Options 101

Bargain Hunters Beware

Stocks may look cheap now, but are they really? There's a better way to make money in this market.

Buckle (BKE) Up, Santa!

Given activity in BKE's call options, one has to wonder if Santa is loading up on the stock.

The Bad News Victims of 2008 are the New Victors of 2009

There were a lot of losing trades last year, but there were also winners for those willing to bet against conventional wisdom -- and this will be the case in 2009, too.

The 10 Dumbest Analyst Calls of 2008

This collection of calls has been easier to write than See Spot Run. My only difficulty has been restraining myself in order to not be sued, punched out or have my tires slashed.

Genentech — Not What It Used to Be

While DNA has strong fundamental prospects, traders believe the big money win is unlikely in the next couple of months.

Top 10 ‘Financial Geniuses’ Who Got It Wrong in 2008

Everybody makes mistakes, but some mistakes are bigger than others. OptionsZone.com staff looks back at the year to determine the 'financial geniuses' who really blew it.

A Doubler Over the Next Six Months?

Traders believe that Eastern European TV operator CETV will appreciate by more than 100% in six months.

‘Blink’ Your Way to Profits

If you want to make more money when trading, you need to learn to trust your instincts.

10 Reasons to Use ETFs When Trading Options

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?

Investor Jiu-jitsu – The 88% Strategy Credit Spreads

This strategy is all about using the market's momentum against itself to take advantage of leverage and pile on the profits month after month.

Options Fact or Fiction

Take this quiz to discover if you can separate the truth from fiction about the options trading market.

Margin-Sized Profits for Less

Many traders turn to margin to increase their profit potential, but there are alternatives available that provide the same buying power with less risk.

Five Keys to Value Investing Profits

Some say this style of investing is broken, but there is a time and a place for this technique to work when you keep your focus.

Which Party Is Actually Better For the Markets?

While many people believe that Republicans are better for the markets, historical data on the Dow doesn't seem to support that notion.

It’s Not Too Late To Go Short

How do I know there's still plenty of time left? I attended a cocktail party. Find out how you can profit from the worst sectors of 2008.

Leverage Works Two ways — Liberty Media (LCAPA)

Traders in

LCAPA have implemented an interesting stratagy for the next six months.

Sell Volatility to Outsmart This Market

We love to follow the "smart money" into profitable trades. And with the market having some of its worst days in more than two decades, it's only natural for us to see what the big-money players are buying. And lately, they're selling.

Option Styles: American vs. European

Learn the differences between these two styles of options and how they affect risk premiums.

‘Naked’ Puts: An Alternative to Covered Calls

Learn why put writing can be less risky and offer more profit potential than writing covered calls.