Fred Ruffy

Eye on XLF Select Sector Fund

By Fred Ruffy

Fred Ruffy says he will be watching the XLF select sector fund, which holds all financial-related stocks of the S&P 500, as we move into the second quarter. He says of all the exchange traded funds, the largest open interest positions are in the XLF April 16 and April 17 put options.

01:38PM 03/28/13

Put Spreads Make Sense

By Fred Ruffy

Fred Ruffy says the CBOE Volatility Index saw record volume this week. He notes that some institutional options trading desks are recommending that their clients take hedge positions.

12:47PM 03/21/13

Volume and Implied Volatility Trends

By Fred Ruffy

Fred Ruffy points out that trading volume has for the most part been below normal levels recently. Even though implied volatility has generally been low, there are some IV skews that traders can take advantage of with options.

01:38PM 03/07/13

Implied Volatility on Rise

By Fred Ruffy

Fred Ruffy says we are seeing an increase in implied volatility across the entire market. He notes some defensive, or hedging, activity in terms of individual options contracts, reflecting a rise in bearish sentiment among traders.

01:50PM 02/21/13

Call Spread in VIX

By Fred Ruffy

Yesterday was the expiration for options on the CBOE Volatility Index, a barometer of market volatility. Fred Ruffy discusses a huge call spread that occurred in VIX trading.

12:47PM 02/14/13

How Are Options Faring in 2013?

By Fred Ruffy

Fred Ruffy says the S&P 500 gained about 6% last month, which, according to the "January barometer," indicates 2013 will be a good year for equity investors. Fred says the options market is off to a fairly decent start as well.

01:25PM 02/01/13

Why Options Get a Bad Rap

By Fred Ruffy

Let's dissect the true risk behind a bold trade recommendation from this weekend's Barron's.

Related Topics: Options Trading | Stock Picks

01:30PM 04/30/12

Another Tool for Your Box

By Fred Ruffy

Let's take a look at a unique sentiment indicator, the Credit Suisse Fear Index.

Related Topics: Options Trading | Stock Picks

01:25PM 03/27/12

Reader's Choice VFC: Potential Spreads Ahead of Earnings

By Fred Ruffy

Let's take a look at two potential spreads one could play before VFC's earnings report.

Related Topics: Options Trading | Stock Picks

01:47PM 02/13/12

CSCO: Will This Earnings Report be Different?

By Fred Ruffy

This stock has a pattern of getting bid up into earnings and failing to meet lofty expectations. Jill Malandrino and Fred Ruffy tell you what the options trade is in front of the report.

01:42PM 02/08/12