Option Block 493: Searching for the Dark Source of Volatility

Trading Block: Stocks rebound as Dow up more than 200 points and oil jumps 5%. Wall Street pay takes a hit, braces for deeper cuts. Yellen to keep Fed rate options open amid turbulent markets. Earnings today (Thursday):

• Before the bell: Southwest Airlines, Verizon Communications
• After the bell: American Express Company, E-Trade Financial Corporation

Odd Block: Calls trade in NewCastle Investment Corp. (NCT), puts trade in Anadarko Petroleum Corp (APC), and calls trade in United Parcel Service, Inc (UPS)

Mail Block: Listener questions and comments

• Question from AV56 - When is a good time to start trading options? Is there any certain time of the week or year that options traders are focused on?
• Question from Bob - I have heard pros sat that when too many retail jump into a trade then do the opposite. Does that apple to options as well?
• Question from Nina - Is this a good time to buy calls on indexes? If so, how far out should I trade?

Around the Block: Earnings! Friday - General Electric Company