Jim Cramer Blog

U.S. stocks experienced a roller coaster ride on Monday, after a global sell off was triggered by the collapse of Bear Stearns. The Federal Reserve took emergency action, cutting the discount rate by 25bp and offering to lend to securities dealers at the same rates as banks.
The Dow gained +21.16, while the Nasdaq Composite lost -35.48, and the S&P 500 -11.54.
Here are 7 stocks to watch...
Bear Stearns (NYSE:BSC) agreed to be sold to JPMorgan Chase for $2 per share, or $236 million. BSC shares closed at $30 on Friday, valuing the 85-year old investment bank at $3.5 billion. BSC's Short Term PowerRating is 8.
Many analysts felt the price JPMorgan Chase (NYSE:JPM) is paying significantly undervalues Bear Stearns, even allowing for litigation, de-leveraging and integration costs. Especially since the Fed is providing up to $30 billion in financing for BSC's illiquid assets. The decision means the Fed, not JPMorgan Chase, is carrying substantial risk. JPM's Short Term PowerRating is 3.
MF Global (NYSE:MF) shares fell as much as 80%, despite reassurances from the company that it was not experiencing liquidity problems.
Shares of Lehman Brothers (NYSE:LEH) plunged more than 20%, also on liquidity concerns. LEH is due to report earnings of $0.72 before the market open on Tuesday. LEH's Short Term PowerRating is 6.
Also before the market open, Goldman Sachs (NYSE:GS) is expected to report earnings of $2.58. GS's Short Term PowerRating is 5.
In deal news, CME Group (NYSE:CME) agreed to acquire Nymex Holdings (NYSE:NMX) for $9.3 billion. CME's Short Term PowerRating is 5. NMX's Short Term PowerRating is also 5.
And, International Paper (NYSE:IP) agreed to acquire the packaging and recycling businesses of Weyerhaeuser (NYSE:WY) for $6 billion. IP's Short Term PowerRating is 5. WY's Short Term PowerRating is 4.
Do you think International Paper will close up or down on Wednesday? Go to TradingMarkets.com to play our Up or Down Daily Stock Contest for the chance to win $1000 every month by predicting the direction of a stock.

Labels: BSC, CME, CME Group Inc., Goldman Sachs Group Inc., GS, Hot Stocks, IP, JPM, LEH, Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc., MF, NMX, WY

Here are 7 stocks for traders for Friday from TradingMarkets.com:
Bebe Stores (NasdaqGS:BEBE - News) beat earnings expectations on Thursday afternoon, reporting $0.26 EPS versus a consensus of $0.25 EPS. BEBE's PowerRating (for Traders) is 4
Google (NasdaqGS:GOOG - News) missed earnings on Thursday, announcing $4.43 EPS versus expectations of $4.45 EPS. GOOG's PowerRating (for Traders) is 4.
Agilysys (NasdaqGS:AGYS - News) reports earnings on Friday before the market opens, with traders looking for $0.20 EPS. AGYS's PowerRating (for Traders) is 3.
Arch Coal (NYSE:ACI - News) is poised to announce $0.47 EPS before the bell on Friday morning. ACI's PowerRating (for Traders) is 4.
Analysts are looking for Chevron (NYSE:CVX - News) to report $2.24 EPS before the market opens on Friday. CVX's PowerRating (for Traders) is 4.
When Exxon Mobil (NYSE:XOM - News) reports quarterly results on Friday morning, look for $2.26 EPS. XOM's PowerRating (for Traders) is 4.
NYMEX (NYSE:NMX - News) should announce $0.66 EPS tomorrow morning before the market opens. NMX's PowerRating (for Traders) is 3.

Labels: ACI, AGYS, BEBE, CVX, GOOG, Hot Stocks, NMX, XOM

Shares of stock exchange operators mostly rose in midday trading Monday, as CME Group Inc. said it is discussing an acquisition of Nymex Holdings Inc. for about $11 billion.
The proposed deal values shares of Nymex at $119.22 each. The two companies are in an exclusive 30-day negotiating period.
Nymex, which operates the New York Mercantile Exchange, rose $7.37, or 6.9 percent, to $114.53. The stock has traded between $88.26 and $148 during the past year.
The New York Mercantile Exchange specializes in trading of energy and metals contracts, and has already partnered with CME to list some contracts on CME's electronic exchange.

Labels: CME, CME Group Inc., NMX, Nymex Holdings Inc.

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.
NYMEX Holdings Dec 155 Calls (NYSE:NMX - News). NMX's PowerRating (for Traders) is 5.
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.
Intuitive Surgical Nov 220 Puts (NasdaqGS:ISRG - News). ISRG's PowerRating (for Traders) is 4.
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.
United Therapeutics Nov 80 Calls (NYSE:UTHR - News). UTHR's PowerRating (for Traders) is 5.
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.
Goldman Sachs Nov 200 Puts (NYSE:GS - News). GS's PowerRating (for Traders) is 7.
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.
DENTSPLY International (NasdaqGS:XRAY - News). XRAY's PowerRating (for Traders) is 6.
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.
Medco Health Solutions (NYSE:MHS - News). MHS's PowerRating (for Traders) is 6.
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.
H.J. Heinz (NYSE:HNZ - News). HNZ's PowerRating (for Traders) is 4.
Published By TradingMarkets.com

Labels: GS, HNZ, ISRG, MHS, NMX, stock options, UTHR, XRAY

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.
NYMEX Holdings Dec 150 Calls (NYSE:NMX - News). NMX's PowerRating (for Traders) is 5.
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.
Google Dec 650 Puts (NasdaqGS:GOOG - News). GOOG's PowerRating (for Traders) is 4.
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.
Amazon.com Nov 110 Calls (NasdaqGS:AMZN - News). AMZN's PowerRating (for Traders) is 6.
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.
CME Group Nov 200 Puts (NYSE:CME - News). CME'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.
Xilinx (NasdaqGS:XLNX - News). XLNX'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.
Rite Aid (NYSE:RAD - News). RAD'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.
WCI Communities (NYSE:WCI - News). WCI's PowerRating (for Traders) is 5.
Published By TradingMarkets.com

Labels: AMZN, CME, GOOG, NMX, RAD, stock options, WCI, XLNX

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.

NYMEX Holdings Dec 150 Calls (NYSE:NMX - News). NMX's PowerRating (for Traders) is 5.
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.
Google Dec 600 Puts (NasdaqGS:GOOG - News). GOOG's PowerRating (for Traders) is 6.
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.
Research in Motion Dec 145 Calls (NasdaqGS:RIMM - News). RIMM's PowerRating (for Traders) is 7.
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.
CME Group Nov 560 Puts (NYSE:CME - News). CME'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.
Weyerhaeuser (NYSE:WY - News). WY's PowerRating (for Traders) 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.
PNC Financial Services (NYSE:PNC - News). PNC'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.
Constellation Energy Group (NYSE:CEG - News). CEG's PowerRating (for Traders) is 6.

Published By TradingMarkets.com

Labels: CEG, CME, GOOG, NMX, PNC, RIMM, stock options, WY

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

Bulls were in a buying mood today after investors picked up stocks in anticipation of more deals coming to Wall Street. At the end of trading, all three major averages gained more than 1%. Leading the advance was the tech-laden Nasdaq, which gained 1.3%. Over in the energy sector, oil continued to sell off, ending the session at $69.26, down -31 cents.
The nation's four largest money center banks, Citigroup (NYSE: C - News), JP Morgan Chase (NYSE: JPM - News), Bank of America (NYSE: BAC - News), and Wachovia (NYSE: WB - News) all reported today that they borrowed $500 million each from the Federal Reserve's discount window on behalf of clients. The move was aimed at showing confidence amid a spreading credit crunch. The borrowing event comes after the Fed cut the discount rate by 50 basis points last Friday.
Staying on the topic of the recent credit crunch, shares of tax services company H&R Block (NYSE: HRB - News) fell -1.8% after it had to draw down bank credit lines when its Block Financial Unit was locked out of the commercial paper market. The company said it took down a net of $650 million in working capital lines.
On the news front, pharmaceutical giant Pfizer (NYSE: PFE - News) said it hired Frank D'Amelio to serve as its chief financial officer (CFO) replacing Alan Levin, who announced his resignation in May. D'Amelio recently served as SVP and chief administrative officer of Paris-based Alcatel-Lucent (NYSE: ALU - News).
Shares of energy exchange NYMEX Holdings (NYSE: NMX - News) rose 6.1% after the company officially announced that it is in talks with potential parties regarding a business combination. It also said it could cut 150 jobs and sell its Manhattan headquarters, which it thinks could fetch north of $500 million. Meanwhile, rumors swirled that Ameritade (Nasdaq: AMTD - News) and E*Trade (Nasdaq: ETFC - News) could merge following a report in The Wall Street Journal that the two sides were in talks.
Lastly, on the earnings front, medical device maker Medtronic (NYSE: MDT - News) said net income rose 13% to $675 million, or 59 cents a share, up from $599 million, or 51 cents a share, last year. Sales increased 8% to $3.13 billion. Excluding one-time items, it reported earnings of $711 million, or 62 cents a share, in line with what analysts had expected. Shares fell -0.4%.
By the BullMarket.com Staff

Labels: ALU, AMTD, BAC, C, ETFC, HRB, JPM, MDT, NMX, pfe, WB

Stock futures bounded higher Wednesday on speculation that the Federal Reserve will move to mitigate a growing credit crunch by cutting interest rates.
Wall Street ended mixed Tuesday, with the Dow Jones industrials giving up some 30 points while both the Nasdaq composite and Standard & Poor's 500 finished slightly higher. Investors weighed statements from government officials and policymakers over if and when the Fed will move to cut interest rates.
Online brokerages TD Ameritrade Holding Corp. and E-Trade Financial Corp. are said to have been in discussions about a possible deal for weeks, according to The Wall Street Journal. However, the report said they are not close to a deal.
Meanwhile, Nymex Holdings Inc. Chairman Richard Schaeffer said Tuesday the commodities exchange owner has held preliminary discussions about a potential combination, but there is no guarantee of a deal. We believe this other party to be NYSE Group. NYX needs a futures exchange exposure and Nymex is their best fit.

Labels: Ameritrade, AMTD, E-Trade Financial Corp., ETFC, NMX, Nymex Holdings 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.
NYMEX Holdings Sep 145.0 Calls (NYSE:NMX - News). NMX's PowerRating is currently unavailable due to the stock not meeting certain parameters.
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.
Frontline Limited Aug 45 Puts (NYSE:FRO - News). FRO'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 Aug 170.0 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.
Bear Stearns Oct 110.0 Puts (NYSE:CFC - News). BSC'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.
ADC Telecommunications (NasdaqGS:ADCT - News). ADCT's PowerRating is 6.
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.
Countrywide Financial . CFC's PowerRating is 2.
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.
USANA Health Sciences (NasdaqGS:USNA - News). USNA's PowerRating is 7.
PowerRatings are courtesy of www.PowerRatings.net

Labels: AAPL, ADCT, CFC, FRO, Hot Stock Options, NMX, USNA

Nvidia (NasdaqGS: NVDA - News): 'They make the fastest gaming chips. They make the best ones. You buy some and then, if it comes in, you buy some more ... It's a growth stock in the right quarter, at the right time of the year ... NVDA is two thumbs up.'Dynegy (NYSE: DYN - News): 'I like DYN as an asset play, and if the earnings don't hit the number, because of some natural gas realization, come on ('mon-back sound)... step up to the plate...'China Telecom (NYSE: CHA - News)Baidu.com (NasdaqGS: BIDU - News)Nymex (NYSE: NMX - News): 'I believe someone will buy, but I would not recommend a stock just on its takeover ability alone... I would emphasize that, on its earnings - and the earnings here are unbelievable.'Teck Cominco (NYSE: TCK - News): 'People worry that China doesn't have enough demand... that maybe our economy is so slow that it's going to bring down the rest of the world. That's not true. TCK is still a buy. I like it very much.'Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT - News): 'I want to buy the defense stocks here. I think it's a terrific opportunity. Don't take your cue from the stocks. Take your cue from the companies, and LMT is doing incredibly well!'General Dynamics (NYSE: GD - News)Raytheon (NYSE: RTN - News)Northrop Grumman (NYSE: NOC - News)Ralcorp Holdings (NYSE: RAH - News): 'I've liked RAH before on the show. I like it now.'ENGlobal (AMEX: ENG - News): 'This is a company that does everything you need to do to produce refining petroleum. It's right. You're right. I'm staying with it. 'Thornburg Mortgage (NYSE: TMA - News): 'I just don't think they're as bad as the bears think.'Allergan (NYSE: AGN - News): ' ... for anything eye... I'm going to send you that way.'
Bearish calls:
Spectranetics (NasdaqGM: SPNC - News): ' ... don't know whether I want to buy it all the way up here... don't buy, don't buy... there are so many that are still down, but it's a good quality company.'Boston Scientific (NYSE: BSX - News)Perfect World (PWRD): 'I am just going to say forget about it... it's too darn hard.'RealNetworks (NasdaqGS: RNWK - News): 'Even thought the guys that run those companies throw really great cocktail parties, and probably wish that I was there, no thank you! (buzzer sounds)... 'Lowe's Companies (NYSE: LOW - News): 'You know, I can't recommend this sector right now - don't buy, don't buy - even though I know they have really easy comparisons. I can't go there. That sector's being too hurt. No to retail.'Advanced Medical Optics (NYSE: EYE - News)Best Buy (NYSE: BBY - News): 'I think there's $3 up, $3 down... which means to me - don't buy, don't buy - not worth playing... '
Published by SeekingAlpha

Labels: AGN, BIDU, CHA, DYN, ENG, GD, Jim Cramer, Lightning Round, LMT, NMX, NOC, NVDA, RAH, RTN, TCK, TMA

Nvidia (NasdaqGS: NVDA - News): 'They make the fastest gaming chips. They make the best ones. You buy some and then, if it comes in, you buy some more ... It's a growth stock in the right quarter, at the right time of the year ... NVDA is two thumbs up.'Dynegy (NYSE: DYN - News): 'I like DYN as an asset play, and if the earnings don't hit the number, because of some natural gas realization, come on ('mon-back sound)... step up to the plate...'China Telecom (NYSE: CHA - News)Baidu.com (NasdaqGS: BIDU - News)Nymex (NYSE: NMX - News): 'I believe someone will buy, but I would not recommend a stock just on its takeover ability alone... I would emphasize that, on its earnings - and the earnings here are unbelievable.'Teck Cominco (NYSE: TCK - News): 'People worry that China doesn't have enough demand... that maybe our economy is so slow that it's going to bring down the rest of the world. That's not true. TCK is still a buy. I like it very much.'Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT - News): 'I want to buy the defense stocks here. I think it's a terrific opportunity. Don't take your cue from the stocks. Take your cue from the companies, and LMT is doing incredibly well!'General Dynamics (NYSE: GD - News)Raytheon (NYSE: RTN - News)Northrop Grumman (NYSE: NOC - News)Ralcorp Holdings (NYSE: RAH - News): 'I've liked RAH before on the show. I like it now.'ENGlobal (AMEX: ENG - News): 'This is a company that does everything you need to do to produce refining petroleum. It's right. You're right. I'm staying with it. 'Thornburg Mortgage (NYSE: TMA - News): 'I just don't think they're as bad as the bears think.'Allergan (NYSE: AGN - News): ' ... for anything eye... I'm going to send you that way.'
Bearish calls:
Spectranetics (NasdaqGM: SPNC - News): ' ... don't know whether I want to buy it all the way up here... don't buy, don't buy... there are so many that are still down, but it's a good quality company.'Boston Scientific (NYSE: BSX - News)Perfect World (PWRD): 'I am just going to say forget about it... it's too darn hard.'RealNetworks (NasdaqGS: RNWK - News): 'Even thought the guys that run those companies throw really great cocktail parties, and probably wish that I was there, no thank you! (buzzer sounds)... 'Lowe's Companies (NYSE: LOW - News): 'You know, I can't recommend this sector right now - don't buy, don't buy - even though I know they have really easy comparisons. I can't go there. That sector's being too hurt. No to retail.'Advanced Medical Optics (NYSE: EYE - News)Best Buy (NYSE: BBY - News): 'I think there's $3 up, $3 down... which means to me - don't buy, don't buy - not worth playing... '
Published by SeekingAlpha

Labels: AGN, BIDU, CHA, DYN, ENG, GD, Jim Cramer, Lightning Round, LMT, NMX, NOC, NVDA, RAH, RTN, TCK, TMA

The New York Mercantile Exchange, the world's largest energy market, is quietly fielding offers for its lower Manhattan headquarters ahead of a deal to sell itself to a rival exchange, multiple sources familiar with the situation said. Though not in a hurry to sell its 15-floor tower at the World Financial Center, Nymex had retained Newmark Knight Frank to evaluate potential offers, but might be close to engaging another firm such as Cushman & Wakefield. Talk of a sale of Nymex's headquarters comes as the energy exchange is involved in serious merger negotiations with the neighboring New York Stock Exchange, sources said. Those talks, which could still break down, could result in a takeover of Nymex in the next two months, according to multiple sources. Merrill Lynch and JPMorgan are advising Nymex and sources said law firm Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz is working on the deal for the Big Board.

Labels: Cushman and Wakefield, NMX, Nymex Holdings Inc., NYSE Euronext Inc., NYX

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

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.
Goldman Sachs August 250 Calls (NYSE:GS). GS' PowerRating is 6.
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.
Mastercard Inc. July 150 Puts (NYSE:MA). MA'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.
NYMEX Holdings Aug 145 Calls (NYSE:NMX). NMX's PowerRating is currently unavailable due to the stock not meeting certain parameters.
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.
iShares MSCI Emerging Markets Index Aug 120 Puts (AMEX:EEM). EEM'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.
Affymetrix (NasdaqGS:AFFX). AFFX'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.
KB Home (NYSE:KBH). KBH's PowerRating is 5.
Starbucks Corp. (NasdaqGS:SBUX). SBUX's PowerRating is 4.

Labels: AFFX, EEM, GS, MA, NMX, SBUX, 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.
None today
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.
Chicago Mercantile Exchange July 520 Puts (NYSE:CME). CME's PowerRating is 6.
Advanced Magnetics July 55 Puts (NasdaqGM:AMAG). AMAG's PowerRating is 7.
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.
Baidu.com Aug 185 Calls (NasdaqGM:BIDU). BIDU'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.
CBOT Holdings Aug 195 Puts (NYSE:BOT). BOT's PowerRating is 7.
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.
NYMEX Holdings (NYSE:NMX). NMX's PowerRating is currently unavailable due to the stock not meeting certain parameters.
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.
Countrywide Financial (NYSE:CFC). CFC's PowerRating 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.
Wachovia Bank (NYSE:WB). WB's PowerRating is 5.
PowerRatings are courtesy of TradingMarkets.com

Labels: AMAG, BIDU, BOT, CFC, CME, NMX, stock options, WB

Here are 7 stocks for traders for Tuesday from TradingMarkets.com:
Principal Financial Group (NYSE:PFG - News) missed earnings on Monday after the close; analysts were looking for $0.93 EPS, but PFG only announced $0.87 EPS. PFG's PowerRating is 5.
Standard Microsystems (NasdaqGS:SMSC - News) beat earnings on Monday, announcing $0.44 EPS over an expected $0.37 EPS. SMSC's PowerRating is 7.
Archer-Daniels (NYSE:ADM - News) reports earnings on Tuesday before the bell; look for $0.61 EPS. ADM's PowerRating is 6.
Celanese (NYSE:CE - News) announces quarterly earnings Tuesday before the market opens, with analysts watching for $0.73 EPS. CE's PowerRating is 4.
When Liz Claiborne (NYSE:LIZ - News) reports earnings Tuesday morning, watch for $0.60 EPS. LIZ's PowerRating is 5.
NYMEX (NYSE:NMX - News) should report $0.57 EPS before the bell on Tuesday morning. NMX does not have a PowerRating due to its short trading history.
Watch for Qwest (NYSE:Q - News) to announce $0.09 EPS on Tuesday morning. Q's PowerRating is 6.
PowerRatings are courtesy of PowerRatings.net

Labels: ADM, CE, Hot Stocks, LIZ, NMX, PFG, Q, SMSC

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 530 Calls (GOOG)

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. Baidu.com Apr 90 Puts (BIDU)

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. May 100 Calls (AAPL) Dendreon Corp. May 12.5 Calls (DNDN)

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. NYMEX Holdings Jun 120 Puts (NMX)

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. BJ Services (BJS)

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. Harley-Davidson Inc. (HOG)
Darren Wong Associate Editor at TradingMarkets.com

Labels: AAPL, BIDU, BJS, DNDN, GOOG, HOG, Hot Options, NMX