Option Block 521: TSLA and BABA Straddle Battle

Trading Block: Earnings "Straddle Battle" pitted Tesla against Alibaba. Who won? Other interest in Blizzard, XLE

Odd Block: OTM call buyers in Weatherford International PLC (WFT), long-term collar trades in Market Vectors Oil Services ETF (OIH), and put spread trades in SPDR S&P Metals and Mining ETF (XME).

Mail Block: Listener questions and comments

• Question from Oarmin333 - Hi. I have been learning and using MProfile for a year now, all on an intraday basis using futures, mainly ES. I would like to expand my time horizon a bit to a few days to a few weeks. I have a 25k account I am working with. I understand the mechanics of futures, but I am considering using options due to longer holding periods, specifically being long premium, due to the defined risk. I am really not interested in selling options. Some people say that buying options is a fools errand and better to sell spreads, other say they only buy premium. I am not sure which way to go. If I hold for longer periods, I have to cut size way down in futures, which is fine. However, If I get good at options, there is a lot of flexibility. I am a discretionary trader and a directional trader. I would love to get your opinion on the matter, if you do not mind. Thanks a bunch! Also I can still play intraday moves with weekly options if I see that opportunity. If I am good at picking direction, can simple long/calls (non spreads) be a viable option, no pun intended.
• Question from Billy Boy: What's your opinion on the binary options from Nadex?
• Question from Flyer: What are the first steps to learn about options?

Around the Block: Earnings!

• Friday: Cigna Corporation