WCOM Calls Ease; Stocks Weaken

Stocks are lower Monday following a weaker-than-expected Index of Leading
Economic Indicators. Biotechs are the day’s top sector while telecom is the
weakest.

At mid-day, the VIX is up .16 to 26.45.

The OEX February 730 calls are down .50 to 7.40.

Among bigger movers on heavier-than-average volume:

WorldCom
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is taking a breather Monday from its recent run and is
down 5/8 to 21 3/8. The WCOM February 22 1/2 calls are down 7/16 to 1 3/16 on
more than 6000 contracts.

Amgen
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is up 6 13/16 to 66 13/16 following a patent victory. The
AMGN February 75 calls are up 3/4 to 1 1/4 on more than 5700 contracts.

Cisco
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is up 1 3/16 to 41 9/16 and is avoiding the tech downdraft.
The Cisco February 35 calls are up 1 to 8 on more than 36,000 contracts.

Safeguard Scientific
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is up 3/4 to 9 1/8 while the SFE February 7
1/2 calls are up 1 9/16 to 2 15/16 on more than 5600 contracts.