Trading Tips Blog

Christopher McCormick, a director at Big Lots (BIG), recently bought 12,000 shares. The buy increased his holdings by 31 percent, and came to a total cost of $75,480. This marks the first insider activity since June, when two company EVPs and a director bought a combined 23,000 shares. Going further back, the company’s President and CEO was a buyer in May for 51,000 shares. And the last insider sales occurred in April 2022. In total, Big Lots insiders own 3.5 percent ...
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Regional bank Truist Financial Corporation (TFC) has lost 20 percent of its value over the past year as interest rates have continued to rise. One trader is betting on a move higher in the coming months. That’s based on the February 16, 2024 $35 calls. With 70 days until expiration, 10,205 contracts traded compared to a prior open interest of 176, for a 58-fold rise in volume on the trade. The buyer of the calls paid $1.15 to make the bullish ...
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The stock market is always in a mood. Usually, it’s upbeat, reflecting the fact that stocks rise over time. Sometimes, however, it’s dour. And that mood goes from the overall market to specific sectors, and even down to individual stocks. As long as individual companies can grow, they can overcome any short-term market fear in time. Even when that fear seems overwhelming, or a potential existential threat to a business. For instance, J.M. Smucker (SJM) has had a tough year. The food and ...
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Lori Lancaster, a director at Vital Energy (VTLE), recently picked up 1,000 shares. The buy increased her stake by 134 percent, and came to a total cost just over $45,000. This marks the first insider buy at the company in the past two years. Company insiders have been sellers of shares over the past two years. That includes the exercise of stock options. Insiders have generally been sellers with shares at prices from $50-89, far higher than where Vital currently trades. Overall, ...
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Investment platform Robinhood Markets (HOOD) is flat over the past year. Trading volume remains well off the prior bull market peak. However, one trader does see shares heading higher through the end of the year. That’s based on the December 29 $13 calls. With 22 days until expiration, 3,711 contracts traded compared to a prior open interest of 133, for a 28-fold rise in volume on the trade. The buyer of the calls paid $0.24 to make the bullish bet. Robinhood recently ...
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While trading in the markets can be exciting, it’s best to balance a portfolio with some long-term opportunities as well. Investing in value and dividend-focused stocks can be as boring as watching the paint dry, but over time, it can also help lead to great returns. Plus, companies that can consistently outperform are likely to continue paying out increasing dividends well into the future. One company for investors to consider is RPM International (RPM). They have over 50 years of dividend ...
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David Smith, a director at Illinois Tool Works (ITW), recently bought 1,000 shares. The buy increased his position by less than 1 percent, and came to a total cost of $241,790. The director was also the most recent buyer of shares with a 1,390 share buy last September, at a cost of just over $308,000. Otherwise, three company insiders have been sellers this year, all coming from the exercise of stock options. Overall, Illinois Tool Works insiders own 0.3 percent of ...
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Commerce platform Shopify (SHOP) has had a banner year, returning 81 percent, far outpacing the 15 percent return in the S&P 500. One trader sees a pullback in the coming weeks. That’s based on the December 29 $62 puts. With 23 days until expiration, 4,387 contracts traded compared to a prior open interest of 135, for a 33-fold rise in volume on the trade. The buyer of the pus paid $0.30 to make the bearish bet. Shopify recently traded for about $72, ...
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