Intel Calls Rise; Nasdaq Surges

Tame CPI numbers and 0.6% drop in December’s industrial production report
have combined to motivate the Nasdaq into a nearly 5% rise Wednesday.
Semiconductors are the day’s top group while oil services are the weakest.

At mid-day, the VIX is down .48 to 27.70.

The OEX 695 calls are up 4.20 to 9.60.

Among bigger movers on heavier-than-average volume:

Intel
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has added 3/4 to 32 1/8 after topping earnings estimates.
The Intel January 32 1/2 puts have slipped 1 to 1 on more than 20,000 contracts.

Texas Instruments
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has gained 3 7/16 to 51 1/8 as chip makers work
their way higher. The TXN January 50 calls have added1 9/16 to 2 1/8 on more
than 5000 contracts.

Citrix Systems
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has gained 3 to 30 9/16 ahead of its earnings
which are due out after the bell. The Citrix March 32 1/2 calls have gained 1
7/16 to 3 5/8 on more than 5000 contracts.

PMC Sierra
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has rocketed 16 1/4 to 96 3/16 while the PMCS January
95 calls have jumped 4 3/8 to 4 3/4 on triple the average volume.