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"I Have an OIL TRADE Thesis. -- How Do I Trade It?" | 03.30 | One Lucky Dog LIVE!

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Trade ideas

Trade idea

Oil Strangles

The speaker believes that oil prices will revert to the 70-80 range by midyear due to the resolution of the Iran war. The current volatility is already priced in, so the best play is to short premium by selling strangles. This strategy is based on the expectation that the price will not continue to rise beyond the 125-130 range.

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StrategyStrangles
AssetCommodity
ExpirationNot specified
Time horizonMidyear
Entry / triggerPrice is above the 70-80 range
Target / exitPrice reverts to the 70-80 range
Invalidation / stopIf the price continues to rise above 125 or 130, the trade may be invalidated.
SpeakerTimmer and Scott
Structure / legs
  • Sell puts at 65 or 70
  • Sell calls above 125 or 130
Risks
  • The price may not revert to the 70-80 range.
  • The market may continue to rise beyond the 125-130 range, invalidating the trade.
  • Volatility may increase further, making the trade less effective.
Trade idea

Trade idea Adjust position size based on volatility

In high volatility environments, traders should adjust their position sizes to account for the increased risk. The speaker suggests trading smaller positions when the VIX is elevated, as the market has already priced in the potential for volatility. This approach helps mitigate risk while maintaining exposure to potential market movements.

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StrategyAdjust position size based on volatility
Time horizonShort-term to medium-term
Entry / triggerWhen volatility is high (e.g., VIX above 20)
Target / exitMaintain smaller position sizes relative to normal trading conditions
Invalidation / stopIf volatility decreases significantly or if the market moves against the position beyond predefined risk parameters
SpeakerScott
Risks
  • Market movements may not align with expectations
  • Volatility could persist longer than anticipated
  • Adjustments may not fully account for unexpected market events
Trade idea

6E strangle

The euro is considered the best currency for a strangle due to its liquid markets and the speaker's personal position as a long holder. The speaker is short puts in the yen and suggests that the euro's market is more favorable for options trading compared to the British pound, which has less liquid options markets. The speaker believes the euro will rally to 1.36 and potentially higher, with a stop-loss at 1.10.

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Strategystrangle
Assetcurrency
ExpirationMay
Time horizonshort-term
Entry / triggerMarket conditions suggest a potential rally in the euro
Target / exit1.36 and 1.45, with 1.50 as an ideal target
Invalidation / stop1.10 as a stop-loss level
SpeakerDave
Structure / legs
  • call
  • put
Risks
  • Market volatility
  • Liquidity issues in the British pound options
  • Failure to meet the target price
Trade idea

WeBull scalping

The speaker discusses their personal experience with WeBull, noting that they bought shares at $5.90 or $6 and scalped a 50-cent profit. They suggest that the risk-reward at current levels is favorable, and they might consider buying again after the show. The speaker also mentions that they have a history of buying Robinhood and other brokerage stocks, indicating a potential bullish outlook on the sector.

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Strategyscalping
Assetstock
Time horizonshort-term
Entry / triggerMarket cap at $2.52 billion, 52-week low at $4.77
Target / exit50 cents profit
Invalidation / stopMarket cap decline below $2.52 billion
SpeakerSpeaker
Risks
  • Market volatility
  • Potential for further decline in stock price
  • Uncertainty in economic conditions
Trade idea

IBKR Buy if price drops to the 50s

The speaker mentioned that IBKR is currently in the mid-60s and has not sold off much. They indicated that if the price drops to the 50s, they would consider buying. This suggests a strategy of buying when the stock price declines significantly, indicating a potential value opportunity. The speaker also mentioned dollar cost averaging, which implies a long-term approach to accumulating shares.

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StrategyBuy if price drops to the 50s
Assetstock
Time horizonNot specified
Entry / triggerPrice drops to the 50s
Target / exitNot specified
Invalidation / stopNot specified
SpeakerRicky
Risks
  • Price may not drop to the 50s
  • Market volatility could affect the stock price
Trade idea

USO selling calls

The speaker took a short position by selling calls on USO at 30 and 3040 when it hit a dark pool at 127 and 18 cents. The trade was based on the idea that dark pools could provide insights into market movements, and the speaker believed that the price action in dark pools could be used to inform trading decisions. The trade was executed with the expectation that the price would not move significantly beyond the dark pool levels.

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Strategyselling calls
AssetETF
Expirationnot specified
Time horizonnot specified
Entry / triggerUSO hit a dark pool at 127 and 18 cents
Target / exitnot specified
Invalidation / stopnot specified
SpeakerSpeaker
Structure / legs
  • 30
  • 3040
Risks
  • Market volatility
  • Liquidity issues
  • Inability to execute trades at desired prices
Trade idea

Bloom Energy (BE) strangles

The speaker discusses trading Bloom Energy (BE) with a strategy involving strangles, noting that the stock has experienced significant volatility with +5% daily moves. The speaker mentions that the stock is currently at 119, with options expiring in 3 days showing a wide range. The speaker suggests that the volatility is around 120, and that spreads may not move significantly, so the strategy involves trading around mid-price. The speaker also notes that they would not trade anything naked in this environment due to the high volatility and risk.

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Strategystrangles
Assetstock
Expiration3 days
Time horizon3 days
Entry / triggerstock price at 119
Target / exit119
Invalidation / stop119
SpeakerMike
Structure / legs
  • calls
  • puts
Risks
  • High volatility can lead to significant losses if the stock moves against the position.
  • The speaker's strategy is based on personal experience and may not be suitable for all traders.
  • The speaker does not provide specific details on the execution of the trade or the exact strike prices used.
Trade idea

gold buying on a perceived bottom

The speaker believes gold has made a bottom and is long gold, indicating a bullish outlook on the commodity. This is based on the observed market behavior and the speaker's assessment of the broader market conditions.

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Strategybuying on a perceived bottom
Assetcommodity
Time horizonshort-term
Entry / triggerconfirmed bottoming action in gold
Invalidation / stopif gold continues to decline below the identified bottom
Speakerspeaker
Risks
  • Potential for continued decline if the bottoming action is not confirmed
  • Market volatility due to external factors like crude oil prices

Insights

Insight

Volatility and Trade Strategy

The speaker suggests that volatility in oil prices can be exploited by selling strangles, specifically by selling puts at 65 or 70 and calls above 125 or 130. This strategy is based on the belief that the price will revert to the 70-80 range by midyear, with the current volatility already priced in. The mechanism involves taking advantage of the skew in call options and the existing volatility in the market. The practical implication is that traders should focus on shorting premium in volatile markets, especially when there is a clear expectation of reversion.

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Applicable when
  • Volatility in oil prices
  • Expectation of price reversion to a specific range
Limitations
  • The strategy assumes that the price will revert to the 70-80 range, which may not materialize.
  • The current volatility is already priced in, so the strategy may not be effective if the market conditions change rapidly.
Insight

Risk Management in High Volatility Environments

In high volatility environments, the risk of market movements is lower compared to low volatility periods. The speaker emphasizes that statistically, traders have the least amount of risk when volatility is highest, as the VIX typically does not continue to rise indefinitely. This insight suggests that traders should adjust their position sizes and risk management strategies when volatility is high, such as trading smaller positions or defining risk parameters more strictly.

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Applicable when
  • high volatility
  • market corrections
  • unprecedented market conditions
Limitations
  • The statistical observation may not hold in extreme or unforeseen market events.
  • The advice assumes a rational market response to volatility, which may not always be the case.
Insight

Overbought and Oversold Indicators

The discussion highlights the difficulty in identifying overbought and oversold conditions in the market. While various tools like the put-call ratio, relative strength indexes, and technical indicators are mentioned, the speaker argues that no definitive metric exists to accurately measure these conditions. Intuition and experience are suggested as potential guides, but they are not reliable and are often incorrect. The speaker claims to be correct about 50% of the time, which is considered better than many others.

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Applicable when
  • Market Analysis
  • Technical Analysis
Limitations
  • No reliable metric exists to measure overbought/oversold conditions
  • Intuition is not a consistent or reliable indicator
Insight

Currencies Have No Skew

Currencies do not exhibit skew, meaning that puts and calls trade virtually the same. This is in contrast to commodities like oil and indices like the S&P, where there is a noticeable skew with puts or calls being more expensive depending on the market direction. The lack of skew in currencies implies that traders should not be more concerned about either the call or put side when trading currency options.

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Applicable when
  • trading currencies
  • options trading
Limitations
  • Applies to major currencies like the euro, yen, and pound
  • Does not account for market-specific volatility or liquidity issues
Insight

Economic Cycles and Leverage

The speaker discusses the shortening of economic cycles, noting that they have been reduced from 9 to 18 months. They predict that by 2027, leverage will likely return to the employee, indicating a shift in economic power dynamics. The speaker also highlights the uncertainty surrounding economic pressures, such as AI and geopolitical factors, which can cause market volatility. The practical implication is that traders should be prepared for potential market shifts and uncertainty, which can lead to pullbacks and prolonged economic hangovers.

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Applicable when
  • economic uncertainty
  • geopolitical factors
  • AI impact
Limitations
  • The prediction is speculative and based on the speaker's opinion
  • Market conditions can change rapidly due to unforeseen events
Insight

Trading Strategy Based on Price and Sector Preference

The speaker prefers trading in the broker space over the cryptocurrency space, favoring stocks that are undervalued. They mentioned dollar cost averaging and being cautious about loading up on stocks, even though they like the price. The strategy involves buying stocks when they drop significantly, as seen with IBKR and WeBull, and staying away from stocks that haven't sold off much.

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Applicable when
  • Undervalued stocks
  • Broker space
  • Dollar cost averaging
Limitations
  • Requires monitoring of stock price movements
  • Not suitable for all investors due to risk tolerance
Insight

Networking and Capital Raising for Young Entrepreneurs

Young entrepreneurs, especially those in their early 20s, face significant challenges in raising capital. The transcript highlights that networking is crucial for these individuals, as they often rely on friends, family, and personal connections to secure initial funding. The speaker emphasizes that even small amounts of money can be leveraged effectively when combined with time and effort, making networking a vital strategy for young entrepreneurs. The applicable conditions include the early stages of a startup, where capital is limited and personal connections are key. Limitations include the difficulty in securing larger investments from external sources, as they are often not interested in small-scale ventures.

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Applicable when
  • early stages of a startup
  • limited capital
Limitations
  • difficulty in securing larger investments from external sources
Insight

Dark Pools and Institutional Trading

Dark pools are primarily used by institutional traders to execute large orders without affecting market prices. They provide anonymity and are particularly useful for large institutional firms. However, for retail traders, the use of dark pools is generally irrelevant as they lack access to such platforms. The speaker suggests that while dark pools may offer an edge for some, they are not a practical tool for most retail traders.

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Applicable when
  • institutional trading
  • retail trading
Limitations
  • Retail traders lack access to dark pools
  • Dark pools are not a practical tool for most retail traders
Insight

Focus on Trading Strategy Over FX Risk Mitigation

Neil emphasizes that for retail traders with account sizes between $50,000 and $150,000, mitigating FX risk is not worth the time and effort. He argues that the cost of hedging is not justified for smaller accounts, as the impact on returns is minimal. Instead, traders should focus on their core trading strategies, as FX fluctuations are a distraction that can affect psychology. This insight is applicable to traders with smaller accounts who are not dealing with large sums of money, and the limitation is that it may not apply to larger institutional accounts.

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Applicable when
  • retail trading
  • small account sizes
Limitations
  • not applicable to large institutional accounts
  • may not apply to traders with high FX exposure
Insight

Understanding Futures Options Settlement

The settlement mechanism for futures options differs between monthly and weekly contracts. Monthly ES futures options settle to the opening price on the third Friday of specific months (March, June, September, December), while other times they settle to the next month's futures. This process is known as 'fixing,' where the settlement price is determined by averaging the last 30 seconds of trading. The term 'triple witching' refers to the convergence of options, futures, and ETFs on these dates.

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Applicable when
  • futures trading
  • options trading
  • settlement mechanisms
Limitations
  • This explanation is specific to ES futures and does not apply to other contracts or markets.
Insight

Social Media and Mental Health

The discussion highlights the difficulty in distinguishing social media's impact from other media like tobacco or TV. It suggests that while social media may have negative effects on mental health, it is not inherently more harmful than other forms of media. The argument is that social media platforms are designed to be engaging and retain users, similar to how other industries aim to provide engaging services. The practical implication is that regulating social media may not be as straightforward as regulating other industries, and the focus should be on balancing engagement with user well-being.

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Applicable when
  • social media regulation
  • mental health impact
Limitations
  • The comparison to tobacco and TV may not fully capture the unique aspects of social media's impact.
  • The discussion does not provide concrete data on the effects of social media on mental health.
Insight

Algorithmic Responsibility for Social Media Addiction

The speaker argues that social media algorithms are primarily responsible for addiction among children, emphasizing that these algorithms are designed to maximize engagement by showing content that users are likely to interact with. This creates a cycle of dependency, as the algorithms prioritize user engagement over user well-being. The speaker suggests that these algorithms should be reined in to prevent such addiction, highlighting the need for regulatory intervention.

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Applicable when
  • algorithm design
  • child engagement
  • regulatory intervention
Limitations
  • The speaker does not provide specific examples of algorithmic changes or regulatory actions that could be implemented.
  • The argument is based on a general statement rather than empirical data.
Insight

Market Commentary on Minimum Wage and Economic Impact

The discussion highlights the potential economic impact of raising the minimum wage, particularly for gig workers. The speaker argues that a $30 minimum wage per hour would significantly increase costs for consumers and businesses, potentially leading to reduced demand for services. The speaker also emphasizes that minimum wage policies may not effectively address wealth gaps, as they are not directly tied to improving economic equity. The conversation underscores the complexity of balancing worker compensation with market dynamics and business sustainability.

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Applicable when
  • Minimum wage legislation
  • Labor market dynamics
  • Consumer behavior
Limitations
  • The discussion does not provide empirical data or specific market outcomes
  • The speaker's views are subjective and not based on comprehensive analysis
Insight

Market Bottoming Indicators

The speaker identifies bottoming tape action as a positive sign, indicating potential market stabilization. This is supported by the movement in bonds and the Vix, which are seen as key indicators of market sentiment. The speaker notes that the market is unlikely to go lower today due to the combination of rising bonds and a falling Vix.

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Applicable when
  • rising bonds
  • falling Vix
  • bottoming tape action
Limitations
  • The speaker acknowledges uncertainty about crude oil's impact on the market.

Q&A

Q&A

Do you think that oil's not going to keep going up because this is going to be resolved or regardless of what happens, there's a pseudo-cap on oil to say it's not going to go over 120, 125, whatever?

The speaker believes that the price of oil will not continue to rise beyond the 125-130 range, as the current volatility is already priced in. The speaker also mentions that the rumor is over and the news is out, so there is no more upside for oil.

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Actionable takeawayThe speaker suggests that the price of oil will not continue to rise beyond the 125-130 range, as the current volatility is already priced in.
Q&A

Does your trading strategy change in these market conditions? If so, how?

The speaker states that their trading strategy does not change in these market conditions. However, they suggest adjusting position sizes and risk management practices when volatility is high, as the market has already priced in the potential for volatility. This approach helps mitigate risk while maintaining exposure to potential market movements.

View full notes
Actionable takeawayAdjust position sizes and risk parameters in high volatility environments to account for increased market risk.
Q&A

What is a short squeeze and how does it work?

A short squeeze occurs when the price of an asset rises, forcing short sellers to cover their positions by buying the asset, which further drives up the price. The speaker explains that short squeezes are often the result of a collective panic on one side of the market and a coordinated effort on the other. However, the speaker notes that short squeezes are not always a result of skill but can be a media-driven phenomenon. The speaker also mentions that there has been a shift from short squeezes to FOMO (fear of missing out) in recent years, particularly with the rise of meme stocks and commodities like silver and gold.

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Actionable takeawayShort squeezes are driven by market sentiment and can be influenced by media and speculation, but they are not always predictable or controllable.
Q&A

Which currency is a good starter for a strangle and why?

The euro (6E) is recommended as a good starter for a strangle due to its liquid markets and the lack of skew in currency options. The speaker also mentions that the British pound (6B) is less favorable due to its smaller contract size and less liquid options market.

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Actionable takeawayThe euro is a better choice for a strangle due to its higher liquidity and better market conditions compared to the British pound.
Q&A

What is the current market cap of WeBull?

The current market cap of WeBull is $2.52 billion, which is at a 52-week low of $4.77.

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Actionable takeawayThe market cap of WeBull is currently at a 52-week low, indicating potential for a rebound or further decline.
Q&A

What are the best ways for my team and me to find and reach out to angel investors?

The speaker mentioned that angel investors were present at the event and that they were interested in startups. They suggested networking with mentors and participating in events like the one at the University of Illinois. The speaker also emphasized the importance of building a strong pitch and engaging with potential investors through events and mentorship programs.

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Actionable takeawayAttend events and engage with mentors to connect with angel investors.
Q&A

What is the best way for young entrepreneurs to raise capital?

The best way for young entrepreneurs to raise capital is through networking. The speaker emphasizes that young entrepreneurs should leverage their personal connections, including friends, family, and networks, to secure initial funding. They can also use their own time and effort to create value with minimal financial investment.

View full notes
Actionable takeawayNetworking is a critical strategy for young entrepreneurs to raise capital, especially in the early stages of a startup.
Q&A

What are your thoughts on dark pools?

The speaker believes that dark pools are primarily used by institutional traders for large orders and provide anonymity. They are not considered a practical tool for retail traders, who lack access to such platforms. The speaker also mentions that while dark pools may offer an edge for some, they are not a reliable strategy for most retail traders.

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Actionable takeawayDark pools are not a practical tool for most retail traders due to lack of access and the fact that they are primarily used by institutional traders.
Q&A

Why don't monthly ES futures settle to the closing price like the weeklies do?

The speaker is confused about why monthly ES futures do not settle to the closing price, and the response indicates that there are no monthly ES futures. The discussion suggests that the question may be about options, which are different from futures. The answer highlights the distinction between futures and options and the lack of monthly ES futures.

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Actionable takeawayThe question is about the settlement mechanism of monthly ES futures, and the answer clarifies that there are no monthly ES futures, suggesting the question may be about options instead.
Q&A

Does the lawsuit against Meta help or hurt the market in the long run?

The lawsuit against Meta is unlikely to have a significant impact on the market or stocks, as it is more about regulatory and social issues rather than direct market manipulation. However, it could lead to changes in social media policies and regulations, which might affect the long-term valuation of social media companies.

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Actionable takeawayThe lawsuit may influence regulatory changes but is not expected to directly impact stock prices in the short term.
Q&A

Does this lawsuit help the market or will it hurt the market, Lauren?

The speaker states that the lawsuit will not have any impact on the market. However, they acknowledge that Meta has been hit by the lawsuit, indicating that the company's stock price has been affected.

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Actionable takeawayThe lawsuit is not expected to have a significant impact on the overall market, but it has affected specific companies like Meta.
Q&A

Any experience trading Bloom Energy BE?

The speaker mentions having traded Bloom Energy (BE) once in the last two years, but does not recall the specifics of the trade. They note that the stock has experienced significant volatility with +5% daily moves and that the options market is wide. The speaker suggests that the volatility is around 120 and that spreads may not move significantly, so the strategy involves trading around mid-price. The speaker also notes that they would not trade anything naked in this environment due to the high volatility and risk.

View full notes
Actionable takeawayThe speaker suggests that trading Bloom Energy (BE) with a strangles strategy may be possible, but the high volatility and wide options market make it a risky proposition. The speaker also notes that they would not trade anything naked in this environment due to the high volatility and risk.
Q&A

What is the impact of a $30 minimum wage on consumers and businesses?

A $30 minimum wage per hour would significantly increase costs for consumers and businesses, potentially leading to reduced demand for services. The speaker argues that businesses may pass on these costs to consumers, making goods and services more expensive.

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Actionable takeawayThe speaker suggests that a $30 minimum wage could have a negative impact on both consumers and businesses by increasing costs and potentially reducing demand for services.
Q&A

What is the current state of the market?

The market is showing signs of stabilization with bottoming tape action, supported by rising bonds and a falling Vix. The speaker believes the market is unlikely to go lower today.

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Actionable takeawayThe market is showing signs of stabilization, with the speaker indicating a potential short-term low.