BEAS Puts Rise; Stocks Sink

Despite a batch of encouraging economic numbers that might give the Fed
ammunition for a large rate cut, stocks are still lower Friday. Forest and paper
products are the day’s top sector while Internets are the weakest.

At mid-day, the VIX is up .93 to 33.56.

Among bigger movers on heavier-than-average volume:

BEA Systems
(
BEAS |
Quote |
Chart |
News |
PowerRating)
is down 1 to 29 13/16 while the BEAS March 35 puts
have risen 1 1/4 to 5 5/8 on more than 3000 contracts.

Rambus
(
RMBS |
Quote |
Chart |
News |
PowerRating)
is adding to recent losses and is down 1.69 to 22.40. The
Rambus March 30 puts are up .40 to 6.00 on more than 2000 contracts.

Nokia
(
NOK |
Quote |
Chart |
News |
PowerRating)
is down .40 to 24.55 while the Nokia March 22.50 calls are
down .75 to 1.80 on more than 2000 contracts.