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The Option Block

The Option Block All-Star Panel breaks down the latest developments in the options market, analyzes unusual options activity, explains cutting-edge options strategies, answers listener questions and much more. Whether you're an active options trader or just getting started in the options market, The Option Block will keep you informed and entertained.

Dec 30, 2014

Option Block 397: 2014 Year in Review

Trading Block: Looking Back at 2014

  • The crash in the price of oil.
  • The potential for Apple to move.
  • GDP growth at 5% in the US.
  • The 10-year trading about 100 basis points below expectations.
  • Changes in portfolio margin.
  • VIX becoming more and more mainstream.
  • The Ukrainian crisis of...


Dec 24, 2014

Option Block 396: The Most Epic Strategy Block Ever

Trading Block: A shortened holiday week, so not much is moving on the street. Upside move in Taser. Facebook and Amazon.

 

Odd Block: Calls trade in Cobalt International Energy (CIE), opening calls trade in U.S. Bancorp (USB), and calls going up in Alibaba Holding...


Dec 22, 2014

Volatility Views 140: It All Starts with Onion Volatility

Volatility Review: The week in vol

  • VIX Cash: High - 25.2, Low - 16.07. S&P: 10 day HVOL - 22, 30 day HVOL - 13, Skew Index - 126.4, at the low end of the chart for the past three months.
  • VVIX: High - 141.22, Low - 109.4, nearly doubled over the past two weeks.


Dec 19, 2014

Option Block 395: Janet Yellen vs. Farrah Fawcett

Trading Block: A very aggressive day on the street. The market is off to the races - up nearly 2% in the session today. Brent triggers a circuit breaker - to the upside? U.S. stocks lead global equities rally on Fed rate policy.

Odd Block: Upside calls trade in...


Dec 16, 2014

Option Block 394: Oil Speculators Get Burned

Trading Block: Oil and oil related issues are still dominating trading - crude taking it on the chin. Brent and WTI hovering at crazy ranges. Most recent CFTC data shows increased net long positions. VIX, VXST and VVIX

 

 

Odd Block: Golar LNG Limited (GLNG), AGCO Corporation...