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no-cover
November 26, 2012
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The Portfolio Approach

Richard Croft

Avoiding the madness of crowds Usually in this space I discuss specifics related to an option strategy one might use based on a view of the underlying stock, or provide an educational gem related to option pricing, strategy or mechanics. This week I want to step back and address a broader issue related to portfolio building....

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11 years ago
no-cover
November 19, 2012
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Never Say Never!

Richard Croft

In October 2010 I penned the following comments: there has “never” been a market anywhere anytime that didn’t revel in the prospect of easy money! Which is to say: one should never fight the Fed. At that time, most of the industrialized world was engaging in massive stimulus programs designed to keep economies from...

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11 years ago
no-cover
November 12, 2012
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Is the Door Slightly Ajar?

Richard Croft

Well its official… the US did not fall off a cliff as a result of the recent Presidential election. Despite the socialist rhetoric that preceded the election and the subsequent post-election ostentatious victory claims from both side of the aisle (note: Republicans point to their victory in Congress as evidence that the...

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11 years ago
no-cover
November 05, 2012
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Measuring Risk with ESP

Richard Croft

The options market is unique in the sense that it is all about risk modification. Traders can use options to leverage their risk profile or reduce variability within their portfolio. It all comes down to the quantity of options being employed and the strategy being implemented. In my experience traders have little understanding...

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11 years ago
no-cover
October 31, 2012
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Straddles for an uncertain environment

Richard Croft

As I see it there are three major and seemingly conflicting factors at play in the financial markets. The domestic macro issues are of course, front and center. In the US, there is uncertainty as to who will win the presidential election and what will that means for consumers, investors, the fiscal cliff and the inner workings...

1985
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11 years ago
no-cover
October 22, 2012
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Precisely Defining Entry Points

Richard Croft

The great American humorist Will Rogers was once asked to explain his views on the stock market. His answer: “You buy a stock because it is going up. If it doesn’t go up, don’t buy it.” As was so typical of Mr. Rogers his answer was simple yet contained a hint of truth. We do buy stocks because we think we will be able...

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11 years ago
no-cover
October 17, 2012
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The Iron Condor

Richard Croft

Global markets appear to have hit a wall on the upside. And with third quarter earnings expected to reinforce the position that growth is slowing, the markets may well remain in neutral through the end of the year. And perhaps longer if President Obama gets re-elected and carries through with his “tax-the-rich” strategy! On...

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12 years ago
no-cover
October 09, 2012
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Slowing Growth, Higher Returns?

Richard Croft

Another institution has cut its growth outlook for the Asia Pacific basin. In this case the World Bank which believes that China may be headed for a protracted period of slower growth. Although one should put that into perspective as 7% per annum GDP growth is considered slow for China. The concern is that China is feeling the...

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12 years ago


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