The Invesco QQQ ETF (QQQ) is a wildly popular ETF that tracks the Nasdaq-100. It’s a tech-heavy index that has been in a sideways pattern for much of the last year. When a stock is moving sideways, a covered call can be a good way to optimize returns while holding the shares. In this case, […]

A popular method of trading the energy sector is by using the Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLE), which tracks the energy stocks of the S&P 500. A strategist placed a call ratio spread last week that likely signals bullish expectations in energy stocks through April. A ratio spread is a way to reduce the […]

One of the most active ETFs in terms of options trading is the iShares iBoxx $ High Yield Corporate Bond ETF (HYG). The most popular high yield bond ETF, HYG trades over 400,000 options contracts per day on average. A trader recently placed 7,000 of what appear to be HYG covered calls. The position could […]

Software company Fastly (FSLY) had a rough 2022, but things are looking up for the company so far in 2023. Analysts have recently upgraded the stock, which also posted better than expected earnings last week. At least one trader believes the positive momentum may continue. The trader purchased a 10,000-lot call spread tied to stock […]

Snap (SNAP), parent company of popular social media app Snapchat, posted fairly brutal earnings last week. Concerns over future revenues sent the share price down 10% the following day. However, the options market showed that at least one trader had a differing opinion. A large block of 20,000 calls were purchased, which don’t expire until […]

Medallion Financial (MFIN) is a credit services company that made its name through taxi medallion financing in New York City. It has since diversified its businesses as ride sharing has become mainstream, and the stock has done well so far in 2023. However, a large trader or fund bought thousands of March 5 puts last […]

 A large options block trade in iShares Silver Trust (SLV) made last week could be what is known as a collar trade. SLV is the most popular ETF for trading silver and is generally very active when it comes to options. Two very large blocks of puts and calls traded tied to stock (expiring in […]

Earnings season is upon us, so there tends to be a lot of big options trades as strategists position themselves for the results. 2022 was a rough year for many tech stocks, including Alphabet Class C Shares (GOOG).  However, what appears to be a large bullish call spread traded recently in GOOG options. The call […]

Although Peloton (PTON) has struggled since the pandemic, the embattled exercise company may have some bullish prospects in the coming months. A massive diagonal call spread traded last week in PTON options, which looks to be moderately bullish on the stock for 2023-2024 (and possibly into 2025). A diagonal spread is a combination of a […]