Citibank Calls Fall; Dow Drops

Middle East tensions, soaring oil prices, and an earnings warning from Home
Depot have stocks in retreat Thursday, with the Dow down nearly 3%. Gold and
silver and oil services are the day’s strongest sectors while banks and
retailers are the weakest.

At mid-day, the VIX is up 2.20 to 33.15.

The OEX 750 calls are down 4 1/2 to 9 3/4.

Among bigger movers on heavier-than-average volume:

Citigroup
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is off 3 1/16 to 46 7/16 as banks remain under pressure. The
Citigroup October 45 calls are down 2 to 2 5/8 on more than 5000 contracts.

Yahoo!
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is down 5 1/8 to 60 1/4 as Internets continue to face
selling pressure. The Yahoo! November 70 puts are up 2 7/8 to 14 on more than
6000 contracts.

Verity
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is up 7/8 to 24 7/8 while the Verity November 25 puts are
up 1 to 3 3/8 on more than 4000 contracts.

Verisign
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is also under pressure, falling 11 1/2 to 145 1/8. The
Verisign November 160 calls are down 6 to 13 1/2 on more than 5000 contracts.