OptionsZone.com's Advanced Options Strategies

Debit Spreads vs. Credit Spreads

Thu, 11 Jun 2009 21:49:56 GMT

Think there's a big difference between debit and credits spreads? Think again.

Bear Call Spreads Gone Bad

Fri, 15 May 2009 14:48:30 GMT

Leverage is a two way street, and what seems like a small loss could, in fact, be much bigger if you are not mindful of your position size. Learn from one trader's mistake.

Iron Condors vs. Condor Spreads

Tue, 14 Apr 2009 14:00:25 GMT

Options expert explains the main differences between the iron condor and condor spreads.

Options on Hard-to-Borrow Stocks

Fri, 03 Apr 2009 00:07:19 GMT

Jud Pyle discusses put-call parity as it relates to options on stocks that are hard to borrow, and the opportunities it can create for bullish investors.

How to Initiate a Credit Spread

Sat, 28 Feb 2009 04:00:00 GMT

We'll show you how our subscribers made a $400 return in less than two weeks with this two-step strategy.

Get Paid to Trade Options

Sat, 31 Jan 2009 22:48:18 GMT

This isn't our parents' stock market, thanks to the explosion of the derivatives markets during the past few decades that we can use to our advantage!

Flying High With Iron Condors

Thu, 29 Jan 2009 21:40:38 GMT

This options strategy for sideways trading markets can bring premium when everything else is going nowhere fast.

Five Keys to Value Investing Profits

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 00:19:59 GMT

Some say this style of investing is broken, but there is a time and a place for this technique to work when you keep your focus.

Which Party Is Actually Better For the Markets?

Wed, 19 Nov 2008 01:52:29 GMT

While many people believe that Republicans are better for the markets, historical data on the Dow doesn't seem to support that notion.

Special Report: Finding the Trading 'Sweet Spot'

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Lots of traders and investors are asking, 'How can we make money during this time of economic and financial market crisis?' There are plenty of opportunities to profit, especially–and, perhaps, only–if you're an options trader.

Be Selectively Bullish During the Financial Crisis

Wed, 05 Nov 2008 23:27:28 GMT

The Street's assumptions are wrong (again). You can pick your places to start buying now.

Use Option Collars to Button Up Gains

Tue, 04 Nov 2008 18:55:02 GMT

If one of your stock has made some significant gains, a collar is an option strategy that can help you preserve your profits and protect you in case the shares take a tumble.

Four Ways to Sidestep the Street's Big Money Bulldozer

Wed, 29 Oct 2008 20:50:31 GMT

Panic is driving the action on the exchanges, but there are ways to avoid the mayhem.

Take Options Profits in STRIDES

Fri, 24 Oct 2008 18:57:14 GMT

Learn about a type of hybrid security that is structured like a bond and matures in a fairly short time frame, and even pays dividends.

LIBOR Indicates More Credit Troubles on the Horizon

Wed, 15 Oct 2008 12:45:36 GMT

Benchmark bank rate is telling bank watchers that credit remains tight.

3 Rules for Long-Term Profits

Fri, 03 Oct 2008 17:48:39 GMT

Keith Fitz-Gerald has a winning formula that will help traders get the profits they desire.

5 Reasons the $700 Billion Banking Bailout Will Bring $250 Oil

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 22:45:36 GMT

One unintended consequence of the banking bailout plan may be the catalyst for a 'crude' reality none of us want to see.

How I Would've Handled the Bailout Fiasco

Tue, 30 Sep 2008 20:22:33 GMT

Here's another plan that's better than the one Paulson dropped on the steps of Capitol Hill.

Where Has All the Money Gone?

Tue, 30 Sep 2008 00:56:33 GMT

With money market accounts losing funds at such a rapid rate, U.S. corporations are finding it increasingly difficult to fund their short-term capital needs.

Using Credit-Default Swaps in Your Options Trading

Mon, 29 Sep 2008 21:07:10 GMT

Just like you can use put options to 'insure' your portfolio, credit-default swaps also fall under the 'derivatives' umbrella. Learn more about the CDS market here.

No Paulson Plan, but it's Still $700 Billion to You and Me

Fri, 26 Sep 2008 14:42:28 GMT

While Congress and the president wrestle over a Wall Street bailout, the pain will eventually reach Main Street.

Put a 'Choke' Hold on Profits

Tue, 23 Sep 2008 22:18:29 GMT

This technique can help you breathe a sigh of relief as it aims to relieve a 'choking' portfolio.

A Day Late and $2 Trillion 'Short'

Mon, 22 Sep 2008 14:43:26 GMT

The move to stop short selling in the financials was like closing the barn door after the horses escaped.

The Fed Will Drown Swimming Against the Tide

Thu, 18 Sep 2008 22:24:41 GMT

Whenever the Fed takes on the financial markets, it usually loses.

'Spread' Your Wings

Wed, 17 Sep 2008 19:30:22 GMT

If you are familiar with buying calls and puts, we'll show you how to buy them even cheaper.

Bank Big Bucks on 'Worthless' Options

Tue, 16 Sep 2008 19:50:48 GMT

Once you've mastered this strategy, you'll never go back to buying options again!

Is the Market Reversing?

Mon, 15 Sep 2008 22:37:23 GMT

More and more stocks are moving to buy signals. This means the latest trend is that more and more stocks are able to break through levels of recent resistance.

Profit From Falling Stocks

Fri, 12 Sep 2008 19:35:24 GMT

You don't have to short stock to put a bearish bet on the table -- but the path to profits comes with different levels of risk.

Make or Break Options Trades

Thu, 11 Sep 2008 21:00:37 GMT

Market-makers can change the entire trading landscape in a single session. Let us explain how these mega-investors impact your portfolio.

Not All Call Buying is Bullish

Tue, 09 Sep 2008 21:23:47 GMT

If you would like a conservative strategy that lets you collect premiums, listen as we explain how a bear-call spread works.

Making a Short Trade

Mon, 08 Sep 2008 20:43:32 GMT

Do you know what the trading issues are when shorting a stock? Don't get blindsided with shorting.

2 Types of Bullish Bets

Fri, 05 Sep 2008 17:53:07 GMT

Do you think a stock is about to go up? You can buy call options or sell put options, as both indicate that you're making a bullish bet. But how you get from Point A to B is quite different.

Profits on the Horizon

Thu, 04 Sep 2008 16:23:23 GMT

Horizontal spreads are a great option tool when you believe you know the direction a stock will move, but it's not clear exactly when.

Lock in 'Iron'-Clad Profits with Condors

Wed, 03 Sep 2008 17:31:34 GMT

90% of all contracts held to expiration expire worthless because folks don't have a plan. Don't be like 'everyone else.'

Success With Naked Puts

Fri, 29 Aug 2008 21:49:34 GMT

Did you know that selling puts without owning the underlying shares can actually be less risky than owning the stock? Read on to find out how you can trade 'naked' for profits.

Put Real Profits in Your Account Synthetically

Tue, 12 Aug 2008 17:53:52 GMT

What the heck is a synthetic put position? If you're scratching your head, stay tuned to find out how it can work for you!

Synthetic Call Options Similar to Real Deal

Thu, 07 Aug 2008 18:04:05 GMT

Create synthetic options to simulate a long stock position or a combination of stock and call options to replicate the returns of both long and short put options.

Generate Real Profits Synthetically

Mon, 04 Aug 2008 18:59:09 GMT

Use options to create a synthetic stock position in top-dollar stocks.