I love Apple’s products, but that is no reason to fall in love with the stock. A couple of weeks ago I purchased a long term put spread for the portfolio (Jan ‘12, 250/200 1:2 ratio). I had intended to keep it for a while and let time decay work …

Sorry I have been away for a couple of weeks. My wife and I just had our first child, and we are getting settled in for a spell of blissful indentured servitude. Everyone is home, happy and healthy — if a bit sleep deprived — so it’s back to work …

Today’s trade is another long term butterfly spread. It shares the same characteristics as the trade from yesterday, except that the underlying stock is not nearly as volatile. This is more of a directional play, as I am expecting the money management business to remain strong absent another complete market …

Today was another glorious 200 point rally for the Dow. Happy days are here again? Given the very low volume  I’m  not convinced, but I have no interest in fighting the market either. Instead I used today to try and pare down my positions. Anything that gave me heartburn two …

Today’s 249 point decline in the Dow, coming on the heels of yesterday’s 200 point rally, should leave many folks scratching their heads. What’s a trader to do? The short answer is: Pack up your marbles and go home. This is not a rational market, and the cross currents make …