JDSU Puts Jump; Nasdaq Remains Weak

The selloff in the optical space continues Thursday, and that is weighing on
the Nasdaq which is off nearly 2%. Forest and paper products, gold and silver,
and semiconductors are the day’s top sectors while telecom and Internets are the
weakest. 

At mid-day, the VIX is up .72 to 30.61.

The OEX Novemebr740 puts have gained 3 1/2 to 33 1/2.

Among bigger movers on heavier-than-average volume:

JDS Uniphase
(
JDSU |
Quote |
Chart |
News |
PowerRating)
is down 7 to 64 ahead of its earnings report due out
after the close. The JDSU November 60 puts are up 2 1/2 to 7 1/2 on more than
4500 contracts.

Micron
(
MU |
Quote |
Chart |
News |
PowerRating)
is up 1 1/16 to 31 1/4 in a strong semiconductor group. The
Micron November 30 calls are up 1/2 to 4 1/4 on more than 3500 contracts.

Ciena
(
CIEN |
Quote |
Chart |
News |
PowerRating)
is under pressure with the optical sector and is off 17 7/8
to 90 1/2. The Ciena November 75 puts are up 3 1/8 to 4 5/8 on quadruple the
average volume.

Pfizer
(
PFE |
Quote |
Chart |
News |
PowerRating)
is avoiding the selling pressure Thursday and is up 9/16 to
45 1/2. The Pfizer November 40 calls are up 1/8 to 5 5/8 on more than 6000
contracts.