RED Option

HSBC Holdings HBC (news, chart, quote) - HBC volatility Elevated at 100 on heavy put volume

HBC is recently down $1.02 to $44.76. HBC call option volume of 4,497 contracts compares to put volume of 37,374 contracts. HBC December call option implied volatility of 100 is above its 26-week average of 45 according to Track Data, suggesting larger price movement.

posted by:Paul Foster on Nov 21, 2008, 3:32 pm

Citigroup C (news, chart, quote) - C volume & volatility suggests risk

C is recently down $1.27 to $3.43. C call option volume of 443,568 contracts compares to put volume of 441,107 contracts. C November 5 straddle is priced at $1.69, December straddle is at $3.15. C June option implied volatility of 202 is above its 6-mont average of 68 according to Track Data, suggesting larger price movement.

TIF

posted by:Paul Foster on Nov 21, 2008, 2:17 pm

Tiffany TIF (news, chart, quote) - TIF volatility Elevated at 133 on global growth deterioration

TIF is recently down 30c to $17.56. Cowen say's "We believe the substantial deterioration in global growth prospects puts TIF's luxury-driven business model at significant risk." TIF call option volume of 315 contracts compares to put volume of 3,623 contracts TIF December option implied volatility of 133 is above its 6-month average of 59 according to Track Data, suggesting larger price movement.

DRI

posted by:Paul Foster on Nov 21, 2008, 2:17 pm

Darden Restaurants DRI (news, chart, quote) - DRI volatility elevated at 105

DRI is recently down 19c to $13.37. DRI is the parent company of Red Lobster and Olive Garden. DRI December option implied volatility of 105 is above its 6-month average of 59 according to Track Data, suggesting larger price movement.

WFMI

posted by:Paul Foster on Nov 21, 2008, 2:16 pm

Whole Foods Market WFMI (news, chart, quote) - WFMI put volatility Elevated at 117; shares near nine-year low

WFMI is recently down 58c to $7.86. Goldman Sachs lowered its price target on WFMI to $15 from $16 to reflect lower EPS forecast. WFMI December call option implied volatility is at 99, puts are at 117; above its 6-month average of 68 according to Track Data, suggesting larger price movement. WFMI puts are more expensive than calls because WFMI is difficult to borrow.

HESS

posted by:Paul Foster on Nov 21, 2008, 2:15 pm

Hess HESS (news, chart, quote) - HES calls active on Elevated volatility

HES is recently up $2.86 to $41.36. WTI Crude futures are recently up 1.25% to $50.04 according to Bloomberg. HES call option volume of 24,440 contracts compares to put volume of 4,896 contracts. HES December option implied volatility of 133 is above its 26-week average of 87 according to Track Data, suggesting larger price movement.

BBBY

posted by:Paul Foster on Nov 21, 2008, 2:15 pm

Bed Bath & Beyond BBBY (news, chart, quote) - BBBY puts active on consumer growth concerns

BBBY is recently down 53c to $16.65. BBBY call option volume of 766 contracts compares to put volume of 6,654 contracts. BBBY December option implied volatility of 94 is above its 26-week average of 54 according to Track Data, suggesting larger price movement.

posted by:Paul Foster on Nov 21, 2008, 1:47 pm

Regions Financial RF (news, chart, quote) - RF volatility Elevated at 148; shares near 17-year low

RF, a financial holding company based in Birmingham, Alabama, is recently down 55c to $7.11. RF call option volume of 697 contracts compares to put volume of 3,425 contracts. RF December option implied volatility of 148 is above its 26-week average of 100 according to Track Data, suggesting larger price movement.

ZION

posted by:Paul Foster on Nov 21, 2008, 1:47 pm

Zions Bancorp ZION (news, chart, quote) - ZION puts active on Elevated volatility of 173

ZION is recently down $2.29 to $24.02. ZION call option volume of 1,455 contracts compares to put volume of 4,281 contracts. ZION December option implied volatility of 173 is above its 26-week average of 97 according to Track Data, suggesting larger price movement

DNA

posted by:Paul Foster on Nov 21, 2008, 1:46 pm

Genentech DNA (news, chart, quote) - DNA volatility Elevated; shares below Roche's $89 offer

DNA is recently down $1.16 to $71.83. Roche announced on July 21 the offer to buy the balance of 44% of DNA it does not own for $89 cash. DNA December option implied volatility of 74 is above its 26-week average of 40 according to Track Data, suggesting larger price movement.

NYB

posted by:Paul Foster on Nov 21, 2008, 1:45 pm

New York Community Bancorp NYB (news, chart, quote) - NYB volatility Elevated at 113

NYB is recently down 70c to $10.89. NYB call option volume of 1,626 contracts compares to put volume of 1,004 contracts. NYB December option implied volatility is at 113, January is at 108; above its 26-week average of 59 according to Track Data, suggesting large price uncertainty.

STI

posted by:Paul Foster on Nov 21, 2008, 1:44 pm

SunTrust Banks STI (news, chart, quote) - STI January volatility of 188 higher than December

STI is recently down $3.61 to $21.03. STI call option volume of 7,098 contracts compares to put volume of 10,392 contracts. STI December option implied volatility is at 167, January is at 188; above its 26-week average of 89 according to Track Data, suggesting large price uncertainty.

BBT

posted by:Paul Foster on Nov 21, 2008, 1:44 pm

BB&T BBT (news, chart, quote) - BBT volatility elevated at 134 on sharp sell off

BBT, a bank holding company with 1,504 branches, is recently down 64c to $22.43. BBT call option volume of 3,950 contracts compares to put volume of 4,662 contracts. BBT December option implied volatility of 134 is above its 26-week average of 67 according to Track Data, suggesting larger price movement.

posted by:Paul Foster on Nov 21, 2008, 1:43 pm

Marshall & Ilsley MI (news, chart, quote) - MI volatility Elevated at 136

MI is recently up 52c to $12.38. MI December option implied volatility of 136 is above its 26-week average of 88 according to Track Data, suggesting larger price movement.

HBAN