🚨 I’ll be live at 1:30 p.m. ET 🚨
We’ll be looking at fresh option flow on the scanners and of course trying to find the best plays in this low-volume environment and more [tap to join us for Stonkamania]!
First, in addition to Stonkamania at 1:30 p.m. ET, I’m going to do something extra fun today…
I’m doing a special happy hour live session at 4 p.m. ET today, when I’ll share my top 3 trade ideas for this weekend. So pour yourself a whiskey, a bourbon, a beer, a soda or whatever you like to drink and join me at 4 o’clock!
Now let’s discuss the market…
I hate to sound like a broken record this week, but things are rough right now, and finding great setups in the market feels like pulling teeth.
It’s not because there aren’t good companies out there. It’s because every major name has already made its move. If you didn’t catch the latest run to all-time highs that started two weeks ago, you’re late to the party…
And nobody likes being the last one in.
The Big Names Have Already Left the Station
Amazon (AMZN) ran on earnings, and if you didn’t get in on that move, you’re out of luck. Apple (AAPL) is down 10% from its highs. Alibaba (BABA) made its move, then pulled back. Meta Platforms (META) had the earnings gap fill and now it looks nearly dead.
Palantir Technologies (PLTR) rallied from $120 but is now in a healthy consolidation. Nvidia (NVDA) already moved higher after flashing a buy signal — now it’s consolidating and flagging. Even names like Micron Technology (MU) and SanDisk (SNDK) are either consolidating or offering trades that look dead.
These consolidations are healthy — don’t get me wrong. But they create a brutal environment for fresh entries. You can day or swing trade with options that expire within a week, but chasing something that already ran is a great way to get trapped holding the bag.
Summer Doldrums and the Next Opportunity
The reason is simple…
We’re in a low-volume summer environment — we’re on pace to see the lowest weekly trading volume since February 2025 — where big money just isn’t active.
Summer trading often brings lighter participation and slower price action as institutional players step away. That doesn’t mean stocks can’t move, but breakouts may have less fuel and promising setups can stall.
Ray Dalio is reportedly partying in Ibiza until 4 a.m. while everyone else is in the Hamptons — there just isn’t enough big money around to move stocks right now.
The VIX, which was under 15 this morning, eventually needs to rise, but we could remain stuck in this summer lull until participation returns as fall approaches.
That doesn’t mean I’m ignoring every opportunity. Instead of chasing yesterday’s winners, I’m looking ahead to catalysts that let me prepare before volatility arrives.
Medtronic (MDT), for example, has earnings scheduled for Sept. 1. A defined event creates time to study the chart, watch positioning and decide whether the options offer an attractive risk-reward setup before the crowd reacts.
That’s the difference between preparation and chasing. I’d rather find an under-the-radar company ahead of a known catalyst and buy reasonably priced options with enough time value than pile into an expensive name after its move has already happened.
Sometimes the best trade is no trade at all. Until a clean setup appears, this might be one of those times.
P.S. Since things have been so boring lately, let’s spice things up a bit! I’m going to give away my top three weekend trade ideas during a special Happy Hour live session at 4 p.m. ET today! So pour yourself a whiskey, a bourbon, a beer, a soda or whatever you like to drink and join me at 4 o’clock!
Order Flow:
This is for informational and educational purposes only. These are not official alerts issued by Lance, but rather some interesting orders picked by the team at Lance Ippolito Trading.
When you look at these plays, always take the market maker move into consideration.
You can be right on the direction but still lose money if the stock doesn’t move enough. That’s where the market maker move comes in clutch.
With puts, they’re often downside hedges in case a stock tanks, especially around earnings. The further out of the money they are, the more likely they are to be hedges.
Also be sure and check when the company’s earnings date is because many of the plays we post here are centered around earnings!
If a stock is really expensive, consider a spread to lower the cost.
And finally, always remember the golden rule when it comes to buying calls: Buy dips, sell rips — and don’t chase!
If a stock’s moved a ton already today, maybe wait for a pullback.
There is inherent risk in trading. Trade at your own risk.
Note: If no date is listed after the month, it’s the monthly expiration (third Friday).
The team at Lance Ippolito Trading
Lance doesn’t want the CCP spying on him, so you’ll never find him on TikTok. Same goes for other social media sites, which are filled with impersonators, scammers and crypto bros.
You can only find him on his personal YouTube Channel — smash that Subscribe button! https://www.youtube.com/@LanceIppolito
And in his private Telegram channel: https://t.me/+-gVwEIwGJhplMTgx
Important Note: No one from the team at Lance Ippolito Trading, New Money Crew or any of its associated brands will ever contact you directly on Telegram.
*This is for informational and educational purposes only. There is inherent risk in trading, so trade at your own risk.
P.S. Don’t Miss Happy Hour at 4 PM ET!
Good morning,
If you completely missed out on my top trade ideas for this week, then thank your lucky stars…
Because I’m set to give you my top trade ideas for the weekend during today’s special Happy Hour live session at 4 p.m. ET!
We won’t be putting all our attention on one ticker…
I’ll show you three different stocks I’m watching for massive weekend moves, as well as my game plan to capitalize on them while the market is closed!
No trading guarantees, of course.
But if you want my top three weekend ideas before the market closes, join me LIVE at 4 p.m. ET.
We develop tools and strategies to the best of our ability, but no one can guarantee the future. There is always a risk of loss when trading past performance is not indicative of future results. From 9/20/21 through 8/12/26 on live trades, the win rate is 67.4%, the average return on the options including winners and losers is 7.15% and the average win per trade is 29.78% over a three-day average hold time.
