Option Block 490: We Are All Doomed. Flee for your Lives

Published: Jan. 8, 2016, 8:03 p.m.

Trading Block: Hysterics are creeping back into the market in the New Year. This question seems to be popping up all over the place this week. Is this 2008 all over again? Chinas 29 minutes of chaos: stunned brokers and a race to sell. Apple Inc. said App Store billings topped a record $20 billion in 2015, but growth from the business appeared to slow even as the company introduced apps on new devices such as Apple TV and Apple Watch. The selloff continues\xa0- Apple broke $100 for the first time since Oct 2014 - barring the brief selloff in August. Apple crossed the $200B cash level last summer - but also about $50B in debt. Apple cash per share: $3.79

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Odd Block: Calls trading in SPDR S&P Homebuilders ETF (XHB), calls trade in CONSOL Energy Inc (CNX), and puts roll in Weatherford International PLC (WFT)

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Mail Block: Listener questions and comments

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  • Question from Charlie C. - Do second order greeks have any relevance for retail traders?
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  • Question from 777 -\xa0How do you adjust your options trading for cheap stocks below $10.
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Around the Block: Earnings! Another quiet earnings week. \xa0The fourth-quarter earnings season begins in mid-January. Thursday - Bed, Bath & Beyond (after bell), The Container Store (after bell). The market kicks off its first week of 2016 with several economic reports including Fed minutes on Wednesday and the jobs report on Friday.