CSCO (46/40) announces earnings on Wednesday after market close. The metrics aren't ideal here with the at-the-money 42.5 short straddle in June paying 4.39, just a smidge north of 10% of the value of the underlying (10.2% to be exact) and the month to month implied differential almost nil (June's at 40.5, July at 40.3%). Nevertheless, a bet that CSCO stays within its expected move -- the June 19th 40/46 short strangle is paying 2.00 at the mid price here with break evens at 37.99/48.01.
EXCHANGE-TRADED FUNDS ORDERED BY RANK WITH >35% IMPLIED:
Notes: Kind of a new section here to track background IV for potential acquisitional plays for the IRA in dividend yielding exchange-traded funds. Currently, running short put ladders in IYR, HYG, XLU, and EWA, but now that I've gotten organized here, may consider similar setups in EWZ (5.15% yield), EWW (5.31%), and EWU (5.56%).
VIX/VIX DERIVATIVES:
VIX finished the week at 27.98 with the /VX term structure in front months contango. Back months are still "wonky" and present a (for lack of a better word) sinuous path from here to December.
TRADE OF THE WEEK:
Pictured here is a Plain Jane delta neutral IWM short strangle in the June cycle (40 days) paying 3.37 at the mid price. The highest implied, broad market exchange-traded fund on the board at the moment.