Unusual Options Activity: Diamondback Energy (FANG)

Shares oil and gas exploration company Diamondback Energy (FANG) are up about 5 percent over the last year, significantly lagging others in the energy space. One trader sees a decline for the stock in the weeks ahead. That’s based on the March $135 puts. With 66 days until expiration, 7,643 contracts traded compared to a prior open interest of 110, for a 70-fold rise in volume on the trade. The buyer of the puts paid $10.30 to make the trade. Shares recently ...
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In a Declining Market, Look to Luxuries

There are many ways to play consumer trends. When the market pulls back and the economy slows, it may make sense to focus on companies that can offer users the best price available. However, companies that cater to luxury markets tend to face less of a slowdown. Even better, these companies tend to see their profit margins hold up, even as lower markets are in decline. A slow economy and a down market tends to make for a good time to invest ...
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Insider Trading Report: FedEx Corp (FDX)

Amy Lane, a director at FedEx Corp (FDX), recently added 280 shares. The buy increased her holdings by 22 percent, and came to a total price of just over $49,000. This marks the first insider buy at the company since September, when another director bought 1,500 shares, paying just over $215,000. Otherwise, company executives have largely been sellers of shares as options have been exercised, as directors continue to buy. Overall, company insiders own 7.9 percent of shares. The freight and logistics ...
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Unusual Options Activity: Bausch Health Companies (BHC)

Shares of healthcare product producer Bausch Health Companies (BHC) have lost three quarters of their value in the past year. One trader sees a rebound in the weeks ahead. That’s based on the February $8 calls. With 42 days until expiration, 26,688 contracts traded compared to a prior open interest of 665, for a 40-fold rise in volume on the trade. The buyer of the calls paid $0.37 to make the bullish bet. Shares recently traded just under $7, so the stock ...
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This Commodity Will Continue to See Strength This Year

In a volatile market, it may seem that no sector is safe. That’s especially true as both stocks and bonds sold off by double-digits last year. But other asset classes are more mixed. Commodities held up fairly well last year, and some specific plays look set to fare well into 2023 and possibly beyond. That’s because the rules of the commodity space can come down to supply and demand. Any change in those factors can lead to big prices swings. While investor ...
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Insider Trading Report: Agree Realty Corp (ADC)

Craig Erlich, COO at Agree Realty Corp (ADC), recently added 4,898 shares. The buy increased his holdings by 19 percent, and came to a total cost just under $80,000. The buy came a week after a company director bought 11,000 shares, paying just over $785,000. Otherwise, company insiders haven’t made any changes in their holdings in nearly a year. Going back over the past three years, insiders have been consistent buyers. Overall, insiders own 1.6 percent of company shares. The real estate ...
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Unusual Options Activity: Nikola Corporation (NKLA)

Shares of electric truck manufacturer Nikola Corporation (NKLA) are down 80 percent over the past year. One trader sees a further decline ahead. That’s based on the January 2024 $2 puts. With 379 days until expiration, 40,037 contracts traded compared to a prior open interest of 967, for a 41-fold rise in volume on the trade. The buyer of the puts paid $1.08 to make the bearish bet. Shares recently traded for about $2.20, so the stock would need to drop about ...
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Pick the Industry Leader in a Stock Picker’s Market

Last year’s bear market likely isn’t quite over yet. However, many stocks that were fairly valued are now bargains. And they could start moving higher in the months ahead as the bear market reaches its peak. In that kind of environment, there will be a quick jump higher for nearly all stocks. But the best performers will come from those companies that are industry leaders, and will be more sustainable than just a jump higher. For instance, right now investors are skeptical ...
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