Unusual Options Activity: KeyCorp (KEY)

Regional bank KeyCorp (KEY) is up 47% over the past year, soaring higher following the bank failures in early 2023. One trader sees shares continuing higher in the weeks ahead. That’s based on the July 26 $15 calls. With 24 days until expiration, 6,014 contracts traded compared to a prior open interest of 173, for a 35-fold rise in volume on the trade. The buyer of the calls paid $0.17 to make the bullish bet. KeyCorp shares last traded just over $14, ...
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Grab An Industry Leader in an Overlooked Market Sector Today

While tech stocks have had a big move higher to start the year, other sectors have lagged. That’s creating a new opportunity. Tech stocks are starting to slow down, and could even pull back. That means that other sectors may be ready to outperform. In any sector, owning the best names can mean reasonable returns. Those returns can be even better when bought right before an uptrend. And when the best company has plans to grow further. Things are lining up well ...
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Insider Activity Report: CME Group (CME)

William Shepard, a director at CME Group (CME), recently bought 326 shares. The buy increased his position by less than 1%, and came to a total cost of $63,569. Shepard was the last insider buy, with a 294 share pickup for about the same total cost back in March. Otherwise, company insiders have been sellers of shares the past few months. The CEO sold 40,000 shares for just over $8.4 million in late April. Overall, CME Group insiders own 0.4% of ...
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Unusual Options Activity: Chevron (CVX)

Energy stocks have been trending higher over the past few weeks, including giants like Chevron (CVX). One trader sees shares making a pullback in the weeks ahead. That’s based on the July 26 $150 puts. With 25 days until expiration, 3,511 contracts traded compared to a prior open interest of 103, for a 34-fold rise in volume on the trade. The buyer of the puts paid $1.03 to make the bearish bet. Chevron shares recently traded for about $156, meaning shares would ...
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This Industry Leader Is Poised for Further Growth

The past year has been a challenge for investors. While tech stocks have been soaring, the data suggests that the real economy has been muted. Consumer spending is weak and trending lower. The labor market is showing a similar decline. However, one industry leader has just indicated that business is faring well. And that could be a sign that the economy will continue to hold up, even with today’s lackluster data. The industry leader is shipping and logistics giant FedEx (FDX). Shares ...
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Insider Activity Report: Salesforce (CRM)

Oscar Munoz, a director at Salesforce (CRM), recently bought 2,051 shares. The buy increased his position by 41%, and came to a total price of $499,806. That’s the second insider buy of the month, following a $99.8 million share buy from a major holder. Those are the only two insider buys over the past two years. Otherwise, company executives have largely been sellers of Salesforce stock, with about half of those sales occurring following the exercise of stock options. Overall, Salesforce ...
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Unusual Options Activity: Carnival Corporation (CCL)

Cruise line Carnival Corporation (CCL) is up 3% over the past year, with shares trading towards the higher end of their 52-week range. One trader sees shares trending higher in the weeks ahead. That’s based on the July 19 $18.50 calls. With 21 days until expiration, 28,491 contracts traded compared to a prior open interest of 616, for a 46-fold rise in volume on the trade. The buyer of the calls paid $0.68 to make the bullish bet. Carnival shares recently traded ...
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This Inflation Protection Is Back in the Buy Zone

Investors have several ways to hedge themselves from inflation. Owning shares of great companies that can pay an increasing dividend over time is one way. But when inflation spikes suddenly, companies can also take a hit to their profits. Owning a small position in gold can reduce the impact of sudden inflationary jolts. And it can ensure that investors protect their purchasing power over time. Inflation is down but not out. Gold is in a similar situation today. After making new all-time ...
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