Pros and cons of options vs. futures
Many option traders venture into futures, but the two markets present very different challenges--some of which are highlighted by the MF Global case. [Read more]
What's behind call action in ViroPharma
The drug developer is not a typical name for institutional option traders, but today its option volume is almost 10 times higher than normal. [Read more]
Call selling looks for limited gains in Host
Traders are positioning for limited gains in Host Hotel and Resorts even as its shares reach their highest levels since last July. [Read more]
Index, ETF option volumes near midday
Today's rally is fueling unusually heavy option volume as 7.5 million contracts have already traded, led by activity in the indexes and ETFs, optionMONSTER's data systems show. [Read more]
Largest option buying in equities so far
Nearing the halfway mark in today's session, here are the individual equity names with the most call and put buying on optionMONSTER's ActionTracker data system. [Read more]
Trader thinks Edwards drop is overdone
The maker of heart-care products is down big today, but one investor apparently believes that the worst of the selling is over. [Read more]
Homebuilders face call selling at highs
Shares of the SPDR Homebuilders Fund have jumped to their highest level in three years, but option traders are apparently looking for limited upside. [Read more]
Russell 2000 attracts big call spreads
The Russell 2000 Fund gapped higher at the open and has almost reached its average volume for a fully day, less than an hour into the session. [Read more]
Cramer: On stumble, cover your shorts
You know what Green Mountain is? The same thing that Netflix is. Stocks that went down too low, yet many short sellers, who were totally right, didn't cover. [Read more]
Acme Packet plunges on weak results
The networking-equipment manufacturer misses already-lowered forecasts; Digital River beats targets and guides higher; Trimble Navigation heads north on top and bottom lines. [Read more]
Stocks on edge before payrolls report
The major indexes are trading higher, following gains of a similar magnitude in Europe. New data shows that the Eurozone's service sector returned to expansion last month. Asian markets are mixed. [Read more]
WEBCAST: Audiocast: Upside interest continues
Surveying the options activity in banks, precious metals and technology, Pete sees a broad bias toward higher prices. [Read more]
Bulls are playing Mattel at new highs
Shares of the toy maker are trading at their highest levels in 13 years, and call buyers are betting on even more upside. [Read more]
Vivus trades show lingering concerns
The drug maker has come back from its plunge over concerns about its weight-loss drug, but new collar trades show that fears persist. [Read more]
WEBCAST: Audiocast: Digging for the mother lode
Chris McKhann explains two huge spreads in the GLD exchange-traded fund, which saw double its normal option volume yesterday. [Read more]
Indexes flat ahead of today's job report
The S&P 500, Nasdaq 100, and Russell 2000 all finished fractionally higher and in the middle of the day's range. Levels remain the same for today. [Read more]
Employment, factory reports fill calendar
Today's calendar includes a broad array of economic data offering clues on employment, manufacturing, and services. [Read more]
'Fast Money': The tech sector stays hot
The CNBC panel discusses the success of large-cap stocks such as Microsoft, which hit another 52-week high, and the sector's growth prospects. [Read more]