OptionsZone.com's Trading Ideas

6 Trades to Double Your Money by the End of Summer

Sat, 04 Jul 2009 05:01:15 GMT

We've put together a list of rocket-fueled options trades designed to light up your portfolio.

Profit From Inflation: 3 Ways to Short Bonds

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 14:00:55 GMT

Short bonds position can produce big profits during high inflationary periods. But what's the best way for individual investors to go about it?

Options Broker Review: optionsXpress

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 12:31:42 GMT

Learn the pros and cons of this online options brokerage.

Finding the Best ETFs to Trade

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 20:43:02 GMT

Learn an easy way to identify the sectors that will lead the next bull cycle and pick the strongest ETFs.

Options Broker Review: tradeMONSTER

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 15:02:24 GMT

Learn the pros and cons of this online options brokerage.

Short the Market: 9 Ways to Profit From the Market's Fall

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 17:43:00 GMT

Without some miracle buying, the indexes are going lower. But don't panic. Here are nine ways you can play the next move lower.

6 Tech Stocks to Own Now

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 04:00:00 GMT

It appears that business IT spending is stabilizing, and that is good news for the biggest and best technology stocks. Get our top tech stocks to own now.

Put Options: The Best Way to Short Stocks

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 23:24:11 GMT

Find out how to limit your risk and gain leverage when placing a bearish bet.

Selling Forex Options: Trading Where You Think Prices Won't Go

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 19:31:40 GMT

Learn the basic ideas behind selling a forex option and how it can work to your advantage in a channeling market.

7 Ways to Hedge Against Inflation

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 04:00:00 GMT

If inflation does hit home, it could wreak havoc on the entire economy -- and your portfolio, especially if you're not prepared for it.

The Market Will Drop Fast -- Don't Waste Another Second

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 19:55:13 GMT

WARNING: Based on what I'm seeing, there is an 85%-90% chance the market moves lower from here. Get prepared now.

Business IT Spending Stabilizing

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 17:22:56 GMT

Survey shows U.S. corporate IT spending rapidly stabilizing and a dramatically improved outlook for the third quarter.

3 Best Sectors for an Economic Recovery

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 21:34:51 GMT

Our country's economic prospects appear much brighter today than they did three months ago. We'll give you the sectors set to benefit most and the stocks that look best right now.

9 Father's Day Trades

Fri, 19 Jun 2009 04:00:00 GMT

With dad in mind, our OptionsZone experts put together some trades to help him (and everyone else) make some dough.

Options Broker Review: OptionsHouse

Thu, 18 Jun 2009 23:51:18 GMT

Learn the pros and cons of this relatively new options brokerage.

What's the Better Agricultural ETF: DBA or MOO?

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 23:49:23 GMT

Hungry for some agriculture exposure? Find out which ETF is the better choice now.

Put-Call Parity - How to Make Put-Call Parity Work for You

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 23:03:43 GMT

Learn about put-call parity and how you can make it work for you.

Make Great Expiration Day Trades

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 17:03:07 GMT

The third Friday of every month holds plenty of opportunity for savvy options traders.

5 Consumer Stocks to Short

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 04:00:00 GMT

The Street is crazy to think consumer spending is going to rebound this year. Get five ways to profit from this hoping and wishing.

Option Greeks: Delta, Gamma, Theta and Vega

Tue, 16 Jun 2009 22:28:25 GMT

If you want to trade options, then you have to master the Greeks.

Chart Analysis 101: Trading Volume

Tue, 16 Jun 2009 21:36:32 GMT

Learn how to use volume to help you to spot potential breakouts and protect yourself from consolidations.

Pairs Trading: How to Profit Like a Hedge Fund

Tue, 16 Jun 2009 20:05:51 GMT

There's a simple-yet-effective strategy that the hedge funds use to make money whether the market trades up or down.

UUP and UDN: Use a Dollar ETF to Profit Whichever Way the US Dollar Index Goes

Mon, 15 Jun 2009 19:49:01 GMT

Which way the U.S. dollar will bounce next is anyone's guess, but there's a way to profit regardless of which direction the greenback goes.

5 Tips for Moving Your Brokerage Account

Fri, 12 Jun 2009 21:41:02 GMT

If you're unhappy with your broker, don't let the paperwork scare you out of making a switch. Learn how easy it is to move your brokerage account.

The Best Trading Strategies Revealed

Fri, 12 Jun 2009 19:03:16 GMT

Aren't sure which trading strategy is right for you? The best minds in the business are here to help.

Options Trading: Can You Make the Grade?

Fri, 12 Jun 2009 04:00:00 GMT

'Call' yourself an options trader? Then 'put' yourself to the test to see how good you really are.

Chart Analysis 101: Resistance and Support Levels

Thu, 11 Jun 2009 22:28:14 GMT

Expert explains how technical support and resistance levels are formed.

Debit Spreads vs. Credit Spreads

Thu, 11 Jun 2009 21:49:56 GMT

Think there's a big difference between debit and credits spreads? Think again.

What is the VIX?

Thu, 11 Jun 2009 20:02:03 GMT

The VIX is often referred to as a 'fear index,' but what exactly is the VIX, and how does it measure fear?

Warning: 3 Sectors That Are Dangerously Overbought

Thu, 11 Jun 2009 00:50:04 GMT

There are three sectors that are shaping up to be excellent shorting candidates. Find out what they are, and get the best stocks and ETFs to short.

Profit From Oil Prices With ETF Options

Tue, 09 Jun 2009 23:34:26 GMT

Learn three reasons you want to invest in oil now and how to leverage your trade to get the maximum benefit.

Predicting Volatility With the VIX, Part 3

Mon, 08 Jun 2009 22:05:50 GMT

Learn how you can trade changes in the VIX through futures, options or exchange-traded notes (ETNs).

Enter the Dragon: 8 China and Emerging Markets Plays

Fri, 05 Jun 2009 13:28:05 GMT

Find out the best ways to take advantage of the tremendous bull stampeding through China and the emerging markets.

Chart Analysis 101: Cup-and-Handle Pattern

Thu, 04 Jun 2009 22:16:39 GMT

Learn how to use this pattern to identify the potential for a stock to break out.

Predicting Volatility With the VIX, Part 2

Thu, 04 Jun 2009 21:05:11 GMT

Learn how the VIX can be used to help identify entry and exit points, even when market volatility is high.

Emerging Markets: Buy Now, Short Later

Thu, 04 Jun 2009 20:07:06 GMT

Emerging markets are hot again. But what's causing money to flow there, and how long will the trend last?

Predicting Volatility With the VIX

Thu, 04 Jun 2009 00:02:12 GMT

The VIX is the best gauge of risk and sentiment available to the investing public, and can be used effectively by any trader within any market.

Wal-Mart vs. Target: Which is the Better Deal?

Wed, 03 Jun 2009 22:35:59 GMT

When it comes to the retail giants, Wal-Mart has been the clear favorite, but investors may want look at less-liked Target.

12 Best Energy Stocks to Buy Now

Wed, 03 Jun 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Power your portfolio toward high-octane profits with these energy picks.

Trading Iron Condors Part 3

Tue, 02 Jun 2009 20:21:25 GMT

Get the rules of thumb for how and when to adjust an iron condor when the trade moves against you.

The Way to Make Money in the Bond Market

Tue, 02 Jun 2009 14:50:57 GMT

Do not buy bonds; you will almost certainly lose money. But you can triple your returns on rising interest rates. Find out how.

10 Busted Myths of Options Trading

Fri, 29 May 2009 20:40:44 GMT

Options trading is for suckers … really rich ones! We picked the brains of the CEOs from the top options trading firms and uncovered 10 myths that we've declared 'busted!'

5 Reasons the Stock Market is Going to Crash

Wed, 27 May 2009 00:19:36 GMT

Investors beware: The market could very easily -- and probably will -- crash in June. I'll tell you why.

Chart Analysis 101: Triple-Bottom

Tue, 26 May 2009 13:46:56 GMT

A triple-bottom can be easily confused with other similar patterns. Learn how to identify this bullish reversal pattern.

Moving Averages: What the MACD Can Tell You

Tue, 26 May 2009 13:44:45 GMT

Learn how the Moving Average Convergence/Divergence (MACD) can help you to identify when a stock is overbought or oversold.

Covered Calls: 5 Things You Need to Know About Covered Calls

Tue, 26 May 2009 13:32:32 GMT

There are a few things you need to keep in mind when selling covered calls, including ways to keep your commission and transaction costs down.

Stay One Step Ahead of the Crowd

Fri, 22 May 2009 14:40:17 GMT

Contrarian investing is not as simple as saying that you're bullish when the market is bearish. Learn how to tell where money is headed and jump on new trends before the crowd.

How Moving Averages Work

Fri, 22 May 2009 11:01:49 GMT

Learn how to use moving averages to identify trends, and why these 'imaginary lines' are stronger support and resistance levels than ever before.

Top 10 Summer Stocks

Fri, 22 May 2009 04:00:00 GMT

These summer stock picks could really heat up your portfolio.

Covered Calls: Why Trade Covered Calls?

Thu, 21 May 2009 16:08:45 GMT

Looking for a strategy that can reduce the ups and downs of your portfolio, but still deliver great returns? Then you're in luck.

Why Every Investor Needs an Energy Strategy

Thu, 21 May 2009 15:57:15 GMT

With oil prices poised to jump as much as 70%, you should have an energy investment plan now.

LEAPS: The Safest Bet in the Financial Sector

Thu, 21 May 2009 11:00:00 GMT

Financials have rallied lately, but it's doubtful it'll be all good from here on out. At some point, though, the sector will bottom out and reverse higher. So here's how you play it.

Get Long China … Just Not Right Now

Wed, 20 May 2009 18:31:07 GMT

Everyone is touting China stocks, and the overall trend for the sector is up. But find out why now is not the time to buy.

Covered Calls: The Advantages of Covered Calls

Wed, 20 May 2009 17:18:51 GMT

Covered calls are a great way to limit your liability as an option writer and hedge risk on your stock holdings.

Which Way is the Market Headed?

Wed, 20 May 2009 15:18:52 GMT

The markets typically rally far in advance of an actual recovery. But we've been here before, and investors have been repeatedly burned by bear market rallies. Is the worst truly behind us?

Has Consumer Spending Reached a Turning Point?

Wed, 20 May 2009 14:28:06 GMT

The latest ChangeWave survey points to clearest signs of improvement among U.S. consumers in nearly two years. Does this mean we're out of the woods?

Writing Options: 4 Benefits of Selling Options

Tue, 19 May 2009 18:43:10 GMT

When you buy options, you have to be right about market direction and about the amount of time it will take the market to move. But did you know that it is possible to be on the other side of the trade?

Spread Trading: Vertical Spreads

Tue, 19 May 2009 17:36:30 GMT

Learn how to construct bullish and bearish vertical spreads to reduce trading costs and lower your breakeven point.

10 Tips to Getting Started With Technical Analysis

Tue, 19 May 2009 04:00:00 GMT

In this market, traders need to use every tool available to make sure they grab profits where and when they arrive. The methodology to make successive triple-digit-percentage returns over the years is technical analysis.

10 Money Show Trades You Don't Want to Miss

Fri, 15 May 2009 20:06:10 GMT

If you couldn't make the trek to Las Vegas last week for the Money Show, don't worry. We're bringing you the best trades from our OptionsZone experts.

Bear Call Spreads Gone Bad

Fri, 15 May 2009 14:48:30 GMT

Leverage is a two way street, and what seems like a small loss could, in fact, be much bigger if you are not mindful of your position size. Learn from one trader's mistake.

Chart Analysis 101: Head-and-Shoulders Top

Thu, 14 May 2009 21:53:32 GMT

Expert explains how to identify this bearish signal, which indicates a possible reversal of a current uptrend to a new downtrend.

Trading Iron Condors Part 2

Thu, 14 May 2009 20:37:28 GMT

Iron condors can be designed to accommodate your risk tolerance and account objectives. Learn how to size your iron condor trades.

What is a Short Squeeze?

Thu, 14 May 2009 19:01:27 GMT

What is a short squeeze, and how does it drive stock prices higher? Find out and learn how to avoid being on the wrong side of one.

How to Pick the Right Put Option

Wed, 13 May 2009 20:23:02 GMT

Picking the right put option is harder than you think. Once you've found a lousy stock, how do you choose the perfect put option to profit from its slide? Find out here.

Trading Iron Condors

Wed, 13 May 2009 19:55:42 GMT

The mechanics of entering an iron condor are not that complicated when evaluated one component at a time.

The Best Bank Stocks to Buy for the Long-term

Wed, 13 May 2009 18:29:43 GMT

The market certainly 'feels' like it wants to catch its breath here, and it looks as though the recovery is in need of rescue. But there are some stocks you can 'bank' on.

Charting Stocks: Chart Your Way to a Lifetime of Profits

Tue, 12 May 2009 19:42:08 GMT

This fundamental concept has served as the basis of a tremendous amount of profitable trades throughout the history of the stock market.

Technical Analysis 101

Tue, 12 May 2009 13:34:25 GMT

If you're interested in getting started with technical analysis, then you've come to the right place.

Is China Detroit's Lifeline?

Sat, 09 May 2009 21:42:06 GMT

As deep as the U.S. auto industry's financial crisis seems to be, there may actually be a fairly simple solution.

Chart Analysis: Head-and-Shoulders Bottom

Fri, 08 May 2009 20:30:53 GMT

Expert explains how to identify this bullish signal, which indicates a possible reversal of a downtrend into a new uptrend.

Taking the Pain Out of Real Estate Investing With REITs

Fri, 08 May 2009 13:41:33 GMT

Real estate bargain hunters are beginning to reemerge. Find out how savvy investors can include some exposure to the real estate market without all the headaches.

Top 10 'New Frugal' Stocks

Fri, 08 May 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Americans have greatly altered their spending habits as a direct result of the worst economic downturn since the 1930s. We have 10 stocks for you that will thrive in this new Frugal Nation.

Covered Calls: 4 Ways to Generate Instant Options Profits

Thu, 07 May 2009 23:31:24 GMT

There's a powerful trading tool out there that most people under-utilize. Discover the only sure way to generate a profit in the options market.

Nordstrom Earnings Trade: A Retailer Worth Being Bullish On

Thu, 07 May 2009 15:30:37 GMT

Position yourself for profits before Nordstrom (JWN) reports earnings next week.

The Secret to 'Picture'-Perfect Profits

Thu, 07 May 2009 14:02:08 GMT

Investing expert tells you the secret ingredient to wealth creation that most successful people will never share.

Should You Have More Than One Forex Dealer?

Thu, 07 May 2009 04:00:00 GMT

When financial institutions run into trouble, as many are now, the account holders are the last group to recoup their money, if they ever do. Find out how to protect yourself.

6 Options Trading Mistakes to Avoid

Wed, 06 May 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Everyone likes to talk about their successes, but it's really the mistakes that teach us the most.

10 Things to Know Before Choosing a Forex Dealer

Mon, 04 May 2009 14:02:15 GMT

Obama has spoken: An architecture for a financial fix and a temporary bailout, an aggressive and deeply flawed foreclosure prevention plan and a huge and ineffective stimulus plan. Discover the best plays now.

Stocks to Trade Now: 12 Momentum Trades

Fri, 01 May 2009 04:00:00 GMT

When it comes to investing, momentum can be the difference between a stock that's ready to go the distance and one that barely makes it out of the gate. Get momentum stocks to trade now.

Chart Analysis 101: Double-Bottom and Double-Top

Thu, 30 Apr 2009 21:13:27 GMT

Expert explains two of the classic longer-term patterns used in technical analysis and why they should be approached with caution by investors.

Earnings Trade: Get Bullish on AGU

Thu, 30 Apr 2009 13:45:08 GMT

Sentiment toward Agrium (AGU) heading into earnings is what I like to see for my bullish plays -- pessimism on all fronts.

7 Penny Stocks That Could Change Your Life

Wed, 29 Apr 2009 20:23:57 GMT

Penny stocks are the new options. These seven biotech companies all trade for less than a couple bucks, and they have the potential to deliver life-changing profits.

4 Tips for Picking the Right Options Broker

Wed, 29 Apr 2009 18:39:04 GMT

Options brokers are not created equal. And the questions you will need to have answered are usually not found in the checklist comparisons that most brokers will give you. We can help.

Profitably Buck the Broader Market Trend

Wed, 29 Apr 2009 15:04:58 GMT

In a market like this, if you really have an itch to buck the trend, you want to make sure that you are doing it on a sector basis -- not a market basis.

Start 'Charting' Your Path to Profits With the 50% Retracement Rule

Wed, 29 Apr 2009 00:37:37 GMT

How can you tell how much a stock is going to retreat before its next advance? Learn how uncover fantastic buying opportunities by finding retracements.

Top Swine Flu Stocks

Mon, 27 Apr 2009 21:15:19 GMT

A number of biotechs have run higher on the pandemic flu scare. Is it too late to get in on the swine flu stocks? I'll give you four companies you should be watching.

The Truth Behind Broker Commissions

Fri, 24 Apr 2009 14:54:12 GMT

Learn what commission rates you should be paying the most attention to, and get three steps to help you find the lowest broker commissions available.

Test Your Options IQ

Fri, 24 Apr 2009 14:08:53 GMT

How well do you know the options market? Take our OptionsZone quiz to find out just how savvy an options trader you are.

The Key to Finding the Right Stock to Trade -- Plus 6 Earning Plays

Thu, 23 Apr 2009 20:04:24 GMT

We'll explain how to use investor sentiment to your advantage when trading and give you six earnings trades that could score you big profits -- if you act quickly.

How to Use Insider Trading to Your Advantage

Thu, 23 Apr 2009 12:29:56 GMT

Insider trading is an often misunderstood investing tool. Find out how you can implement strategies around insider buying within your portfolio.

Trading Option Straddles During Earnings Releases: Part 2

Wed, 22 Apr 2009 20:49:04 GMT

If an underlying stock does not move far enough to make your straddle profitable after an earnings announcement, you have two alternatives for exiting the position.

5 Reasons to Avoid Tech & 3 Stocks to Short

Wed, 22 Apr 2009 20:04:21 GMT

The tech sector is fast becoming a bear trap. Don't get caught. Find out why you should avoid tech, plus I'll give you three money-doubling short positions to profit from the collapse.

8 Sectors to Short Now

Wed, 22 Apr 2009 16:01:44 GMT

While many of these industries still 'look good' to the general public, they could be on the verge of reversing course. I'll give you three ways to play them.

Technical Analysis 101: Triangles

Tue, 21 Apr 2009 21:43:39 GMT

Expert explains the four main categories of triangles used in technical analysis: ascending, descending, contracting and expanding.

How to Profit From Deflation

Tue, 21 Apr 2009 18:25:49 GMT

Deflation can be extremely disruptive to an economy, but it also can be a source of opportunity. Here are the things savvy investors should consider if deflation starts to take a real hold on the economy.

Trading Option Straddles During Earnings Releases

Mon, 20 Apr 2009 21:22:42 GMT

You can profit this earnings season even if you have no idea which direction a stock is going to move after the company announces earnings.

Commodity Futures 101

Fri, 17 Apr 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Learn the commodity futures basics to get started on your way to trading options on commodity futures, which is an excellent way to make big profits.

Place a Bullish Bet on Zimmer Holdings

Thu, 16 Apr 2009 15:30:19 GMT

Analysts and options traders are betting Zimmer Holdings will disappoint when it releases earnings next week. I think they've got another thing coming.

12 Keys to Trading Earnings for Profits

Thu, 16 Apr 2009 14:50:24 GMT

There are few constants in the market and even fewer things you can rely on. Everyone searches for those constants, those reliable indicators that provide an edge.