Maybe it was tightening bank standards, maybe it was strong business orders for the services sector. Or, maybe it was a big hike in oil prices back to the $120 mark. Stocks took it on the chin today. Below are the unofficial closes for the major US index readings:

• DJIA 12,968.97 (-89.23; -0.68%)
• S&P500 1,407.48 (-6.42; -0.45%)
• NASDAQ 2,464.12 (-12.87; -0.52%)
• 10YR-TBond 3.845% (unch.)
• 52-WEEK LOW CLUB
  

Yahoo! Inc. (NASDAQ: YHOO) traded much lower, bringing Wall Street down after Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ: MSFT) withdrew its $43.7 billion bid to acquire Yahoo Saturday. Shares fell 15% to $24.37.

eBay (NASDAQ: EBAY) is recently up $1.67 to $34.19.

American Technology Research says: "We recommend that investors consider EBAY as a defensive play-the shares as attractively valued according to just about every traditional metric, EBAY offers insulation from a U.S. consumer spending slow-down via its substantial international exposure."

EBAY December option implied volatility is at 33, January is at 38 and April is at 40. EBAY average option implied volatility over the last 26-weeks is 37 according to Track Data, suggesting decreasing near term risk.

Daily Options Update is provided by Stock Specialist Paul Foster of theflyonthewall.com

Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL) is recently up $11.64 to $186. American Technology Research says, "Strong quarter driven by Macs; Raising estimates and price target." AAPL November option implied volatility of 38 is below a level of 51 from yesterday and its 26-week average of 43 according to Track Data, suggesting decreasing price risk.

Humana (NYSE: HUM), a health benefits company, is recently up $1.47 to $76.16 on unconfirmed Aetna (NYSE: AET) buyout chatter. HUM is expected to report EPS on 10/29. HUM call option volume of 3,249 contracts compares to put volume of 126 contracts. HUM October option implied volatility of 37 is above its 26-week average of 31 according to Track Data, suggesting traders are positioning themselves for a high share price.

Daily options Update is provided by Stock Specialist Paul Foster of theflyonthewall.com.

Research in Motion (NASDAQ: RIMM) is expected to report EPS after the close on 10/4.

• American Technology Research said on 9/26 "we see RIMM delivering on high expectations; Stock gains are warranted."
  
• RIMM October option implied volatility is at 71, November is at 59 and December is at 56; above its 26-week average of 43 according to Track Data, suggesting larger risk.

Daily options Update is provided by Stock Specialist Paul Foster of theflyonthewall.com.