Recent content by optiontrader767

I have to ask... are you buying contracts to go long? or short? cus, (I think) that's a terrible strategy. (at least for my risk tolerances- so i guess I should keep my month shut) As far as stops, I've never liked them. I think its a "control" thing for me. I prefer to set an alert, then go...

Be careful with weeklys. Not for beginners. I would also recommend doing your own research and not paying for a service.

The bid/ask spread will be tighter for the spy and you can trade much smaller. However, at tax time the spx will (likely) have the advantage due to the 60/40 tax rule that allows some short term profits to be taxed as long term capital gains. It should also be noted that the SPY options are...

I've never been a "fan" of back testing. It's a "tool" nothing else. It's a completely different game the second real money is on the line. This game is 75% mental anyway. The market never "beats you". It just makes you beat yourself.

(From my perspective) I would think your goal would be to cut down on that "losing 8%". I would look to improve the risk management. One idea is to use a debit spread. If you're right on your trade idea then you make money.... but WHAT IF YOU'RE WRONG... This gives you an opportunity to...

I suggest you look at trading the iron condor. This is a high probability trade. This means you can trade it every month. over and over... (focus on trading one stock, ETF or index) The key is how you manage this trade. The "trade off" for the high probabilities is a poor risk reward ratio. So...

This page provides a list of the major volatility tickers ("vix index" tickers) for the major indexes and several stocks. (about halfway down the page) It also explains the VIX index's very unique pricing. hope it helps http://www.strategic-options-trading.com/vix-index.html

I think that's a tough way to make a living... I've had nice success with non-directional trades. iron condors, butterflies, calendars.... (I'm consistent). I do directional stuff as spec plays only. For me it's just too hard to be consistent. (however, I'm sure there are people who have...

That could work, if you're sure goog is going to move. If you're experienced with calendars, why not buy the goog options in the month of the earnings. Then sell the shorter term options. This would let you take advantage of the rising volatility in the options you own (because of "earnings...

Too much risk in FB to risk any real money. This stock doesn't yet have a "history." That being said I think volatility will fall... http://www.strategic-options-trading.com/implied-volatility.html