Dell Calls Rise; Stocks Move Higher

Following solid earnings from key companies EMC and Merrill Lynch, stocks
have moved higher Tuesday as traders wait for more economic news and earnings
reports.

At mid-day, the VIX has decreased 1.12 to 24.82.

The OEX February 710 calls are down .30 to 15.00.

Among bigger movers on heavier-than-average volume:

Dell
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has gained 1 1/4 to 26 3/4 despite having issued an earnings
warning. The Dell May 27 1/2 calls have added 3/4 to 3 1/2 on more than 4600
contracts.

Texas Instruments
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has fallen 3 3/4 to 44 13/16 while the TXN
February 45 calls have lost 2 3/4 to 3 1/2 on triple average volume.

Federal Express
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has gained 1.79 to 43.02 while the FedEx February
40 calls have gained 1.10 to 3.70 on more than 4000 contracts.

Market bellwether General Electric
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has added 15/16 to 46 11/16 while
the GE February 45 calls have gained 9/16 to 3 3/8 on more than 4000 contracts.