Cisco Calls Rise; Nasdaq Gains

Blue chips took a breather and the Nasdaq moved higher as traders awaited
Cisco’s earnings came in a penny short of estimates after the bell. Biotechs
were the day’s top sector while gold and silver was the weakest.

At the close, the VIX was down .60 to 23.79.

Among bigger movers on heavier-than-average volume:

Ahead of its earnings report, Cisco
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gained 1 3/16 to 35 3/4 while
the Cisco February 35 calls ended the day up 9/16 to 2 11/16.

Applied Micro Circuits
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added to early losses and closed down 9
5/16 to 55 1/16. The AMCC February 60 puts ended up 4 1/8 to 7 on more than
2,000 contracts.

Micron
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gained 1.44 to 39.72 in the rebounding chip sector. The Micron
February 40 calls gained .60 to 2.30 on more than 9000 contracts.

Microsoft
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gained  5/8 to 62 9/16 while the Microsoft
February 60 calls lifted 3/4 to3 3/4 on more than 3500 contracts.