Options Blog

Steven Smith Is Away

twocents@thestreet.com (Steven Smith) — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 12:37 GMT

Check back for updates on the options front.

Will the Bears Pounce on the Failed Bounce?

twocents@thestreet.com (Steven Smith) — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 14:07 GMT

Traders are watching the action go by.

Lower Highs Portend a Change in Trend

twocents@thestreet.com (Steven Smith) — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 20:53 GMT

Reading the tea leaves in an inscrutable market.

The VIX is in Decline

twocents@thestreet.com (Steven Smith) — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 17:22 GMT

Assessing the market implications from reduced volatility.

Thoughts on the VIX and the Ongoing CBOE Drama

twocents@thestreet.com (Steven Smith) — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 13:54 GMT

As the major options exchanges re-jigger ownership structures, shares slump.

Steve Smith Is Away

twocents@thestreet.com (Steven Smith) — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 14:23 GMT

He'll resume publishing on Monday, Aug. 25.

Yes, We Have No Buyers Today

twocents@thestreet.com (Steven Smith) — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 19:39 GMT

Volume is light, making today's damage not quite as serious as it might be otherwise.

Stocks Backing-Off

twocents@thestreet.com (Steven Smith) — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 15:16 GMT

This morning, safety comes first in option activity.

Sellers Remain On the Prowl

twocents@thestreet.com (Steven Smith) — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 19:10 GMT

Options expirations goes out with a whimper.

The Dollar and Retail Set Today's Tone

twocents@thestreet.com (Steven Smith) — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 14:07 GMT

Option expiration activity only has a muted impact today.

Markets Recover but Lack Leadership

twocents@thestreet.com (Steven Smith) — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 20:58 GMT

Notable option trading in Autodesk, Knight Capital, Forest Labs and more.

Options Activity Surges in Retail, Mortgage Insurance

twocents@thestreet.com (Steven Smith) — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 14:42 GMT

Good news in these sectors has traders taking new positions.

Stocks Slump But Finish Off Session Lows

twocents@thestreet.com (Steven Smith) — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 21:09 GMT

The options action suggests a takeover in the drug sector.

CME/Nymex Deal on the Rocks

twocents@thestreet.com (Steven Smith) — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 16:31 GMT

Some of the members are putting up a bit of a roadblock.

Stocks Still Struggling

twocents@thestreet.com (Steven Smith) — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 14:42 GMT

Faltering equities are seeing above-average options activity.

Lagging Sectors Take It on the Chin Again

twocents@thestreet.com (Steven Smith) — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 20:22 GMT

It was another tough day for stocks in the financial and commodity sectors.

Plenty of Excuses for Profit-Taking

twocents@thestreet.com (Steven Smith) — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 14:06 GMT

After the recent move up, it might be time for a breather.

Commodity-Related Stocks Continue to Get Pounded

twocents@thestreet.com (Steven Smith) — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 20:37 GMT

The market gave back early gains today, and the commodity sector wasn't much help.

Retail Sails

twocents@thestreet.com (Steven Smith) — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 16:35 GMT

With expiration coming up and earning reports all around, it might be a good time to lighten the load.

Techicals and Expiration to Drive Action This Week

twocents@thestreet.com (Steven Smith) — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 13:11 GMT

With little economic data to speak of, there aren't the usual catalysts to move the market.

Higher High

twocents@thestreet.com (Steven Smith) — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 19:59 GMT

This rally should trigger fresh technical interest.

Oil's Loss Stock's Gain

twocents@thestreet.com (Steven Smith) — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 16:04 GMT

After yesterday's beating, stocks are finally seeing some upside on lower crude prices.

Financials Outweigh Oil

twocents@thestreet.com (Steven Smith) — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 12:51 GMT

Despite a drop in crude, more bad news from the banks continue to push the market south.

Going Nowhere Fast

twocents@thestreet.com (Steven Smith) — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 20:54 GMT

Sharp spikes and dips, but we're actually just in a range.

Jets Go Farve For Short-Term Gain

twocents@thestreet.com (Steven Smith) — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 19:10 GMT

Today's news from the world of football bears some resemblence to the world of investing.

Fizzle Sticks

twocents@thestreet.com (Steven Smith) — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 14:35 GMT

Retail and financials weigh on the market.

Rally on Rotation

twocents@thestreet.com (Steven Smith) — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 20:57 GMT

But the Vix is flashing a short-term sell rating.

Microsoft Answers a Long Call

twocents@thestreet.com (Steven Smith) — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 16:32 GMT

There was a sizable transaction this morning that appeared to be liquidating a position.

Playing 'Who's Next?' With the Homebuilders

twocents@thestreet.com (Steven Smith) — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 13:15 GMT

WCI's bankruptcy announcement should have put buyers in action today in the homebuilding sector.

Oil Change

twocents@thestreet.com (Steven Smith) — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 20:36 GMT

The massive selling in the energy sector today took most by surprise.