Trading Block: A look back at the week from a trading perspective

VIX briefly back over 14.

Earnings:

• Wednesday - Macy's, Cisco
• Thursday - Walmart, JD.com, Nordstrom, Nvidia
• Friday - John Deere
• Walmart (WMT) had a blowout quarter and shares are surging.
• Nvidia (NVDA) - ATM straddle: $16.50, approx. 6%

Odd Block: Bullish risk reversal in Discovery Communications Inc.  (DISCA) (From 7/19), Well-timed bullish stupid in Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. (CLF) (From 7/16), and earning bet in Interpublic Group of Companies Inc. (IPG) (From 7/16).

Strategy Block: Uncle Mike Tosaw discusses bad practices in financial advisors who claim to know options.

Mail Block: Options question of the week

This week we would like to know more about your level of #options expertise. Quite simply - how would you describe yourself at a dinner party?

• 12% - Current/Former Pro
• 21% - Retail Options Wiz
• 48% - Retail Options Dabbler
• 19% - Looking to Get Started

Around The Block/This Week In the Markets:

• Aug 16 - Jobless Claims, Housing Starts
• Aug 17 - Consumer Sentiment