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Know Your Options: Archive
With Precious Metals, Make Sure You're Not the "Greater Fool"
by David Borun
Some assets have true intrinsic value and some don't. Knowing the difference is important.
GLDNegative Net Change
options
As the VIX Falls, It's Time To Consider Buying Options
by David Borun
With the VIX back at 30% even as uncertainty lurks, the Straddle is looking like a good bet.
SPYNegative Net Change CBOEPositive Net Change
options
The Oil Price Plunge is an Opportunity to Learn About Options
by David Borun
Extreme situations like negative futures prices are an interesting way to learn about the mechanics of derivatives.
CMENegative Net Change
options
With Energy and Metals on the Move, Consider Commodity Options
by David Borun
Investors with and opinion on the direction of commodity prices should know all the facts before trading those options.
CMENegative Net Change
options
Put Protection is Too Expensive for Your Portfolio
by David Borun
High implied volatilities make buying option protection a poor idea right now.
CBOEPositive Net Change
options
Equities Rally, but the VIX Remains High
by David Borun
Factors other than fear can often keep implied volatilities higher than you might guess.
CBOEPositive Net Change
options
Know Your Options, Personal Story Edition
by David Borun
Two events, one today and one from 20 years ago help shed some light on recent market behavior.
LRCXNegative Net Change
options
Coronavirus Causes a Volatility Spike. Time to Sell Options?
by David Borun
When traders scramble for protective options, your decision comes down to "trade or fade."
CBOEPositive Net Change
options
Trading Options on Takeover Deals
by David Borun
Contracts are adjusted to minimize the impact, but corporate deals still present an opportunity.
MSPositive Net Change
options
Should You Consider Trading Weekly Options Expirations?
by David Borun
More frequent expiration cycles allow traders to customize their positions, but also involve unique risks
CBOEPositive Net Change
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Why You Should NOT Be Trading Options on Tesla Right Now
by David Borun
Big moves, high volatilities and high "vol of vol" make Tesla options a real widowmaker lately
TSLAPositive Net Change AAPLPositive Net Change
options
Call-Put Parity Reprise
by David Borun
The principle of call-put parity means calls can act like puts and vice versa.
CBOEPositive Net Change
options
Call-Selling Terminology (Plus a Bit More on Call-Put Parity)
by David Borun
Selling calls can be a very effective strategy, but you might want to avoid in-the-money options.
CBOEPositive Net Change
options
Don't Let Low Volatilities Lull You into a False Sense of Security
by David Borun
Unpredictable events are perpetually on the horizon, smart traders know how to survive them
CBOEPositive Net Change
options
A Big Rally and High Volatilities Make Tesla a Candidate for Cash-Covered Puts
by David Borun
Those who missed the recent rally aren't totally out of the game
TSLAPositive Net Change GMNegative Net Change FPositive Net Change
options
Back to Fundamentals to Start 2020
by David Borun
At the start of a new trading year, let's examine a basic topic that's important for understanding our trades to come this year.
CBOEPositive Net Change
options
Tesla Collar Update
by David Borun
As the shares continue to rally, how can a trader make the right decision about what to keep and what to sell?
TSLAPositive Net Change
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Using Options to Lock in Tesla Gains
by David Borun
With a big winner on your hands, a collar can protect profits while still preserving potential
TSLAPositive Net Change
options
Why Do Options on the Same Stock Trade at Different Implied Vols?
by David Borun
The normal distribution assumption in option pricing models doesn't accurately reflect real life
options
A Different Take on a Popular Strategy
by David Borun
Options volumes may be a good signal, but not necessarily how you might think.
options
Understanding Options During a Marijuana Stocks Rally
by David Borun
With pot stocks getting a boost from legalization efforts, understanding options is key to making the best value decision
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Playing Offense when Volatilities are Low
by David Borun
With the VIX at 13%, it may be a good time to speculate using options.
TSLAPositive Net Change GMNegative Net Change FPositive Net Change
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Pay Attention to Hard to Borrow Rates, Even in Options Trades
by David Borun
The prices of traditional options strategies change along with interest rates
TLRYNo Net Change MSFTPositive Net Change
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How to Replicate a Stock Postion Using Options
by David Borun
Options can be a way around account restrictions, but not negative interest rates
CMENegative Net Change CBOEPositive Net Change
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Selling Puts is not as Risky as it Sounds
by David Borun
In a stock you want to buy, selling naked puts is actually a less risky alternative
NFLXNegative Net Change DISPositive Net Change AAPLPositive Net Change
options