My first Google (GOOG)!

At the opening bell, I decided to get into Google (GOOG) today for one stupid reason! I think it will top the $600 mark today!

Indeed, it passed $600 mark before I switched on my laptop at 10.30pm (or 10.30am ET). I decided to buy an October 620 Call option (2 steps out-of-the-money) at when the stock price was slightly below $599 and it cost me $8.30.

With a opening bell gap up of $0.95 and fulfilment of The Chicago Trick slightly at around 1.30pm ET, I continue to hold when GOOG hit new high at 602.41, 602.90, 603.41 then 603.9496.

Time to go to sleep! At $603.51, I sold the position at $9.80 made a $150 profit (18% profit for my first GOOGLE!). GOOG continued to rally to the $609 region and the option i trade hit around $12.50 bid price.

My first RIMM!

On wednesday when RIMM (the Blackberry company) was at $95+, I decided to buy an October 105 Call option. It's 2 steps out-of-the-money and it supposed to cost me $4.40. I'm quite keen to get RIMM but yet, I'm unwilling to fork out $440. I set a limit price at $3.85 and went to sleep at 1.30am (SG time). Haha, the limit price was executed around 3.30am at $3.85.

RIMM is expanding into China, with 2 new great products coming into the market and with very strong stock momentum. On thursday, stock price rallied to close at $100.50 (a jump of $4 plus) in anticipation of the company's Q3 earning report after market close.

Industry estimate (based on Briefing.com) was 0.49 and RIMM reported 0.50 with upside guidance. On friday, the stock gapped up $7.19 on the opening bell and next, it passed the criteria for guaranteed profit as determined by The Chicago Trick slightly before 11am ET.

And me, I made a 136% profit (my highest in recent days) when I close the position $9.10. RIMM continued to rally to the $114 region and the option i trade hit around $10.50 or more.

My first RIMM!

Another Split WIN!

This time round, I profit from the stock splits of NOV (National-Oilwell Varco). I bought into it 'accidentally' on last Friday when I limit the price of $7.80 for the NOVJY (NOV Oct 145 Call). Despite the Ask price then was $8.40, it plunged to execute my trade at $7.80. And then, the call option closed at $5.50.

As always, stock splits will result in the stock price to rise on the execution date (which is Monday ET). I sold it off at $15.00, but the price continue to rally to around $16.00. (although the price rise shouldn't be this much!)

Great! Another stock split win - profit of $720 or 92.3%!!!

P/S: In case, you are wondering how come I claim only $720 profit instead of $950... The reason is the trading platform displayed a daily PnL (as mentioned, the option closed at $5.50 and I exited at $15.00) and hence a $950 closed PnL displayed.

Back from Hanoi

Been away for the past 6 days in Vietnam. I have the luxury of travelling with my parents for the 3rd time this year. First to Genting in May, then to Taipei in July-August and Hanoi for the past 6 days.

I'd been to Hanoi in December 2003 when I was still a NUS newbie doing community work. Things really change - the buildings are getting taller, motorbikes are getting more and more (including the loud horns every split second) and the pho ga (chicken noodle) costs US$1 to US$2 (previously only US$0.40 to US$0.80).

As always, they will be so happy and thankful when you give them a small tipfor their wonderful service. After all, $1 for us is just $1; but $1 to them may need them to work for one whole day.

Though everything are still not as good as any of the cities I have visited this year, the 'speed' of living is pulsing fast - just look at how fast they walk and drive. More and more properties been developing and the news reporting on 6 consecutive days of positive rally of their index. I look forward to seeing Hanoi develop into a more vibrant city - more commercial yet keeping the good old days in the Old Quarter (aka 36 Street).

And personally, I have thought of some new business ideas that I will be exploring into - HD cinematic experience, luxury hostel/hotel and cafe etc.