OptionsZone.com's Trading Ideas

Vertical Option Spreads - Bear Call Spread

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 02:09:56 GMT

Learn how this bearish strategy works and when traders should use it.

Recession Stocks - 2 Recession Busters, 2 Busted Stocks

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 13:59:26 GMT

This recession is not over, and as people continue to rein in their spending there will be some great long and short plays.

Earnings Trade - Retail Stocks - Khols-KSS - Wal-Mart-WMT

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 23:17:21 GMT

With several major retailers reporting earnings next week, we have one retail stock you should avoid and one that looks like it's going to be a highflier.

Top 6 Stocks to Own for the Rest of 2009

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 04:32:04 GMT

Just because the market may be a bit sluggish for the remainder of the year, does not mean there aren't select stocks that are great buys now.

Stock Market Sell-off - The Market is Headed Off a Cliff

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 23:23:08 GMT

The odds strongly favor a continued stock market sell-off -- and I mean a big one.

Vertical Option Spreads - Vertical Option Spreads 101

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 23:43:35 GMT

An introduction to vertical option spreads and a breakdown of this strategy's four components.

Option Straddles - Trading Option Straddles During Earnings Season

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 19:32:43 GMT

You can profit this earnings season even if you have no idea which direction a stock is going to move after the company announces.

Covered Calls and Covered Puts - Managing Risk Using Options

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 19:17:03 GMT

Even the best traders make bad trades, but managing risk helps them survive to trade another day. Learn how to minimize losses with covered calls and puts.

Covered Calls - 4 Ways to Generate Instant Options Profits

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 18:45:46 GMT

There's a powerful trading tool out there that most people under-utilize. Discover the only sure way to generate a profit in the options market.

The 5 Scariest Stocks to Have in Your Portfolio

Sat, 31 Oct 2009 13:26:23 GMT

If you own any of the stocks on this list, you should be frightened.

7 Home Run Options Trades

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 18:14:15 GMT

Ready to score big? Here are seven trades we think will knock it out of the park.

The Way to Make Money in This Jobless Recovery

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 14:59:53 GMT

The real-world economic recovery is going to fall somewhere between anemic and non-existent. But what does this mean for stocks?

Earnings Trade - Omnicare-OCR

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 23:13:03 GMT

With analysts and options traders in love with pharmaceutical company Omnicare (OCR), we have to ask, is anyone looking at the same chart we are?

Trading the Dollar - U.S. Dollar Index, Currency Pairs, Dollar ETFs

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 21:47:53 GMT

Shorting the U.S. dollar has been a great play since stocks bottomed in March, but the recent pullback has hot money flocking back to the buck. Here are three ways you can play the dollar's next move.

Technical Analysis vs. Fundamental Analysis? The Answer to the Age-old Question

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 20:15:26 GMT

Investors often argue the merits of fundamentals versus technicals. I'll put that debate to bed.

Debit Spreads vs. Credit Spreads

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 20:38:50 GMT

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

IPOs - Grand Canyon Education-LOPE

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 19:57:18 GMT

How about a company with rock-solid fundamentals in a sector that held its own throughout the brutal bear market? Oh, and the technicals are a chartist's dream.

Currency Trading - A Low-Risk Way to Trade Currencies

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 02:28:05 GMT

If you're looking for a very low-risk way to enter the world of currencies, you might want to start with E-Micros.

Investing in IPOs - How to Invest in IPOs

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 21:46:51 GMT

Trading IPOs is an exciting way to make spectacular gains. It's also a great way to lose money. But, if you follow my strategy, you can maximize your profits and minimize your risk.

Options Straddles - How to Profit if the Market Goes Up … or Down

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 22:03:25 GMT

Have a hunch that the market is going to make a big move, but not sure in which direction? Here's a low-risk way to make big returns.

Earnings Trade - Cephalon-CEPH

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 20:40:18 GMT

Cephalon (CEPH) looks like a textbook bearish case of lousy technicals, questionable fundamentals and misplaced optimism -- which could lead to a very profitable put play.

Stocks to Trade - 3 Hottest Trades in 3 Hot Sectors

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 04:00:09 GMT

These companies are about to report earnings, and they will almost surely explode the day they report, or shortly thereafter. How do I know which stocks are going to be the monster movers? I'll tell you.

Trendlines - Use Trendlines to Predict the Market's Next Move

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 22:23:12 GMT

When charting stocks, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), futures, commodities, currencies or the market, identifying trendlines is where it all begins.

IPOs Investing - Why You Want to Invest in IPOs NOW!

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 20:29:43 GMT

We are looking at the hottest IPO market we have seen in years, and you'll be kicking yourself if you miss out.

Internal Markets vs. External Markets - Why Watching the News Can Hurt Your Trading

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 19:10:11 GMT

The reason most individual investors lose money is because they invest in stocks, or withdraw from the market, based on what they hear in the news, which is backward.

Writing Put Options - How to Buy Stocks at a Discount by Writing Put Options

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 19:18:00 GMT

Option traders have the upper hand in buying discounted stocks by selling put options. Here's how it works.

Currency Trading - How to Avoid Getting Screwed Trading Currencies

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 16:10:16 GMT

If you're looking to trade currencies, I'll show you how to go into it with your eyes (and not your wallet) wide open.

10 Reasons the Economy Will NOT Recover in 2010

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 04:00:48 GMT

Think this recession is ending? Think again. Find out why the economy will almost certainly flat line or decline next year.

IPOs - LogMeIn-LOGM

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 18:47:24 GMT

One recent IPO is about to deliver blowout earnings. You'll be kicking yourself if you miss this trade.

Stocks to Short - The Safest Way to Short the Homebuilders - SPDR Homebuilders ETF-XHB

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 15:38:44 GMT

Wall Street is beginning to lose patience with the homebuilders, and I think the sector will be collectively bankrupt within a year. Find out how you should play it.

Earnings Trade - Caterpillar-CAT

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 00:27:43 GMT

Heading into earnings, the indicators point to Caterpillar (CAT) breaking above its September high. So look at a bullish trade before the company reports.

Is Your Money Safe From Broker Risk?

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 21:54:32 GMT

How protected is your money if your broker should fail? Find out what your rights are and how to avoid losing money.

6 Cheap Options Trades on Expensive Stocks

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 16:30:48 GMT

Ever passed on a good stock because it was just too expensive? Our experts share the best options to trade on high-priced stocks so you can play for a fraction of the cost.

Shipping Stocks - Triple Your Money in These Trades

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 21:19:34 GMT

Don't you wish you could hop in a time machine, go back three weeks and buy gold when it was $100 cheaper? Well there's another opportunity presenting itself that's just as good.

Writing Options: 4 Benefits of Selling Options

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 14:28:53 GMT

When you buy options, you have to be right about market direction and about the amount of time it will take the market to move. But did you know that it is possible to be on the other side of the trade?

Managed ETFs - Beware of Managed ETFs

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 14:26:55 GMT

These 'new' financial products are really just old-fashioned mutual funds disguised as ETFs. Here's why they are not a good investment.

5 Reasons You Shouldn't Bank on This Rally Lasting

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 14:25:54 GMT

With a severe financial and economic crisis on our hands, there are plenty of things to rant about, but here are my top five.

8 Ways to Reduce Your Commission Costs

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 21:00:00 GMT

High commission costs are one of the major criticisms of options trading, but there are ways to avoid and reduce them.

Gold Stocks - A Once-in-a-Lifetime Opportunity to Profit in Gold

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 19:43:07 GMT

Gold is in a parabolic rally worldwide, and this global phenomenon is your once-in-a-lifetime chance to cash in on this huge bull market. Get two great plays to profit in this sector.

ETFs - 2 ETFs to Profit Whichever Way the Market Goes

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 00:28:07 GMT

While the bulls still have the ball, anything could happen in this market. So, instead of betting on direction, why not bet on strength?

Earnings Trade - Halliburton-HAL

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 22:10:46 GMT

Skepticism in Halliburton (HAL) may be on the verge of unwinding into buying pressure, which could be what the stock needs to break out to new highs.

6 Top-Rated Stocks to Buy Now

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 20:28:05 GMT

Not only does S&P rank these six stocks highly, but the technicals show that they are great buys now.

Trade Options With 'Fun' Money

Mon, 05 Oct 2009 15:14:31 GMT

Options can be so inexpensive that it's hard to remember that you're playing with 'real' money.

Writing Options: Put and Call Writing Explained

Sun, 04 Oct 2009 17:56:04 GMT

This introduction to writing calls and puts will show you how to sell puts to enter into a long stock position and use covered calls to collect 'rent' on the stocks in your portfolio.

Binary Options: An Investment to Avoid (For Now)

Fri, 02 Oct 2009 17:58:50 GMT

Trading with binary options is an all-or-nothing investment, and one that many investors aren't ready for. This simple case study explains how they work.

Should Investors Be Worried About October?

Fri, 02 Oct 2009 14:08:53 GMT

Throughout stock market history, October has often been a month of crashes, investor freak-outs and market meltdowns. Take our quiz to see if you're prepared.

Options Trading - The Secret to Market-Beating Returns

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 14:52:30 GMT

As the economy works out some very serious long-term problems, the stock market, while it will encounter spikes and drops, might just end up in the same long-term range for quite some time. But that doesn't mean you can't profit.

Understanding How Implied Volatility Affects Options Traders: Part Two

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 14:51:47 GMT

The VIX is one of the most useful forms of implied volatility and can signal important trends in the market. Here's how to identify them.

Exiting a Trade - When Should You Cash Out?

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:03:41 GMT

Many of you are sitting on profits unsure of whether you should cash out in case the market turns back down. I can help.

Earnings Trade - Breakout in Infosys Technologies-INFY Almost a Sure Thing

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:03:09 GMT

Infosys Technologies (INFY) reports earnings next week, and that could very well be the key to a breakout in the stock.

How to Pick the Right Put Option

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 20:23:02 GMT

Picking the right put option is harder than you think. Once you've found a lousy stock, how do you choose the perfect put option to profit from its slide? Find out here.

Understanding How Implied Volatility Affects Options Traders - Part Three

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 15:33:22 GMT

Trading options on the VIX is different from most stock option trading, but can be extremely profitable. Here's how to do it.

Short This Homebuilder Now

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 04:00:00 GMT

We are not even close to seeing the end of the housing market woes, which means homebuilding stocks are going to take another hit. Here's the best one to short now.

Implied Volatility - Use Implied Volatility to Select the Right Option

Mon, 28 Sep 2009 19:16:10 GMT

Find out how to use implied volatility to determine whether an option's premium is overpriced or undervalued.

Bear Spreads - Hedge Your Portfolio With Bear Spreads

Mon, 28 Sep 2009 19:15:01 GMT

All too often, investors make the mistake of buying nominally cheap put options as insurance, but this won't really protect them. Learn a better strategy.

Options Trading - How to Improve Your Timing

Mon, 28 Sep 2009 19:12:27 GMT

If you can master this simple (but not so easy to follow) advice, you will be able to keep yourself from jumping the gun and overpaying for trades.

Cheap Options Aren't Always a Smart Buy

Fri, 25 Sep 2009 20:18:26 GMT

We love the profit potential that comes from seeing an inexpensive option play skyrocket into a big winner, but some options are cheap for a reason.

Earnings Trade: Could We See a Monster Run-up in JBL?

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 00:26:35 GMT

Jabil Circuit's chart is a thing of beauty, and the stock usually makes a big move up after earnings. Find out the best way to play it.

Combine Conservative and Speculative Strategies for Maximum Profit

Wed, 23 Sep 2009 20:09:07 GMT

Play it safe or take a risk? Have the best of both worlds by combining index options with bonds to give your portfolio a profitable boost.

10 Touchdown Options Trades

Wed, 23 Sep 2009 04:00:00 GMT

We're combine two of America's favorite pastimes -- football and making money -- and bringing you 10 winning options trades from our very own all-pro options trading team.

Will the Fed Bring Down the Market?

Wed, 23 Sep 2009 00:55:20 GMT

The conundrum facing Wall Street right now is whether the Fed pulling back credit support is a good thing or a bad thing for stocks.

Shipping Stocks - Don't Miss the Boat on These 3 Options Trades

Mon, 21 Sep 2009 19:39:44 GMT

While dry bulk shipping may not sound like the sexiest topic on the planet, I have three options trades in this sector that should really get your engines revving.

What is Options Delta? Part V

Mon, 21 Sep 2009 19:09:07 GMT

Learn how to lock in profits when you find yourself in a winning trade that you're not ready to exit.

Married Puts - How to Buy Insurance on Your Stocks

Mon, 21 Sep 2009 19:08:41 GMT

You can protect your long stock positions with options. Find out how a married put strategy functions like insurance for your portfolio.

Stop-Losses: How to Take on a Bigger Position for the Same Amount of Risk

Mon, 21 Sep 2009 19:06:44 GMT

I'll share a savvy way to rapidly amplify a small trading account into a large one -- even if you don't have a big win rate.

Writing Covered Calls

Sat, 19 Sep 2009 19:14:19 GMT

Many investors think writing options (i.e., covered calls) is an easy way to generate cash. But there's more to it than meets the eye.

Bank Stocks: Stay Clear of the Financials

Thu, 17 Sep 2009 16:34:47 GMT

The banks and the government have succeeded in convincing people, with vocabulary, not facts, that things are fine. But they're not.

The Advantages of Trading Options - How to Avoid Going Broke

Thu, 17 Sep 2009 16:33:15 GMT

Even most pros are wrong more often than they are right, so how do you win at the stock market game?

Housing Stocks Climbing 'Wall of Worry'

Thu, 17 Sep 2009 00:41:03 GMT

The trend in housing is your friend ... for now. Here's why you might want to hop aboard if you haven't done so already.

10 Reasons the Market Could Crash in October

Wed, 16 Sep 2009 04:00:00 GMT

There are anywhere between one and 100 reasons the market may fall in October, but here are 10 that are worth careful consideration.

What is Options Delta? Part IV

Mon, 14 Sep 2009 22:19:07 GMT

Take on a fraction of the risk that the stock/ETF trader takes on while positioning yourself to realize the same (or a much larger) profit by picking the right option.

Exiting a Trade - Plan Your Exits Before You Make the Trade

Mon, 14 Sep 2009 21:11:26 GMT

Increase your chances of success and limit your losses by determining multiple exit strategies prior to entering a trade.

Understanding How Implied Volatility Affects Options Traders

Mon, 14 Sep 2009 18:58:26 GMT

When used correctly, implied volatility can control your risk and help you make smarter trades by getting a better read on market behavior.

8 Easy Ways to Boost Your Profits: #5 Entering Positions

Fri, 11 Sep 2009 22:39:16 GMT

Learn how to take advantage of stock market moves and the signals you should be watching for before you go long.

10 Sectors That Could Use a Bailout

Fri, 11 Sep 2009 04:00:00 GMT

If giving cash away for broken-down cars works, why can't we apply that same logic to just about anything? Take a look at a few industries that could use a little government stimulus.

Earnings Trade: FedEx May Deliver Some Quick Profits

Wed, 09 Sep 2009 21:55:49 GMT

A stock busting out to multi-month highs amid a skeptical sentiment environment before earnings is typically a bullish play in our book.

Risk Management: How Much Do You Really Have at Risk?

Wed, 09 Sep 2009 21:14:03 GMT

If you are a real student of the game, then what I'm about to share with you will absolutely change the way you quantify risk throughout your investment portfolios.

Invest Internationally With LEAPS Options

Wed, 09 Sep 2009 19:39:25 GMT

Learn how long-term investors can increase their profit potential in emerging market stocks.

Short of the Week: Tiffany & Co. (TIF)

Wed, 09 Sep 2009 04:00:00 GMT

The still-beleaguered consumer, evaporating credit lines and rising precious metal prices could conspire to cut Tiffany & Co.'s (TIF) stock price in half.

How GLD Can Protect Your Portfolio Against Inflation

Fri, 04 Sep 2009 16:03:55 GMT

While gold is an ideal hedge against inflation, investing in the actual spot commodity or speculating in the futures market can be expensive for most individual traders. Now there's a simpler way to invest in gold.

Top 9 Stocks to Trade This Fall

Fri, 04 Sep 2009 04:00:00 GMT

If September is anything like August, stockholders are in for some hefty gains. Get this fall's best stocks to trade.

Options: What Your Broker Doesn't Want You to Know

Fri, 04 Sep 2009 00:52:05 GMT

Brokers and money managers will usually try to discourage you from trading options by saying they are risky or that you don't qualify to trade them. But after reading this, I guarantee you'll never want to trade a stock or ETF again.

Pre-Earning Put Options and LEAPS: 2 Powerful Ways to Profit With Options

Fri, 04 Sep 2009 00:04:14 GMT

Learn how options can help you to protect your portfolio during major market events and minimize margin risk.

3 Golden Option Opportunities

Thu, 03 Sep 2009 21:38:04 GMT

The current breakout in gold is just a little appetizer compared to the gains we will be making by trading this sector.

Why You Should Be Mad as Hell at the Financial Media

Thu, 03 Sep 2009 16:39:24 GMT

I am fed up with the pundits talking up the market so much so that they are, in effect, propping it up, and with the traders who are dominating the market to the point that stocks are no longer true investment vehicles.

Make Big Money in Underpriced Options

Thu, 03 Sep 2009 14:06:37 GMT

Inexpensive options allow you to maximize your profit potential. Learn about the benefits of underpriced options and how to find them.

Biotech Stocks: How to Double Your Money on 3 Top Biotech Stocks

Thu, 03 Sep 2009 13:38:38 GMT

Before you circle the months of September and October on your End of Days calendar, take a look at these best-in-breed biotech stocks and the call options you should purchase now.

Earnings Trade: Campbell Soup (CPB): Mmm, Mmm Good?

Thu, 03 Sep 2009 00:52:15 GMT

With analyst expectations muted heading into its earnings report, will Campbell be able to serve up some profits?

6 of the Best Stocks to Buy Now

Wed, 02 Sep 2009 04:00:00 GMT

These six stocks are giving off extremely bullish signals and look ready to run higher.

Stock to Short: Buy Calls on the SKF

Tue, 01 Sep 2009 21:55:17 GMT

A bad day for the banks could mean a quick 50% gain for you.

Don't Miss the Bull Run in Gold

Mon, 31 Aug 2009 13:35:10 GMT

I am seeing signs that the next sector to go extremely bullish is gold -- and I'm going to tell you exactly how to play it.

ETFs vs. ETNs: Which is Better?

Mon, 31 Aug 2009 09:14:56 GMT

Which type of fund is ideal for diversifying your portfolio? Find out in this one-on-one comparison.

8 Easy Ways to Boost Your Profits: #4 Stop-losses

Mon, 31 Aug 2009 09:12:02 GMT

For all the strategies and opportunities out there designed to make us the profits of our dreams, most times it's not the strategy that fails us, but rather the trader behind the trade.

Technical Analysis IQ Test (Include)

Fri, 28 Aug 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Technical Analysis IQ Test

Fri, 28 Aug 2009 04:00:00 GMT

The following 10 questions will help you determine your grasp of the terms, techniques and concepts used by top technical analysts to make serious profits.

Option Spreads: Trade Options Spreads in a Volatile Market

Thu, 27 Aug 2009 21:58:53 GMT

If market volatility is making you nervous, try trading option spreads to reduce your risk.

Symmetrical Triangle Chart Pattern: How to Profit From This Explosive Chart Formation

Thu, 27 Aug 2009 10:35:28 GMT

I want to share a chart pattern that is easy to identify and profit from, because this information has made me millions.

Individual Investors Get Smacked by ETF Regulations

Thu, 27 Aug 2009 08:12:29 GMT

The CFTC's attempt to curb speculation in the commodity markets will have regulators targeting commodity ETFs. Find out what this means for you.

Airline Stocks: Airline Stocks Grounded by the 200-Day

Wed, 26 Aug 2009 23:11:41 GMT

Airline stocks have been on a nice run, but the sector is looking tired as several of the major players head into key chart resistance.

Stock to Short: Intuitive Surgical (ISRG)

Wed, 26 Aug 2009 16:42:15 GMT

Short the Obama health care plan with the poster child for runaway medical spending -- Intuitive Surgical (ISRG).