Aug 29 Options Writing Trades Update

The Nikkei rose 3.2 percent on the week but slid 2.3 percent for the month, its third consecutive month in negative territory after surprisingly strong U.S. GDP data temporarily eased fears about its economic health. My biasness of the market is still one of sluggish to bearish undertone. I will start to write the Dec options next week or so on volatility.

Aug 28 Options Writing Trades Update

The benchmark Nikkei gained 15.29 points to 12,768.25 after moving between positive and negative territory throughout the day, directionless. For the options writing strategy, this situation works in our favour too since time is ticking away & eating away the premium of the options.

Aug 26 Options Writing Trades Update

Nikkei stock average was down 0.7 percent on Tuesday, paring earlier losses.
Market weakness remains with a sluggish to bearish outlook for the short to medium term.

Aug 22 Options Writing Trades Update

The Nikkei stock average has been declining everyday this week. We are into the 1st 1.5 hrs of Friday's trading session as we speak & the negative sentiments continues with the index sliding further by 76.9 pts due to a jump in oil prices, & stronger yen. The N225 Nov 9500 Put options still looks "attractive" & I picked up a couple of contracts for 25 pts.

Aug 20 Options Writing Trades Update

Most Asian stock markets edged higher on Wednesday, rebounding from a two-year low as Chinese shares surged on hopes for policies from Beijing to jumpstart growth, though many analysts said it was a long shot.
The dollar struggled as crude oil crept above $115 a barrel and gold prices edged higher, taking some of the steam out of the U.S. currency's recent surge to a seven-month high. The Nikkei edges down slightly -13.36 pts. I am looking at the Dec options now.

Aug 19 Options Writing Trades Update

Nikkei falls 2.3 percent to a one-month low. Investors who bought stocks yesterday after coming back from summer holidays are dumping them on the disappointing notion that U.S. financial fears are continuing as focus returned to the troubles of US government-sponsored enterprises Fannie Mae (FNM 6.15, -1.76) and Freddie Mac (FRE 4.39, -1.46), even though crude settled lower below the $113 per barrel mark.

Aug 18 Options Writing Trades Update

The benchmark Nikkei came off its high of 13270 to end at 13,165 (gained 1.1%)Monday, after losing 1.1 percent last week. I added additional N225 Nov 15500 Call Options for 25 pts. Word on the Street is “sell commodities and buy technology” and that may what we will be seeing in the short to mid term I am guessing. However, oil prices shot up on Monday & may pose some headwinds there for equities. The mid term fundamentals remains bearish to sluggish in my opinion.

Aug 15 Options Writing Trades Update

The Nikkei average rose 0.5 percent in holiday-thinned trade on Friday but overall, still a lower week compared to the last. Looking ahead, next week, the Nikkei might trade higher at least in the early part of the week with trading activity resuming as folks return from their holidays, as yen softens, as oil continues to trend lower and after Wall Street broke its recent losing streak at last night's close...& looks set to repeat the same positive outcome on Friday. That said, the market still lacks a catalyst & it may be trading in a range for a little while still. I am looking to add a few more call positions to complete Nov's income set up when opportunity presents.

Aug 14 Options Writing Trades Update

The Nikkei seesaws 0.3% down on Thursday. I added a few more N225 Nov 9500 puts & 9750 put options for 20 & 25 pts respectively.

Aug 13 Options Writing Trades Update

Japan's Nikkei stock average slipped 2.1 percent on Wednesday as renewed worries about U.S. financial institutions stoked economic concern. As if not enough, Japan's economy also shrank in Q2 as slowing exports and waning consumer demand pushed the world's #2 economy to the brink of recession. I added additional N225 Nov 9750 Put Options for 25 pts. In addition, I wrote new N225 Nov 9500 Put Options for 20 pts.

Aug 12 Options Writing Trades Update

The benchmark Nikkei declined 127.31 points to end at 13,303.60, after rising 2 percent the previous day. Volatility is expected in today's market. I added the Nov 9750 Put Options for 20 pts.

Aug 11 Options Writing Trades Update

After Wall Street surged last Friday, most Asian markets today rose in tandem. The Nikkei climbed 262 pts or 2% as exporters gained, due to a combination of both a weaker yen & lower oil prices, temporary easing inflation fears. I added the Nov N225 16000 Call options for 25 pts.

Aug 6 Options Writing Trades Update

The Nikkei stock average jumped 2.6 percent on Wednesday, led higher by exporters as a sharp fall in oil prices eased concerns about inflation and the U.S. Federal Reserve signalled it was in no hurry to raise interest rates. I wrote the N225 Nov 15500 Call options for 40 pts.

Aug 4 Options Writing Trades Update

The benchmark Nikkei shed 161.41 points to end at 12,933.18, its lowest finish since July 18 bearing its true sluggish to bearish nature. I added the N225 Oct 10000 put options for 25 pts. I am looking at the Nov options now & ready to add to the positions on volatility.

The Week Ahead

The big item next week is the FOMC policy announcement, slated for Aug. 5 at 2:15 ET. It is widely expected that the fed funds rate will remain unchanged at 2.00%, which leaves the policy directive as the main point of interest

Aug 1 Options Writing Trades Update

The Nikkei average fell 2.1 percent to hit a two-week closing low on Friday, dragged down by financials after two of Japan's largest banks posted sharp falls in core profitability, hurt by the downturn in global markets and a weakening domestic economy. The Aug's options expires 8 Aug , next Friday(Bejing Olympics). I don't foresee any issues & they should all expire worthless to close out yet another successful income generating month.