Quote from andysmith:
Well, the SPX is under 1175 and I sold 1200/1210 call spreads for $1.10. May sound a bit bold/risky but the market internals are so bad and with more earnings news coming, I don't see much of a rally in the next few days. 1155/1165/1200/1210.
). INTC also took the market down as well as AAPL a bit. Problem is that if economy is doing well, fed may keep raising rates so it is double edged sword.Quote from ryank:
That is a pretty bold move with the calls, also on the puts as well (at least for me).
There really isn't a catalyst on the horizon to shoot the market higher except for Phil's "last bear selling" situation. I don't think the jobs report if good will make the market take off but I think it could cause another good move down if it is really negative. Of course, it may be a somewhat non-event because it is/has been hard to tell how Katrina and Rita are affecting things. I guess to sum it up, I think the market is more likely to move down than it is to move up.
There, I have just joined the bear camp so let the rally begin right Phil!
ryan
Quote from andysmith:
Well, the SPX is under 1175 and I sold 1200/1210 call spreads for $1.10. May sound a bit bold/risky but the market internals are so bad and with more earnings news coming, I don't see much of a rally in the next few days. 1155/1165/1200/1210.

Quote from Hart9000:
Oh Boy!
I have been following this thread from the beginning. The past few days of this discussion have been most educational! As we know anyone can make money when the market is cooperating with their positions. And these SPX spreads seem like they have the potential to open that profit window a little wider. But as we all see, volatility can bite this strategy in the arse.
I question why some are rolling 5 or 10 points when this market is on the move. Sure there are only 5 days till ex. But look at recent history, this market could move 50 by then. In either direction.
As a newbie, and without the easy recent months of profits under my belt, I got bit playing this game. Not too bad, I got out with a small loss and will wait for better days. I do not miss the anxiety though. Freeing myself from that was worth closing for a small loss. Thanks to Coach for impressing on me the truths of risk management.
I think this is a great strategy, but not now. Iâll be sitting it out until Jan or Feb or whenever it feels safe to return.