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☆ Using options to trade this oil giant after its earnings came out this week
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-25 | by ( Michael Khouw | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

Halliburton reported better-than-expected earnings this week, buoyed by a surprisingly strong performance from its North American division — which offset flat-to declining revenues from other geographic segments. The offsetting strength or weakness of various business segments and geographic exposures, particularly for a mature business such as oil services, suggests the range-bound price action that Halliburton's share price has experienced for the past two years could continue. Consequently, if one owns Halliburton shares, consider writing upside calls, particularly now that the company has released earnings. If shares decline and one is assigned the effective purchase price would be $36.42, at which point one could then look to sell upside calls. BEFORE MAKING ANY FINANCIAL DECISIONS, YOU SHOULD STRONGLY CONSIDER SEEKING ADVICE FROM YOUR OWN FINANCIAL OR INVESTMENT ADVISOR.

Persons: Halliburton, overwriting Organizations: North American, Halliburton Locations: North America

☆ Tesla could be volatile this week on earnings. Using options to mitigate the risk
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-22 | by ( Michael Khouw | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +5 min

I am a big fan of Tesla products and the company, but we do not currently own the stock. Since hitting its all-time high on Nov. 4, Tesla shares are the worst-performing member of the "Magnificent Seven". With prices running from about $40,000 for a single-motor version to $70,000 for a tri-motor variant, the Cybertruck's specifications were remarkable. China represents the largest market for EVs at the moment, and BYD is leading Tesla there. Among U.S. manufacturers, Tesla, because it eschews the conventional dealer model, has excellent flexibility on pricing, which they adjust dynamically.

Persons: Tesla, FSD, Warren Buffett's, Berkshire Hathaway, Charlie Munger, Elon Musk, General Motors, — Organizations: Nvidia, Elon, EVs, Ford, Toyota, South, U.S, Ford Motor, General, Tesla Locations: U.S, China, Tesla, Europe

☆ Options prices are rising as the market is on edge. How to use this to your advantage
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-15 | by ( Michael Khouw | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +6 min

Options premiums are rising and we'll discuss how to take advantage of that by generating income through a covered call options strategy. First the consumer price index inflation data came in hotter than expected on Wednesday. The expectation had been that the pace of inflation – once those year-over-year price increases were in place — would slow in March. Since then, the "average" level of the VIX Index is 19.53. Holders could therefore look to options to potentially provide some yield if they are expecting less capital appreciation.

Persons: Warren Buffett, 28th's, Buffett Locations: Europe, Iran, Israel, Lebanon, United States, Domino's

☆ Regional banks are struggling. Here's why and how to profit from the trend with options
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-11 | by ( Michael Khouw | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +6 min

Regional banks are taking hits this week and investors are increasing their bearish bets on the sector. Higher rates impact Higher interest rates increase the cost of borrowing money. Higher interest rates can also reduce demand for loans, as borrowing becomes more expensive for consumers and businesses. This can deteriorate the asset quality of regional banks, increasing the need for loan loss provisions, which are expenses set aside to cover potential loan losses. Rising interest rates and inflation can pressure banks' capital adequacy ratios, a measure of a bank's capital relative to its risks.

Persons: Banks Organizations: Regional Banking, Banks

☆ Options Traders launch bearish bets on regional banks
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-10 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: 1 min

Share Share Article via Facebook Share Article via Twitter Share Article via LinkedIn Share Article via EmailOptions Traders launch bearish bets on regional banksOptions Action traders talk big bank earnings and Mike Khouw, Optimize Advisors president, gives his playbook for the sector.

Persons: Mike Khouw

☆ This oil refiner could get a boost as summer approaches. Using options to capitalize on the gains
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-08 | by ( Michael Khouw | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

The move higher for energy stocks comes as West Texas Intermediate crude oil approaches the mid-2022 highs of $88.31 per barrel. Theoretically, one can make bullish bets on oil using an ETF, such as the United States Oil Fund (USO) . However, I would caution against using this as an investment vehicle to make a long-term bullish bet on oil. SPR decline As the chart below illustrates, the country's Strategic Petroleum Reserve declined sharply in the lead-up to the 2022 midterm elections – keeping oil prices in check. The total cost of the spread risks just under 4.4% of the current stock price.

Persons: It's, Brent, Biden, Kinder Morgan Organizations: West Texas, United States Oil Fund, USO, country's Strategic Petroleum Reserve, Halliburton, Schlumberger, Valero, Marathon Petroleum, Marathon, MPC Locations: Marathon

☆ Gold could be implying inflation remains sticky. How to play it with options
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-04 | by ( Michael Khouw | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

The Federal Reserve, as always, is trying to strike a balance between conquering inflation and navigating the soft-landing. Of course, if higher rates also successfully curb inflation then gold, as an inflation hedge, shines less brightly. GLD YTD mountain SPDR Gold Shares GLD But gold is shining brightly. So gold markets are implying that we could get some rate cuts, inflation will be sticky, or both. This provides continued exposure to the upside if the gold rally continues, while locking a modest profit as well.

Organizations: Federal Reserve, VanEck Gold Miners

☆ A lower-risk and cheaper way to bet on a second-quarter comeback in this emerging markets ETF
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-01 | by ( Michael Khouw | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

The MSCI All Country World Index ETF (ACWI) hit an all-time high last week. ACWI 5Y mountain iShares MSCI ACWI ETF (ACWI) This index would appear to give investors diversified exposure to stock markets around the globe. It includes developing countries, unlike the MSCI World Index, which is tracked by the ETF 'URTH.' Consequently, the US stock market comprises almost 71% of the URTH ETF and nearly 64% of the ACWI ETF. This is illustrated by the MSCI Emerging Markets Index which can be traded with the iShares ETF, 'EEM.'

Persons: —, ACWI, Rob Reiner, Miracle Max, Billy Crystal, EEM Organizations: Trust Locations: URTH, U.S

☆ An options trade on a cheap energy stock that generates income while you wait for the comeback
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-28 | by ( Michael Khouw | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

There's a major energy stock trading on the cheap with a chance for upside. I'll review an options trade that generates income while I wait for the potential comeback. CVX 5Y mountain Chevron, 5 years This dynamic means that the integrated oil companies aren't growth stocks. That's OK though because they aren't priced like growth stocks either. The objective would be to hold the shares and rinse and repeat, continuing to write calls against the stock as the options previously written expire.

Persons: There's, we've, — Organizations: Chevron, Hess Corp

☆ This stock has nearly doubled in one year. Using options to catch further upside with less risk
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-25 | by ( Michael Khouw | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

Here's an options strategy that allows traders to rent a stock instead of buying outright. United Rentals (URI) , headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut, is the world's largest equipment rental company. According to a recent Deutsche Bank research report, United Rentals "operates in attractive end markets that are experiencing tailwinds from mega-projects, which are expected to provide a multi-year boost." URI 1Y mountain United Rentals, 1 year The only concern for those interested in purchasing United Rentals now is that perhaps things look too good. BEFORE MAKING ANY FINANCIAL DECISIONS, YOU SHOULD STRONGLY CONSIDER SEEKING ADVICE FROM YOUR OWN FINANCIAL OR INVESTMENT ADVISOR.

Persons: they're Organizations: United Rentals, Deutsche Bank Locations: Stamford , Connecticut

☆ The action from Reddit’s first day of options trading
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-25 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: 1 min

Share Share Article via Facebook Share Article via Twitter Share Article via LinkedIn Share Article via EmailThe action from Reddit’s first day of options tradingOptions Action traders talk Reddit's options trading and Mike Khouw, Optimize Advisors president, gives his playbook for the stock.

Persons: Reddit’s, Mike Khouw

☆ The Fed just made it cheaper to hedge your stock portfolio. Here's how
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-21 | by ( Michael Khouw | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

I'll explain here and provide some examples of smart options hedges to put on from here. The Fed reiterated a forecast for three rate cuts this year while signaling that they may tolerate inflation rates above their stated 2% target for a longer period. .VIX 5D mountain CBOE Volatility Index, 5 days As I write this, the VIX Index is now roughly 12.8. In the case of SPDR S & P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) options for example, the implied volatility of the April 30th expiration $500 strike puts, as measured by implied volatility, fell from nearly 13.9% before the Fed announcement, to about 13.5% following. BEFORE MAKING ANY FINANCIAL DECISIONS, YOU SHOULD STRONGLY CONSIDER SEEKING ADVICE FROM YOUR OWN FINANCIAL OR INVESTMENT ADVISOR.

Persons: Jerome Powell, SPDR Organizations: Federal Reserve, Fed, Trust Locations: —

☆ A lower-risk trade on a delivery giant with cheap valuation heading into earnings
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-18 | by ( Michael Khouw | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

We'll review the fundamentals of a delivery giant and how to trade it before earnings this week. FedEx reports earnings on Thursday after the bell. The trade: Calendar spread However the "gloom" of economic pressures is another matter. Buying the July 250 puts and selling the weekly 250 puts against them. The trade: Selling March 22, $250 Puts Buying July 19 $250 puts The logic behind this trade is that the headwinds of operating challenges may already be baked into the valuation of FedEx at present levels.

Persons: New York City's James A Organizations: Farley Post, FedEx, Dow Jones Transports, week's Locations: New York, FedEx Memphis

☆ A lower-risk way to play the gold breakout from here
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-14 | by ( Michael Khouw | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +5 min

We'll break down the rally in gold, why gold miners have been trailing it and the options trades I'm putting on from here accordingly. Investing in gold and silver mining companies, rather than purchasing the precious metals has frequently been promoted as a way to get "leverage" to the price of gold or silver. Notice that the share price of the VanEck Gold Miners ETF (GDX ) tracking the companies, has declined more than 15.5% since the highs in April of 2023. GDX GLD mountain 2023-04-13 VanEck Gold Miners ETF (companies) vs. SPDR Gold shares ETF (commodity) It should be said that GDX and Newmont Corporation pay dividends, whereas gold itself does not. Additionally gold miners are sometimes located in suboptimal geographic locations/jurisdictions where they may be subject to geopolitical factors beyond the price volatility of the commodities they produce.

Persons: Warren Buffett Organizations: Gold Miners, Newmont Corp, Gold Miners ETF, SPDR, Newmont Corporation, Mining, Consumers Locations: Washington

☆ Options traders are heavily trading this health stock ahead of a big conference this week
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-11 | by ( Michael Khouw | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +5 min

We'll look at a health insurer stock with an interesting set-up heading into a big industry conference this week and break down various options trades being applied on it. Centene (CNC) traded nearly 9 times the average daily call volume on Friday ahead of Barclays 26th annual Global Healthcare Conference this week. Most active were the March 22nd weekly $82 calls and the March 28th weekly $82 calls. The mid price on the March 28th weekly $82 calls was nearly $2, substantially higher than the trader who initiated the block paid, and the weekly March 22nd calls would collect less than a quarter. If one owns the stock, a hedge might make sense, such as a weekly at-the-money put spread as illustrated below.

Persons: Bernstein, Centene, Cowen, what's Organizations: Barclays, Global Healthcare, Traders Locations: Texas, Florida, Georgia

☆ Finding the next retailer shoe to drop after the Foot Locker debacle this week
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-07 | by ( Michael Khouw | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

Following the Foot Locker debacle earlier this week, there could be more turmoil in the retailer space. Because publicly traded companies provide quarterly financial reports, historic revenue growth and earnings multiples are available to everyone. Earlier this week, I wrote that Foot Locker 's outperformance relative to Nike was hard to comprehend. Dick's did not fall in sympathy with Foot Locker as Academy did, and admittedly Dick's is a very different business than Foot Locker. Observe that their revenues have more than tripled over the past 10 years even as Foot Locker has languished: That said, broader economic trends, while they may not affect all businesses equally, still matter.

Persons: it's, Dick's, Foot Locker, Locker Organizations: Investors, Nike, Academy Sports, Dick's Sporting

☆ This retailer is expected to move big this week on earnings. How to profit on it using options
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-04 | by ( Michael Khouw | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +6 min

It refers to the estimated future volatility of the underlying asset through a future (expiration) date. Leaving the fancy options mumbo jumbo to the side, it's just another way options traders think about the price of an option . It is because inputting volatility solves for price, or inputting price solves for volatility, that options traders tend to think of the two interchangeably. Big move expected for Foot Locker In the table below, we highlight some of the stocks reporting this week where options prices estimate fairly high moves around earnings. And how does one play it given that Foot Locker options are incredibly expensive?

Persons: Foot, Locker Organizations: Big, Nike Locations: it's

☆ The trader set-up on Target into earnings next week and a lower-cost way to bet on the stock
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-29 | by ( Michael Khouw | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +5 min

Target reports earnings next Tuesday. Let's review the set-up on Target into the numbers and a lower cost way using options to get long the name. Consequently Target's share price has been much more volatile after reporting quarterly earnings. TGT 6M mountain Target, 6 months Target options prices are, a bit like the prices inside the retailers themselves, more expensive than Walmart's, deservedly given the big moves it's share price has seen. Because the share price needs to rise by almost 5% to see profits, the probability of profit is reduced.

Persons: deservedly Organizations: Walmart, Target, supercenters, Retailing Locations: U.S

☆ A guide to trading options on stocks reporting earnings, including Lowe's this week
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-26 | by ( Michael Khouw | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +9 min

Here's a tutorial on how to trade options on a stock about to report earnings. Lowe's this week Consider Lowe's which is scheduled to report earnings on Tuesday. Home Depot reported about a 14% decline in EPS and revenue fell by more than $1 billion for the quarter versus the prior year. Despite the unremarkable results Home Depot reported, after initially falling about 2% from Friday's close to Tuesday's open, the stock has since rebounded. The reason is, in Lowe's at least, moves of those magnitudes the week of earnings are quite infrequent.

Persons: It's, it's, Lowe's, Khouw Organizations: Nvidia, Industry, Home Locations: Lowe's

☆ A risky options trade to navigate Nvidia's highly anticipated earnings report
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-20 | by ( Michael Khouw | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

I would argue that, as goes Nvidia, so goes the stock market. As far as the options market is concerned, it's a pretty big coin. We are short shorter-dated options and long longer-dated options, seeking to find a way to sell high options premiums. In our case, the trade looks something like this: You can see, this isn't a cheap trade. BEFORE MAKING ANY FINANCIAL DECISIONS, YOU SHOULD STRONGLY CONSIDER SEEKING ADVICE FROM YOUR OWN FINANCIAL OR INVESTMENT ADVISOR.

Persons: —, Carter Braxton Worth, It's Organizations: Nvidia, eBay, CNBC, ~$ Locations: trillions

☆ Picking the right covered call strategy to generate income on the stocks you own
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-15 | by ( Michael Khouw | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +10 min

Selling covered calls is a popular options trading strategy, especially among investors looking to generate additional income from their stock holdings. Like any investment strategy, selling covered calls comes with its own set of risks and benefits. The benefits Income generation: The primary benefit of selling covered calls is the ability to generate income on your stock holdings. Candidates for selling covered calls Stocks with moderate growth expectations: Stocks that are expected to grow steadily but not explosively are good candidates. I prefer to sell covered calls only in companies that are investment grade (S & P rating of BBB- or better), and of course, for the most part, avoiding selling covered calls through earnings.

Persons: Eli Lilly & Organizations: Micron, Eli Lilly & Company, Diabetes, Micron Technologies Locations: Downside

☆ A trade on this casino stock before earnings that uses options to increase the probability of profit
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-12 | by ( Michael Khouw | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +5 min

How does one use options to improve the probability of profit in stock trade? Here's an example involving a casino stock reporting earnings this week. Gaining an edge on MGM trade before earnings Let's use MGM Resorts International , which will be reporting earnings on Tuesday, as an example. The following chart depicts the 1 month returns for MGM over the month following the last 44 reported quarters. Stock was higher 26 of 43 instances a month following earnings, or ~60% of the reported quarters.

Persons: Blair Hull, Goldman Sachs, Stock Organizations: Casinos, Hull Trading, Pacific Exchange, MGM, MGM Resorts International, MGM Resorts Locations: Las Vegas

☆ A lower-cost way to play the S&P 500's run to 5,000
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-08 | by ( Michael Khouw | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +8 min

The S & P 500 once again closed at a new all-time high, achingly close to 5,000 for those enamored of nice round numbers. .SPX 1Y mountain S & P 500, 1-year Is there an option trade we can use if we're not sure? If S & P earnings grow closer to their historical average, then $240ish (let's stick to round numbers) might be a more accurate estimate. $240 a shares multiplied by 20 = $4,800 in the S & P. So in that context 5,000 is a little rich, but not much. The VIX Index , a measure of 30 day volatility in the S & P 500, is below 13, cheaper than usual.

Persons: we're, Jeremy Grantham, Paul Krugmans, aren't Organizations: Investors, Nvidia Locations: China, U.S

☆ A bullish options bet on a rallying fintech into earnings
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-05 | by ( Michael Khouw | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +5 min

Nevertheless, we're going to take advantage of lower- than-average longer-dated options premiums in an e-commerce payment services company to frame a modestly bullish bet going into earnings. Companies might beat earnings expectations but still see their stock price fall due to other factors like future earnings guidance, revenue quality, or broader market conditions. Guidance: Companies often provide forward-looking statements or guidance about future earnings and performance during their earnings calls, which can have an immediate and unpredictable impact on their stock price. Analyst expectations: The market's reaction can be more about how the actual earnings compare to analyst expectations rather than the earnings themselves. In some cases though, the options market is not anticipating particularly sharp moves, and this may present an opportunity.

Persons: we're, Fiserv Locations: United States

☆ A simple options trade on a steady health care stock benefitting from an aging population
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-01 | by ( Michael Khouw | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

The U.S. population is getting older and per capita health care spending has been rising — other than the pandemic blip — very steadily for half a century. We'll detail a simple trade on a resilient health care industry stock that stands to benefit from that long-term trend. Becton Dickinson (BDX) has a large array of healthcare products and consequently doesn't exhibit the volatility that some other health care companies have like biotech. Unsurprisingly, when we look at the health care sector, we also see consistent long-term growth. The Health Care Select Sector Index (IXV) includes more than 60 companies in pharmaceuticals, biotech, equipment, managed care, service providers and distribution.

Persons: Becton Dickinson Organizations: Moderna Inc

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