Reuters Objectively See’s Russia’s Options as Losing or… Losing Badly

This is one of the most important articles I've read on the geopolitical struggles encountering the US.  NATO, the US, and the global banking cartels are at war with Russia, but the true battle is against China's growing presence as a superpower.  King Dollar is about to topple, and the western powers are doing everything to preserve its reserve currency status.

Clinging on to ultimate superpower status never works.  It can be extended, but it cannot be reversed.

http://www.firstrebuttal.com/2014/12/24/reuters-objectively-sees-russias-options-as-losing-or-losing-badly/

Ann Barnhardt: The Entire Futures/Options Market Has Been Destroyed by the MF Global Collapse

This is why the MF Global collapse and subsequent non-action by the regulators will lead to a run on banks.  Nothing is safe--unless you take physical possession. 

http://www.financialsense.com/contributors/2011/12/02/ann-barnhardt/interview-transcript

The other side of calls and puts...

Most speculators buy calls and puts, looking to earn exponential returns if they guess right on the movement of shares. Reading charts and using technical analysis, as well as exercising discipline and pricing models are pre-requisites in order to succeed. A great sense of timing--and luck help.

I normally don't like to do it, but selling covered calls is actually a conservative strategy to increase income and overall returns, so I've been known to utilize that strategy occasionally.

And I've never entertained selling puts--until now. Due to high volatility (as measured by the volatility index) and extreme uncertainty in the markets, options premiums have been astronomical. Hence, I sold a few puts on INTC, collecting the premiums, and lowering my entry point on Intel shares, should they dip below my strike price. If they don't hit, I still keep the premiums. Not a bad way to make money by doing nothing and standing pat.

And if the world were to end tomorrow, people will still go on-line, so Intel will be one of the strong brands that will be left standing. They have dominant market share, a strong cash position, no debt, and high margins. I like them at the present price, but I like 'em even more if the price falls further.