Active Stock Option Trading in 1998

Strategic Insights -

Stock option trading in 1998 was marked by significant activity in various securities, according to CoveredCall.Com, an Internet-based stock information service. The week's trading was led by Oracle Corp., which gapped up on the opening bell and closed the week plus 2 points. AOL was also among the most actively traded stocks, closing the year at $155 1/2 after a 20-point gain. Other notable companies with high stock option trading activity included AT&T, General Electric, and MCI WorldCom.

Key Takeaways:

  • Oracle Corp. led the week's option trading, gapping up on the opening bell and closing the week plus 2 points.
  • AOL was among the most actively traded stocks, closing the year at $155 1/2 after a 20-point gain.
  • AT&T saw significant option trading, closing the year at $75 3/4.
  • Cisco Systems traded in a slight down trend for the week, closing at $93 3/4.
  • IBM options were actively traded on Tuesday, with the company falling from a high near $190 to close the week at $184 3/8.
  • Verisign Inc. lost 15 points on the week, closing at $59 1/8.
  • Johnson & Johnson gained 4 points this week, closing the year at $83 7/8.
  • Chase Manhattan was on top of the most active options table on Wednesday, closing the year at $71 a share.
  • Citigroup traded in a slight down trend this week, closing the year at $49 3/4.
  • Electronic Data Systems gained 2 points this week, and Novell gained 1 point to close the year at $18 1/8.
  • Microsoft closed the year at $138 3/4, up over 100% for the year in 1998.

Statistics:

  • Oracle Corp. gained +2 points for the week.
  • AOL closed the year at $155 1/2.
  • AT&T closed the year at $75 3/4.
  • Cisco Systems traded in a slight down trend, closing at $93 3/4.
  • IBM fell from a high near $190 to close the week at $184 3/8.
  • Verisign Inc. lost 15 points on the week, closing at $59 1/8.
  • Johnson & Johnson gained 4 points this week.
  • Chase Manhattan closed the year at $71 a share.
  • Citigroup traded in a slight down trend, closing the year at $49 3/4.
  • Electronic Data Systems gained 2 points this week.
  • Novell gained 1 point to close the year at $18 1/8.
  • Microsoft closed the year at $138 3/4, up over 100% for the year.

Sources:

  • CoveredCall.Com
  • Oracle Corp. (Nasdaq:ORCL)
  • AOL (NYSE:AOL)
  • AT&T (NYSE:T)
  • General Electric (NSYE:GE)
  • MCI WorldCom (Nasdaq:WCOM)
  • Cisco Systems (Nasdaq:CSCO)
  • IBM (NYSE:IBM)
  • Verisign Inc. (Nasdaq:VRSN)
  • Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ)
  • Chase Manhattan (NYSE:CMB)
  • Citigroup (NYSE:C)
  • Electronic Data Systems (NYSE:EDS)
  • Novell (Nasdaq:NOVL)
  • Microsoft (Nasdaq:MSFT)
  • http://www.coveredcall.com