Options Trading

Bond Bloodbath Merits a Put Spread Roll

By Tyler Craig, Tales of a Technician Aug 20, 2012

Thanks to the continued exodus from bonds, we have an opportunity to illustrate a trade adjustment for bull put spreads that run amiss.

Turn Pump Pain Into Profit With Exxon Mobil

By John Kmiecik, InvestorPlace Contributor Aug 20, 2012

Here's a long call play that could pay off in October, given Exxon Mobil's recent break above a resistance point and the likelihood for continued upside.

Take Your Portfolio to See ‘Hunger Games’

By John Jagerson and Wade Hansen Aug 17, 2012

The Lions Gate smash is just starting to reel in the profits. The studio has been spending big to ensure the rest of the trilogy's success. It should pay off.

A Profitable Trip to Disneyland for Traders

By John Kmiecik, InvestorPlace Contributor Aug 16, 2012

This covered call strategy is perfect for summer vacation time. With Disney scoring on all fronts lately, why not have some fun while you're making money?

Amazon Options Have Gone on Sale

By Tyler Craig, Tales of a Technician Aug 16, 2012

Amazon's implied volatility is in the gutter, which reveals the relative cheapness in options right now. AMZN bulls should consider these two option plays.

How to Manage Expiring Options Positions

By Ron Ianieri Aug 15, 2012

With August options coming off the board Friday, it's a good time to review how to extend profits or reduce losses.

3 Option Plays With One Goal: Lots of Income

By Lawrence Meyers, InvestorPlace Contributor Aug 14, 2012

My favorites are plays where you can generate larger-than-usual premiums selling covered calls or naked puts. If you like cold hard cash, take a look.

Link Up With a Bullish LinkedIn Play

By Tyler Craig, Tales of a Technician Aug 14, 2012

One high-probability strategy worth consideration is selling the September 90-85 bull put spread for 60 cents or better.

Making a Bearish Bet on BMC Software

By John Kmiecik, InvestorPlace Contributor Aug 13, 2012

A long put could be the right play if BMC stops again at its resistance level around $42. Since a weak earnings report, the stock has risen on falling volume.

It’s Hammer Time for Bonds

By Tyler Craig, Tales of a Technician Aug 10, 2012

TLT has breached its pivotal 50-day MA for the first time in four months, but it might be premature to declare the bond bull dead. Optimists should consider this options trade.

Ariad Pharmaceuticals: Steady Wins This Race

By John Kmiecik, InvestorPlace Contributor Aug 9, 2012

A covered call strategy is ideal for a stock that's rising gradually. But it's also wise for traders to have strategies at hand no matter what happens next.

Housing Comeback Creates an XHB Play

By Tyler Craig, Tales of a Technician Aug 9, 2012

The homebuilders ETF could be ready for another leg up, and a couple of bull call spreads would be good ways to make bets on it.

Time to Bite Into Whole Foods Market

By John Jagerson and Wade Hansen Aug 8, 2012

It looks like a winner through 2013. Get our price target on WFM and two ways to play its appeal to folks who don't mind spending more for better food.

Sell or Short This Defense Stock Dud

By Sam Collins, InvestorPlace Chief Technical Analyst Aug 7, 2012

Government spending cuts and weak technicals do not bode well for Alliant Techsystems.

5 Earnings Busting Money-Doubling Trades

By Traders Reserve Aug 6, 2012

Earnings season continues this week and with it are opportunities to play options ahead of earnings. Here are 5 that could make you money on the bet.

A Pivotal Level Is Approaching in Exxon

By Tyler Craig, Tales of a Technician Aug 6, 2012

Every time Exxon Mobil attacks $88, resistance gets a little weaker -- and a breach should result in a huge push higher. Optimists should consider this options spread.