Do you trade options?

The safest is to buy deep-in-the-money LEAP calls with a delta ~ 90. I sometimes like to buy those instead of straight shares because they provide added leverage and you can also use them for call writes. It's a a good trade and one of the safest options strategies.

http://www.investopedia.com/articles...#axzz1idNCKUJ0

With that being said, you're not going to get rich with that strategy as it's a fairly conservative play with a limited downside and upside. It also requires more of an outlay than other options strategies.

I also like to occasionally buy SPY puts to hedge my long positions whenever I anticipate a dip in the market. When that happens, it's usually based on something I read in that weeks Economist. Nothing to fancy.

When trading naked puts and calls as your primary trading strategy, you should really get set up with Level 2 quotes and learn how to read them. It's fairly simple and really helps you squeeze the most out of each trade.

Other than that, don't hold too long b/c time decay will eat them up. When I get the SPY puts, I usually buy a month or two out and never hold for more than 3 days.

If you're waiting for a catalyst (such as the announcement of Phase III test results or an FDA announcement for a biotech), there's usually a run up beforehand, but be careful with that if playing small caps (like a biotech) b/c the big funds can get tricky in manipulating the prices.

Also, don't trade naked options on triple leveraged ETFs.

Support and resistance.

You need to figure out where the high and low of the day may be and sell/buy at those moments.

Cut your losses quick. Stay rational so you can evaluate your winners as they occur, and know when to hold or take profit.

good luck!

Very interesting replies thanks.

i prefer to trade onions... or poo..