Option Block 301: Twas the Day Before Christmas

Trading Block

A strong rally on the street on the back of a strong consumer sentiment - A sea of green. Everyones favorite fruit company, Apple up during the day.Some substantial moves in CBOE. VXX hits a low for the year.

Odd Block

Call buyers trade in Meritor Inc. (MTOR), put sellers trade in Ambac Financial Group, Inc. (AMBC), call sellers trade in Select Sector SPDR Financial (XLF) and huge rolls in Hercules Offshore, Inc. (HERO)

Xpress Block

Apple, CBOE and social networking were all seeing a lot of action today.

Mail Block

Question from Dylan, Fort Nelson, British Columbia: I have a question on diagonal spreads today. Is there a good way to capitalize on the long vega these spreads generally have without actually selling the long vega option? I've been looking at using the premium gained in the option in a Vol pop to buy "free" puts in VIXM or VXZ and extract some of this premium instead of just watching the Vrol grow and then go away. Maybe a good one for Uncle Mike as I know he's a big diagonal fan. Thanks,