Option Block 685: Shutdown

Trading Block: The Dow sets all-time intraday record as Senate votes to end government shutdown

Earnings This Week:

• Monday: Netflix
• Tuesday: Johnson & Johnson, Procter & Gamble, Travelers, Verizon
• Wednesday: GE, United Technologies
• Thursday: Caterpillar, 3M, Intel

Odd Block: Calls and puts trade in Patterson UTI Energy (PTEN). Puts trade in Harley Davidson Inc (HOG). Puts roll in HCA Healthcare Inc (HCA).

Strategy Block: Mike Tosaw discusses buying OTM calls in this current market

Mail Block: Options question of the week

Bitcoin futures are currently trading around $11,500. If #Options existed, how would you trade them? Assuming one-month to expiration would you...?

• 27% - Buy 5% OTM Call
• 32% - Buy 5% OTM Put
• 16% - Sell 5% OTM Covered Call
• 25% - Just Short the Future

Listener questions and comments:

• Question from CharlieC - What's the weirdest thing you've seen in the options market?
• Question from Markit - What's the truth about all the talk about VIX being moved using SPX puts? Is this a thing? Can you please discuss on the network?

Around the Block/Economic Reports This Week:

• Jan 24: Existing Home Sales
• Jan 25: Jobless Claims, International Trade, New Home Sales
• Jan 26: GDP, Durable Goods