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Globe and Mail
15 hours ago
- Business
- Globe and Mail
5 Best Stocks for Options Trading in August 2025
Options trading has been a preferred choice for traders and has consistently captivated them due to its potential for amplified returns, which comes with associated significant risks. But as the mantra of trading goes, the higher the risk, the higher the returns – options trading is the perfect testimony to that. Unlike traditional stock investing, options trading offers various advantages to traders, including flexibility, leverage, and strategy implementation, making it one of the most sought-after tools for active market participants. While options are very lucrative, they come with their associated risks of substantial losses if not traded with care, and there are brokers like which is one of the best platforms for options trading. Later in the article, we will look at 5 U.S. stocks that can provide sweet returns to options traders in the upcoming month of August 2025. Understanding Key Factors for Options Trading Liquidity is King: Liquidity is one of the most crucial factors in options trading. High liquidity in both the underlying stock and its options indicates tighter bid-ask spreads, which facilitate efficient trade execution with minimal slippage. In this assessment, two key metrics, average daily trading volume and open interest in the options chain, play a vital role. Active traders often look for stocks with active options markets, as they offer more flexibility in entering and exiting positions. Volatility for Opportunity: The essence of options trading lies in volatility. The more volatile the stock, the higher the amount of premiums, offering better substantial profit opportunities. When discussing volatility, it is essential to understand the distinction between historical volatility (HV) and implied volatility (IV). The former is backward-looking and reflects past price movements, while the latter is forward-looking and points towards future expected movements. When options trading is involved, implied volatility plays a crucial role. A balanced approach where IV is good enough to create a premium opportunity, but not so high that options become overpriced or vulnerable to a post-event IV crush, is favorable for traders. Fundamental Strengths and Catalysts: Every trade that happens in the financial markets is somewhat linked with what lies at the company's core. A solid company foundation adds a layer of confidence, especially during volatile periods when maintaining positions is crucial. Options traders often overlook the importance of strong fundamentals; however, metrics such as revenue growth, industry leadership, and profit margins are crucial. In conjunction with fundamental matters, event-driven catalysts such as earnings announcements, product launches, regulatory changes, and macroeconomic trends play a crucial role in determining well-positioned options trading opportunities. Technical Analysis for Timing: A smart trader should always know when to enter and exit the market. Technical charts become a trader's best friend in this context. Tools like moving averages help identify trends, while the Relative Strength Index (RSI) and Moving Average Convergence/Divergence (MACD) help confirm momentum and potential reversals. All this helps in recognizing support and resistance levels, which facilitates the effective implementation of options trading strategies. Methodology for Stock Selection The market is highly dynamic, and stock selections are made by combining fundamental analysis, technical analysis, current market sentiments, typical sector behavior, seasonal trends, and the likelihood of upcoming events, such as earnings or macroeconomic shifts. The selected five stocks stand out in terms of their combination of all parameters and thus provide a favourable opportunity for options trading. The 5 Best Stocks for Options Trading in August 2025 NVIDIA Corp (NVDA) NVIDIA, the GPU giant and epicenter of the AI revolution, has consistently been at the forefront of the data center sector. The U.S. chipmaker has recently become the most valuable company in the world, reaching a $4 trillion market capitalization and surpassing tech giants like Apple and Microsoft. This event in itself points towards a bullish wave for the stock. Moreover, its 30-day IV of 34.9, compared to its 20-day HV of 25 points, suggests future volatility. The stock is expected to have even a higher IV after the recent market capitalization landmark news, and this volatility is expected to continue as the earnings release is expected on 27th August 2025, making it an ideal stock for options trading in the upcoming month. Since the outlook is bullish, strategies such as bull-call spreads benefit options traders, as they help lower costs and capitalize on directional upside. While the stock has performed consistently over the years, one should be cautious of any regulatory ruling or macroeconomic slowdown that could derail the stock's upside movement. Meta Platforms Inc (META) The parent company of Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram – the holy trinity of social media, Meta Platforms, is always one of the top stocks in the list of all traders, specifically options traders, because of the highly associated volatility Recently Meta has been developing a series of products and is working on advancing its AI-driven innovations particularly metaverse. With a market cap of $1.8 trillion, a 30-day IV of 38.1, and a 20-day HV of 24.9, along with its earnings scheduled for July 30th, the stock is poised to experience decent volatility, providing options traders with opportunities to bet on it. Moreover, competitive pressures and regulatory challenges also make the stock volatile. Although the charts indicate an uptrend, the stock price movement appears speculative due to regulatory headlines. In such a scenario, a calendar spread would be an ideal strategy to adopt, maximizing the benefit from the IV rise. Apple Inc (AAPL) The tech giant, known for its electronics ecosystem and revolutionary products, has always been a solid performer, whether in equities trading or options trading. Apple Inc. has consistently delivered strong returns to its investors. With the planned 2026 launch of its innovative products – from the iPhone 17e to the MacBook Pro to the foldable iPhone - Apple seems to be unstoppable. With its earnings scheduled for 31st July and dividend date of 11th August, Apple, with a current 30-day IV of 28.1, which is slightly less, and a 20-day HV of 19.9, is expected to have a fast bullish crossover, suggesting the implementation of a call debit spread positioned for a modest rally ahead of the announcements. If some traders have a neutral view on the earnings, they can also use an iron condor for the range-bound movements of the $3.15 trillion company's stock. Tesla Inc (TSLA) The EV leader is one of the most active, liquid, and volatile stocks in the U.S. market, making it an ideal choice for options traders. Tesla Inc. is expanding its business geographically and is all set to commence deliveries in India by August, which is expected to be a good source of revenue for the company. This announcement led to a significant upward movement in the stock's price. The $982 billion company's 30-day IV stands at 54.7, and its 20-day HV stands at 58, indicating the extreme volatility the stock exhibits. The earnings scheduled for 23rd July, along with geographical market expansion, provide sufficient room for options traders to place their cautious bets on Tesla. Since Tesla's stock is associated with high unpredictability, a long put or bear put spread can be used if signs of weakening delivery growth emerge, or a long straddle can be implemented if a significant move is expected but the direction is uncertain. (AMZN) The global e-commerce behemoth, with a market capitalization of $2.39 trillion, is dominating the consumer market, holding significant stakes in cloud computing (AWS), logistics, and digital advertising. Amazon's strong fundamentals and its role in cloud growth, coupled with its high liquidity, a 20-day HV of 23.5 and a 30-day IV of 35, make it a must-watch for options traders. Historically, Amazon has exhibited significant price fluctuations in the days leading up to and following its earnings releases. As the earnings are scheduled for August 1st this year, volatility is expected to spike. As margin compression in the e-commerce industry continues and regulatory challenges escalate, this may limit upside. In such a scenario, traders who already hold the stock and seek income can implement a covered call.
Wall Street Journal
4 days ago
- Business
- Wall Street Journal
Charles Schwab Stock Hits First Record Since 2022
Charles Schwab shares rose to their first record closing high since January 2022, powered by an earnings report that benefited from heavy trading activity. The company joined other banks and brokers in enjoying a busy and volatile spring marked by investors' reaction to President Trump's ongoing trade war. Schwab stock closed at $95.80, up 2.9% on the day. The stock hit its previous closing high of $95.53 on Jan. 14. 2022, according to Dow Jones Market Data.
Medical News Today
17-07-2025
- Health
- Medical News Today
Who can help me choose a Medicare plan?
Organizations such as State Health Insurance Assistance Programs (SHIPs) can help a person choose a Medicare plan specific to their needs. Alternatively, brokers and insurance agents can offer costs become an important part of financial planning, and as people age, the costs can become much typically become eligible for Medicare when they reach age 65 years, although they can qualify earlier if they have specific health conditions.A person typically starts preparing for Medicare before they become eligible, and choosing the right plan is to speak with about Medicare plansData from 2024 suggests that healthy 65-year-old male retirees have estimated healthcare costs of $281,000 in 2024. It also states that healthy female retirees of the same age have estimated healthcare expenses of $320,000 during their right Medicare plan is essential to managing these costs, and different tools and organizations can help individuals make the right choice for their an agent via MedicareA person can speak with a Medicare agent by calling 800-633-4227 (TTY: 877-486-2048).These representatives can answer any questions about Medicare plans and help people determine whether Original Medicare or a Medicare Advantage plan may suit their needs plan finderThe Medicare plan finder provides different plan information based on a person's can browse the options available in their own time and even enroll online once they have and insurance agentsBrokers and insurance agents will be able to offer advice on Medicare Advantage brokers typically work with several different insurers and will likely have a wide range of plans and benefits to discuss. However, their recommendations may favor insurers that offer greater agents can help people choose between Medicare Advantage plans, although they generally only work for specific insurers. If a person has a preference for a specific company, an agent may be able to help them choose the right plan with that to choose a Medicare planThe following organizations can help a person with their Medicare Health Insurance Assistance Programs (SHIPs)SHIPs provide free and impartial advice, counseling, and assistance to people new to Medicare, their families, and do not offer Medicare or Medicare Advantage plans themselves, but they can offer advice in any U.S. state. Certified SHIP counselors can help individuals with:familiarizing themselves with their healthcare options, such as which specific insurance benefits they needunderstanding the basics of Medicare, including determining whether they are eligiblegetting to know the types of out-of-pocket costs they can expectunderstanding their rights regarding Medicare coveragecontacting agencies that can provide more generalized helpmanaging medical complaintsunderstanding Medicare billingA person can visit their regional SHIP office or call SHIP at 877-839-2675 for further helpOther Medicare advice services may be available in a person's example of this is My Care, My Choice, which is an online tool for people eligible for Medicare and Medicaid in California, Illinois, Michigan, and service can help individuals understand their coverage options and how Medicare and Medicaid can work can access the My Care, My Choice website and select their state for specific questionsThe following are some questions that can help start a discussion about Medicare coverage:What services might someone need now and in the future?What budget does someone need for monthly premiums and other out-of-pocket expenses, such as deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance?Does a person need coverage for prescription medications, or might they need it in the future?Does a person have any existing insurance that will cover some of the services Medicare does not?Will they be happy to visit specific healthcare professionals and facilities, or would they prefer the freedom to choose who they visit?Will they need coverage in multiple states or throughout the U.S.?Will they require international coverage?Does a person want to pay lower premiums if they have a higher deductible?Would they prefer to pay higher premiums with a lower deductible?SummaryPlanning for future healthcare needs is important, and factoring in Medicare costs can be an effective financial are many ways to research all of the Medicare options, but there are also people, places, and organizations that can insurance agents, brokers, or other more unbiased services can help you understand the information, choose a plan, and ensure you get the coverage you need.
Khaleej Times
16-07-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
AI Appreciation Day: Business leaders reflect on how the technology has changed our lives
Artificial Intelligence (AI) Appreciation Day, celebrated every July 16, is a moment to reflect on the transformative power of AI in our daily lives. From revolutionizing healthcare and education to enhancing business efficiency and personal convenience, AI has become a cornerstone of modern innovation. This day encourages us to recognize the achievements of AI developers, explore ethical considerations, and spark conversations about the future of intelligent technology. As AI continues to evolve, AI Appreciation Day serves as both a celebration and a call to ensure its development remains inclusive, responsible, and beneficial to all. 'AI Appreciation Day is a powerful moment to reflect on how artificial intelligence is reshaping the real estate landscape — and as a business, we're building an ecosystem where AI isn't just a tool, but a catalyst for transformation. From automating workflows to enabling smarter, data-driven decisions, AI is redefining marketing, sales, and investment in real estate. For our company, AI helps us empower brokers with actionable insights and unmatched speed, as well as it drives hyper-personalized campaigns that move the needle. But beyond efficiency, AI allows us to reimagine how people discover, buy, and experience property. We're creating a connected, intelligent future — one where technology enhances human potential, not replaces it. As we build this ecosystem, our responsibility is clear: to ensure AI is ethical, inclusive, and transparent. The future of real estate isn't just smarter — it's more human,' said Imran Khan, CEO, PIXL Global & Invespy. Mobile has long been the frontline of digital business, and it's also one of the most targeted. In the Middle East, 53% of organizations are mostly concerned about attacks on connected devices, including mobiles. 'At Appknox, we use AI to test, secure, and continuously monitor mobile apps at scale, helping organizations stay ahead of threats and in step with compliance demands. From real-time compliance checks to automated threat detection, AI empowers us to help businesses secure their apps at the speed of innovation. On AI Appreciation Day, we recognize how automation is not just accelerating security — it's unlocking mobile as a driver of trust and competitive edge,' said Subho Halder, Co-founder and CEO, Appknox. 'AI is now essential to keeping pace with modern cyber threats—analyzing billions of signals, detecting unknown patterns, and enabling proactive defense. At Trend Micro, AI powers our Trend Vision One™ platform, delivering real-time threat intelligence and cross-layer protection that helps organizations stay ahead of adversaries. On AI Appreciation Day, we celebrate the role of AI in transforming cybersecurity from reactive response to proactive security—built for the speed, scale, and complexity of today's digital world,' said Salah Suleiman, Managing Director, South Gulf, Trend Micro. 'AI Appreciation Day invites us to reflect on the responsibility that accompanies technological progress. At Mozn, we believe AI must be developed with purpose, transparency, and a deep understanding of local and regional contexts. As we celebrate the transformative power of AI, we remain committed to building solutions that advance industries, respect cultural identities, and uphold the highest standards of ethics and trust,' said Abdullah Alsaeed, Co-founder and Chief Strategy Officer, Mozn. 'On AI Appreciation Day, it's worth reflecting on how far we've already come. AI has democratised access to knowledge and creativity on an extraordinary scale. Anyone, anywhere, can now ask a question, generate an idea, draft a plan, and get instant help from the smartest tools we've ever built,' said Dinesh Varadhrajan, Chief Product Officer at Kissflow. But the next, and arguably more important, step is to democratise AI development itself. Too often, the power to build and deploy digital solutions, apps, workflows, automations, remains locked away with a select few. 'Developers carry that burden, while business teams wait on the sidelines. It's no wonder so many organisations find themselves stuck in what IDC calls 'AI pilot purgatory', dabbling with innovation but struggling to make it real. At Kissflow, we believe this is where AI can truly shine. When combined with low code and no code platforms, AI stops being just a backend enabler and starts becoming a creative partner. This turns natural language into workflows, offering intelligent suggestions, and opening the door for anyone to contribute to innovation. We've already seen how AI can empower people to learn, create, and imagine. Now we need to empower them to build. The future won't belong to those with the biggest coding teams. Rather it will belong to those who make innovation accessible to everyone,' he added. In the MENA region, AI's transformative potential is becoming increasingly evident. From advancing complex automation with Agentic AI to harnessing the power of Generative AI for breaking down knowledge barriers, we are experiencing a new era of innovation. 'In a region facing pressing challenges like climate change, water scarcity, and the critical need to diversify economies, AI goes beyond being just a tool—it is a vital resource. It supports smarter adaptation measures, accelerates resilience planning, and fosters inclusive innovation that transcends industries and national boundaries. Agentic AI allows us to enhance intelligent decision-making in sectors such as energy, finance, and infrastructure. Meanwhile, Generative AI empowers youth, small businesses, and decision-makers to address issues in real time—without requiring technical expertise. Looking ahead to a future marked by economic inclusivity and climate resilience, particularly in the Global South, the MENA region stands at a pivotal moment. With AI, we have the opportunity to lead with vision, sustainability, and global impact,' said Levent Ergin, Chief Strategist for Climate, Sustainability and AI, Global Head of ESG Strategic Alliance Partnerships at Informatica. 'On AI Appreciation Day, I think it's worth reframing how we view AI's role in organisations. Too often, businesses fall into the trap of hunting for a 'killer app'. They're seeking out one big, transformational use case that changes everything overnight. It's an appealing idea, but it misses the real power of AI. Let's draw a parallel with Valentine's Day. We don't celebrate our partners for one single spectacular moment, but for the countless ways, both big and small, that they support us every day. AI in many ways is the same. Its value comes not from one flashy chatbot or headline-grabbing pilot, but from being pervasive, woven thoughtfully through every part of the business. AI enhances fraud detection, speeds up billing, makes reporting more meaningful, and improves customer journeys. It does this not with one magic bullet, but through many cumulative, interconnected improvements. So, my advice to leaders is simple: stop chasing hype and start embedding AI into your everyday workflows. When it becomes part of how your organisation thinks and operates, that's when the real productivity gains and competitive advantages emerge,' said Matt Cloke, Chief Technology Officer at Endava. As the world recognises AI Appreciation Day on 16 July, now is the opportunity to reflect on how the technology has continued to reshape society and industries and holds the potential to transform security, safety and business performance. 'Almost every day, the latest innovation or breakthrough signals the commitment that industry leaders have to realise AI's full potential, propelled by interest from consumers and companies alike. According to Axis' 'The state of AI in video surveillance' report published earlier this year, AI deployment has surged over the past two years thanks to increased customer demand, improved application knowledge and new use cases. Additionally, 34% of end customers view AI and generative AI (GenAI) as trends that will significantly shape the near future of their businesses. Tied directly to discussions surrounding ethics and responsible usage, Axis' guiding principle towards AI remains the same: it is a technology, like any other, that can leverage and augment human intelligence. As it transforms every function of the modern enterprise, AI can and will contribute to a smarter, more secure and more sustainable future for all,' said Assim Khedr, Engineering & Training Manager - Middle East at Axis Communications. Everyone is chasing a GenAI moment, but the real win lies in sharp use cases and solid execution. 'The future is not about automating workflows to look innovative. It is about automating decisions that drive real impact. And here's the shift – agents are not supposed to get it right the first time. Like humans, they learn by doing. This is a paradigm shift that demands experimentation over perfection. We are entering the Growth Mindset era for agents, where iteration beats accuracy and speed beats polish. The edge will belong to those who build fast, learn faster, and aren't afraid to break their own models in pursuit of something smarter,' said Inna Weiner, AVP Product at AppsFlyer. Artificial Intelligence is rapidly transforming every facet of modern life — from how we secure data to how we enable critical decision-making in real time. On World AI Appreciation Day, it's important to both celebrate AI's achievements and acknowledge our responsibility in guiding its future. 'At Acronis, our mission to safeguard critical data and systems is further progressed by leveraging AI. Acronis customers and partners capitalize on the power of AI with AI-guided analysis, AI-based incident prioritization, and the emerging capabilities of agentic AI — empowering autonomous systems to take context-aware, goal-driven actions that enhance cyber resilience. These tools give teams the ability to stop threats faster and stay ahead of the ever-evolving threat landscape. But as with any powerful technology, AI also comes with ethical and security considerations. We must ensure its use remains transparent, fair, and aligned with our values. Cybersecurity leaders have a unique role to play in setting those guardrails — balancing innovation with responsibility,' said Ziad Nasr, General Manager – Acronis Middle East.
Yahoo
16-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Aviva leads the market in 2025 UK Commercial Insurance Broker Survey
Aviva has received high praise from brokers in GlobalData's 2025 UK Commercial Insurance Broker Survey, leading the market in 10 of the 12 surveyed categories including underwriting flexibility, digital capabilities and AI integration - essential elements in the fast-changing insurance landscape. The survey also indicates a heightened focus on affordability, with 28.4% of brokers identifying price and premiums as the most critical factor when selecting an insurer - an increase from 26% in 2024. This trend reflects ongoing economic pressures including inflation, rising interest rates and increasing premium costs, which have compelled brokers to provide greater value to their clients. The significance of flexibility in underwriting and coverage has also risen, climbing from 19.6% in 2024 to 24% in 2025. Aviva excelled in this area, with 24.8% of brokers choosing the insurer as the best in class, reinforcing its status as a preferred partner for brokers looking to address increasingly complex client demands. As the industry continues to invest in digital solutions, Aviva remains a leader, consistently improving its digital offerings to address the changing needs of both brokers and customers. Over half of the brokers surveyed have rated Aviva's extranet sites and e-trading capabilities as top-tier, further solidifying the company's strong position in online services. This acknowledgment not only underscores Aviva's market leadership but also highlights its commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction. The findings from the survey emphasise the critical role that adaptability and technological advancement play in the insurance sector. As brokers navigate increasing economic challenges, their attention is clearly shifting towards insurers that offer tailored solutions, competitive pricing and strong digital capabilities. With firms such as Aviva making substantial investments in digital transformation, they are well positioned to maintain their leadership in the market and establish higher benchmarks. "Aviva leads the market in 2025 UK Commercial Insurance Broker Survey" was originally created and published by Life Insurance International, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
