Recent Content by msecrist

  1. ^RUT Cash settled Index option question

    If You're talking about this month's cycle, the RUT actually settled Friday morning at $607.90. Considering how much can happen between Thursday's...
    Post by: msecrist, Aug 21, 2010 in forum: Options

  2. Basic questions - Margin, Assignment

    If you have the TOS platform, I'd recommend trading a few spreads in papermoney first just to get comfortable with the mechanics. Also, have a...
    Post by: msecrist, Aug 17, 2010 in forum: Options

  3. Switching from Stocks to Options

    Or, you can take the time to learn about options and their various characteristics, do some research, build a watch list and employ a strategy or...
    Post by: msecrist, Aug 17, 2010 in forum: Options

  4. Favorite Trading Strategies

    Illiquid options have several factors stacked against you. 1. They usually have wider bid/ask spread 2. It's more likely that when you trade...
    Post by: msecrist, Aug 17, 2010 in forum: Options

  5. XLB (Materials) - Three Large Option Blocks

    I agree stops can be dangerous, especially with gap downs on market open or other unusual events. I do use them though it's usually not my...
    Post by: msecrist, Jul 5, 2010 in forum: Options

  6. BackTesting - which program?

    I guess it depends on how you plan to backtest. Many times people use an automated system where they can set their entries and exits...
    Post by: msecrist, Jul 3, 2010 in forum: Options

  7. XLB (Materials) - Three Large Option Blocks

    This trade looks like a pretty decent setup. Nice find. My bias tends to look for the bounce, which is often like trying to catch the falling...
    Post by: msecrist, Jul 3, 2010 in forum: Options

  8. Are Option Sellers "Cheated"?

    Keep in mind that options prices are set by the market - meaning the price reflects what the market will bear. Assuming a given option is fairly...
    Post by: msecrist, Jul 3, 2010 in forum: Options

  9. delta depreciation

    The trouble is prices are rarely constant over any stretch of time. So for analysis' sake I guess it helps to look at it this way but consider...
    Post by: msecrist, Jun 22, 2010 in forum: Options

  10. What is the best book on options trading?

    My favorite book is probably "Option Volatility and pricing" by Sheldon Nateberg. It provides a really good coverage of the foundational concepts...
    Post by: msecrist, Jun 22, 2010 in forum: Options

  11. Is Option Buying A Loser's Game?

    It depends on what kind of trader you are. Frankly, in this market, it's pretty tough to do well unless you happen to get lucky and have some long...
    Post by: msecrist, Jun 22, 2010 in forum: Options

  12. Which trading software allows portfolio backtest?

    I'm not sure if this is what you're looking for or not, but Thinkorswim now offers two kinds of backtesting. Their thinkback feature allows you to...
    Post by: msecrist, Feb 20, 2010 in forum: Trading Software

  13. Covered Calls?

    Kevin, More important than picking the right stock to do a covered call on is having a solid trading plan. I assume you do. Make sure you know...
    Post by: msecrist, Feb 20, 2010 in forum: Options

  14. Possible to become a success with 5k?

    I'd say it is possible to make money on a $5k account if your expectations are properly set (and many of the other great suggestions from the the...
    Post by: msecrist, Jan 6, 2007 in forum: Professional Trading