Monthly Archives: August 2020

Netflix (NFLX) Regains Upward Momentum

This week we are looking at another of the Investor’s Business Daily (IBD) Top 50 List companies.  We use this list in one of our options portfolios to spot outperforming stocks and place option spreads that take advantage of the momentum.

NFLX rallied to a six-week high in the past week and shows the potential to continue higher. The following two articles outline reasons why the stock could continue the momentum – Hooking Up or Locking Down, Netflix Poised to Win Either Way, and Netflix (NFLX) Back in Rally Mode After Brief Correction.

Technicals

NFLX has rallied above a horizontal level near $510, which hints that the correction from mid-July to mid-August may have ended. The same level contained an earlier range and may now act as support on near-term declines. There is further support from the lower boundary of a trend channel that has encompassed the price action since March.

NFLX Chart August 2020 regains upward momentum

NFLX Chart August 2020

If you agree there’s further upside ahead for NFLX, consider this trade, which relies on the stock remaining above the 520 level during the next five weeks:

Buy To Open NFLX 2OCT20 515 Puts (NFLX201002P515)
Sell To Open NFLX 2OCT20 520 Puts (NFLX201002P520) for a credit of $3.30 (selling a vertical)

This credit is $0.02 less than the mid-point of the option spread when NFLX was trading near $524. Unless the stock rallies quickly from here, you should be able to get close to this amount.

Your commission on this trade will be only $1.30 per spread.  Each spread would then yield $328.70. This reduces your buying power by $500 and makes your investment $171.30 ($500 – $328.70).  If NFLX closes above $520 on October 2, both options will expire worthless, and your return on the spread would be 192% ($328.70 / $171.30), or 2,190% annualized.

Changes to Investor’s Business Daily (IBD) Top 50 This Week:

IBD Underlying Updates August 29, 2020

IBD Underlying Updates August 29, 2020

We have found that the Investor’s Business Daily Top 50 List has been a reliable source of stocks that are likely to move higher in the short run.  Recent additions to the list might be particularly good choices for this strategy, and deletions might be good indicators for exiting a position that you might already have on that stock.

As with all investments, you should only make option trades with money that you can truly afford to lose.

Happy trading,

Terry

Making 36%

Making 36% – A Duffer's Guide to Breaking Par in the Market Every Year in Good Years and Bad

This book may not improve your golf game, but it might change your financial situation so that you will have more time for the greens and fairways (and sometimes the woods).

Learn why Dr. Allen believes that the 10K Strategy is less risky than owning stocks or mutual funds, and why it is especially appropriate for your IRA.

Order Now

Success Stories

I have been trading the equity markets with many different strategies for over 40 years. Terry Allen's strategies have been the most consistent money makers for me. I used them during the 2008 melt-down, to earn over 50% annualized return, while all my neighbors were crying about their losses.

~ John Collins

Alibaba (BABA) Looks Appealing After Strong First Quarter Results

This week we are looking at another of the Investor’s Business Daily (IBD) Top 50 List companies.  We use this list in one of our options portfolios to spot outperforming stocks and place option spreads that take advantage of the momentum.

Several analysts expect more upside for BABA’s stock price. Check out what the following two reports had to say about it – Post-Earnings Alibaba (BABA) Opportunity and Will Alibaba Be the Next Trillion-Dollar Giant?

Technicals

From a technical perspective, BABA has been consolidating within a triangle for the better part of two months. More specifically, the stock is holding in an ascending triangle, a pattern that is bullish. The stock has not yet broken higher from it, but the recent upward momentum hints that it is only a matter of time. Typically, when a consolidation pattern like this is broken, the stock sees a renewal of upward momentum.

BABA Chart August 2020

BABA Chart August 2020

If you agree there’s further upside ahead for BABA, consider this trade, which is a bet that the stock will continue to advance over the next five weeks, or at least not decline by much.

Buy To Open BABA 25SEP20 262.5 Puts (BABA200925P262.5)
Sell To Open BABA 25SEP20 265 Puts (BABA200925P265) for a credit of $1.23 (selling a vertical)

This price was $0.02 less than the mid-point of the option spread when BABA was trading near $266.  Unless the stock rallies quickly from here, you should be able to get close to this amount.

Your commission on this trade will be only $1.30 per spread.  Each spread would then yield $121.70 while your buying power would be reduced by $250, making your net  investment $128.30 ($250 – $121.70).  If BABA closes at any price above $265 on September 25, both options would expire worthless, and your return on the spread would be 95% (121.70/128.30), or 1,084% annualized.

Changes to Investor’s Business Daily (IBD) Top 50 This Week:

IBD Underlying Updates August 22, 2020

IBD Underlying Updates August 22, 2020

We have found that the Investor’s Business Daily Top 50 List has been a reliable source of stocks that are likely to move higher in the short run.  Recent additions to the list might be particularly good choices for this strategy, and deletions might be good indicators for exiting a position that you might already have on that stock.

As with all investments, you should only make option trades with money that you can truly afford to lose.

Happy trading,

Terry

Making 36%

Making 36% – A Duffer's Guide to Breaking Par in the Market Every Year in Good Years and Bad

This book may not improve your golf game, but it might change your financial situation so that you will have more time for the greens and fairways (and sometimes the woods).

Learn why Dr. Allen believes that the 10K Strategy is less risky than owning stocks or mutual funds, and why it is especially appropriate for your IRA.

Order Now

Success Stories

I have been trading the equity markets with many different strategies for over 40 years. Terry Allen's strategies have been the most consistent money makers for me. I used them during the 2008 melt-down, to earn over 50% annualized return, while all my neighbors were crying about their losses.

~ John Collins

Will Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMY) Continue the Upward Momentum?

This week we are looking at another of the Investor’s Business Daily (IBD) Top 50 List companies.  We use this list in one of our options portfolios to spot outperforming stocks and place option spreads that take advantage of the momentum.

BMY is up nearly 40% from its low in March and several analysts expect it will continue to push higher. Check out the following article that discusses a potential 10% upside – Analysts Are Bullish on Top Healthcare Stocks: Pfenex (PFNX), Bristol Myers (BMY).  Also, take a look at why BMY might be appealing to growth investors – 3 Reasons Why Growth Investors Shouldn’t Overlook Bristol Myers (BMY).

Technicals

After a correction lower that started in May, BMY is showing signs that the uptrend has resumed. The stock has rallied above its 200-day moving average as well as a horizontal price point at $60. The moving average and horizontal level are now seen as strong support on the downside. Ahead of it, an additional support level is seen at $61.75. BMY is outperforming several of the stocks on the IBD Top 50 list in the month thus far. The higher time-frame charts for this stock point to renewed upward momentum while many of the other stocks on the list have started to move sideways.

BMY Chart August 2020

BMY Chart August 2020

If you agree there’s further upside ahead for BMY, consider this trade is based on the stock continuing its advance over the next five weeks, or at least not declining very much.

Buy To Open BMY 18SEP20 60 Puts (BMY20918P60)
Sell To Open BMY 18SEP20 62.5 Puts (BMY20918P62.5) for a credit of $0.68 (selling a vertical)

This price was $0.02 less than the mid-point of the option spread when BMY was trading near $63.  Unless the stock rallies quickly from here, you should be able to get close to this amount.

Your commission on this trade will only be $1.30 per spread.  Each contract would then yield $66.70 and your broker would charge a $250 maintenance fee, making your investment $183.30 ($250 – $66.70).  If BMY closes above $62.5 on September 18, both options would expire worthless, and your return on the spread would be 36% (411% annualized).

Changes to Investor’s Business Daily (IBD) Top 50 This Week:

IBD Underlying Updates August 15, 2020

IBD Underlying Updates August 15, 2020

We have found that the Investor’s Business Daily Top 50 List has been a reliable source of stocks that are likely to move higher in the short run.  Recent additions to the list might be particularly good choices for this strategy, and deletions might be good indicators for exiting a position that you might already have on that stock.

As with all investments, you should only make option trades with money that you can truly afford to lose.

Happy trading,

Terry

Making 36%

Making 36% – A Duffer's Guide to Breaking Par in the Market Every Year in Good Years and Bad

This book may not improve your golf game, but it might change your financial situation so that you will have more time for the greens and fairways (and sometimes the woods).

Learn why Dr. Allen believes that the 10K Strategy is less risky than owning stocks or mutual funds, and why it is especially appropriate for your IRA.

Order Now

Success Stories

I have been trading the equity markets with many different strategies for over 40 years. Terry Allen's strategies have been the most consistent money makers for me. I used them during the 2008 melt-down, to earn over 50% annualized return, while all my neighbors were crying about their losses.

~ John Collins

Should You Buy Amazon (AMZN) Following Its Earnings Report?

This week we are looking at another of the Investor’s Business Daily (IBD) Top 50 List companies.  We use this list in one of our options portfolios to spot outperforming stocks and place option spreads that take advantage of the momentum.

Amazon had a strong quarter and the following two articles outline the earnings report and why the stock may head higher from here – Amazon (AMZN) Q2 Earnings and Revenues Top Estimates and Why Amazon Stock Climbed 14% Last Month.

Technicals

From a technical perspective, AMZN was held lower by a horizontal resistance level near $3250 on the rally that followed the recent earnings report. However, from a broader perspective, the stock has been firmly bid from a rising trendline that originates back to a low posted in March. Considering how long this trendline has been in place, and the long-term trend, the resistance at $3250 does not appear to be a big hurdle and it may only be a matter of time before this stock is trading at fresh all-time highs.

AMZN Chart August 2020 earnings announcment

AMZN Chart August 2020

If you agree there’s further upside ahead for AMZN, consider this trade which is a bet that the stock will continue to advance over the next five weeks, or at least not decline very much.

Buy To Open AMZN 11SEP20 3160 Puts (AMZN200811P3160)
Sell To Open AMZN 11SEP20 3165 Puts (AMZN200811P3165) for a credit of $2.40 (selling a vertical)

This price was $0.02 less than the mid-point of the option spread when AMZN was trading near $3165.  Unless the stock rallies quickly from here, you should be able to get close to this amount.

Your commission on this trade will only be $1.30 per spread.  Each contract would then yield $238.70 and your broker would charge a $500 maintenance fee, making your investment $261.30 ($500 – $238.70).  If AMZN closes at any price above $3165 on September 11, both options would expire worthless, and your return on the spread would be 91% (1038% annualized).

Changes to Investor’s Business Daily (IBD) Top 50 This Week:

IBD Underlying Updates August 8, 2020

IBD Underlying Updates August 8, 2020

We have found that the Investor’s Business Daily Top 50 List has been a reliable source of stocks that are likely to move higher in the short run.  Recent additions to the list might be particularly good choices for this strategy, and deletions might be good indicators for exiting a position that you might already have on that stock.

As with all investments, you should only make option trades with money that you can truly afford to lose.

Happy trading,

Terry

Making 36%

Making 36% – A Duffer's Guide to Breaking Par in the Market Every Year in Good Years and Bad

This book may not improve your golf game, but it might change your financial situation so that you will have more time for the greens and fairways (and sometimes the woods).

Learn why Dr. Allen believes that the 10K Strategy is less risky than owning stocks or mutual funds, and why it is especially appropriate for your IRA.

Order Now

Success Stories

I have been trading the equity markets with many different strategies for over 40 years. Terry Allen's strategies have been the most consistent money makers for me. I used them during the 2008 melt-down, to earn over 50% annualized return, while all my neighbors were crying about their losses.

~ John Collins

The Dip in Microsoft (MSFT) Offers a Buying Opportunity

This week we are looking at another of the Investor’s Business Daily (IBD) Top 50 List companies.  We use this list in one of our options portfolios to spot outperforming stocks and place option spreads that take advantage of the momentum.

Microsoft has dipped lower over the past few weeks, but several analysts think the broader outlook calls for more upside. Check out the following two articles which discuss the recent earnings report and how the pros outweigh the cons for MSFT investors – Microsoft revenue grew 13% despite coronavirus and Should You Buy Microsoft (MSFT) Stock?

Technicals

From a technical perspective, there are a few things that make MSFT attractive at current prices. First, there is a trendline in place that extends back to lows posted in April and the stock is seen bouncing from it. Further, this same trendline is intersecting with the $200 level which is seen as a support level. In addition to support confluence, there is a candlestick pattern on a weekly chart that suggests a bullish reversal may be taking place.

MSFT Chart August 2020 buy dip in all time high

MSFT Chart August 2020

If you agree there’s further upside ahead for MSFT, consider this trade which is a bet that the stock will continue to advance over the next five weeks, or at least not decline very much.

Buy To Open MSFT 4SEPT20 202.5 Puts (MSFT20084P202.5)
Sell To Open MSFT 4SEPT20 205 Puts (MSFT20084P205) for a credit of $1.08 (selling a vertical)

This price was $0.02 less than the mid-point of the option spread when MSFT was trading near $205.  Unless the stock rallies quickly from here, you should be able to get close to this amount.

Your commission on this trade will only be $1.30 per spread.  Each contract would then yield $106.70 and your broker would charge a $250 maintenance fee, making your investment $143.30 ($250 – $106.70).  If MSFT closes at any price above $205 on September 4, both options would expire worthless, and your return on the spread would be 74% (844% annualized).

Changes to Investor’s Business Daily (IBD) Top 50 This Week:

IBD Underlying Updates August 1, 2020

IBD Underlying Updates August 1, 2020

We have found that the Investor’s Business Daily Top 50 List has been a reliable source of stocks that are likely to move higher in the short run.  Recent additions to the list might be particularly good choices for this strategy, and deletions might be good indicators for exiting a position that you might already have on that stock.

As with all investments, you should only make option trades with money that you can truly afford to lose.

Happy trading,

Terry

Making 36%

Making 36% – A Duffer's Guide to Breaking Par in the Market Every Year in Good Years and Bad

This book may not improve your golf game, but it might change your financial situation so that you will have more time for the greens and fairways (and sometimes the woods).

Learn why Dr. Allen believes that the 10K Strategy is less risky than owning stocks or mutual funds, and why it is especially appropriate for your IRA.

Order Now

Success Stories

I have been trading the equity markets with many different strategies for over 40 years. Terry Allen's strategies have been the most consistent money makers for me. I used them during the 2008 melt-down, to earn over 50% annualized return, while all my neighbors were crying about their losses.

~ John Collins