Retailers Hurtin' For Certain
If today’s earning reports are any indication for the retail sector’s Christmas shopping season then they are in t-r-o-u-b-l-e. Don’t […]
Daily Update, Earnings, Company Commentary
Daily Update
Market Analysis, Daily Update
Before the Bell
Futures are trading lower this morning, which could lead to a potentially negative start this morning. The market rallied big-time
Daily Update, Apple
Is Apple Ripe or Rotten?
Apple (AAPL, $88.90, down $1.22) is trending lower this morning after a price target cut on its shares. Credit Suisse
Daily Update, Google
Google Continues Lower
The bubble gum used on Google’s (GOOG, $284.12, down $6.88) attempt to hold the $300 dam did not hold yesterday
Daily Update, Company Commentary
This Bud Is For Its Shareholders
Nah, Nah, Nah, Nah…Hey, Hey…Goodbye! It’s in the books. Shareholders of Anheuser-Busch (BUD, $66.33, down $0.51) approved the $52 billion
Daily Update, Google
Google Testing $300
Google (GOOG, $304.92, down $6.54) has been hovering the $300 mark for the past couple of days and it looks
Daily Update, Sectors, Company Commentary
Las Vegas Sands Halted
Las Vegas Sands (LVS, $6.65, down $1.35) still hasn’t “officially” opened this morning for trading although it was down 17%
Daily Update, Market Analysis, Company Commentary
Morning Tidbits
The futures are pointing towards a lower openening this morning as the market is struggling with a number of issues.
Daily Update, Market Analysis
China Ditto's U.S. Bailout Package
The futures are up big-time this morning before the opening bell as Wall Street seems to loving the fact that
Daily Update, Sectors
More Bad News For Casino Stocks
There seems to be no good news in site for the casino stocks. On October 23, I had mentioned that
Strategies, Daily Update
Why Stops Are So Important
It’s all about the timing. Trading options can be exciting but you can’t let emotions get in your way when
Google, Yahoo / Microsoft, Daily Update
Yahoo Jumps Despite Google Changing Mind
Yahoo (YHOO, $13.92, up $0.57) was back in the news again on Wednesday. The stock had a strong day despite
Daily Update, Sectors, Oil, Company Commentary
Chesapeake Benefits From Obama Victory, Takeover Talks
With a half-hour left to go in today’s trading session, the Dow is down 400 points to 9,225 but there
Daily Update, Market Analysis
Opening Bell Outlook
Welcome to a new day and a new America. Senator Barack Obama made history by winning the U.S. presidential election
Daily Update, Company Commentary
Potash Update
Potash (POT, $93.17, up $8.21) is up nearly 10% today as we are halfway through the trading session. It’s an
Daily Update, Earnings
MasterCard Lifts Financial Stocks
MasterCard (MA, $159.50, up $15.61) is having a stellar morning after reporting earnings that beat Wall Street’s expectations. The results
Market Analysis, Daily Update
Market Ends Flat Ahead of Election
The market had its least volatile session in well over a month as Wall Street ignored some weak economic news
Daily Update, Market Analysis
Opening Bell Update
The market is not out of the woods yet. U.S. elections will take center stage on Tuesday and many experts
Daily Update, Sectors, Stock Earnings, Watch Lists
Casino Stocks Continue Higher
The casino stocks powered higher again on Friday and are showing some good momentum right now. Wynn Resorts (WYNN, $60.40,
Daily Update, IPOs
3rd Quarter IPO's
Now that 3Q is in the books it was no surprise that there weren’t many initial public offerings (IPOs) during
Daily Update, Earnings, Company Commentary
Exxon Mobil Reports Record Earnings
Exxon Mobil ($72.96, down $1.69) reported earnings that smashed its own record for the biggest profit from a U.S. company,
Daily Update, Sectors
Casino Stocks Make Big Moves
It was only a matter of time before the casino stocks got a lift. The sector has taken a beating
Daily Update, Market Analysis
Market Holds Steady Ahead Of Rate Cut Decision
The market has been in and out of positive territory following yesterday’s huge rally, as the bulls and bears position
Daily Update, Market Analysis
Market Rises On Bargain Hunting
The market staged a furious rally on top of the one it had going in the final hour of trading
Market Analysis, Daily Update
The Camel's Back is Hurting
The straw that might break the camel’s back could be falling today as the market is struggling halfway through the
Daily Update, Company Commentary
Baidu's Profits Rise, Shares Fall
Baidu.com (BIDU, $212.54, down $36.55) tried to stay afloat after reporting spectacular numbers but ended the day 15% lower as
Daily Update, Company Commentary
Potash Plummets
Potash (POT, $67.10, down $6.26) continued its slide today which allowed for some nice entry points for a couple of
Daily Update, Company Commentary
Apple Looking To Open Higher
Apple (AAPL, $91.49, down $6.95) reported earnings after the bell Tuesday and they pretty much followed the script we had
Daily Update, Company Commentary
Checking Up On Chesapeake
Chesapeake Energy (CHK, $23.32, unchanged) managed to escape the market’s bad day and finished the session even. I had mentioned
Daily Update, Commodities, Company Commentary
Time To Light Up Potash
It has been tough to watch Potash (POT, $73.36, down $8.18) fall from $240 in June to below a $100
Earnings, Company Commentary, Daily Update
American Express Surprises
American Express (AXP, $25.58, up $1.23) is having a decent morning after reporting earnings that fell year over year but
Daily Update, Company Commentary
Apple Could Surprise
We have a big week of earnings and Apple (AAPL, $97.26, down $0.14) will get things rolling on Tuesday. The
Daily Update, Company Commentary
Chesapeake Energy Perking Up
Chesapeake Energy (CHK, $22.32, up $1.85) is rebounding this morning following this month’s sell-off. There are numerous factors that have
Company Commentary, Daily Update
Lottery Portfolio Update
Here’s an update from the lottery plays I profiled last Monday: Entry Exit Current Action Expiration Microsoft (MSFT, $23.93) April
Daily Update, Earnings
Google Goes Wild
Google (GOOG, $353.02, up $13.85) turned in a fantastic report card after the bell on Thursday. The company beat Wall
Yahoo / Microsoft, Daily Update
Breaking News: Yahoo Jumps on Microsoft Comments
Like Ike and Tina Turner, Microsoft (MSFT, $22.72, up $0.06) and Yahoo (YHOO, $13.39, up $1.64) can’t seem to stay
Daily Update, Google
Google Option Strangle Update
Google (GOOG, $323.66, down $15.51) and 24 hours later the trade is showing a 30% profit. Google is set to
Market Analysis, Company Commentary, Daily Update, Sectors, Earnings, Google, Yahoo / Microsoft
Market Stumbles Once Again
After taking one big step forward, the market took two steps back on Wednesday as the Dow fell 733 points,
Daily Update, Company Commentary
What We're Watching
The market is down halfway through the session and Bernanke is on deck and should be speaking any minute now.
Earnings, Daily Update
Johnson & Johnson Shines
Johnson & Johnson (JNJ, $64.00, up $1.32) announced earnings on Tuesday which helped the stock extend its gains from Monday.
Daily Update, Earnings
Intel Tops Earnings Forecast
Intel (INTC, $15.93, down $1.06) reported earnings after the bell which topped Wall Street’s expectations by a penny. The company
Daily Update, Company Commentary
McDonald's Opens Strong
I recently profiled a McDonald’s (MCD, $59.32, up $2.07) trade on October 7 and I wanted to give a quick
Sectors, Financial Stocks, Google, Yahoo / Microsoft, Market Analysis, Company Commentary, Daily Update
Market Explodes for 900 Points
The relief rally was on today as the Dow zoomed 936 points as bulls rushed in to buy stocks that
Daily Update, Oil, Sectors, Watch Lists, Google, Yahoo / Microsoft, Market Analysis, VIX
It's Time to See the Forest Through the Trees
Words can’t describe the excitement we’ve seen in the market over the past few weeks and Friday was a classic
Daily Update, Earnings, Market Analysis
Mid-Day Outlook, IBM's Earnings
The market looked poised to break its six-day losing streak on the heels of a fantastic earnings report from International
Daily Update, Earnings
Yum Brands Beats Estimates
Yum Brands (YUM, $27.88, up $0.38) said profits for its 3Q came in at $282 million, or $0.58 a share,
Daily Update, Market Analysis
Quick Hits
Down 200 points. Up 125. That is what we are dealing with today for the Dow Jones…and that’s just the
Daily Update, Market Analysis
Look Out Below!
The hits just keep coming for the market. Another day, another drop for the Dow. Wow. Tuesday’s 508 point debacle
Company Commentary, Daily Update
Swimming With the Sharks
McDonald’s (MCD, $57.24, up $0.09) has gone on sale again. I may be a little early in saying this but
Daily Update, Market Analysis
Dow Takes A Licking, Barely Keeps Ticking
Wall Street was jolted again on Monday as the Dow was on the verge of its biggest loss ever. At
Daily Update, Company Commentary
Apple Option Strangle Update
Apple (AAPL, $91.07, down $6.00) is below $100 and is tanking along with the rest of the market. The Dow
Earnings, Market Analysis, Daily Update
Bailout Signed, Market Retreats
It’s official. After a week of haggling, the House finally approved the $700 billion government bailout of the financial industry
Daily Update, Market Analysis, Company Commentary
Market Notes – Potash Going Up In Smoke
From $185 to $98 in 10 days. That’s what has or is happening to Potash (POT, $97.91, down $30.13) today.
Daily Update, Company Commentary, Strategies
Stop Losses and Targets
I received a lot of emails on the JPMorgan Chase (JPM, $49.49, up $0.24) trade yesterday and this morning. First,
Daily Update, Market Analysis
Market Set To Open Lower
Here we go again. The futures are down sharply this morning and it’s looking like the Dow is going to
Daily Update, Google
Google's Closing Price Changed
Google (GOOG, $322.99, down $58.01) ought to have an interesting day. Check this out. The stock folded like a bad
Watch Lists, Daily Update, Market Analysis
Market Notes
Historic times indeed. Tuesday’s 485 point climb for the Dow was the third largest ever after dropping 777 points on
VIX, Daily Update
VIX Surges After Bailout Fails
The Chicago Board Options Exchange Volatility Index (^VIX, 40.93, down 5.79) rose sharply on Monday as the stock market closed
Daily Update, Market Analysis
Dow Crashes 777 Points
The market posted is worst ever point decline after Congress rejected the $700 billion bailout plan that looked like a
Daily Update, Company Commentary
Apple Downgraded, RIMM Continues Lower
Apple (AAPL, $109.88, down $18.36) is down sharply this morning after a couple of analysts downgraded the stock. RBC Capital
Daily Update, Market Analysis
Market Down Sharply Ahead of Vote
The market is down sharply this morning as concerns related to the government’s $700 bailout package continue. Congress and the
Financial Stocks, Daily Update, Market Analysis
Bailout Stalls, Likely to Get Done
Well, we all knew there would be drama when it came to getting the $700 billion banking bailout package approved
Daily Update, Earnings
RIMM Shares Tank After Earnings Miss
Research in Motion (RIMM, $97.53, up $0.82) reported earnings after the bell and they weren’t pretty. Wall Street was eager
Financial Stocks, Daily Update
Buffett Blesses Goldman Sachs
You know your stock has got to be “cheap” or “undervalued” when Warren Buffett steps in. That is exactly what
Daily Update, Market Analysis, Financial Stocks
Financial Stocks Lower
The market has been moving slightly higher this morning as Congress debates the $700 billion financial rescue package for the
Oil, Company Commentary, Gold, Daily Update, Sectors
Oil Jumps $16, Gold Breaks $900
Oil prices briefly shot up more than $25 a barrel Monday, shattering the record for the biggest one-day gain ever
Daily Update, Google, Company Commentary
Research in Motion Earnings Preview
Research in Motion (RIMM, $97.84, down $5.60) fell back below $100 on Monday ahead of its scheduled earnings report on
Daily Update, Company Commentary
Anheuser-Busch Still a Bargain
Anheuser-Busch (BUD, $66.69, down $0.46) has been trading 5%-10% below its takeover price of $70 a share and I wanted
Company Commentary, Daily Update
Buybacks Picking Up
With a lousy market you can get lousy stock prices. At least that what a few companies are thinking. Although
Daily Update, Strategies
Strangle Option Trades
When you trade options there are many routes you can take but one of my favorite trades to use in
Market Analysis, Company Commentary, Daily Update
Morgan Stanley and Wachovia Storm Higher
Ditto. The market is up ANOTHER 400 points shortly after lunch and for the week the Dow is actually positive.
Daily Update, VIX
Is the VIX Headed to the 40's?
The Dow has fallen into negative territory once again after rallying over 200 points earlier this morning. Since its high
Daily Update, Market Analysis, Company Commentary
Kraft Replacing AIG
Out with the old, in with the new. There will be a change in one of the Dow stocks as
Gold, Daily Update, Company Commentary
Morgan Stanley Too Good to Pass Up?
Morgan Stanley (MS, $18.10, down $10.60) is down $4+ from its opening price of $22.83 and $5 since my earlier
Daily Update, Company Commentary
Update on Wachovia Call Options
I profiled a Wachovia (WB, $10.80, down $0.71) option trade yesterday morning shortly after the market opened when the stock
Daily Update, Market Analysis
Quick Hits
The market just opened for trading and here is what we’re following. The Dow is down 163 to 10,895 within
Company Commentary, Daily Update
Dell Falls On Weak Outlook
The market is taking no prisoners and continues to spread like “a blob” through all sectors. Gold, Energy, Financial, Housing
Daily Update, Company Commentary
Wachovia Looking Good?
I mentioned Wachovia (WB, $10.10, down $0.61) last Tuesday and some of the January call options we were looking at.
Daily Update, Company Commentary
RIMM Option Strangle Update
The market took Research in Motion (RIMM, $96.20, down $2.07) below $100 yesterday as the stock fell over $7 and
Daily Update, Market Analysis
Dow Drops 500 Points
I’ve been calling for “the drop” for a couple of weeks now and yesterday could have been the start of
Company Commentary, Daily Update, Sectors
Lehman Brothers Files For Bankruptcy
After weeks of failing to attract a buyer, Lehman Brothers Holdings (LEH, $0.21, down $3.44) played its last card on
Daily Update, Company Commentary
AIG Plummets 60%, Put Options Up 885%
It was a bad day on Wall Street with the Dow dropping 504 points but it was even worse for
Daily Update, Company Commentary
Close Call Options in RIMM
Research in Motion (RIMM, $107.14, down $2.20) is slightly lower as we head into the afternoon trading session. The stock
Daily Update, Company Commentary
Merrill Lynch In the Teens
Merrill Lynch (MER, $19.43, down $3.87) shares were down again yesterday, falling 17% and hitting a fresh 52-week low of
Earnings, Company Commentary, Daily Update
Lehman Under $5
Lehman Brothers (LEH, $3.99, down $3.26) is dropping another 45% within the first 30 minutes of trading this morning. Lehman
Daily Update, Company Commentary
Free RIMM Trade
Research in Motion (RIMM, $104.61, up $5.31) made a 5% move yesterday and hit a high of $106 after intoducing
Company Commentary, Daily Update
Merrill Lynch Put Options Up 150%
On September 5, I mentioned Goldman Sachs (GS, $157.00, down $4.67) had downgraded Merrill Lynch (MER, $22.75, down $2.01) to
Daily Update, Google
Google Slips Despite Good News
Google (GOOG, $418.66, down $1.29) succumbed to the market’s downfall despite some good news yesterday. We learned that Google’s new
Daily Update, Market Analysis
Market Gives Back Gains
The Dow pretty much gave back all of its 290 point gain on Monday with yesterday’s 280 point drubbing. The
Market Analysis, Company Commentary, Daily Update
Market Notes – Strangle Option Play Up Sharply
As we head to lunch, here’s some tidbits on some of the stocks we are currently following. On September 2,
Daily Update, Company Commentary
UAL Hit By False Bankruptcy News
And yet another reason never to buy an Airline stock. One of the best pieces of advice someone ever gave
Daily Update, Company Commentary
Fannie and Freddie Under a Buck
Fannie Mae (FNM, $0.73, down $6.31) and Freddie Mac (FRE, $0.88, down $4.22) did their best Enron imitation on Monday
Daily Update, Company Commentary
RIMM at $100
Research in Motion (RIMM, $100.90, down $6.05) is trading lower after opening the morning at $111. The volatility has picked