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The RUT market makers are getting more and more difficult. Today, a spread market was 0.50 to 1.10; I offered to sell at 0.70 and there wasn't even a nibble. Not even a $0.55 bid. Pretty sad. Mark

And a good thought it is. Thanks. Mark

Today, I would be opening only Mar/Feb spreads, unless there was a specific Feb/Jan that looked just too good to pass. And if I were able to do so, I would consider Apr/Mar. It used to be possible for me to get the mid-point, or a nickel worse. Then the MMs would give about a dime on each...

I am unfamiliar with e-minis and how they trade. The reply refers to SPX, RUT or NDX, for example. In a 100k account, I would open about 33 spreads, when the strikes are 30 points apart. That requires 99k margin. I would also use the cash generated from the 33 spreads to open a few more...

They are the same, as I try to remain 100% invested with this account. It is entirely devoted to diagonal spreads. Mark

I've been doing these diagonals for 6 months (Murray says he's been at it for 9). So far no drawdowns. Worst month +0.99%, best +5.93%. Not enough data to draw solid conclusions, but I am very satisfied. The worst months involved being forced to close potisions that had run into the money...

This will sound strange, but I have no target for any specific trade. If I open early and get a 1.50 credit (on a 30-point wide spread), or if I open 2 weeks later and get only 60 cents for that same spread, my decision to close will be identical. IOW, the decision to get out of a trade is...

I found the Feb/Jan diagonals to be especially profitable. Of course, I opened them awhile ago - and am already out of almost every one. We have all seen the potentia for spectacular results when holding to the end (as detailed by Murray), but stories such as yours counterbalance those...

I close. Whatever cash is remaining in that OTM option usually represents a significant portion of my profit and I'm not going to gamble it away. Example, if I make 4%, or $1.20, on a 30-point wide spread, I will NOT hold a naked long when I can sell it for 30 cents. That's one fourth of...

When you feel the fear, it's time. Mark

As far as analytical software is concerned, TOS is far superior. If I needed the software, I'd open an account to get it. But IB's analytics are almost good enough for what I need, so I'll stick with them. I love the low commissions and although I've had some small problems with IB, I...

I've been looking at the TOS software and it is impressive. But for me, it's overkill. Way too much emphasis on things I don't want or need. Bottom line, it's useful, but not enough to encourage me to open an account for the minimum ($3,500). Mark

I like your idea, but with those illiquid options, there are no traders to jump in - stupid or otherwise. You will be trading with the MMs (or professional traders at remote locations). That's okay with me. If they want the spread I offer because it gives them some positive edge, that's...

Let's drop it. You obviously missed the point (it was 2 closing transactions) of the question and are off-topic. And verbose to boot. Mark

Yip, If the options you are trading are very active, then you have a real chance to trade at your prices - before much time lapses. But, you are referring to illiquid options with wide markets. Thus, the problem: it'a very unlikely you will get a fill until the underlying asset has...

Buying in one account and selling in another has NOTHING to do with the question. He is asking if he can trade with himself. Mark

As a market maker, and a registered broker-dealer, it was absolutley NOT ALLOWED. The rules may allow for a retail customer to makes these trades, but I doubt it. Don't do it unless you are 100% certain you are not violating the law. Mark

OK. You and Coach Phil have convinced me. I am downloading the software as I write this. Mark

I don't have anything with which to compare it. But, it 'seems' to be pretty good - and I use it. What I don't like is the inability to change any of the variables: date, IV, underlying price. Mark