A former senior manager at CB Richard Ellis Group (NYSE: CBG) in Southern California, now a partner at a private real estate company where I am an investor said to me this week that the stock market was just "white collar gambling".

This is a relatively common thought from Main Street and when my colleague Ron, made the comment it was hard to argue that it is not.

It certainly looks like gambling when you consider how momentum day traders place their bets, or options traders, or commodities traders -- and the past few years -- CEO's of major corporations.

I certainly was playing this theme up when I posted The great leadership disconnect: I bet the farm and you lose in September.

Earlier in the week Ron had brought up the fact that CBG stock had dropped from over $40 per share to under $4 and it seemed like it was bound to get back sometime in the foreseeable future for a huge gain. The following is the three year chart.

Ron is a smart real estate guy but he is not a stock market aficionado. He believed the risk / reward opportunity seemed like a no brain-er (not that he was going to invest). The first problem is that idea of the foreseeable future. I think the market is not foreseeing much lately. Most things seem quite cloudy indeed.

Actually I could not help but ponder the matter because, coincidentally, I was at a business breakfast the following morning where the speaker was a manager with responsibility for CBG's Asian portfolio investments. When Ron brought up the subject originally I responded that I did not follow the stock, but that it did not have to return to it's previous glory to achieve a great return on investment. Suppose it took two years to go from $4 per share to $6 or $7. Most anyone would be delighted with a 25%+ annualized return.

As it turned out, I saw my associate later that day and he pointed out that CBG had jumped 40% from the day before. WOW, some of the day gamblers, I mean traders, must have made a killing. Of course that is only if they were on the right side of the deal, and sold in time.

CBG closed Friday at $4.84, down 10% and has been volatile lately as the chart and the stocks recent moves indicate. It has a beta of just under 2 which means that it moves at twice the rate of the broader market.

Sheldon Liber is the CEO of a small private investment company and the principal for design and research at an architecture & planning firm. He writes the columns Chasing Value and Serious Money. Disclosure: I do not own any shares of CBG. I do not do any day trading.

August 2007. You remember the month.

Oil had zoomed through $70 on its way to almost $100 by year's end, and soon there were research reports arguing that oil would top $150 or even $200 in the year ahead, on surging global economic growth.

Few knew it then, but the month also marked the start of the subprime mortgage default problem -- first deemed isolated, then sector-wide in scope, and that now encompasses every corner of the globe, in the world's most serious financial crisis since the Great Depression.

Concern over the credit crunch and an accompanying slowdown in global economic growth sent oil prices below $70 Thursday for the first time since August 2007, with crude plunging $5.04 to $69.50 at mid-day. Oil has now fallen 53% since hitting an all-time high of $147.27 per barrel in July.

The other major energy commodities also continued their nearly month-long downtrend. Heating oil fell 11 cents to $2.07 per gallon, unleaded gasoline plunged 17 cents to $1.61 per gallon, and natural gas fell 6 cents to $6.65 per million BTUs.

The cover of today's New York Daily News loudly proclaimed the joy and wonder, the shock and awe of yesterday's Wall Street rally. Right beside the headline, in the middle of a huge red arrow marked "Dow soars to biggest point gain in history," the paper presented a picture of a trader, both thumbs up, sporting a cocky, devil-may-care smile. Inside, the paper carried another shot of its leering cover boy, this time accompanied by another trader sporting a mindless grin.

It was hardly necessary to read the accompanying article, as the pictures told the whole tale: the stock market, after plummeting for a few days, more or less hit bottom. Other countries started pouring money into their banks, calming the panic, and enabling investors to remember that the paper they were passing back and forth sometimes represented actual value. When this happened, the investors proceeded to start buying some of their stock back at ever-increasing rates, causing the Dow Jones index to rapidly rise. Of course, the next few acts in this play are equally obvious: the market will continue to fluctuate as irrational exuberance and irrational caution trade places and seek equilibrium in the Wall Street version of manic depression.

For some people, the wild fluctuations of the market will translate into equally wild emotional rides. In the United States, the land where Calvinism never died, wealth is still considered a sign of rectitude and poverty a mark of weakness. It naturally follows, then, that the relative ebb and flow of our economic fortunes will translate into a similar roller coaster of pride and self-doubt. One need look no further than the cover of the Daily News to see a man who takes responsibility for the strength of the market and, presumably, blames himself for its failings. As stock market players continue to confuse knowledge of the market with the ability to control it, their sense of self will rise and fall with its fluctuations.

LDK Solar (NYSE: LDK), a manufacturer of multicrystalline solar wafers, was sold off down $16.65 to $51.65. Piper Jaffray said "We have confirmed that the LDK financial controller recently left the company." LDK October option implied volatility of 133 was above its 12-week average of 69 according to Track Data, suggesting larger risk.

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

The Bear Stearns Companies Inc. (NYSE: BSC)'s option prices decrease after the Federal Open Market Committee lowers rates; BSC earnings per share (EPS) come out on September 20:

BSC is expected to report 3Q EPS of $1.78 on September 20, according to Thomson First Call. BSC was recently up $3.22 to $118.47. The FOMC lowered the Fed Funds rate by .50 to 4.75%. BSC September 120 straddle was priced at $7.30. BSC October option implied volatility of 49 was below a level 58 from two hours ago and below its 7-week average of 57 according to Track Data, suggesting decreasing price risk.

Morgan Stanley (NYSE: MS) volatility decreases after FOMC Lowers rates:

MS EPS comes out on September 19. MS is expected to report 3Q EPS of $1.53, according to Thomson First Call. MS was recently up $3.68 to $68.58. The FOMC lowered the Fed Funds rate by .50 to 4.75%. MS September 70 straddle was priced at $3.05. MS October option implied volatility of 35 was below a level of 38 from two hours ago and near its 7-week average of 38 according to Track Data, suggesting decreasing risk.

The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (NYSE: GS)'s option prices decrease after FOMC lowers rates:

GS EPS comes out September 20. GS is expected to report 3Q EPS of $4.35, according to Thomson First Call. GS was recently up $11.75 to $199.35. The FOMC lowered the Fed Funds rate by .50 to 4.75%. GS September 200 straddle was priced at $8.40. GS October option implied volatility of 33 was below a level of 39 from two hours ago and below its 26-week average of 35 according to Track Data, suggesting larger risk.

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

When I worked in Chicago's Loop, I used to see the traders everywhere, with their brightly colored jackets and their enormous badges. Whether in their smoking circles, crowded into the restaurants and bars, or simply scurrying from one place to another, there was a air of frenetic energy about them, and though sometimes looking weary, they always seemed to be having a good time.

Well, as it turns out, Chicago, home of the championship Bulls and Bears, is also the top trading city in the world, according to a survey of traders by Trader Monthly. London, New York, Dubai, and Miami rounded out the top five.

The two largest U.S. futures marts and the largest U.S. options exchange can be found in the Windy City. Trading is "in the city's blood," said the magazine. Just this past week the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (NYSE: CME) had its second-highest volume trading day ever.

Trader Monthly rated cities on several factors, including trading infrastructure, taxes, access to capital, weather, nightlife, and time zone. Especially popular with traders was the real estate market; Chicago is infinitely more affordable than London or New York, the next two runners up.

Volatility Index S&P 500 Options-VIX down 0.57 to 14.02.

Morgan Stanley (NYSE:MS) April option implied volatility-Risk stays elevated into EPS.
MS operates its business through four segments: retail brokerage, asset management, institutional securities. Investors expect to hear more about MS plan to spin off its Discovery Card, a company with 50 million card members and four million merchant /cash access locations. MS is expected to report EPS of $1.88 on 3/21 according to Thomson First Call. MS April option implied volatility of 28 is above its 26-week average of 24 according to Track Data, suggesting larger price risk.

Motorola Inc. (NYSE:MOT) volatility and volume Spikes on canceled CEO speech, LBO and PALM chatter.
MOT is recently up $0.46 to $18.74 on LBO speculation. Carl Icahn entities own 1.39% of MOT. The Chicago Tribune reported MOT CEO Edward Zander canceled his keynote speech at the cell phone's industry annual U.S. trade show, CTIA Wireless. Chatter is also circulating that MOT could purchase Palm Inc. (NASDAQ:PALM). MOT call option volume of 35,471 contracts compares to put volume of 18,121 contracts. MOT April option implied volatility of 35 is above a level of 30 from 70-minutes ago. MOT average option implied volatility over the last 26-week average is 29 according to Track Data. Increasing option volume and implied volatility suggests larger price risk fluctuations.

Option volume leaders today were: AtheroGenics Inc. (NASDAQ:AGIX), Motorola Inc. (NYSE:MOT) and Accredited Home Lenders Holding Co. (NASDAQ:LEND).

Note: The Daily Option Update is provided by Stock Options Specialist Paul Foster of theflyonthewall.com.

Note: The Daily Option Update is provided by Stock Options Specialist Paul Foster of theflyonthewall.com.

Volatility Index S&P 500 Options-VIX up .02 to 10.25.

Compass Bancshares-(NASDAQ:CBSS) option volume heavy & implied volatility up to 24 from 15. CBSS is recently up $3.91 to $65.67. Compass Bancshares, a financial services firm based in Birmingham, Alabama, is up on unconfirmed chatter SunTrust-(NYSE:STI) is interested in a M&A transaction with CBSS. CBSS call option volume of 3,887 contracts compares to put volume of 999 contracts. CBSS daily average volume over the last ten business days is 424 contracts. CBSS March option implied volatility of 24 is above its 26-week average of 16 according to Track Data, suggesting larger price risks.

Option volume leaders today were: Bank of America (NYSE:BAC), Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ:MSFT), Boston Scientific (NYSE:BSX), Alcoa (NYSE:AA), Qualcomm (NASDAQ:QCOM) and Bidu (NASDAQ: BIDU).

Note: The Daily Option Update is provided by Options Specialist Paul Foster of theflyonthewall.com.

Volatility Index S&P 500 Options-VIX down .47 to 10.49 after FOMC leaves rates unchanged at 5.25%

Comcast Corp. -(NASDAQ:CMCSK) option prices reveal subtle risks as expected into 2/1 EPS. Comcast will report EPS before the open on 2/1. Comcast February 45 straddle is priced at $2.30, above its theoretical value of $1.96 according to Track Data, suggesting increasing near term price fluctuations risks into EPS.

Google Inc.-(NASDAQ:GOOG )February option implied volatility elevated as expected into EPS. Google will report EPS after the close tonight. American Technology says "expect a solid report after close; Flat stock may reflect lower expectations." Google call option volume of 84,845 contracts compares to put volume of 54,692 contracts. Google February option implied volatility of 45 is above its 26-week average of 34 according to Track Data, suggesting larger price risks.

Option volume leaders today were: Altria Group Inc. (NYSE: MO), SanDisk Corp. (NASDAQ:SNDK), Citigroup (NYSE:C), Bristol Myers Squibb (NYSE:BMY) and Microsoft Corp.(NASDAQ:MSFT).

Note: The Daily Option Update is provided by Options Specialist Paul Foster of theflyonthewall.com.

Volatility Index S&P 500 Options-VIX down .35 to 11.10.

AtheroGenics Inc. (NASDAQ:AGIX) derivatives high risk, option volume up traders prepare for data. AtheroGenics focuses on the discovery, development and commercialization of novel drugs for the treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases. AtheroGenics is expected to announce results for top line data from the ARISE Phase 3 trial on AGI-1067 (coronary heart disease treatment.) AGIX said on 1/8/07 the data "will likely be available no sooner than late first quarter." AtheroGenics call option volume of 27,881 contracts compares to put volume of 14,119 contracts. AtheroGenics April 12.5 straddle is at $11 dollars, according to Track Data, suggesting large risks.

Option volume leaders today were: Motorola Inc. (NYSE:MOT), Apple, Inc.(NASDAQ:AAPL), CountryWide Financial Corp. (NYSE:CFC), Caterpillar Inc. (NYSE:CAT) and U.S. Steel Corp. (NYSE:X).

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

Today the Volatility Index S&P 500 Options (VIX) was up .03 to 10.80.

SunPower Corporation (NASDAQ:SPWR) puts bid higher than calls on difficult to borrow into earnings per share and speech. SunPower designs, develops, manufacturers, and sells electric power products, systems, and services. SunPower will report EPS on 1/25. President Bush's State of Union Speech is expected to emphasize renewable and alternative fuels as a source to decrease reliance on foreign oil. SunPower February call option implied volatility was at 48, puts at 59 because SunPower is difficult to borrow. SunPower 26-week average option implied volatility was 50 according to Track Data.

Pacific Ethanol Inc. (NASDAQ:PEIX) implied volatility was flat as PEIX rallied into the State of Union Speech. Pacific Ethanol is engaged in the business of marketing ethanol. PEIX was up $1.45 to $18.30. Crude oil was up 1.86% to $53.55. President Bush's State of Union Speech is expected to emphasize renewable and alternative fuels as a source to decrease reliance on foreign oil. Freidman Billings says "we are raising our price target for Pacific Ethanol from $16 to $20 and moving from a Market Perform to an Outperform investment rating based on expectations for positive momentum in the stock resulting from an increasingly favorable regulatory environment." Pacific Ethanol February call option implied volatility was at 55, puts at 64 on Pacific Ethanol being difficult to borrow and expected downward Pacific Ethanol price pressure. Pacific Ethanol 26-week average option implied volatility was at 61 according to Track Data, suggesting non-directional price risks.

Citigroup Inc. (NYSE:C) is recently down .22 to $54.45. Goldman Sachs increased its 2007 EPS estimates to $4.60 from $4.56. Citicorp over all option implied volatility was flat at 15 according to Track Data.

Option volume leaders today were: Yahoo! Inc. (NASDAQ: YHOO), Apple, Inc (NASDAQ: AAPL), Pfizer Inc.(NYSE: PFE), Amgen (NASDAQ: AMGN), and eBay Inc. (NASDAQ: EBAY).

Volatility Index S&P 500 Options were up today .37 to 10.79.

Tyco's (NYSE: TYC) option implied volatility was flat as investors digested the Tyco SEC spin-off filings. Tyco is expected to break itself up into three publicly traded company's at the end of April of 2007 (Electronics $12.7 billion in revenue, Healthcare $10 billion in revenue & Fire & Security Engineered products $18 billion in revenue). Prudential said "Investors buying Tyco shares based on sum-of-the-parts valuation may want to reconsider given that prevails expected highest multiple businesses likely to incur highest tax rates (30%+) in year 1 & 2." Tyco's overall option implied volatility of 21 is near its 26-week average, according to Track Data, suggesting non-directional price risks.

Option volume leaders today were: Yahoo (NASDAQ: YHOO), Apple Computer (NASDAQ: AAPL), Texas Instruments (NYSE: TXN), Amgen (NASDAQ: AMGN), and Google (NASDAQ: GOOG).

Note: The Daily Option Update is provided by Options Specialist Paul Foster of Theflyonthewall.com.