Jim Cramer Blog

InterContinental Exchange's price had risen dramatically since Cramer recommended the stock on "Mad Money," but has since returned to previous levels, Cramer said. Neither stock has responded favorably to today's news that the CME, which operates the Chicago Mercantile Exchange and the Chicago Board of Trade, is in talks to buy ICE. "What is the ICE doing down?" Cramer asked.
Cramer also believes the economy is not headed for a recession. He named earnings calls from Honeywell (HON), Caterpillar (CAT), Parker Hannifin (PH) and others as signs of the market's health.
Cramer also noted that the KBW Bank Index and the PHLX Housing Sector Index are rallying because of the rate cuts.
In spite of the positive news, Cramer said he believes more action is needed. Given "the losses that we saw for the quarterlies from a Bank of America (BAC) or a Wachovia (WB) ... I genuinely feel that we are too close to the precipice to stop.
"That doesn't mean that a Honeywell isn't doing fine without it," Cramer cautioned. "It's like 1998, when the economy was booming. ... We had to stop the decline [in the financials] ."
Cramer believes the bank woes may remain independent of the broader economy. "The problems are not with IBM (IBM) or Verizon (VZ) ... AT&T (T ) ... Nokia (NOK) ... Microsoft (MSFT)."
Cramer added that the Federal Reserve's 75-basis-point rate cut last week was helpful. "You needed that cut to be able to raise all that money last week." However, the crisis isn't over. "Home price appreciation is nonexistent. ... We saw that number today. ... The oil futures are saying no recession. I think the Fed cuts are needed again."
Published By TheStreet.com

Labels: BAC, CAT, HON, IBM, ICE, Jim Cramer, MSFT, NOK, PH, Stop Trading, T, VZ, WB

Here are 7 options to watch for today.
Most Under-Priced Calls: These are the most under priced calls of all stocks in our database. This stock comes from today's list and is among the most under-priced individual calls.
Goldman Sachs Jan 290 Calls (NYSE:GS - News). GS's PowerRating (for Traders) is 6.
Most Under-Priced Puts: These are the most under priced puts of all stocks in our database. This stock comes from today's list and is among the most under-priced individual puts.
Cognos Jan 57.5 Puts (NasdaqGS:COGN - News). COGN's PowerRating (for Traders) is 3.
Most Overpriced Calls: These are the most overpriced calls of all stocks in our database. This stock comes from today's list and is among the most overpriced individual calls.
IntercontinentalExchange Dec 220 Calls (NYSE:ICE - News). ICE's PowerRating (for Traders) is 3.
Most Overpriced Puts: These are the most overpriced puts of all stocks in our database. This stock comes from today's list and is among the most overpriced individual puts.
Bear Stearns Dec 80 Puts (NYSE:BSC - News). BSC's PowerRating (for Traders) is 6.
Stocks with Abnormal Call Volume: These are stocks which showed unusual call option volume not easily explained by arbitrage operations. The appearance of a stock on the Call Volume Alerts list suggests a possible takeover, extraordinarily good earnings report, or other news which may favorably affect the stock.
Energy Transfer Equity (NYSE:ETE - News). ETE's PowerRating (for Traders) is 4.
Stocks with Abnormal Put Volume: These are stocks which showed unusual put option volume not easily explained by arbitrage operations. The appearance of a stock on the Put Volume Alerts list suggests an extraordinarily negative earnings report, or other news which may negatively affect the stock.
Credit Suisse (NYSE:CS - News). CS's PowerRating (for Traders) is 5.
Abnormal Put/Call $ Volume: These stocks have the highest dollar put volume in relation to their call volume. These high ratios are indicative of extreme bearish sentiment in the underlying stock.
Moody's (NYSE:MCO - News). MCO's PowerRating (for Traders) is 6.
Published By TradingMarkets.com

Labels: BSC, COGN, CS, ETE, GS, ICE, MCO, stock options

Bullish Calls:
Crocs (NasdaqGS: CROX - News): ' ... is stalled right here. I saw it go down a little. Understand: The short position remains huge ... When we have four major analysts covering it, only then will I say Don'tBuy.'Yamana Gold (NYSE: AUY - News): ' ... it is the only growth gold stock out there. It is making an incredible amount of money. ... It also produces copper at the same time.'Precision Castparts (NYSE: PCP - News): 'The bull market in aerospace and defense is back. Precision Castparts had a better quarter than almost every other supplier to the major airline companies.'Goodyear Tire (NYSE: GT - News): '... has had a major pullback ... Goodyear Tire is one of those companies ... best of breed. I think I like the stock up to the $32, $33 level.'InterContinental Exchange (NYSE: ICE - News): 'I like derivatives. I like commodies trading. ICE is good.'CME Group (NYSE: CME - News)NYMEX Holdings (NYSE: NMX - News): 'I am hopeful that the Nymex merges with the New York Stock Exchange. It would be a terrific deal.'NYSE Euronext (NYSE: NYX - News):'The only one of those that's done really badly is New York Stock Exchange, but I'm stickin' with it.'Vector Group (NYSE: VGR - News):Amazon.com (NasdaqGS: AMZN - News)Apple (NasdaqGS: AAPL - News)Google (NasdaqGS: GOOG - News)Research In Motion (NasdaqGS: RIMM - News)Reynolds American (NYSE: RAI - News)Altria (NYSE: MO - News): ' ... those dividends are for me, and that's why I stick with tobacco.'
Bearish calls:
CyberSource (NasdaqGM: CYBS - News)True Religion Apparel (NasdaqGM: TRLG - News): ' ... gotta tell you. I don't know if that swimwear line can move the needle. ... This group is very hard.'Superior Offshore (NasdaqGM: DEEP - News): 'Worst oil-service stock I have ever seen. I mean, it's unbelievable. ... This stock feels almost cursed. ... I can't abandon it at $10... Wait until the end of the month ...'
Published By SeekingAlpha

Labels: AAPL, AMZN, AUY, CME, Cramer, CROX, DEEP, GOOG, GT, ICE, Jim, Lightning Round, Mad, Money, NMX, NYX, PCP, RAI, RIMM, VGR

With April's acquisition now having an impact and European cash derivatives trading aiding the bottom line, NYSE Euronext (NYSE: NYX - News) reported net income for the second quarter of $161 million, or $.62 cents a share, on revenue of $1.08 billion, which is pretty much in-line with analyst expectations. But naturally, the forward looking market is brushing off second quarter results and eying what's to come - a potential acquisition during the second half of the year that was made clear during the earnings conference call.
It's the same story that's been talked about for weeks now, with NYMEX Holdings (NYSE: NMX - News) and Intercontinental Exchange (NYSE: ICE - News) being the frontrunners for a NYSE Euronext takeover. The slight twist is that management is trying to sugarcoat the feared dilutive nature of a dea,l which is a direct result of the lackluster share price performance. According to a Reuters interview, NYSE Euronext Chief Financial Officer Nelson Chai says "there is a subset of folks who think we're just going to aimlessly go out and buy something or enter into a bidding war."
Though management says it will have a disciplined approach to an acquisition, a move into derivatives will be costly because of sky high valuations. There's no doubt about that. Hence, there will be continued short term pressure on NYSE Euronext shares until a deal is wrapped up.
By Ant & Sons

Labels: ICE, InterContinental Exchange Inc., NMX, Nymex Holdings Inc., NYSE Euronext Inc., NYX

Stocks Crushed In Broad Sell-Off
1 The Dow and S&P 500 fell 2.3%, their worst losses since the Feb. 27 sell-off that sparked the last market correction. The NYSE composite tumbled 2.8% and the Nasdaq 1.8% as investors fled risk. That was after indexes pared losses in the final hour. Volume spiked up. Only 4 out of IBD's 197 industry groups rose.
Credit Market Fears Intensifying
2 The 10-year Treasury yield sank 12 basis points to 4.78%, the lowest since May as investors reprice risk worldwide. Brazil pulled a regular debt sale and Tyco Electronics a $1.5 high-grade bond sale, both citing market conditions. Bear Stearns seized assets of 1 near-worthless hedge fund. An Aussie hedge fund halted withdrawals from 2 funds on subprime losses.
New-Home Sales Plunge 6.6%
3 June sales fell to an annualized 834,000 units, far below views and just over March's 7-year low. Prices fell and the supply of homes grew. Several builders posted Q2 losses. Also, durable goods orders rose 1.4% in June, a little below views. And orders ex transportation and core capital goods orders fell, a bad sign for the factory and investment recoveries.
Exxon Misses, Shell Profit Rises
4 Exxon Mobil (NYSE:XOM - News), the world's largest publicly traded oil company, said Q2 profit rose 6.4% to $1.83 a share, missing views by 13 cents. Revenue dipped 0.7% to 98.35 bil. Weaker natural gas prices and soft demand in Europe. Rival Royal Dutch Shell said Q2 net profit rose 18% to $8.67 bil. Sales rose 2% to $84.9 bil. Refinery margins helped both firms. Exxon shares fell 5%. Shell lost 2%.
Dems Accuse Gonzales Of Lying
5 Four Dems on the Senate Judiciary Committee claim Att'y Gen'l Alberto Gonzales gave conflicting testimony and asked Solicitor General Paul Clement to launch a perjury probe. Meanwhile, Sen. Patrick Leahy said he'll subpoena Bush aide Karl Rove to testify about his role in the dismissal of 8 federal prosecutors. Bush has rejected similar subpoenas, citing executive privilege.
Comcast's Web Growth Slows
6 The No. 1 U.S. cable TV provider's Q2 profit met views for a 27% gain to 19 cents a share. Comcast's (NasdaqGS:CMCSA - News) revenue rose 31% to $7.7 bil, just ahead of forecasts. Digital video subscribers soared 144%. But basic video subscribers and smaller growth in high-speed Internet disappointed investors. Comcast also didn't raise views. Shares fell 5%.
Envoy: Surge Curbing Iraq Unrest
7 Deploying 30,000 extra troops to Iraq has curbed violence there, U.S. Ambassador Ryan Crocker said. "The surge has done very well," he told the AP. "There's no question." In Baghdad, though, a powerful car bomb killed at least 28 and hurt 95. Meantime, House Dems plan a new effort calling for Bush to pull out troops in 2 months.
ICE Profit Up On Futures Growth
8 The electronic energy market and soft commodity exchange said its Q2 profit rose 63.5% to 85 cents ex items, beating views by 10 cents. Revenue jumped nearly 86% to $136.7 mil, above views. Strong volume growth in its futures business boosted Intercontinental Exchange (NYSE:ICE - News)'s result. ICE shares rose 2% on a bad day for stocks.
Shoemakers Stepped It Up In Q2
9 Crocs' (NasdaqGS:CROX - News) EPS jumped 305% to 58 cents, 14 cents above forecasts. Sales rose 162% to $224 mil. The maker of trendy plastic footwear sees Q3 EPS of 58-62 cents, well over views. Deckers (NasdaqGS:DECK - News), maker of Ugg boots, said profit fell 5% to 20 cents, but that beat views by 9 cents. Sales grew 26% to $52.7 mil, beating views. Deckers also raised guidance. Shares of both firms surged late.
Ford Beats, Swings To Q2 Profit
10 The No. 2 U.S. automaker reported its first profit in 2 years. Ford (NYSE:F - News) swung to Q2 EPS of 13 cents ex items, beating views by 48 cents. Revenue grew 5.5% to $44.2 bil. The company's cost cutting in troubled U.S. operations helped. But the solid results could make it harder for Ford to win concessions with the UAW union in talks that began this week. Ford shares rose 1.5%.
Published By IBD

Labels: CMCSA, CROX, DECK, F, ICE, XOM

IntercontinentalExchange, Inc. (NYSE: ICE - News) reported consolidated net income for the second quarter of 2007 of $53.7 million, a 73.4% increase in quarterly earnings compared to $31.0 million in net income for the second quarter of 2006. Consolidated revenues in the quarter increased 85.7% to a record $136.7 million, from $73.6 million in the second quarter of 2006. Diluted earnings per share in the second quarter were $0.75, a 44.2% increase compared to $0.52 in the same period in 2006.

The financial results for the second quarter of 2007 include $10.9 million in costs related to the company's proposed merger with the Chicago Board of Trade (CBOT) or $7.0 million after tax. Excluding these charges, net of tax, net income for the second quarter of 2007 was $60.7 million, an increase of 96.1% and diluted earnings per share were $0.85, a 63.5% increase compared to the same period in 2006.
Record revenues were driven by strong volume during the quarter at ICE Futures, the company's U.K. futures business segment; at NYBOT, ICE's U.S. futures business segment; and in ICE's global over-the-counter (OTC) business segment; as well as growth in the market data business segment. Company-wide average daily volume (ADV) for ICE's global futures and OTC markets was 1.4 million contracts in the second quarter of 2007.

Labels: ICE, InterContinental Exchange Inc.

Here are 7 trading ideas for today. These lists come directly from the TradingMarkets Stock Indicators page and are based upon our latest quantitative research.
Bullish
Gaps Down 5% or More: These are stocks that gap down by 5% or more and are trading above their 200-day moving average. Our research shows that stocks trading above their 200-day moving average that gap down by more than 5% have shown positive returns, on average, 1-day, 2-days and 1-week later. Historically, these stocks have provided traders with a significant edge.
Atheros Communications (NasdaqGS:ATHR - News). ATHR's PowerRating is 7.
Laps Down 5% or More: These are stocks that lap down by 5% or more and are trading above their 200-day moving average. Our research shows that stocks trading above their 200-day moving average that lap down by more than 5% have shown positive returns, on average, 1-day, 2-days and 1-week later. Historically, these stocks have provided traders with a significant edge.
Terra Nitrogen (NYSE:TNH - News). TNH's PowerRating is 8.
5+ Consecutive Down Days: These are stocks that have closed down for five or more consecutive days and are trading above their 200-day moving average. Our research shows that stocks trading above their 200-day moving average that close down for five or more days have shown positive returns, on average, 1-day, 2-days and 1-week later. Historically, these stocks have provided traders with a significant edge. Historically, these stocks have provided traders with a significant edge.
Baidu.com (NasdaqGS:BIDU - News). BIDU's PowerRating is 10.
5+ Consecutive Lower Lows: These are stocks that have made a lower low for five or more consecutive days and are trading above their 200-day moving average. Our research shows that stocks trading above their 200-day moving average that make lower lows for five or more days have shown positive returns, on average, 1-day, 2-days and 1-week later. Historically, these stocks have provided traders with a significant edge.
Intercontinental Exchange (NYSE:ICE - News). ICE's PowerRating is 8.
2-Period RSI Below 2: These are stocks that have a 2-period RSI reading below 2 and are trading above their 200-day moving average. Our research shows that stocks trading above their 200-day moving with a 2-period RSI reading below 2 have shown positive returns, on average, 1-day, 2-days and 1-week later. Historically, these stocks have provided traders with a significant edge.
A.G. Edwards (NYSE:AGE - News) & Bank of New York (NYSE:BK - News). AGE's PowerRating is 7, and BK's PowerRating is 7.
Bearish
5+ Consecutive Up Days: These are stocks that have made a higher high for five or more consecutive days and are trading below their 200-day moving average. Our research shows that stocks trading below their 200-day moving average that make higher highs for five or more days have shown negative returns, on average, 1-day, 2-days and 1-week later. Historically, these stocks have provided traders with a significant edge.
Neurochem (NasdaqGM:NRMX - News). NRMX's PowerRating is 3.
PowerRatings (for Traders) are courtesy of TradingMarkets.com

Labels: AGE, ATHR, BIDU, BK, Hot Stocks, ICE, NRMX, TNH

Here are 7 options to watch for today. This list comes directly from the TradingMarkets Options Indicators page. The list is created using OptionVue options analysis software.
Most Underpriced Calls: These are the most under priced calls of all stocks in our database. While the Equities Explosion List finds groups of calls for individual equities that are under priced, this list finds the most under priced individual calls. Thus, the options listed here will tend to be more severely under priced.
Advanced Magnetics Inc. Aug 65 (NasdaqGM:AMAG - News). AMAG's PowerRating is 6.
InterContinental Exchange, Inc. Aug 145 Calls (NYSE:ICE - News). ICE's PowerRating is 4.
Most Underpriced Puts: These are the most under priced puts of all stocks in our database. While the Equities Explosion List finds groups of puts for individual equities that are under priced, this list finds the most under priced individual puts. Thus, the options listed here will tend to be more severely under priced.
Yum Brands! Aug 35 Puts (NYSE:YUM - News). YUM's PowerRating is 5.
Most Overpriced Calls: These are the most overpriced calls of all stocks in our database. While the Equities Implosion List finds groups of calls for individual equities that are overpriced, this list finds the most overpriced individual calls. Thus, the options listed here will tend to be more severely overpriced.
Manitowac Co. Aug 80 Calls (NYSE:MTW - News). MTW's PowerRating is 5.
Most Overpriced Puts: These are the most overpriced puts of all stocks in our database. While the Equities Implosion List finds groups of puts for individual equities that are overpriced, this list finds the most overpriced individual puts. Thus, the options listed here will tend to be more severely overpriced.
Hub Group Aug 40 Puts (NasdaqGS:HUBG - News). HUBG's PowerRating is 5.
Avid Technology Aug 40 Puts (NasdaqGS:AVID - News). AVID's PowerRating is 3.
Stocks with Abnormal Call Volume: These are stocks which showed unusual call option volume not easily explained by arbitrage operations. The appearance of a stock on the Call Volume Alerts list suggests a possible takeover, extraordinarily good earnings report, or other news which may favorably affect the stock.
None today
Stocks with Abnormal Put Volume: These are stocks which showed unusual put option volume not easily explained by arbitrage operations. The appearance of a stock on the Put Volume Alerts list suggests an extraordinarily negative earnings report, or other news which may negatively affect the stock.
None today
Abnormal Put/Call $ Volume: These stocks have the highest dollar put volume in relation to their call volume. These high ratios are indicative of extreme bearish sentiment in the underlying stock.
Corus Bankshares Inc. (NasdaqGS:CORS - News). CORS' PowerRating is 4.
PowerRatings are courtesy of TradingMarkets.com

Labels: AMAG, AVID, CORS, HUBG, ICE, MTW, stock options, YUM

Shares of InterContinental Exchange Inc. jumped Wednesday after an analyst rated the futures-market operator at "Outperform," amid takeover speculation following its unsuccessful bid for the Chicago Board of Trade.
In reinstating coverage of the Atlanta-based company, William Blair & Co. analyst Mark Lane wrote in a client note that the fast-growing online exchange is "one of the most dynamic growth companies" in the financial services sector.
"The company holds a unique and durable competitive position within the global exchange industry, and we believe ICE would serve as a very attractive acquisition target or merger partner for certain exchanges looking to diversify while enhancing growth," he wrote.
The NYSE needs a futures exchange to be able to compete with the CME. This is the only logical analysis.

Labels: ICE, InterContinental Exchange Inc., NYSE Euronext Inc, NYX

Here are 7 options to watch for today. This list comes directly from the TradingMarkets Options Indicators page. The list is created using OptionVue options analysis software.
Most Underpriced Calls: These are the most under priced calls of all stocks in our database. While the Equities Explosion List finds groups of calls for individual equities that are under priced, this list finds the most under priced individual calls. Thus, the options listed here will tend to be more severely under priced.

iShares MSCI Emerging Markets Index July 140 Calls (AMEX:EEM). EEM's PowerRating is 5.
Most Underpriced Puts: These are the most under priced puts of all stocks in our database. While the Equities Explosion List finds groups of puts for individual equities that are under priced, this list finds the most under priced individual puts. Thus, the options listed here will tend to be more severely under priced.
Valero Energy Corp. July 72.5 Puts (NYSE:VLO). VLO's PowerRating is 5.
Most Overpriced Calls: These are the most overpriced calls of all stocks in our database. While the Equities Implosion List finds groups of calls for individual equities that are overpriced, this list finds the most overpriced individual calls. Thus, the options listed here will tend to be more severely overpriced.
InterContinental Exchange Inc. July 180 Calls (NYSE:ICE). ICE's PowerRating is 3
Most Overpriced Puts: These are the most overpriced puts of all stocks in our database. While the Equities Implosion List finds groups of puts for individual equities that are overpriced, this list finds the most overpriced individual puts. Thus, the options listed here will tend to be more severely overpriced.
Foster Wheeler Aug 90 Puts (NasdaqGS:FWLT). FWLT's PowerRating is 3.
Stocks with Abnormal Call Volume: These are stocks which showed unusual call option volume not easily explained by arbitrage operations. The appearance of a stock on the Call Volume Alerts list suggests a possible takeover, extraordinarily good earnings report, or other news which may favorably affect the stock.
Blue Nile Inc. (NasdaqGS:NILE). NILE's PowerRating is 4.
Stocks with Abnormal Put Volume: These are stocks which showed unusual put option volume not easily explained by arbitrage operations. The appearance of a stock on the Put Volume Alerts list suggests an extraordinarily negative earnings report, or other news which may negatively affect the stock.
None today
Abnormal Put/Call $ Volume: These stocks have the highest dollar put volume in relation to their call volume. These high ratios are indicative of extreme bearish sentiment in the underlying stock.
Time Warner Inc. (NYSE:TWX). TWX's PowerRating is 5.
Imclone Systems Inc. (NasdaqGS:IMCL). IMCL's PowerRating is 6.
PowerRatings are courtesy of TradingMarkets.com

Labels: EEM, FWLT, ICE, IMCL, NILE, stock options, TWX, VLO

Here are 7 options to watch for today. This list comes directly from the TradingMarkets Options Indicators page. The list is created using OptionVue options analysis software.
Most Underpriced Calls: These are the most under priced calls of all stocks in our database. While the Equities Explosion List finds groups of calls for individual equities that are under priced, this list finds the most under priced individual calls. Thus, the options listed here will tend to be more severely under priced.
Google June 520 Calls (NasdaqGS:GOOG - News). GOOG's PowerRating is 5.
Most Underpriced Puts: These are the most under priced puts of all stocks in our database. While the Equities Explosion List finds groups of puts for individual equities that are under priced, this list finds the most under priced individual puts. Thus, the options listed here will tend to be more severely under priced.
InterContinental Exchange June 130 Puts (NYSE:ICE - News). ICE's PowerRating is 6.
Most Overpriced Calls: These are the most overpriced calls of all stocks in our database. While the Equities Implosion List finds groups of calls for individual equities that are overpriced, this list finds the most overpriced individual calls. Thus, the options listed here will tend to be more severely overpriced.
Ciena Corp. June 30 Calls (NasdaqGS:CIEN - News). CIEN's PowerRating is 5.
Most Overpriced Puts: These are the most overpriced puts of all stocks in our database. While the Equities Implosion List finds groups of puts for individual equities that are overpriced, this list finds the most overpriced individual puts. Thus, the options listed here will tend to be more severely overpriced.
USANA Health Sciences July 35 Puts (NasdaqGS:USNA - News). USNA's PowerRating is 4.
Stocks with Abnormal Call Volume: These are stocks which showed unusual call option volume not easily explained by arbitrage operations. The appearance of a stock on the Call Volume Alerts list suggests a possible takeover, extraordinarily good earnings report, or other news which may favorably affect the stock.
PDL BioPharma Inc. (NasdaqGS:PDLI - News). PDLI's PowerRating is 5.
Canetic Resources Inc. (NYSE:CNE - News). CNE's PowerRating is 5.
Stocks with Abnormal Put Volume: These are stocks which showed unusual put option volume not easily explained by arbitrage operations. The appearance of a stock on the Put Volume Alerts list suggests an extraordinarily negative earnings report, or other news which may negatively affect the stock.
None today
Abnormal Put/Call $ Volume: These stocks have the highest dollar put volume in relation to their call volume. These high ratios are indicative of extreme bearish sentiment in the underlying stock.
General Motors (NYSE:GM - News). GM's PowerRating is 5.
PowerRatings are courtesy of TradingMarkets.com

Labels: CIEN, CNE, GM, GOOG, Hot Stock Options, ICE, PDLI, USNA

Here are 7 options to watch for today. This list comes directly from the TradingMarkets Options Indicators page. The list is created using OptionVue options analysis software.
Most Underpriced Calls: These are the most under priced calls of all stocks in our database. While the Equities Explosion List finds groups of calls for individual equities that are under priced, this list finds the most under priced individual calls. Thus, the options listed here will tend to be more severely under priced.
Google June 510 Calls (NasdaqGS:GOOG - News). GOOG's PowerRating is 5.
Most Underpriced Puts: These are the most under priced puts of all stocks in our database. While the Equities Explosion List finds groups of puts for individual equities that are under priced, this list finds the most under priced individual puts. Thus, the options listed here will tend to be more severely under priced.
InterContinental Exchange June 130 Puts (NYSE:ICE - News). ICE's PowerRating is 6.
Most Overpriced Calls: These are the most overpriced calls of all stocks in our database. While the Equities Implosion List finds groups of calls for individual equities that are overpriced, this list finds the most overpriced individual calls. Thus, the options listed here will tend to be more severely overpriced.
Apple Inc. July 120 Calls (NasdaqGS:AAPL - News). AAPL's PowerRating is 6.
Most Overpriced Puts: These are the most overpriced puts of all stocks in our database. While the Equities Implosion List finds groups of puts for individual equities that are overpriced, this list finds the most overpriced individual puts. Thus, the options listed here will tend to be more severely overpriced.
Oil Services HOLDR July 150 Puts (AMEX:OIH - News). OIH's PowerRating is 6.
Stocks with Abnormal Call Volume: These are stocks which showed unusual call option volume not easily explained by arbitrage operations. The appearance of a stock on the Call Volume Alerts list suggests a possible takeover, extraordinarily good earnings report, or other news which may favorably affect the stock.
Nasdaq Stock Market (NasdaqGS:NDAQ - News). NDAQ's PowerRating is 3.
Micron Technology (NYSE:MU - News). MU's PowerRating is 4.
Stocks with Abnormal Put Volume: These are stocks which showed unusual put option volume not easily explained by arbitrage operations. The appearance of a stock on the Put Volume Alerts list suggests an extraordinarily negative earnings report, or other news which may negatively affect the stock.
None today
Abnormal Put/Call $ Volume: These stocks have the highest dollar put volume in relation to their call volume. These high ratios are indicative of extreme bearish sentiment in the underlying stock.
Lexmark International (NYSE:LXK - News). LXK's PowerRating is 5.
PowerRatings are courtesy of TradingMarkets.com

Labels: AAPL, GOOG, ICE, LXK, MU, NDAQ, OIH, stock options

tame inflation report had investors once again hopeful that the Federal Reserve will consider rate cuts later this year. After the sharpest sell-off in weeks yesterday, stocks rebounded strongly to close out the week, recouping much of the ground lost the day before. Crude oil prices moved higher, while the 10-year Treasury note lost ground.
The Labor Department's core producer price index was flat in April compared with the previous month, which suggests moderating inflation. Core PPI excludes food and energy. Including those items, wholesale prices were up 0.7%. Separately, the Commerce Department said retail sales declined -0.2% in April, which was not expected. Wall Street expected a gain of 0.4%. March sales were up 1.0%.
Chicago Mercantile Holdings (NYSE: CME - News) increased its offer for cross-town rival CBOT Holdings (NYSE: BOT - News) by $1 billion. The CME is hoping to avoid a bidding war with upstart IntercontinentalExchange Holdings (NYSE: ICE - News). CBOT's board said the CME's $9.2 billion offer was superior to the estimated $10.1 billion from Atlanta-based ICE.
Paul McCartney was quoted in music industry trade publication Billboard as saying a digital downloading deal for the Beatles' catalog on iTunes was imminent. No specifics were offered, but shares of Apple (Nasdaq: AAPL - News) were 1.3% higher today.
In earnings news, Alcatel-Lucent (NYSE: ALU - News) reported a -35% decline in Q1 profit, but the shares traded 4.4% higher today on the company's upbeat forecast. The company said revenue is expected to rise 10% sequentially in Q2 on strong order flow. Graphic chipmaker Nvidia (Nasdaq: NVDA - News) added 7.1% today after reporting a 44% jump in Q1 profit. Revenue increased 24%. The company's chips are used in such gear as video game consoles and televisions. Shares of Amgen (Nasdaq: AMGN - News) shed -1.8% after an FDA advisory panel suggested the company's anti-anemia drugs should carry additional warnings on their use. Four investment banks quickly downgraded the biotechnology company's stock. Citigroup and Lazard Capital recommend selling Amgen's shares; HSBC Securities and JP Morgan cut their ratings to "hold."

Labels: AAPL, ALU, AMGN, BOT, CME, ICE, NVDA

IntercontinentalExchange (NYSE: ICE - News): 'It is killing the shorts that stock. ... That stock is a fave along with CME and CBOT Holdings. This group is fantastic ... raising margin, raising price."Chicago Mercantile Exchange (NYSE: CME - News)CBOT Holdings (NYSE: BOT - News):' This group is fantastic ... raising margin, raising price.'Ciena (NasdaqGS: CIEN)Tellabs (NasdaqGS: TLAB)Progressive (NYSE: PGR - News): 'One of the highest-quality insurers in the world.'Prudential (NYSE: PRU - News): ' ... are the ultimate insurers in this country.'MetLife (NYSE: MET - News)United Online (NasdaqGS: UNTD): 'This company yields 5%. It's got momentum. It's doing well. ... United Online, you get a thumb up.'Sears (NasdaqGS: SHLD): 'The stock was down badly today. I know people want me to run, they want me to hide ... I'm not selling a share. ... I am a believer.'American Capital (NasdaqGS: ACAS): 'Eight percent yields ... consistently pilloried by the bears. ... I see 8% growth, sells at 13 times earnings; I see a stock that's going higher.'Public Service Enterprise (NYSE: PEG - News): 'Off of my electric bill alone, I would buy these guys.'Exelon (NYSE: EXC - News)Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK - News)Consolidated Edison (NYSE: ED - News)Energy Metals (NYSEArca: EMU): 'Been marking time. ... very speculative stock ... I think there's more upside.'Hewlett-Packard (NYSE: HPQ - News): 'The only tech stock that we're really behind right now is Hewlett-Packard.'Bank of New York (NYSE: BK - News)Amgen (NasdaqGS: AMGN)
Bearish calls:
IPG Photonics (NasdaqGM: IPGP): 'All this stuff that goes into the big telecommunications world has turned very cold for me.'FoxHollow Technologies (NasdaqGS: FOXH): 'They gave away the upside when they made that deal with Merck .'Atmel (NasdaqGS: ATML): ' ... don't think there's any upside there.'
Published by SeekingAlpha

Labels: ACAS, BK, BOT, CME, DUK, ED, EXC, HPQ, ICE, Jim Cramer, Lightning Round, MET, PEG, PGR, PRU, SHLD, UNTD

Here are 7 options to watch for today. This list comes directly from the TradingMarkets Options Indicators page. The list is created using OptionVue options analysis software.
Most Underpriced Calls: These are the most under priced calls of all stocks in our database. While the Equities Explosion List finds groups of calls for individual equities that are under priced, this list finds the most under priced individual calls. Thus, the options listed here will tend to be more severely under priced.

Mastercard June 140 Calls (NYSE:MA). MA's PowerRating is 4.
Most Underpriced Puts: These are the most under priced puts of all stocks in our database. While the Equities Explosion List finds groups of puts for individual equities that are under priced, this list finds the most under priced individual puts. Thus, the options listed here will tend to be more severely under priced.
Intercontinental Exchange May 120 Puts (NYSE:ICE). ICE's PowerRating is 6.
Most Overpriced Calls: These are the most overpriced calls of all stocks in our database. While the Equities Implosion List finds groups of calls for individual equities that are overpriced, this list finds the most overpriced individual calls. Thus, the options listed here will tend to be more severely overpriced.
Dendreon May 17.5 Calls (NasdaqGM:DNDN). DNDN's PowerRating is 3.
Apple Inc. July 105 Calls (NasdaqGS:AAPL). AAPL's PowerRating is 4.
Most Overpriced Puts: These are the most overpriced puts of all stocks in our database. While the Equities Implosion List finds groups of puts for individual equities that are overpriced, this list finds the most overpriced individual puts. Thus, the options listed here will tend to be more severely overpriced.
Oil Services HOLDRs July 140 Puts (AMEX:OIH). OIH's PowerRating is 5.
Stocks with Abnormal Call Volume: These are stocks which showed unusual call option volume not easily explained by arbitrage operations. The appearance of a stock on the Call Volume Alerts list suggests a possible takeover, extraordinarily good earnings report, or other news which may favorably affect the stock.
JDS Uniphase (NasdaqGS:JDSU). JDSU's PowerRating is 4.
Stocks with Abnormal Put Volume: These are stocks which showed unusual put option volume not easily explained by arbitrage operations. The appearance of a stock on the Put Volume Alerts list suggests an extraordinarily negative earnings report, or other news which may negatively affect the stock.
None today
Abnormal Put/Call $ Volume: These stocks have the highest dollar put volume in relation to their call volume. These high ratios are indicative of extreme bearish sentiment in the underlying stock.
US Airways Group (NYSE:LCC) . LCC's PowerRating is 6.
PowerRatings are courtesy of TradingMarkets.com

Labels: AAPL, DNDN, ICE, JDSU, LLC, MA, OIH, stock options

Here are 7 options to watch for today. This list comes directly from the TradingMarkets Options Indicators page. The list is created using OptionVue options analysis software.
Most Underpriced Calls: These are the most under priced calls of all stocks in our database. While the Equities Explosion List finds groups of calls for individual equities that are under priced, this list finds the most under priced individual calls. Thus, the options listed here will tend to be more severely under priced.
Google Inc. June 530 Calls (NasdaqGS:GOOG). GOOG's PowerRating is 5.
Most Underpriced Puts: These are the most under priced puts of all stocks in our database. While the Equities Explosion List finds groups of puts for individual equities that are under priced, this list finds the most under priced individual puts. Thus, the options listed here will tend to be more severely under priced.
Vertex Pharmaceuticals May 30 Puts (NasdaqGS:VRTX). VRTX's PowerRating is 5.
Most Overpriced Calls: These are the most overpriced calls of all stocks in our database. While the Equities Implosion List finds groups of calls for individual equities that are overpriced, this list finds the most overpriced individual calls. Thus, the options listed here will tend to be more severely overpriced.
Dendreon May 15 Calls (NasdaqGM:DNDN). DNDN's PowerRating is 8.
Intercontinental Exchange Inc.May 150 Calls (NYSE:ICE). ICE's PowerRating is 3.
Most Overpriced Puts: These are the most overpriced puts of all stocks in our database. While the Equities Implosion List finds groups of puts for individual equities that are overpriced, this list finds the most overpriced individual puts. Thus, the options listed here will tend to be more severely overpriced.
Sears HoldingsJune 170 Puts (NasdaqGS:SHLD). SHLD's PowerRating is 9.
Chicago Mercantile Exchange June 500 Puts (NYSE:CME). CME's PowerRating is 4.
Stocks with Abnormal Call Volume: These are stocks which showed unusual call option volume not easily explained by arbitrage operations. The appearance of a stock on the Call Volume Alerts list suggests a possible takeover, extraordinarily good earnings report, or other news which may favorably affect the stock.
None Today
Stocks with Abnormal Put Volume: These are stocks which showed unusual put option volume not easily explained by arbitrage operations. The appearance of a stock on the Put Volume Alerts list suggests an extraordinarily negative earnings report, or other news which may negatively affect the stock.
None Today
Abnormal Put/Call $ Volume: These stocks have the highest dollar put volume in relation to their call volume. These high ratios are indicative of extreme bearish sentiment in the underlying stock.
Children's Place Retail Stores (NasdaqGS:PLCE). PLCE's PowerRating is 6.
PowerRatings are courtesy of TradingMarkets.com

Labels: CME, DNDN, GOOG, ICE, PLCE, SHLD, stock options, VRTX

Bullish calls:
Sirius Satellite Radio (NasdaqGS: SIRI): 'Perhaps someone might want to ask me about SIRI, which I think could just get a bump of 10%, because of some activities in radio...'Mattel (NYSE: MAT - News): 'I feel that MAT goes higher ... How about this? If you have 200 shares, take off 50, but let that run on a fundamental basis, because it's real good.'Hasbro (NYSE: HAS - News)CVS (NYSE: CVS - News): ' ... they got this Caremark. It's a great move ... CVS - best in show. Really smart. Ended up getting it cheap. I'm not backing away from CVS. No. If anything - down a dollar - I'm pulling the trigger.'Express Scripts (NasdaqGS: ESRX): 'I've been buying ESRX ... Why? Because I think Walgreens has to do a me-too (buy ESRX because CVS bought Caremark).'Rochester Medical (NasdaqGM: ROCM): 'Unbelievably good baby-boomer play. I say stick with it. Do not can it until you get to $30 smackers!'Zimmer (NYSE: ZMH - News)Allergan (NYSE: AGN - News)Color Kinetics (NasdaqGM: CLRK): 'CLRK makes this really cool lighting system ... I think CLRK is the best-in-show of the lighting group. That's what you want to be in.'Bank of Nova Scotia (NYSE: BNS - News): 'BNS? ...They are going to own - I am not kidding - they are going to own the Caribbean. BNS is the best-run bank in Canada.'Medco Health (NYSE: MHS - News): 'MHS, down $4 bucks from a high is so fantastic...'Yamana Gold (NYSE: AUY - News): 'We're going to go to AUY! Still, after a double, I am still recommending AUY. That's the best in show ('mon-back sound).'International Securities Exchange (NYSE: ISE - News): 'All right, every one of these is a takeover target.'IntercontinentalExchange (NYSE: ICE - News): 'I am liking ICE - the Intercontinental Exhange - down $40 from its high.'Intuitive Surgical (NasdaqGS: ISRG): 'The only one in the medical space that's left is ISRG. The stock grows at 35%, It has the ability to go up another 30-40 points. I want to buy ISRG. I like that stock very much.'Las Vegas Sands (NYSE: LVS - News): 'Oh, you know I like that company. That is really well-run. I've liked it for 50 points.'Mueller Water (NYSE: MWA - News): 'I just got their annual report. I think it looks real good. I've got to tell you, I'm a believer down here in water infrastructure.'
Bearish calls:
US Gold (AMEX: UXG - News): 'No. No. You know, we're not going to go to Nevada and find a lot of gold anymore. We're going to go to Latin America. We're going to go to South America.'J2 Global Communications (NasdaqGS: JCOM): ' ... this has been a very hard stock for me to get a line on, frankly. I have not understood why it keeps going higher ... 'don't buy, don't buy'Mannatech (NasdaqGS: MTEX): 'Nutritional supplements. A good business, but I have burned people in MATK, so I want to be very careful, and, again, I'm going to have to resort to the 'don't buy' button.'Smith & Wesson (NasdaqGS: SWHC): 'I'm sticking wi