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Key Options Knowledge: Time, Volatility and Different Kinds of Value
by David Russell | Aug 25, 2024
Options confuse a lot of investors because several factors impact their value. Unlike stocks, they don’t just go up and down based on supply and demand. This post will explain three of the most important concepts you need to get started: time, volatility and intrinsic...
Every Tech Company in the S&P 500 Fell Last Quarter — Except July’s Mystery Stock
by David Russell | Jul 4, 2022
The technology sector just had its worst quarter in 14 years. Every member declined in the period -- except for July's mystery stock. The SPDR Technology Sector ETF (XLK) fell 20 percent between March 31 and June 30 -- its worst quarterly performance since late 2008....
AMD Was the Busiest Symbol at TradeStation for the Fifth Straight Month
by David Russell | Jul 1, 2022
Advanced Micro Devices made new lows in June, but it remained the most actively traded symbol at TradeStation Securities for the fifth straight month. AMD declined as investors shunned economically sensitive semiconductor stocks. It's lost more than half its value...
Technical Analysis: Discount Retailer Holds Gains as the Broader Market Tanks
by David Russell | Jun 30, 2022
The broader market has been super volatile lately, which makes the tranquil behavior of one retailer interesting: Dollar Tree. Notice how the discounter plunged on May 18 after Target's (TGT) poor quarterly results. Also notice how quickly it rebounded after its own...
Options Alert: Is this Airline Headed to a New 52-Week Low?
by David Russell | Jun 29, 2022
American Airlines has been losing altitude for the last two months, and now an options trader is looking for new 52-week lows. Check out this transaction in the carrier yesterday afternoon: A block of 9,947 July 13.50 puts was purchased for $0.64.An equal number of...
Investors Return to Growth Stocks as a New Quarter Approaches
by David Russell | Jun 27, 2022
Investors just pivoted back to growth stocks as inflation worries fade and a new quarter approaches. The S&P 500 jumped 6.4 percent in the holiday-shortened week between Friday, June 17, and Friday, June 20. More than 95 percent of the index's members advanced,...
Bullish or Bearish, Here Are Three Methods for Decoding the Stock Market
by David Russell | Jun 24, 2022
2022 has been a difficult year for many investors as technology stocks retreat and inflation surges. Despite the volatility, there have been clear patterns based on company fundamentals and macroeconomic factors. Traders aware of certain cues could potentially benefit...
Top Stocks for Options Trading
Technology & Communication
Options Alert: Trader Looks for More Upside in Chinese Tech Stock
by David Russell | Jan 5, 2023
Chinese technology stocks have been jumping, and one options trader is positioning for the move to continue. Check out this unusual activity this afternoon in e-commerce company JD.com (JD): Some 5,000 February 70 calls were purchased for $4.01.At the same time, the...
What Are Value Stocks? How Do I Find Them?
by David Russell | Nov 24, 2020
Value stocks have gained popularity this month as investors look for vaccines to end the coronavirus pandemic. This article will consider key things to know: What are value stocks?Why are they going up?How do I find value stocks?Are value stocks good investments? What...
How Do I Find IPOs and SPACs? Video Tutorial on Finding and Assessing New Companies
by David Russell | Nov 23, 2020
There's been a resurgence of initial public offerings (IPOs) and special purpose acquisition companies (SPACs) this year. Many of these stocks are members of innovative and fast-growing industries like software, electric...
Target Breaks Out as Digital Transformation Pays Off: Earnings This Week
by David Russell | Nov 20, 2020
Earnings season ended on a strong note as Target's digital transformation continued to pay off. Investors also embraced newer technology companies and shrugged at established leaders -- just like last week. Target (TGT) surpassed estimates across the board: profit,...
Strong Results, But Few Breakouts: Earnings This Week
by David Russell | Nov 13, 2020
Several companies reported earnings this week, but few broke out. Walt Disney (DIS), Cisco Systems (CSCO) and Applied Materials (AMAT) beat analyst forecasts but remained below recent highs. Less prominent companies including Chinese e-commerce firm Pinduoduo (PDD)...