Trading Tips Blog

Regional bank PacWest Bancorp (PACW) has been trading in a range over the past few months. One trader sees shares trending to the higher end of that range in the weeks ahead. That’s based on the August $8 calls. With 41 days until expiration, 7,114 contracts traded compared to a prior open interest of 283, for a 25-fold rise in volume on the trade. The buyer of the calls paid $1.02 to make the bullish bet. Shares recently traded just under $8, ...
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While big tech stocks have had a strong start to the year, and may trade flat or lower in the coming months, many can move higher over time. That’s because these companies have the size and scope to roll out AI technologies and best improve their performance. And a small improvement in a big company can lead to billions of dollars in increased revenues or even profits. That could push shares even higher. That’s likely why companies like Microsoft (MSFT) have ...
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Reuben Leibowitz, a director at Simon Property Group (SPG), recently added 536 shares. The buy increased his holdings by 1 percent, and came to a total cost of $61,100. He was among 11 company directors who picked up shares in the past week, and bought the largest amount. The smallest amount for a mere 28 shares valued at $3,252. All directors increased their stake by 1-2 percent. They also made the same move at the end of March. There have been no ...
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Financial institution technology provider Fidelity National Information Services (FIS) has been cut in half over the past year. One trader sees the potential for a big rally in the coming months. That’s based on the September $70 calls. With 70 days until expiration, 20,825 contracts traded compared to a prior open interest of 512, for a 41-fold rise in volume on the trade. The buyer of the calls paid $0.44 to make the bullish bet. Shares recently traded for about $60, ...
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When a company is out of favor with the market, it has to prove itself. That can mean successfully undertaking a turnaround, or selling off part of the company. Most of the time, it means streamlining the business and moving towards profitability. For companies that aren’t profitable right now, those that can embrace new trends and grow the business over time are in a great position to surprise investors with positive results later that aren’t expected today. One such potential play today ...
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White Mountains Insurance Group, a major holder of MediaAlpha (MAX) has acquired an additional 5,916,816 shares. The buy came to over $35 million, and is a 35 percent increase in the insurance company’s position in shares. This marks the first insider buy this year. Some company insiders have been sellers of shares this year, mostly in February at a higher price than where the stock trades today. Overall, company insiders own about 6.7 percent of shares, and institutions such as White ...
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Video game developer Activision Blizzard (ATVI) is up about 10 percent over the past year, with shares recovering from the drop on news that their potential buyout from Microsoft (MSFT) wouldn’t meet with regulatory scrutiny. One trader sees a further rally ahead. That’s based on the November $100 calls. With 133 days until expiration, 7,013 contracts traded compared to a prior open interest of 214, for a 33-fold rise in volume. The buyer of the calls paid $0.50. Shares recently traded for ...
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Investors have a tech flavor of the year, and it’s artificial intelligence (AI). That’s in contrast to past years, when investors have been enamored with cloud services, cryptocurrency mining, electric vehicles, or any other number of trends. Those trends have staying power too. And since they’re now not the market’s favorite, it’s possible to buy into long-term potential winners at a better price. The best time to buy these tech trends isn’t just when they’re out of favor, but when they’re ...
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