Options Corner: GD Example Trade

Core Viewpoint - The defense sector is experiencing a positive trend, with defense stocks, particularly General Dynamics, gaining ground following reports that the US Department of Defense is urging contractors to increase missile production due to concerns over low weapon stockpiles in the event of a conflict with China [1][8]. Group 1: Market Performance - Defense stocks, including General Dynamics, are higher in pre-market trading, with General Dynamics hitting an all-time high recently [2][3]. - The ITA defense sector ETF is performing well, although General Dynamics is underperforming compared to the broader industrial sector and S&P [3]. - Key players in the sector such as GE Aerospace, Boeing, and Raytheon are showing strong performance [3]. Group 2: Technical Analysis - General Dynamics has shown a rising wedge pattern, which is typically considered bearish, indicating a potential slowdown in the pace of gains [4]. - The stock has crossed above significant indicators, including a volume node and a 21-day exponential moving average, suggesting a key area of support around 324 [5]. - The expected price movement for October 17th is approximately ±3.4%, aligning with the plus two standard deviation channel [6]. Group 3: Options Strategy - An options strategy is being considered to capitalize on the stock's upward movement while avoiding the earnings report scheduled for October 29th [9][10]. - A bullish call vertical strategy is proposed, involving buying a 335 strike call and selling a 350 call to offset costs, with a risk of approximately $5 per contract [11][12]. - The break-even point for this strategy is set at 340, requiring a modest upward movement of about 1.5% from the opening price [12].