Editor

(Justin Vaughn, Editor, Options Trading Report) Stocks stayed positive to open the week…with anticipation at a ‘high.’ Looking forward to two major announcements, Mr. Powell’s rate increase on Wednesday and the Consumer Price Index release on Thursday for October, clouded the markets, and dimmed investors and traders aggressiveness. The indices were ‘mellow’ with little definition of direction. The day after election day, early numbers indicated Republicans were not making the early predictions of taking both … Read more…

(Justin Vaughn, Editor, Options Trading Report) The market soared Friday (10-28) as investors and traders showed confidence, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average surging up 800 points, finishing the week on a ‘high note.’ The tech heavy Nasdaq Composite soared a whooping 2.9%, up 309.78 points. The solid S&P 500 was up 2.5% or 93.76 points, with all sectors of the average contributing. All in all a terrific finish for the week, and much needed … Read more…

(Justin Vaughn, Editor, Options Trading Report) The market roared ahead Monday, in sync with Friday’s closing, as the Dow Jones Industrial Average soared 400 points.  Investors and traders were seemingly  uplifted by a possible lower tightening figure, just maybe a 50 basis point increase for October.  Many feel that a ‘downward’ number would signify more caution and concern regarding the initiation of a recession.  Even after the Fed raised rates by 75 basis points three … Read more…

(Justin Vaughn, Editor, Options Trading Report) Peaks and Valleys marked a turbulent week as inflation ruled investors and traders. The markets floundered with anticipation of the release Thursday of the (dreaded) CPI figure for September, at 8.2%, just a bit below August’s 8.3%, hardly a positive. A smattering of corporate earnings in the financial area were somewhat negative as big banks showed lower profits and listless growth. As earnings emerged from several sectors, a majority … Read more…

(Justin Vaughn, Editor, Options Trading Report) After a whip-sawed week of ups and downs, investors and traders were looking for some ‘bit’ of good news to build some confidence. A positive jobs report showed employers added over 263,000 hires in September, pushing the unemployment rate down to 3.5%, from 3.7%. As this ‘good news’ is normally a booster for the market, it actually was a ‘downer,’ as it prompts the Fed to rethink the inflation … Read more…

(Justin Vaughn, Editor, Options Trading Report) Stocks rebounded Monday, with the indices showing new found confidence, after months of whipsawing, sending multiple signals. The Bear disappeared for a while…with signs that just maybe October was saying good-bye to a frightful September. Monday’s indices surged, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average adding 765 points.. The S&P 500, benchmark index, tacked on 92 points. The Nasdaq Composite followed suit. And Tuesday seemed to find the groove that … Read more…

(Justin Vaughn, Editor, Options Trading Report) The Sleeping Bear Has Awakened…and Monday christened the slide.. The steep downturn Monday, after five days of sliding, the indices set new lows. The Dow Jones Industrial Average led the way falling 329 points on Monday to close at 29260, and into Bear Territory. The index has fallen over significantly to give credence to entering ‘Bear Territory.’ The S&P 500 rested at a ‘new’ bottom at 3655. The Technology … Read more…

(Justin Vaughn, Editor, Options Trading Report) The week opened aimlessly with no evident direction as the indices sputtered, with an uneventful closing. Then came Tuesday, a day of reckoning and the indexes began to retreat as inflation took on a serious stand. Consumer apathy showed its ugly head and the reality that inflation is hardly budging. Traders and Investors stepped in and the carnage began, with major selling drilling the market , as the indexes … Read more…

(Justin Vaughn, Editor, Options Trading Report) Markets remained softer as investors and traders tip-toed with caution as the week opened. Hanging fears persisted as anticipation gripped the indices, awaiting another round of tightening. The indexes opened the shortened week with much apprehension: the energy stalemate in Europe (and around the world) and the continued Fed policy of tightening, all weighing heavily as the reality is getting ‘real.’ After two months of somewhat reassuring markets upticks, … Read more…

(Justin Vaughn, Editor, Options Trading Report) Inflation looms, interest rates rise and markets churn, turning negative…All battling the ‘conflagration’ of inflation. As the indices reveal weaknesses, investors and traders continue to hedge, moving into safe havens, with bonds a target. While the Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell maintains the tightening course of deflating inflation, apprehension grips the markets roiling and disrupting long-term goals. Indices are squamish as the frustrated investor seeks to safeguard capital. As … Read more…