Option Block 419: The Great Weekly Option Trading Debate

Trading Block: The market off just a fraction. Call option trades target return of $100 US crude oil. Options traders getting paid following Buffett to Kraft takeover.

Odd Block: Calls trade in EOG Resources Inc. (EOG); puts trading in iShares Emerging Markets ETF (EEM), and; puts trade in Market Vectors Semiconductor ETF (SMH)  

 

Xpress Block: Alex discusses many of the functions in the OX mobile platform.

 

Mail Block: Listener questions and comments

• Question from Joseph Anthony - I appreciate your input on the following issues. I know that I am not alone in dealing with these questions. I continue to be confused on which weekly strike to choose when trading for a one or two day hold. I realize if issue does not move in my desired direction by Tuesday afternoon I risk theta decay and it increases rapidly as week progresses toward expiry. My thoughts in trading weeklies is to trade the ATM or most liquid on Monday and Tuesday. Trade one strike in the money on Wednesday and Thursday and trade two strikes in the money on Friday. I have read many articles recommending to trade DITM options (+-90) for a close to $1 for $1 effect. But the DITM are often quite illiquid and expensive. My model generates 75%+ success rate in choosing issues that move according to my projections and I choose to use weekly options to trade a small universe (AAPL, AMZN, GOOGL, AND NFLX) but I am still struggling to definitively choose the "right" option. My model is predicated on an immediate move and if it does not transpire in a bar or two I tighten my stop or exit. I am looking to trade naked or use strips and straps in order to implement my models signals. Thank you in advance.

 

• Question from NJay - What should I be using to value my index options properly, the cash index or the actual underlying futures? Thank you for all your insight.       

 

Around The Block: Earnings today (before the bell): ConAgra Foods, Lululemon Athletica Inc., Accenture, Cosi, Inc. After the Bell: GameStop Corporation.  Friday: BlackBerry Ltd, Carnival Corp.