SUNW Calls Rise; Stocks Edge Higher

Stocks are marginally higher Tuesday following stronger-than-expected figures
for consumer confidence and existing home sales. Chemicals and insurance are the
top sectors while health care and biotech are the weakest.

At mid-day, the VIX has decreased .46 to 21.98.

The OEX 800 calls are down 1/8 to 16 3/4.

Among bigger movers on heavier-than-expected volume:

Sun Microsystems
(
SUNW |
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PowerRating)
is up 4 to 104 7/16, bouncing back from Monday’s
decline. The SUNW August 95 calls are up 3 1/4 to 12 1/4 on quadruple the
average volume.

Pfizer
(
PFE |
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News |
PowerRating)
has slumped 3 3/4 to 44 despite posting better-than-expected
earnings. The Pfizer August 45 puts are up 1 3/8 to 2 3/16 on triple the average
volume.

Texas Instruments
(
TXN |
Quote |
Chart |
News |
PowerRating)
is off 1/2 to 67 despite beating earnings
estimates. The Texas Instruments August 75 puts are down 3 1/8 to 9 on more than
5000 contracts.

Internet content delivery company Akamai
(
AKAM |
Quote |
Chart |
News |
PowerRating)
has plunged 16 9/16 to
91 5/16. The Akamai August 95 puts have jumped 5 3/4 to 10 1/8 on
heavier-than-average volume.

Looking ahead, the employment cost index will be released Thursday at 8:30 AM
ET, and estimates call for a 1.1% increase.

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