AOL Calls Jump; Stocks Weaken

Stocks have given back some of Wednesday’s gains, with semiconductors helping
push the Nasdaq down about 1%. Semiconductors and forest and paper products are
the weakest groups while airlines and health care are the strongest.

At mid-day, the VIX is down .04 to 23.82.

The OEX October 760 calls are up 1/2 to 16.

Among bigger movers on heavier-than-average volume:

America Online
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is avoiding the selloff and is up 3.10 to 61.75. The
AOL October 60 calls are up 1.25 to 3.10 on more than 14,000 contracts.

Following a revenue warning after the bell Wednesday, Dell
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is
down 2 5/16 to 25 7/8. The Dell October 25 calls are down 2 to 2 on more than
1300 contracts.

WorldCom
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remains under pressure and is down 2 3/16 to 26. The
WorldCom October 25 calls are down 1 3/8 to 2 1/4 on more than 3000 contracts.

Nortel Networks
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is up 2 1/4 to 65 7/8 while the Nortel October 60
calls are up 1 3/4 to 8 1/8 on more than 12,000 contracts.