Trading Tips Blog

Investment bank Jefferies Financial Group (JEF) has had a strong year, with shares up over 40%. One trader sees shares trending even higher through the autumn. That’s based on the September $50 calls. With 140 days until expiration, 3,003 contracts traded compared to a prior open interest of 120, for a 25-fold rise in volume on the trade. The buyer of the calls paid $0.67 to make the bullish bet. Jefferies shares recently traded for about $43, so the stock would need ...
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A company that’s out of favor with the market can see big returns once it moves back into favor. But first, it has to have been out of favor for so long that shares are cheap. It also helps if the company is growing earnings and revenues. From there, it’s best to wait until an uptrend starts. A hated company will typically start to move higher even if shares are out of favor with investors. Once perception flips positive, the rally ...
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John Roberts, CEO of JB Hunt Transport Services (JBHT), recently bought 6,200 shares. The buy increased his holdings by 2%, and came to a total cost of $998,550. The buy comes a month after a company director bought 5,000 shares, paying $1.01 million to start an initial stake. These mark the first insider buys since September 2022. Going further back, insiders have largely been sellers, usually following the exercise of stock options. Overall, JB Hunt insiders own 19.8% of shares. The ...
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Semiconductor manufacturer Intel (INTC) has underperformed its peers over the past year, as the company spends billions of dollars on constructing new foundries. One trader is betting shares will continue to underperform for the next two years. That’s based on the June 2026 $25 puts. With 777 days until expiration 1,907 contracts recently traded, a 15-fold increase over the option’s open interest of 129 contracts. The buyer of the puts paid $2.90 to make the bearish bet. Intel shares recently traded for ...
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The market is starting to show some mixed signals. The effects of above-average inflation over the past few years has hit a number of sectors hard. Investors are now learning that fast food may still be fast, but with soaring food prices it may not be cheap. However, there remain some opportunities in the restaurant industry. Particularly for companies that can keep costs down, consumers happy, and already have a reputation for beating the market. Pizza giant Domino’s (DPZ) just beat ...
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Jared Wolff, President and CEO of Banc of California (BANC), recently added 7,130 shares. The buy increased his position by 2%, and came to a total cost of $99,677. The buy comes a month after a company director bought 7,500 shares, paying just over $108,500. And another company director was a buyer in February. The last insider sale occurred in late January at a slightly higher price for shares. Overall, Banc of California insiders own 1.1% of shares. The regional bank is ...
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Commercial truck designer and manufacturer PACCAR (PCAR) is up nearly 50% over the past year. One trader sees shares pulling back in the coming weeks. That’s based on the June $100 puts. With 51 days until expiration, 10,327 contracts traded compared to a prior open interest of 198, for a 52-fold rise in volume on the trade. The buyer of the puts paid $0.96 to make the bearish bet. PACCAR shares recently traded for about $114, so the stock would need to ...
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While inflation is nowhere near its highs from the past few years, it’s still stuck at a higher level. That could weigh on company profitability, particularly for companies that can’t pass off higher prices to customers. However, companies with strong brands and low-priced items can typically raise their prices above and beyond inflation. That means that even as prices rise, they can continue to earn a solid return. These companies may be worth a closer look as inflation stays high. One such ...
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