Recent content by danf

It's their banking unit that has caused all their problems, their brokerage unit is doing quite well. Perhaps they will spin that off, but the huge hedge fund Citadel has a big stake now so we will see waht happens.

That potential loss represents almost 9% of their total capital, which is VERY significant. I am not suggesting you immediately close your accounts, but I would also say monitor the situation closely.

25 million represents almost 9% of their total capitalization. So this event is clearly material, as eveidenced by the drop in their stock. I agree this is not "fatal", but any firm clearing them should be cautous.

They clear for thinkorswim, where I have an account...supposedly it's safe but I am rather nervous, particularly in this environment

I also have an account with them and have been overall unimpressed with the platform. However, their commission structure is excellent for an SPX trader like me because of the flat rate pricing. Given the exchange fees of .44 per contract on the SPX, broker fees, clearing fees, etc... they must...

The funny thing is thinkorswim, actually has other educators as guest speakers on a regular basis. Apparently, they are not confident in Investools own instructors!

The funny thing is that the broker they bought a few years ago, thinkorswim, actually has other educators as guest speakers on a regular basis. Apparently, they are not confident in Investools own instructors!

I think most long term strategies will involve selling covered calls or buying puts. You can sell individual calls on your positions, or buy puts. Alternatively, you could buy puts on an index that correlates to your portfolio. There are so many indexes out there and I am sure you can find one...

Options are typically short term investments. Some firms do allow you to trade complex option types in an IRA, but you have to check with your firm 1st. 401k’s typically do not allow option trading at all. Unfortunately, most brokerage firms are still in the dark ages when it comes to option...

I am certainly NOT a spammer and was offering my take on the discussion. If you would have taken the time to actually read my post, you would have seen I said there are many different kinds of educational forums out there and one should find one that best suits their needs. I certainly DID NOT...

I researched Dan’s program and the biggest issue I had was that although the marketing and discussions are all about Dan, as a student, you actually don’t get to talk to Dan very often. They assign students to teach you, or it’s done in a group forum. For that kind of money, I want to...

You should also check out some options analysis software. OptionVue currently has excellent option analysis software. While it’s not cheap, ($3,000), it does help you visualize, monitor and manage your positions. They also have some free educational pieces. It’s worth a look.

I’ve researched 3 of those listed and am going with the DiscoverOptions product. I liked the fact that they have 4 experienced professionals, 2 former floor traders, and 2 experienced financial professionals. I felt that would give me a broader perspective than working with one person...

I watched it and thought it was informative and not dry at all. I thought he tied the use of backtesting into a current trade very well.

I've looked into that program and found it is really nothing more than group sessions. Although it is marketed as "Dan", in actuality, you get Dan's mentors, former students, etc... You are better off doing your own research, attending free seminars sponsored by the exchanges, etc... As the...