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Technical Analysis for Options: A Real-Life Example with Deckers Outdoor Corp. (NYSE: DECK)

In our BCI methodology, we use a 3-pronged approach to screening for our covered call writing and put-selling portfolios: Fundamental analysis (sales & earnings Technical analysis (trend, volume and momentum) Common-sense principles (minimum trading volume, avoiding earnings reports among others) This article will focus in on the technical analysis of DECK on 10/20/2022 and show […]

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Technical Analysis and Our Option-Selling Portfolios: A Real-Life Example with Matador Resources Company (NYSE: MTDR)

BCI has a 3-pronged approach to screening for our covered call writing and put-selling watchlists. These include fundamental analysis, common-sense principles (like minimum average trading volume) and technical analysis. When we read a price chart, we are forming a mosaic of several technical parameters and then coming to a pass/fail decision. There is a degree […]

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Should Good News Discourage Us From Entering a Covered Call Trade?

We examine the BCI Premium Stock Report on the Sunday May 23, 2021, after expiration Friday, for our Monday trade selections. One of the securities we choose is Applied Materials, Inc. (Nasdaq: AMAT). On Monday morning, May 24th, AMAT gaps up well above the price movement of the S&P 500. Is AMAT now too expensive? […]

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Best Technology ETFs for Our Option-Selling Portfolios: QQQ and XLK

When seeking to add a technology presence to our covered call writing and put-selling portfolios, we can do so by using exchange-traded funds (ETFs) based on technology benchmarks. Two such reliable ETFs are Technology Select Sector SPDR Fund (NYSE: XLK) and Invesco QQQ Trust (Nasdaq: QQQ). This article will compare the 2 funds to assist […]

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Can Price Movement Be Explained by Profit-Taking?: A Real-Life Example with Global X Funds Infrastructure Dev. (PAVE)

On April 8,2021, Nathan shared with me his covered call writing trade with PAVE which was initiated 3 days earlier. This exchange-traded fund had a strong technical chart but the price started declining immediately after the trade was entered. Nathan commented that he read in a technical analysis book that when share price breaks out […]

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How to Set Up a Portfolio of Nasdaq and S&P 500 Stocks in a User-Friendly Approach

Covered call writers and sellers of cash-secured puts know the importance of portfolio diversification. If one security under-performs, the others can compensate. This article will demonstrate how to craft a portfolio of large-cap tech and blue-chip companies for our option-selling strategies.   Strategy goals  Portfolio mix of blue-chip and technology companies User-friendly system Broad diversification […]

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Holding a Stock Through an Earnings Report: A Real-Life Example with Atlassian Corp. (Nasdaq: TEAM)

Covered call writers are frequently faced with scenarios when earnings reports are due out on securities where we have long-term bullish assumptions. In October 2019, Mark shares with me a dilemma he was facing with TEAM. The October 2019 monthly contracts expired on 10/18/2019 but there was an earnings release due on 10/17/2019. This article […]

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How to Use Technical Analysis and Market Assessment for Strike Selection Guidance

Strike price selection is the second required skill for our covered call writing and put-selling portfolios. Stock (and ETF) selection and position management (exit strategies) are the other two. This article will highlight how we can use overall market assessment and price chart analysis to help guide us to the best strike price selections.   […]

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Adjusting Target Goals with ETFs

Exchange-traded funds are baskets of stocks some going up and others going down in price. Generally, this makes these securities less volatile than individual stocks. Lower implied volatility translates into lower option premiums. Of course, there are exceptions but covered call writing with ETFs will usually provide better diversification and less risk at the expense […]

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Dividend Yield Should Be a Secondary Factor When Selecting Stocks for Our Covered Call Writing Portfolio

Combining covered call writing premiums with high dividend yields can be an enticing investment approach. In October 2019, Gerry wrote to me about using MPLX LP (NYSE: MPLX) in her option-selling portfolio and pointed to the generous dividend yield and real-estate component as the reasons for this consideration. In the BCI methodology, we use fundamental […]

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