Just to be clear to everyone, the BlackRose spreadsheet is an analysis/forecasting tool for computing the theoretical present and future value of a series of options, I don't use it for any sort of portfolio management, nor do I think it's particularly well-suited for that purpose.
These days I keep my running portfolio and trade history entirely in Quicken (Deluxe 99, FWIW). It's a pain because Intuit refuses to add even the most rudimentary handling of options to their products (and apparently won't say why, despite numerous requests by many customers over the years), but otherwise it works well. I let it update the equities automatically (using the free delayed quote download) and then do the options by hand using (bid+ask)/2 from Fido PowerstreetPro or their website RTQs.
Also, since someone asked, I'm currently planning to exercise as many of my January DIM calls on Q as I can (probably about 2/3 of them) in the taxable account, then write puts (or covered calls if I get brave) against the value of those shares. My LEAPS positions are smaller but I will hold onto them for now (though I will also possibly write 'covered' calls against them, too); I'll satisfy the trader cravings with some spreads if conditions look right for that.
In the IRA, I'm going to cash the Q DIM calls out; future strategies with the cash thus released are unknown at present but some conservative buy-write plays on Q and other solid-gold techs are likely. I want to spend less time at all of this, and am willing to accept lower returns in exchange for that privilege, so high-percentage lower-yield strategies are quite appealing at present. Check back in a few weeks (after Q earnings!) to see if I still think so. <g>
-Rose- |
