Markets Take a Breather, Supreme Court Decision on Tariffs + A Free Earnings Play
Hey Traders,
The S&P 500 (SPX) wrapped up the week ending January 16 marginally lower, taking a well-earned pause after an extremely strong run. We saw SPX slip from 6,966 to 6,940, signaling more of a consolidation than any real sign of weakness. VIX ended the week at 15.86.
Last week’s price action was driven by a mix of factors:
- Increased volatility from a rotation trade
- Softer performance in mega-cap tech
- Market reactions to Fed Chair chatter, which briefly pressured risk assets
Overall, this looks more like the market catching its breath rather than a change in trend.
What to Watch This Week
Heading into the upcoming week, there are still a few major catalysts on the table:
- A pending Supreme Court decision on tariffs, which could swing the market in either direction depending on the outcome
- Earnings season continues, keeping single-stock volatility elevated and creating opportunity for options sellers
Two names firmly on my radar this week are Netflix (NFLX) and Intel (INTC).
đź“Ś Spotlight on INTC
INTC has seen a strong upswing since the start of the year, showing renewed momentum and investor interest. That said, over the past few sessions, the stock has started to show some short-term weakness— which is exactly where income opportunities tend to appear.
đź“Ś Free Trade Idea (Education Only)
Ticker: INTC
Current Price: $46.96
Trade Type: Cash-Secured Put
Strike Price: $41
(Near the 50-day SMA and middle Bollinger Band)
Expiration: 1/30/26
Premium Collected: $45
Return on Risk (ROR): ~1.09% in about 12 days
This trade allows you to collect premium while positioning yourself to potentially own INTC at a significant discount to current prices, all while leaning on strong technical support.
As always, earnings season brings opportunity — but also risk — so position sizing and discipline are key.
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Trade smart and have a great week ahead.
Gautam
(Your Financial Freedom Coach)
⚠️ Disclaimer: Options involve risk and are not suitable for all investors. Returns are not guaranteed. This message is for educational purposes only and not financial advice.
