Oracle Calls Rise; Stocks Power Ahead

Stocks are higher Monday as traders await a flurry of economic numbers due
out this pre-holiday week of trading. Insurance and broker/dealers are the day’s
top sectors while retailers and forest and paper products are the weakest.

At mid-day, the VIX has decreased .63 to 18.47.

The OEX September 820 calls are up 5 1/4 to 21 1/2.

Among bigger movers on heavier-than-average volume:

Oracle
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has moved to within striking distance of all-time highs
and is up 2 11/16 to 87 5/16. The Oracle September 90 calls have added 7/8 to 2
3/4 on double the average volume.

IBM
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has gained 2 3/4 to 131 3/4 and is helping pace the Dow to its
highest levels since April 12. The IBM October 130 calls are up 1 5/8 to 8 5/8
on triple the average volume.

Yahoo!
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is under pressure Monday, falling 7 7/8 to 126 3/8 on
cautious analyst comments. The Yahoo! September 120 calls fell 8 7/8 to 9 1/4 on
six times the average volume.

Coca-Cola
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is up 1 1/2 to 57 1/2 while the November 65 calls added 3/8
to 1 3/16 on more than 2500 contracts.