr 14, 2013

Pier 1, Ruby Tuesday and Bed, Bath and Beyond are all option trade heaven heading into earnings season, with each an opportunity to profit on earnings results

Play the Long-Term Future of Online Gaming

By John Kmiecik, InvestorPlace Contributor Apr 12, 2013

Morgan Stanley is bullish on Boyd Gaming's ability to capitalize on a long-term explosion of online gaming. If you are too, consider playing this long-term options play.

An Options View of the Bird Flu

By Tyler Craig, Tales of a Technician Apr 11, 2013

Avian flu is back, and Wall Street is taking notice. Consider these options strategies to take advantage of the swings to come.

Book Profits With Avis Options

By John Kmiecik, InvestorPlace Contributor Apr 11, 2013

Avis Budget Group's slow trend higher has brought it through resistance, and the stock is setting up well for a covered call strategy.

Scorched Bears Flee From First Solar

By Tyler Craig, Tales of a Technician Apr 10, 2013

First Solar's upbeat guidance chased the short-selling camp out the door Tuesday, but it's likely the bulk of the rally is over. If you think the pop will peter out, consider this options spread.

The Latest Bond Surge Will Peter Out

By Tyler Craig, Tales of a Technician Apr 9, 2013

A reaction to last Friday's poor employment report sent TLT rocketing to overbought levels. Here's how to play a potential mean reversion in TLT via options.

2 Ways to Play Alcoa Before Earnings

By Tyler Craig, Tales of a Technician Apr 8, 2013

Alcoa is rolling into earnings with one of the largest caps between historical volatility and implied volatility in years. Traders then might consider volatility-based options plays like these.