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Yahoo
11 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Hedge Your Bets With This SPY Options Strategy While the VIX is Still Low
The S&P 500 Index ($SPX) has been hitting new record highs, recently closing above 6,400 for the first time ever. But beneath the celebration of all-time highs lies a quieter signal: the Cboe Volatility Index ($VIX) recently slipped below 15, hitting its lowest level of the year. That combination of soaring stock prices and historically cheap options premiums has seasoned traders like John Rowland, CMT, thinking about hedging. More News from Barchart Lyft Generates Huge FCF Margins - LYFT Stock Is Too Cheap Trade the Warren Buffett Rally in UnitedHealth Stock With This High-Reward, Low-Risk Options Strategy Option Volatility And Earnings Report For Aug 18 – 22 Markets move fast. Keep up by reading our FREE midday Barchart Brief newsletter for exclusive charts, analysis, and headlines. Why the Low VIX Makes Hedging Attractive The VIX is often called the market's 'fear gauge.' When it's low, that means investors are relatively complacent, and option premiums (particularly puts) are inexpensive. For long-term investors, that means insurance in the form of put hedges is on sale. As John put it in the August 15 episode of Market on Close: 'We're perched at all-time highs, VIX is below 15, and puts are cheap. The market is screaming that it's probably prudent to do some type of hedging.' John's Example Hedge Strategy John highlighted a protective collar strategy on the SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY): Sell a $660 call Buy a $620 put This trade sets a ceiling on upside at $660 while providing downside protection if prices fall below $620. It's essentially a way to stay invested, while still guarding against a correction. Why Hedging Matters Now Several macro factors support taking a cautious stance: Slowing Growth & Rising Inflation – Tariffs are gradually pushing prices higher, with core CPI ticking up to 3.1% year-over-year. Seasonal Weakness – August–October is historically one of the most volatile stretches of the year. Fed & Policy Uncertainty – With inflation pressures building, the Federal Reserve has reason to stay cautious, leaving markets vulnerable to policy surprises. These headwinds could create turbulence even within a long-term bull market. Alternative Hedge Tools For traders who want flexibility beyond options, inverse ETFs provide downside exposure to the S&P 500 (SPXS), Nasdaq (SQQQ) and other assets with leverage and without using options contracts. Note that these are best reserved for trading professionals, and not intended to be held as long-term investments. You can explore ETFs based on index groups and investing strategies using the ETF Finder at Barchart. The Takeaway Markets may continue climbing — but when insurance is this cheap while risks are building, it's smart to think about hedging. Whether through a SPY collar strategy or an inverse ETF, the goal is the same: stay invested while guarding against the unexpected. Watch the quick breakdown with John Rowland, CMT, here: On the date of publication, Barchart Insights did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. This article was originally published on Sign in to access your portfolio
Economic Times
10-08-2025
- Business
- Economic Times
Siddharth Vora, Head - Investment Strategy & Fund Manager, PL Capital
With a strong background in finance and advanced credentials, the fund manager leads PL Capital's quant-driven investment strategies, including the flagship AQUA and MADP funds. Combining human insight with data-driven models, their adaptive 'Quantamental' approach dynamically adjusts across market cycles, delivering consistent outperformance. Passionate about blending art and science, they continually innovate to enhance systematic, rule-based investing for long-term success. Let's start with your personal story Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads How did you land up in this job? Which funds are you currently managing? Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads What is your investment philosophy and how would you describe your investment strategy? What gives you the kick while managing other people's money? I was born and raised in Mumbai, the financial capital of India. Growing up in a family deeply rooted in financial services, my interest in the markets developed almost instinctively, shaped over years of dinner table conversations. I pursued CA, CFA, and an MSc in Management for Business Excellence, along with a double diploma in World Politics from the University of Warwick. I've also completed CMT Level 2 and am a SEBI-registered Research Analyst, Investment Advisor, and Portfolio Manager. To further hone my skills, I have completed programmes at Harvard, the London School of Economics, and completing my articleship at EY, I joined PL's Institutional Equities research team in 2016, later moving into Investment Strategy and Advisory. While gaining deep exposure on the research side, I saw a clear opportunity to innovate and differentiate, which led me to the world of quantitative investing.I spearheaded PL's foray into the Quantitative Asset Management space. This decision not only fortified PL's position with a distinct moat but also introduced more sophisticated and systematic strategies to India's investment the past five-plus years, I have built and led a multi-disciplinary team of experts to introduce groundbreaking strategies and have completely transitioned to quant-based asset management. I am currently the Head – Quant Investment Strategies and Fund Manager at PL Asset Management.I manage PL's flagship equity strategy AQUA, Adaptive; Quantitative; Unbiased; Alpha, India's pioneering style-agnostic and style-adaptive flexicap PMS. I also manage MADP – Multi Asset Dynamic Portfolio – a first-of-its-kind multi-asset PMS that employs quant models for tactical asset allocation using only passive instruments. Together, AQUA and MADP have surpassed INR 500 crore in AUM and exemplify our differentiated 'Man with Machine' approach — a synergy between PL's traditional investment wisdom and cutting-edge quantitative PL Capital's flagship equity PMS, has completed two successful years. As of 30th June, AQUA delivered a TWRR of 28.14%, outperforming the benchmark BSE 500 by 7.61%. This milestone strongly validates AQUA's systematic, data-driven investment framework, powered by robust quantitative models, adaptive strategy, and disciplined have designed adaptive investment strategies that rely on data-driven models and systematic processes to switch between investment styles, sectors, and risk levels based on market and macro cycles. Technically, it's a quantitative, rules-based, dynamic multifactor strategy. The core philosophy is built on the pillars of adaptability, flexibility, agility, and totality – providing a sustainable, repeatable, and holistic method for investing across changing market follow a "Quantamental" investment approach, integrating Fundamental, Alternative, Technical, and Quantitative analytics. Our team has built 25+ proprietary factors, using over 1,000 indicators, and tested more than 7,500 strategies to power our models. Every decision is guided by structured rules and systematic machines that can make money — that's what truly excites me. We build models using sophisticated technology and statistics. At the same time, we create synergies by translating human investing understanding into rules, which we rigorously test across multiple market cycles. Simply put, it's about blending art and science, where human intelligence is amplified by machine rigor and accuracy. This approach makes investing scientific, sophisticated, and systematic.I believe there's always scope to improve and explore the boundless possibilities of the man-with-machine approach. This includes finding smarter solutions, building new features, and making systems more robust in investment decision-making.
Time of India
10-08-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Siddharth Vora, Head - Investment Strategy & Fund Manager, PL Capital
Let's start with your personal story I was born and raised in Mumbai, the financial capital of India. Growing up in a family deeply rooted in financial services, my interest in the markets developed almost instinctively, shaped over years of dinner table conversations. I pursued CA, CFA, and an MSc in Management for Business Excellence, along with a double diploma in World Politics from the University of Warwick. I've also completed CMT Level 2 and am a SEBI-registered Research Analyst, Investment Advisor, and Portfolio Manager. To further hone my skills, I have completed programmes at Harvard, the London School of Economics, and Cornell. How did you land up in this job? After completing my articleship at EY, I joined PL's Institutional Equities research team in 2016, later moving into Investment Strategy and Advisory. While gaining deep exposure on the research side, I saw a clear opportunity to innovate and differentiate, which led me to the world of quantitative investing. I spearheaded PL's foray into the Quantitative Asset Management space. This decision not only fortified PL's position with a distinct moat but also introduced more sophisticated and systematic strategies to India's investment landscape. Over the past five-plus years, I have built and led a multi-disciplinary team of experts to introduce groundbreaking strategies and have completely transitioned to quant-based asset management. I am currently the Head – Quant Investment Strategies and Fund Manager at PL Asset Management. Which funds are you currently managing? I manage PL's flagship equity strategy AQUA, Adaptive; Quantitative; Unbiased; Alpha, India's pioneering style-agnostic and style-adaptive flexicap PMS. I also manage MADP – Multi Asset Dynamic Portfolio – a first-of-its-kind multi-asset PMS that employs quant models for tactical asset allocation using only passive instruments. Together, AQUA and MADP have surpassed INR 500 crore in AUM and exemplify our differentiated 'Man with Machine' approach — a synergy between PL's traditional investment wisdom and cutting-edge quantitative techniques. AQUA, PL Capital's flagship equity PMS, has completed two successful years. As of 30th June, AQUA delivered a TWRR of 28.14%, outperforming the benchmark BSE 500 by 7.61%. This milestone strongly validates AQUA's systematic, data-driven investment framework, powered by robust quantitative models, adaptive strategy, and disciplined execution. What is your investment philosophy and how would you describe your investment strategy? We have designed adaptive investment strategies that rely on data-driven models and systematic processes to switch between investment styles, sectors, and risk levels based on market and macro cycles. Technically, it's a quantitative, rules-based, dynamic multifactor strategy. The core philosophy is built on the pillars of adaptability, flexibility, agility, and totality – providing a sustainable, repeatable, and holistic method for investing across changing market regimes. We follow a "Quantamental" investment approach, integrating Fundamental, Alternative, Technical, and Quantitative analytics. Our team has built 25+ proprietary factors, using over 1,000 indicators, and tested more than 7,500 strategies to power our models. Every decision is guided by structured rules and systematic processes. What gives you the kick while managing other people's money? Making machines that can make money — that's what truly excites me. We build models using sophisticated technology and statistics. At the same time, we create synergies by translating human investing understanding into rules, which we rigorously test across multiple market cycles. Simply put, it's about blending art and science, where human intelligence is amplified by machine rigor and accuracy. This approach makes investing scientific, sophisticated, and systematic. I believe there's always scope to improve and explore the boundless possibilities of the man-with-machine approach. This includes finding smarter solutions, building new features, and making systems more robust in investment decision-making.
CNBC
07-08-2025
- Business
- CNBC
American Express is on the verge of confirming a dreaded double-top pattern, charts show
The chart of American Express (AXP) was looking quite promising into early July, with a strong uptrend phase off the early April low. Over the last four weeks, a pullback has changed the complexion of this chart, which now appears to be a classic example of a double top pattern. Now AXP is testing a key support level, and any further weakness could confirm a bear phase in August. The daily chart features a clear double top pattern, with the early July peak around $328 lining up well with the February top at $325. Now a double top pattern is only confirmed once you have a pullback after the second peak, and AXP has followed through to the downside in impressive fashion. The stock is now down about 11% off the July high, and the credit card giant is now testing key moving average support. American Express bounced off the 50-day moving average in mid-July, providing a brief respite from a strong downtrend phase. After a one-week bounce higher, sellers once again took control and pushed the stock down to its 200-day moving average. A hammer candle at the beginning of August indicated a likely short-term bounce, but we still see a breakdown as a likely scenario here. A quick analysis of volume trends shows how AXP has now entered a confirmed distribution pattern, with selling pressure outweighing buying power over the last month. Note the strong volume on down days, shown as a red histogram below the price bars, suggesting an influx of sellers in recent weeks. We can also use the Chaikin Money Flow (CMF), shown in the bottom panel, to analyze trends in daily volume readings. Given the strong down days in recent weeks, it's not surprising to see the CMF has now dipped below zero to confirm a distribution phase. Until the Chaikin Money Flow pushes back above the crucial zero level, this chart suggests heavier downside volume and a strong chance of continued price deterioration. A closer look at the daily chart reveals that the 200-day moving average actually coincides fairly well with the 38.2% Fibonacci retracement level based on the April to July rally phase. This represents a "confluence of support" and suggests that any break below $287 would mean a likely continuation of the downtrend. In terms of downside targets, we can use this Fibonacci framework to identify further potential support levels. The 50% level around $275 could serve as secondary support, but we'd be looking for a potential downside target around $262. That would mean a 61.8% retracement of the spring rally phase, and represent about a 20% drop from the July peak. If AXP does manage to bounce higher off the 200-day moving average, we'd look for a break back above $305 to negate the bearish thesis. If this financial services firm can regain the 50-day moving average, and do so with an improved volume and momentum profile, we'd be interested in further upside moves in the coming weeks. But for now, the technical configuration suggests weakness over strength. - David Keller, CMT DISCLOSURES: (None) All opinions expressed by the CNBC Pro contributors are solely their opinions and do not reflect the opinions of CNBC, NBC UNIVERSAL, their parent company or affiliates, and may have been previously disseminated by them on television, radio, internet or another medium. THE ABOVE CONTENT IS SUBJECT TO OUR TERMS AND CONDITIONS AND PRIVACY POLICY . THIS CONTENT IS PROVIDED FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND DOES NOT CONSITUTE FINANCIAL, INVESTMENT, TAX OR LEGAL ADVICE OR A RECOMMENDATION TO BUY ANY SECURITY OR OTHER FINANCIAL ASSET. THE CONTENT IS GENERAL IN NATURE AND DOES NOT REFLECT ANY INDIVIDUAL'S UNIQUE PERSONAL CIRCUMSTANCES. THE ABOVE CONTENT MIGHT NOT BE SUITABLE FOR YOUR PARTICULAR CIRCUMSTANCES. BEFORE MAKING ANY FINANCIAL DECISIONS, YOU SHOULD STRONGLY CONSIDER SEEKING ADVICE FROM YOUR OWN FINANCIAL OR INVESTMENT ADVISOR. Click here for the full disclaimer.
Time of India
07-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Brooke Hogan threatens legal action for spreading 'lies' in her name amid family drama following Hulk Hogan's passing
Hulk Hogan and Brooke Hogan. Image via: John Parra/ Getty Images Brooke Hogan is no longer staying quiet. In the weeks following her father Hulk Hogan 's death, the singer and reality TV alum has found herself at the center of a growing storm of rumors, misinformation, and deep-seated family tension. Now, she's had enough, and she's warning those responsible to lawyer up if the lies continue. Brooke Hogan breaks silence, calls out 'unbelievable' stories from Hulk Hogan's inner circle Brooke Hogan. Image via: Mike Coppola/ Getty Images/CMT In a raw and emotional interview on TMZ Live, Brooke Hogan unloaded her side of the story, pushing back against what she described as a campaign of false narratives spread by people from her late father's camp. She issued a bold warning saying that if they keep spinning lies about her, they should prepare to hire a lawyer as well. She sends the message to those she believes are tarnishing her name for personal gain. Brooke says she's been dealing with 'laughable' and increasingly cruel stories about her. She claims that she ghosted Hulk Hogan in Jacksonville, returned unopened gifts, and deliberately skipped his funeral. But according to her, these narratives are being pushed by people who once depended on Hulk for a paycheck and now fear what she knows. The lies, she told TMZ, 'have gotten so unbelievable it's laughable,' and it's making her mad. Brooke explained that her absence at Hulk Hogan's funeral wasn't a snub, but a decision rooted in love. 'My father hated the morbidity of funerals. He didn't want one,' she shared in a heartfelt Instagram post. Instead, she honored him in a quiet and personal way by taking her newborn twins to the beach, one of her dad's favorite places. Still, the emotional weight of the past few weeks has taken a toll. Brooke admitted that she hasn't eaten or slept in weeks, calling herself 'a nervous wreck' because she has to constantly respond to false stories. Despite removing herself from the will in hopes of avoiding a family inheritance battle, Brooke says the drama found her anyway. 'I just said, 'Take me off everything. I don't want to be a part of it.'' But as she put it bluntly, the 'sh*tshow' came knocking regardless. Brooke Hogan pushes back on toxic family patterns, calls for peace, but warns she's 'not the one to come after' Hulk Hogan and Brooke Hogan. Image via: Getty Images For Brooke, this moment is about more than inheritance or public image is about healing and walking away from a toxic cycle. Her decision to step back from both her father and mother, Linda Hogan, was driven by personal reasons. 'I longed for a normal family, but it never came to fruition,' she wrote on Instagram. She also expressed concerns about Hulk Hogan's final marriage to Sky Daily and her ties to Scientology. Brooke said she warned her father, citing advice from Scientology critic, Mike Rinder, but felt dismissed. 'He literally said to me… 'I guess you have to live your life and I have to live mine.'' The last time they spoke was before his wedding in September 2023, when Hulk left a 'very weird, cryptic' voicemail apologizing for something Brooke never quite understood. "'Hey, I just wanted to call and say I'm sorry for whatever I did.'" It was, heartbreakingly, the final message from her father. Now, as she mourns in her own way and raises her twins with husband Steve Oleksy, Brooke wants one thing: peace. But she won't let falsehoods go unchecked. 'Leave me and my father alone and let that poor man go to heaven. But if it continues… I'm not the one to come after,' Brooke asserted. Also Read: Brooke Hogan finally reveals why she wanted no part in Hulk Hogan's funeral or final farewell: 'He didn't want' Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
