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Tech Falls as Earnings and Economic Data Disappoint

Tech Falls as Earnings and Economic Data Disappoint

Technology stocks took a hit last week, but the broader market still managed a fourth straight gain. The S&P 500 rose 0.6 percent between Friday, July 20, and Friday, July 27. That contrasted with the Nasdaq-100's decline of 0.7 percent. Sub-par earnings and...

Caution Reigns in Chip Space: Options Recap

Caution Reigns in Chip Space: Options Recap

Options traders are bracing against a drop in chip makers as earnings season marches on. Here's a breakdown a large bearish spread in the Market Vectors Semiconductor ETF (SMH) yesterday: Roughly 22,000 September 100 puts were bought for $1.85. Roughly 22,000...

S&P 500 Erases February Selloff

S&P 500 Erases February Selloff

Stocks may have just broken a key level from early in the year, shortly before they suffered a gut-wrenching drop. Here's what it felt like at the time: The S&P 500 hit a record high on January 26. It then stalled and chopped in a right range before spiraling...

Traders, Key an Eye on Small Caps

Traders, Key an Eye on Small Caps

It's a busy week for earnings and economic news. But, don't forget about one the year's strongest areas in the market. We're talking about small-cap stocks, tracked by the iShares Russell 2000 ETF (IWM). Its 9 percent gain so far this year makes it the second-best...

Can China Spend Its Way out of Trade War?

Can China Spend Its Way out of Trade War?

In case you didn't notice, China gave emerging markets and commodities a shot in the arm yesterday by announcing a series of stimulus measures. What's going on? Why's the world's second-largest economy turning to Keynesianism at a time when the U.S. is enjoying some...

Bitcoin Continues to Claw Back from 2018’s Lows

Bitcoin Continues to Claw Back from 2018’s Lows

Steadily and somewhat quietly, the world's biggest cryptocurrency, is clawing upward. Cboe's Bitcoin futures (@XBT) traded as high as 8390 this morning, a level last seen on May 22. They're up more than 30 percent in the last month. The rally has followed a report on...

Trading the Volatility Crush after a Quarterly Earnings: Options in Focus

Trading the Volatility Crush after a Quarterly Earnings: Options in Focus

Disclaimer: This post is intended for education purposes only and should not be interpreted as a recommendation. Trading options may not be suitable for all investors. Options are all about movement and time. The more movement, the more expensive the options. The more...

Bulls Target Steel Giant with Leveraged Trade: Options Recap

One big investor is apparently feeling bullish as the world's top steelmaker moves higher. ArcelorMittal (MT) had its busiest session in over a year on Wednesday. Here's a breakdown of the large, leveraged strategy that accounted for more of the activity: A block of...

Bulls Target Steel Giant with Leveraged Trade: Options Recap

Bulls Target Steel Giant with Leveraged Trade: Options Recap

One big investor is apparently feeling bullish as the world's top steelmaker moves higher. ArcelorMittal (MT) had its busiest session in over a year on Wednesday. Here's a breakdown of the large, leveraged strategy that accounted for more of the activity: A block of...