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Are Options Traders Betting on a Big Move in Cliffs Natural Resources (CLF) Stock?

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Investors in shares of Cliffs Natural Resources Inc. (CLF - Free Report) need to pay close attention to the stock based on moves in the options market lately. That is because the Call which expires on Mar 24, 2017 for the $9.50 strike price had some of the highest implied volatility of all equity options today.

What is Implied Volatility?

Implied volatility shows how much movement the market is expecting in the future. Options with high levels of implied volatility could mean that investors in the underlying stocks are expecting a big move in one direction or the other. It could also mean there is an event coming up soon that could cause a big rally or a huge sell off. However, implied volatility is only one piece of the puzzle when putting together an options trading strategy.

What do the Analysts Think?

Clearly, options traders are pricing in a big move for Cliffs Natural Resources shares, but what is the fundamental picture for the company? Currently, Cliffs Natural Resources is a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) in the Mining - Iron industry that ranks in the top 4% of our Zacks Industry Rank. Over the last 60 days, no analysts have increased their earnings estimates for the current quarter, while 1 has dropped the estimate. The net effect has taken our Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current quarter from 20 cents per share to 19 cents per share in that period.

Given the way analysts feel about Cliffs Natural Resources right now, this huge implied volatility could mean there’s a trade developing. Often times, options traders look for options with high levels of implied volatility to sell premium. This is a strategy many seasoned traders use because it captures decay. At expiration, the hope for these traders is that the underlying stock does not move as much as originally expected.

Looking to Trade Options?

Each week, our very own Dave Bartosiak gives his top options trades. Check out his recent live analysis and options trade for the ULTA earnings report completely free. See it here: Bartosiak: Trading Ulta (ULTA) Earnings with Options or check out the embed video below for more details: 


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