Option Block 467: Energy Options Smackdown

Trading Block: A mild selloff at the end of another volatile session: S&P High - 1927, Low - 1900. The S&P 500 slumped 2.6% in September, and posted its first back-to-back quarterly decline in four years. VIX Cash 23.42. US stocks advance, shaving worst quarterly rout in four years. Short sellers cash in Apple bets as stock declines. Metals are getting massacred.

Odd Block: Calls trade in SPDR S&P Metal and Mining (XME), calls trade in EV Energy Partners, LP (EVEP), and puts trade in Apache Corp (APA).

Listener Mail: Listener questions and comments

• Question from TennisGr8 - Last week you mentioned being a market maker made you quick on your feet. This would be similar to a doctor in the emergency room. Does a retail trader need to be that fast and, if so, where can they learn to be that fast?
• Question from Pat - Can you discuss the pros and cons of hedging a portfolio with put back spreads in the respective index, done for a credit? Love all the shows. Thanks for all the education. PS Please do not say Rocktober this year.

Around the Block: September jobs report issued by the Labor Department Friday