Countrywide Financial (NYSE: CFC) volatility decreases as share price stabilizes. CFC, the largest U.S. home mortgage lender, is recently up $1.30 to $28.04. CFC call option volume of 10,877 contracts compares to put volume of 17,814 contracts. CFC August straddle is priced at $4.20. CFC September option implied volatility of 98 is above its 26-week average of 47 according to Track Data, suggesting larger price risks.

General Electric (NYSE: GE) volatility of 25 above 26-week average of 19. GE closed at $39.10. GE over all option implied volatility of 25 is above its 26-week average of 19 according to Track Data, suggesting larger risk.

Bear Stearns (NYSE: BSC) over all volatility of 61 above 26-week average of 33. BSC closed at $113.81. BSC over all option implied volatility of 61 is above its 26-week average of 33 according to Track Data, suggesting larger price movement.

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

Many people like to dream up ways to get rich quick. Many people dream about inventing great things that could make them wealthy in a hurry. I often think about money also, but just in case you haven't figured it out yet, please be warned that I have some unconventional ways of thinking.

The money question I wish to place before you today is a concept which I have never gotten a decent answer to. When I pose this question I get blank looks, shrugged shoulders, an occasional sneer, and most often a good hearty "who cares!" Be that as it may, I place my query here for you today in the hope that I might get at least one good answer. Here's the question:

What would be the immediate and long-term economic effects if the United States, Canada, and Mexico were to equalize their currencies and maintain a neutral currency exchange rate?

There, now that's not such a stupid question is it? I'm sure that the question has already been fully addressed in other forums and I would very much welcome any links that readers could provide to appropriate discussions of this concept. I welcome any and all answers. Thanks in advance for your time.