Momentum Options Trading Blog
Daily market updates at 9am & 1pm EST
Categories
Archives
Blog Roll

Frequently Asked Questions

Are your stock option trading results real?

One of the first questions we are always asked is:  Are the stock option trading results real?  I want to be the first to say that there aren’t many stock option pick websites that will actually show their track record for their trades.  Now I won’t say we are the only one, because I’m sure there are a few others. However, our belief is that you keep subscribers based on results and accountability. Yes, our stock option trading results are real.faq
 
Of course, not every trade will be a winner as you will see in our 2009 Track Record, but we had 238 trades for the year with only 66 losers – a 72% success rate.  Before we launched our private members area on September 1st, 2009, our public stock option trades can be researched and referenced from the Track Record. You can locate each post by using the search box on our home page.  These are good learning examples, and they are also time-stamped to show our integrity. 

There are many stock option picks sites that give you a “Closing Price” from the night before and say that is when you “could” have gotten in.  Then the next day when you try to enter the trade, you find that the spread or entry price is totally different because of a large move.  All the stocks and options I mention have the current market quote as I write the public blog and do trade updates for our members.  There are no smoke and mirrors.  If we are wrong, I will say I blew a trade.  It’s that simple.

When do you take profits?
 
We target profits at 100%, and raise our stops along the way. Occasionally, we have profiled stock option trades which have returned upwards of 2,500%. That is not a typo! However, for the most part our goal is to double our money on each trade. We usually take profits at 100%, and close at least half our position to protect our profits.
 
What is your stop loss for each stock option trade?
 
We normally limit our losses to 50%. We place both hard and mental stops depending on the specific trade. Once a trade hits our stop loss or is near our stop loss we usually move on. However, there are times where we may leave a trade open if we still believe it can turn around. We may occasionally adjust a stop 10 or 20 cents below 50%, but we’ll explain why on that particular trade. We have seen stock options lose 75% of their value only to soar by 1,000% the next day.

Why do some option trades on your track record show losses greater than 50%?

We do not typically place hard stops on stock options whose premiums are less than one dollar ($1). The reason for this is due to volatility. If we did place a hard stop, we would routinely be stopped out and not give the trade enough room to work in our favor.

Do I have to watch the stock market all day?

No, absolutely not. We are NOT an intraday trading service. All stock option picks come with clear stop loss and profit taking targets. You simply read the Trade Updates at 9 am each morning and at 1 pm each afternoon. Then place any new trades and make any current trade adjustments. That’s it. We want to keep it simple for everyone. Plus, staring at the market all day gets boring! :)

How often do you post to your stock options alerts blog?

We do daily market updates at 9 am and 1 pm EST. Occasionally, we’ll do a midmorning or late night post if there is news and any option trades need to be updated. New stock option trades and current trade updates are discussed in the Members area.

Do you offer e-mail for your stock options alerts?

Yes, all blog posts and option trade updates are also sent to you via e-mail in real time – typically at 9 am and 1pm EST.

Do you offer cell phone alerts?

Yes, when a new blog post or member update is made, you have the option to be notified via cell phone at no extra charge.

Do you offer auto-trading?

Yes, we do. Click here for more details.

How many stock option trades do you make on average each month?
 
We average anywhere from 1-3 option trades per week – sometimes more or less depending on market conditions. What we won’t do is make a trade simply for the sake of trading. We look for the BEST trades and the BEST conditions to make you money.

What do your stock option trade updates look like inside the Members Area?

Before we launched our Members area, all stock option picks were public. Click on these previous posts to get a feel for our style. We set entry and exit targets before you get into the trade, and update you daily on all stock option trade positions.

Stock Option Trade Pick Screenshot

tradeupdatesample1

Why do you only do call and put option trades?
 
If you are new to the world of stock options, they can be very complex. Once you learn how basic call and put options work, you can use them for more advanced trades like credit spreads, iron condors, and calendar spreads. All of these “advanced trading strategies” can be used with both call and put options, but they do not provide the same returns as directional, momentum stock trading does. It’s possible for a call or put option to gain 200%, 500% and even 3,000%, but advanced stock option strategies limit your income potential. For instance, covered calls – which are used to protect you from a downside move if you own the stock – can bring you monthly income of 3%-6%. Buying an outright put option on a declining stock can bring you a triple-digit return in a matter of hours or days.
 
How do you decide which stock options to trade?
 
There are many variables that go into selecting a stock option trade. We discuss this in more detail in our stock options trading manual. We can’t give away all of our secrets, but the bottom line is that you have to be able to identify which stocks are moving or which ones are ABOUT to move. Then we do our homework to define our profit (and loss) zones and decide if the trade is worth taking. For each option trade we recommend, we offer a detailed explanation as to why we feel a stock is ready to “pop” or “drop.”
 
Do you buy out-of-the-money stock options?
 
Yes. Most of our options trades are at-the-money or out-of-the-money with an average price of $1.00 -$2.00 ($100 to $200 per option contract). There are times where we find cheaper stock options that only cost 50 cents ($50) for one contract. Occasionally, we may profile an option trade with a price tag of $3 or more. These trades are rare, and most of the time they involve stocks which are trading over $100 – $200 or more per share.
 
How much on average does each stock option cost?
 
Most of our individual stock option trades have an average price of average price of $1.00 -$2.00 ($100 to $200 per option contract) with an occasional option trade with costs $3 or more.

How much does each stock option trade normally cost?

We like to purchase 10-20 contracts for each stock option we recommend for a total cost between $1,000 – $2,000. However, as with all trading, carefully evaluate your risk tolerance level and how much you are willing to lose! Never risk all of your capital on a single trade! Only risk a small percentage of your trading account on any one trade – perhaps in the 2 – 5% range! If you buy 5 contracts, then your average cost per trade is $300 – $500. If you are just starting out, consider buying just 1 or 2 option contracts.
 
How much money do I need to get started trading stock options? What % of your trading account is exposed to risk at any given time?
 
Never trade with money you can’t afford to lose! We recommend every portfolio should have a portion specifically for trading stock options. How much depends on you and your risk tolerance level. For our specific momentum stock options trading style, the absolute minimum account size we suggest is at least $2,000. However, with an account this small, a single 5-contract trade with a $1 option would cost you $500. That’s 25% of your entire account. With an account this size, you might consider buying only 1 or 2 contracts per recommendation. Ideally, an account size of $5,000 – $10,000 will give you more flexibility as to how many option contracts you can trade. With a $10,000 account you would only be risking 5% of your entire account with a $500 option trade.
 
Do you provide ongoing support?
 
Yes, our staff normally responds to all emails within 24 hours or less. Our stock options trading course manual (coming soon) is an “easy read,” and is written in a way to help you easily understand how call and put options work. We teach you step-by-step everything you need to know about how to spot a high probability option trade and define your profit and loss targets.

What exactly will I find in your Members Area?

As a subscriber to our stock option pick service, you simply login and read the daily market updates at 9 am and 1 pm Eastern Standard Time (EST). All stock option trade updates are posted BEFORE the market opens in the Members Area each morning.  If we decide to do a “mid-day” trade we will alert you on the 1pm update.  We rarely do these types of trades because it would be hard for some subscribers to keep up.  However, if we do, the 1pm update will tell subscribers to go to the Members Area.  Again, mid-day trades are rare.  Otherwise, any “new” trades are posted in the morning blog at 9am EST.
 
Other than that, we give clear entry and exit points on what to look for as far as the option trade goes.  Sometimes we will say this is a quick or day trade only.  Other times we will go further out on the option trade to let a trade take shape.

The members area also includes a 30-page Welcome Guide that explains our approach in more detail. We’ll soon be rolling out a full-blown momentum options trading manual and educational videos.

Do you offer a guarantee or refunds?

No, we do not offer a guarantee or refunds as there are too many market factors beyond our control.

I have more questions. What is the best way to reach you?

Don’t hesitate to send us an email at support@momentumoptionstrading.com, or call us at (888) 898-0837.

Try our directional option picks.
    No fancy spreads. No iron condors. No need to watch the markets all day long.

Year Profits
2010 6.97%
annualized
2009 90.04%
2008 136.01%
Results are NOT compounded.

FREE OPTION PICKS
TRACK RECORD.
Nothing fancy. Just simple calls and puts. Click on PDF links below.

2010 Option
Trading Results

2009 Option
Trading Results

2008 Option
Trading Results

Trader Comments:

    REGINA L.
    I just want you to know that I love the way you write and explain everything. I am new to this, and have lost 50% of my account until I met you guys. Iit is slowly coming back. I will be calling to set up a year
    of membership rather than the one quarter. Thanks again, and LOVE YOU ALL.

    STEVE T.
    Rick, I appreciate the advice. I think I will just sit back and utilize your selections only for awhile. This will obviously save me a great deal of money in commissions. I have gone thru your entire site including the video on money management. This has brought me to the stark realization that I have been trading too much for too little. I definitely have not been "swinging for the fences", but I also think I have been getting impatient with trades and getting out too fast. This has no doubt caused me too trade too much. I like, and definitely agree on, the advice on money management. Thanks for the help.

    SCOTT H.
    Thank you!!! I held on to the NFLX position since Nov. 13 at a cost of $1.89. Sold ½ on April 14th for a 540% return and the other ½ upon earnings for 702% return. Total profit of $11,615 a 621% return. Keep the recommendations coming and thanks to you and your team for the service you provide.

    PETER G.
    Rick & Team, GREAT Call on NKE for my two trading accounts:
    1) Entry at .65, out at 1.45, 1.55 Profit = $415
    2) Entry at .60, out at 1.75, 1.50 Profit = $485

    LAWRENCE O.
    Hey Rick! Here is an update on what your picks have done in my accounts.

    1) Great call on the JoyG March 55. I bought when you said, then bought again on one of the dips. Booked 80+% profit. Made enough to pay for your service for years to come.

    2) Also booked profits on your Berk Feb 74 (80%) and threw a major chunk of change at the March 75’s (190+%). I would have never known that Buffet's stock had split if it weren’t for your service. Bought the shares also for the long haul. Won’t look at them for another 20 years. Great job on getting us in before the indexes did.

    3) Took profit on your Imax March 12.5. 20 cent trailing stop at 1.90 yesterday. Not sure what the profit on that was, but profit is profit.

    I see that you took a loss on some of these. It’s all good. I look to trade your “ideas” not your exact calls. I THANK YOU! For your ideas and commentary. Keep up the good work. And keep those ideas coming.

    C.J.
    Loving this subscription so far! I got into the BRK feb 76 calls the day you talked about right before the split...now up over 300% (0.70 to 2.475)! Keep the good picks coming and let's see some OSIS and EMC upside soon! Just wanted to share my positive enthusiasm on your newsletter...it gives us individual investors great ideas on not only the options market, but also the broader equity market! Case in point is BRK...I can't always read the breaking business news but its easy to read your twice daily updates on my smartphone...helped me get some BRK shares immediately after the split which I will hold for the long haul! Thanks again!

    SHAUN
    Aloha Rick - Thank you so much for the great CL pick. I am not sure if there was buy-out/merger news or what but at 3PM today Colgate-Palmolive absolutely EXPLODED to the upside, and my calls turned into green candy when they went from 1.40 to 3.8 in a matter of seconds! I even sold a few for over 4.0! Much thanks and keep the solid picks up my friend, honestly. Only a fool would scoff at 267% gains... Peace!

    MICHAEL K.
    I like the fact that you ask for comments from subscribers. Good customer service. By the way, am enjoying the service so far. Some good
    profitable calls. Keep up the good work.

    PARAG P.
    Woo hoo! Out for 50% on WMT this am. Making up for my depression for getting out of pcln for a 30% gain monday :( you the man! any word on the manual? My friend Mike ( who I sent to your service) told me he emailed you about your integrity in reporting fills. I echo that sentiment big time.. keep it up! Cheers!

    JAY P.
    Hi Rick, as a new member all I can say is, 'show off' LOL, with PCLN.

    MIKE
    Rick, I am a new subscriber to your service, and I want to say I am impressed. I am impressed by your results, but more than that I am impressed by your reporting of your fills. You could have easily said you got that Wal-Mart call today for 80 cents, instead you reported 98 cents! Good job and keep it up, I watched the reporting of the fills first, and then I subscribed. Thank You.

    TRISH D.
    Hi, good morning. I jumped the gun a little on this one (PCLN). But still made $1,675.00 profit!! Very happy!! Keep up the good work!! Thanks.

    MIN L.
    Hi there, I have joined recently, and I am very happy to tell you that I am up over $10,000 on your picks in a month. I started on 10/7 with the Intel pick. I'll be your member for life. Please don't quit on us. Also, I am learning a lot about options. I didn’t get in your recent APOL and that gold trade and only had one loss on CHK. I appreciate all the DD you do. I enjoy your market commentaries. Best advice site period, and I have tried a few here and there. Again, you guys rock!

    JOE G.
    Thanks be to Momentum Options Trading for providing me with some fantastic wins. I just started with this service and am up nearly 50% in less than a month. There have been losses, but if I manage them properly, I will continue the best efforts given on the blog (in which there are no complaints). What a great cause for humanity. I feel more confident about my trades and continue to play the wins. Best of all, I am now keeping my regular paychecks in the bank! Thank you!

    GREG F.
    Rick - I wanted to say thanks for getting me started on the right foot with your service. I have made six trades since starting on October 22, 2009. Five are winners and One loser netting me $6,245. Thanks again and keep the trade recommendations coming.

    NOEL
    I got into the Nike 60 Call at 1.85, sold at 5.00, also bought a 55 put at 1.05, but got stopped out at .35. What a ride! $2830.00 in the black even with the put. It's right at 100% return. I hope earnings season coming up is going to look like this trade.

    TODD F.
    Nice call on Nike. I think I'll go buy a pair with my profits! : ) I did the straddle for safety but still made 62% on the trade. Not bad for less than 24 hours. If Goldman is right, then the Nov 70s or 75's could be a steal today.

    PAUL H.
    What a sweet way to get introduced to Momentum. My first trade based on your picks and it a 2X. Thank you!

    NOEL
    “Limit order was set at 1.60 on RIMM so it sold. I may have left some money on the table but you can't go broke making a profit. That was a fun trade. Thank you. Good call. I’ve been watching and trading Rick's advice since March. It’s usually a fun ride, but I give him heck when it's wrong to. :) ”

    CHRISTIAN
    “Your service rocks! I made bank on Dendreon last week! The other thing I have to say is that it took me quite a while to find a REAL options trading service like yours. Most of what’s out there is 99% scam and very sketchy. Momentum Options Trading is the first service I found that I can trust and seriously make money with.”

    JOHN
    “I made $420.00 on ANF in 2 days. Thanks for the trade and updates on getting out of the trade.”

    CHARLES M.
    “I did follow a lot of your trades with 1-2 contracts per trade and YTD I’m up 108%. I try not to follow blindly by not entering all of your trades and sometimes entering the ones you don’t. I entered AIG a few weeks ago against recommendation – that one hurt.”

    BRYAN C.
    “I have been following you for several months and am interested in the new service. I hate to see the free service go away but as they say, “all good things must come to an end”. My ability to join will be greatly influenced by the monthly fee so I’m very curious to see the new prices. Thanks for making April a great month for me and my family.”

    JOHN H.
    “I have really enjoyed the past month since finding your blog. You have made some great calls. I would appreciate info. on the new options mentoring program. Thanks.”

    JEFFREY
    “Hi Rick, I have been following your blog for several months now and I would like to be including on the list for your new service and to receive more information about it. And yes I was a Dendreon winner with your tips. Turned $280 into $7700, and literally saved my butt.”

    ED
    “I made over 6k on your Dendreon trade, and I’m very interested in learning how you pick and trade options. Sign me up.”

    GREG
    “Rick – Wow what a day! I got in at the Dendreon calls at $2.25. Thanks to for your advice. I appreciate that. This company has a lock on this type of therapy and no one else in the world is close. Kind of reminds me of the type of companies that Peter Lynch and Warren Buffet suggest that investments be made in. Companies that can build a moat around their business model, that allows them to charge a premium for their product or service. In other words - a monopoly.”

    KEN
    “Hi Rick, Thank you so much for the Dendreon trade, I made almost $10,000 with that trade with a little over $2,000 investment. You have shown me the power of options trading. Again, thank you so much for all your inputs.”

    GARETT
    “Hi Rick, thanks for the encouragement to play the dendreon calls! did freaking great! Got in the first lot at $1.44 on 3-24-09, sold at $2.45, 70% not bad. Bought it back at $2.30 on 4-7-09 closed out on 4-14-09 for 454% gain! Wow! I love it when that happens. So, thanks the encouragement to get back in when others were saying sell, sell, sell. Keep up the good work.”

    TERENCE
    “Rick – Thanks for Dendreon – it has made all the headlines today! I missed on RIMM earlier, but I’ve been holding onto DNDN calls since 3rd week March. Of course today it all paid off today, as DNDN rocketed up.”

Follow us on Twitter