Barrick Gold (NYSE: ABX) shares are trading higher today as gold futures have advanced by almost 2%. Gold is being propped up by yet another record high for crude, which investors expect to drive inflation. If you think that the stock won't fall by too much in the coming months, then now could be a good time to look at a bullish hedged trade on ABX.

After hitting a one-year low of $28.89 in August, the stock hit a one-year high of $54.74 in March. ABX opened this morning at $46.42. So far today the stock has hit a low of $46.00 and a high of $47.00. As of 12:05, ABX is trading at $46.55, up $1.05 (2.3%). The chart for ABX looks neutral and improving, while S&P gives the stock a positive 4 STARS (out of 5) buy rating.

For a bullish hedged play on this stock, I would consider an August bull-put credit spread below the $37.50 range. A bull-put credit spread is an options position that combines the purchase and sale of put options to hedge risk in case the stock doesn't do what you think but still leverage nice returns. For this particular trade, we will make a 5.3% return in just seven weeks as long as ABX is above $37.50 at August expiration. Barrick would have to fall by more than 19% before we would start to lose money. Learn more about this type of trade here.

Barrick Gold (NYSE: ABX) shares are trading higher today as gold futures are on the move higher. If you think that the stock won't fall by too much in the coming months, then now could be a good time to look at a bullish hedged trade on ABX.

After hitting a one-year low of $27.79 last June, the stock hit a one-year high of $54.74 in March. ABX opened this morning at $41.06. So far today the stock has hit a low of $40.70 and a high of $41.50. As of 12:10, ABX is trading at $40.73, up 0.29 (0.7%). The chart for ABX looks neutral and improving, while S&P gives the stock a positive 4 STARS (out of 5) buy rating.

For a bullish hedged play on this stock, I would consider an October bull-put credit spread below the $32.50 range. A bull-put credit spread is an options position that combines the purchase and sale of put options to hedge risk in case the stock doesn't do what you think but still leverage nice returns. For this particular trade, we will make a 16.3% return in just four months as long as ABX is above $32.50 at October expiration. Barrick would have to fall by more than 20% before we would start to lose money.

ABX hasn't been below $35 at all since August and has shown support around $38 recently. This trade could be risky if the dollar recovers and gold futures fall, but even if that happens, this position could be protected by the support the stock might find around $37 where it has formed a bottom over the past seven months.

Brent Archer is an options analyst and writer at Investors Observer. At publication time, Brent neither owns nor controls positions in ABX.

Chesapeake Energy (NYSE: CHK) shares are trading higher after the company announced it has entered with Goodrich Petroleum Corp. (NYSE: GDP) into a joint venture to drill for oil and natural gas in northwest Louisiana. Oil and natural gas futures are both rising this morning, giving CHK an extra boost. If you think that the stock won't fall by too much in the coming months, then now could be a good time to look at a bullish hedged trade on CHK.

After hitting a one-year low of $31.38 in August, the stock hit a one-year high of $61.44 last week. CHK opened this morning at $60.48. So far today the stock has hit a low of $59.78 and a high of $61.45. As of 11:50, CHK is trading at $60.96, up $1.70 (2.9%). The chart for CHK looks bullish and deteriorating slightly, while S&P gives the stock a bullish 4 Stars (out of 5) Buy rating.

For a bullish hedged play on this stock, I would consider a July bull-put credit spread below the $50 range. A bull-put credit spread is an options position that combines the purchase and sale of put options to hedge risk in case the stock doesn't do what you think but still leverage nice returns. This particular trade will make a 4.2% return in just one month as long as CHK is above $50 at July expiration. Chesapeake would have to fall by more than 18% before we would start to lose money.

CHK hasn't been below $50 since April and has shown support around $52.50 recently. This trade could be risky if the prices for oil and other energies fall off some in the next few weeks, but even if that happens, that position could be protected by support the stock might find above $50, where it bottomed out in the past two months.

Brent Archer is an options analyst and writer at Investors Observer. At publication time, Brent neither owns nor controls positions in CHK.

Exxon Mobil (NYSE: XOM) shares are falling as crude oil futures are retreating following yesterday's rally as the dollar is regaining some value. If you think this stock won't be rising too far in the coming months, then it could be a good time to look at a bearish hedged play on XOM.

After hitting a one-year low of $77.55 in January, the stock hit a one-year high of $96.12 in May. This morning, XOM opened at $87.91. So far today the stock has hit a low of $87.14 and a high of $88.43. As of 12:40, XOM is trading at $87.73, down 0.88 (-1.0%). The chart for XOM looks bullish but deteriorating, while S&P gives the stock a positive 4 STARS (out of 5) buy rating.

For a bearish hedged play on this stock, I would consider a July bear-call credit spread above the $95 range. A bear-call credit spread is an options position that combines the purchase and sale of call options to hedge risk in case the stock doesn't do what you think but still leverage nice returns. For this particular trade, we will make a 12.4% return in five weeks as long as XOM is below $95 at July expiration. Exxon would have to rise by more than 8% before we would start to lose money. Learn more about this type of trade here.

XOM hasn't been above $95 for more than a few days in the past year and has shown resistance around $89 recently. This trade could be risky if the price of oil shoot higher, but even if that happens, this position could be protected by resistance XOM might find near $95, where the stock has topped out four times in the past eight months.

Brent Archer is an options analyst and writer at Investors Observer.

DISCLOSURE: Mr. Archer owns and/or controls diversified portfolios of long and short stock and option positions that may include holdings in companies he writes about. At publication time, Brent neither owns nor controls positions in XOM.

FedEx (NYSE: FDX) shares are falling today, hurt by rising oil futures and new record-high fuel prices as inventories fell more than was expected in the past week. If you think this stock won't be rising too far in the coming months, then it could be a good time to look at a bearish hedged play on FDX.

After hitting a one-year high of $119.10 in July, the stock hit a one-year low of $80.00 in January. This morning, FDX opened at $88.67. So far today the stock has hit a low of $87.15 and a high of $89.29. As of 11:45, FDX is trading at $87.97, down $2.20 (-2.4%). The chart for FDX looks bearish and steady, while S&P gives the stock a very positive 5 STARS (out of 5) strong buy rating.

For a bearish hedged play on this stock, I would consider a July bear-call credit spread above the $100 range. A bear-call credit spread is an options position that combines the purchase and sale of call options to hedge risk in case the stock doesn't do what you think but still leverage nice returns. For this particular trade, we will make a 6.4% return in five weeks as long as FDX is below $100 at July expiration. FedEx would have to rise by more than 13% before we would start to lose money.

CF Industries (NYSE: CF) shares are trading higher today as bio-fuel related agricultural futures, including corn and soybeans are soaring, which is pushing the fertilizer stocks higher. An analyst at Goldman Sachs also raised his price target on competitor Potash Corp. of Saskatchewan (NYSE: POT). If you think that the stock won't fall by too much in the coming months, then now could be a good time to look at a bullish hedged trade on CF.

After hitting a one-year low of $44.16 in August, the stock hit a one-year high of $159.00 in April. CF opened this morning at $149.99. So far today the stock has hit a low of $149.99 and a high of $154.52. As of 12:45, CF is trading at $154.37, up $7.70 (5.3%). The chart for CF looks bullish and deteriorating slightly, while S&P gives the stock a neutral 3 Stars (out of 5) Hold rating.

For a bullish hedged play on this stock, I would consider a July bull-put credit spread below the $115 range. A bull-put credit spread is an options position that combines the purchase and sale of put options to hedge risk in case the stock doesn't do what you think but still leverage nice returns. This particular trade will make a 5.3% return in just six weeks as long as CF is above $115 at July expiration. CF would have to fall by more than 24% before we would start to lose money.

CF hasn't been below $115 since early April and has shown support around $122 recently. This trade could be risky if the prices for oil fall and agricultural futures follow in the coming weeks, but even if that happens, that position could be protected by support the stock might find just above $120, where it bottomed out in May.

Brent Archer is an options analyst and writer at Investors Observer. At publication time, Brent neither owns nor controls positions in CF.

Newmont Mining (NYSE: NEM) shares are trading higher today as gold futures prices have risen to break above $900 per ounce once more. If you think that the stock won't fall by too much in the coming months, then now could be a good time to look at a bullish hedged trade on NEM.

After hitting a one-year low of $38.01 in August, the stock hit a one-year high of $57.55 in January. NEM opened this morning at $48.35. So far today the stock has hit a low of $47.95 and a high of $49.31. As of 12:30, NEM is trading at $49.28, up $0.96 (2.0%). The chart for NEM looks bullish and steady, while S&P gives the stock a positive 4 STARS (out of 5) buy rating.

For a bullish hedged play on this stock, I would consider a July bull-put credit spread below the $42.50 range. A bull-put credit spread is an options position that combines the purchase and sale of put options to hedge risk in case the stock doesn't do what you think but still leverage nice returns. This particular trade will make an 8.7% return in just six weeks as long as NEM is above $42.50 at July expiration. Newmont would have to fall by more than 13% before we would start to lose money.

NEM hasn't been below that level since August and has shown support around $46 recently. This trade could be risky if the price of gold futures drops in the next few months, but even if that happens, this position could be protected by the support the stock might find at its 200 day moving average, which is currently around $47.

Brent Archer is an options analyst and writer at Investors Observer. At publication time, Brent neither owns nor controls positions in NEM.

Halliburton (NYSE: HAL) shares are trading are trading higher today, after a Morgan Stanley analyst's prediction that oil could hit $150 a barrel in the next month sent oil futures soaring. If you think that the stock won't fall by too much in the coming months, then now could be a good time to look at a bullish hedged trade on HAL.

After hitting a one-year low of $30.00 in January, the stock has hit a new one-year high today. HAL opened this morning at $49.74. So far today the stock has hit a low of $49.61 and a high of $51.12. As of 12:40, HAL is trading at $50.01, up 71 cents (1.4%). The chart for HAL looks bullish and steady, while S&P gives the stock a positive 4 STARS (out of 5) buy rating.

For a bullish hedged play on this stock, I would consider a July bull-put credit spread below the $45 range. A bull-put credit spread is an options position that combines the purchase and sale of put options to hedge risk in case the stock doesn't do what you think but still leverage nice returns. For this particular trade, we will make a 13.6% return in just six weeks as long as HAL is above $45 at July expiration. HAL would have to fall by more than 9% before we would start to lose money. Learn more about this type of trade here.

HAL hasn't been below $45 by more than a few cents since early April and has shown support around $48 recently. This trade could be risky if the price of oil heads lower, but even if that happens, this position could be protected by the support the stock might find around $45 where it formed a bottom over the past two months.

Brent Archer is an options analyst and writer at Investors Observer.

DISCLOSURE: Mr. Archer owns and/or controls diversified portfolios of long and short stock and option positions that may include holdings in companies he writes about. At publication time, Brent neither owns nor controls positions in HAL.

AMR Corp (NYSE: AMR) shares are trading higher today helped by oil futures prices that are showing signs of losing momentum. It is possible that the speculators are getting out of oil and the price may of crude may be finding a more reasonable level. If you think that the stock won't fall by too much in the coming months, then now could be a good time to look at a bullish hedged trade on AMR.

After hitting a one-year high of $29.32 in July, the stock hit a one-year low of $6.00 in May. AMR opened this morning at $7.36. So far today the stock has hit a low of $7.26 and a high of $7.90. As of 12:20, AMR is trading at $7.75, up $0.43 (5.9%). The chart for AMR looks neutral but improving, while S&P gives the stock a neutral 3 STARS (out of 5) hold rating.

For a bullish hedged play on this stock, I would consider a July bull-put credit spread below the $6 range. A bull-put credit spread is an options position that combines the purchase and sale of put options to hedge risk in case the stock doesn't do what you think but still leverage nice returns. For this particular trade, we will make an 11.1% return in just seven weeks as long as AMR is above $6 at July expiration. AMR would have to fall by more than 23% before we would start to lose money. Learn more about this type of trade here.

Exxon Mobil (NYSE: XOM) shares are falling today, as oil futures are finally relaxing after a week straight of advances as investors finally think that high prices may be cutting into demand. Exxon has been relatively flat all year, topping out at each peak on its chart around $95, including once less than two weeks ago. If you think this stock won't be rising too far in the coming months, then it could be a good time to look at a bearish hedged play on XOM.

After hitting a one-year low of $77.55 in January, the stock hit a one-year high of $96.12 last week. This morning, XOM opened at $90.04. So far today the stock has hit a low of $89.03 and a high of $90.05. As of 12:40, XOM is trading at $89.99, down $0.71 (-0.8%). The chart for XOM looks bullish but deteriorating, while S&P gives the stock a positive 4 STARS (out of 5) buy rating.

For a bearish hedged play on this stock, I would consider a July bear-call credit spread above the $100 range. A bear-call credit spread is an options position that combines the purchase and sale of call options to hedge risk in case the stock doesn't do what you think but still leverage nice returns. For this particular trade, we will make a 10.6% return in eight weeks as long as XOM is below $100 at July expiration. Exxon would have to rise by more than 11% before we would start to lose money. Learn more about this type of trade here.

Goldcorp Inc. (NYSE: GG) shares are trading higher as gold futures are advancing today. GG is also holding its annual shareholders' meeting today at 2 pm, which will probably move the stock. If you think that the stock won't fall by too much in the coming months, then now could be a good time to look at a bullish hedged trade on GG.

After hitting a one-year low of $21.00 in August, the stock hit a one-year low of $46.30 in March. GG opened this morning at $41.75. So far today the stock has hit a low of $41.67 and a high of $42.72. As of 12:20, GG is trading at $42.66, up $1.40 (3.4%). The chart for GG looks bearish but improving slightly.

For a bullish hedged play on this stock, I would consider a July bull-put credit spread below the $32.50 range. A bull-put credit spread is an options position that combines the purchase and sale of put options to hedge risk in case the stock doesn't do what you think but still leverage nice returns. For this particular trade, we will make a 4.2% return in just nine weeks as long as GG is above $32.50 at July expiration. Goldcorp would have to fall by more than 23% before we would start to lose money. Learn more about this type of trade here.

Valero Energy (NYSE: VLO) shares are trading higher along with most other refiners, as crude oil futures have dropped off from last week's record highs, which could start to help out refiner's margins. Also moving VLO is news that a large California refinery is coming back on line with no significant loss of production after a power outage yesterday morning. If you think that the stock won't fall by too much in the coming months, then now could be a good time to look at a bullish hedged trade on VLO.

After hitting a one-year high of $78.68 in July, the stock hit a one-year low of $44.55 last week. VLO opened this morning at $45.06. So far today the stock has hit a low of $45.01 and a high of $46.93. As of 12:45, VLO is trading at $46.86, up $2.30 (5.2%). The chart for VLO looks neutral and improving, while S&P gives the stock its highest 5 STARS (out of 5) strong buy rating.

For a bullish hedged play on this stock, I would consider a June bull-put credit spread below the $40 range. A bull-put credit spread is an options position that combines the purchase and sale of put options to hedge risk in case the stock doesn't do what you think but still leverage nice returns. For this particular trade, we will make an 8.7% return in just six weeks as long as VLO is above $40 at June expiration. Valero would have to fall by more than 14% before we would start to lose money.

VLO hasn't been below $40 at all in the past year and has shown support around $45 recently. This trade could be risky if the price of gasoline falls off if demand starts to lower, but even though there is a slowdown in the US, other global economies are still clamoring for energy, which could keep prices high.

Brent Archer is an options analyst and writer at Investors Observer. At publication time, Brent neither owns nor controls positions in VLO.

Chevron Corp. (NYSE: CVX) shares are falling as a strengthening American dollar and a higher U.S. crude supplies have helped to bring down oil futures from their recent record highs. If you think oil may have topped and this stock won't be rising too far in the coming months, then it could be a good time to look at a bearish hedged play on CVX.

After hitting a one-year high of $95.50 in September, the stock hit a one-year low of $76.40 in January. This morning, CVX opened at $93.88. So far today the stock has hit a low of $92.69 and a high of $93.99. As of 10:10, CVX is trading at $92.69, down $1.79 (-1.9%). The chart for CVX looks bullish and steady, while S&P gives the stock a neutral 3 STARS (out of 5) hold rating.

For a bearish hedged play on this stock, I would consider a June bear-call credit spread above the $105 range. A bear-call credit spread is an options position that combines the purchase and sale of call options to hedge risk in case the stock doesn't do what you think but still leverage nice returns. For this particular trade, we will make a 4.2% return in two months as long as CVX is below $105 at June expiration. Chevron would have to rise by more than 13% before we would start to lose money. Learn more about this type of trade here.

CVX hasn't been above $96 at all in the past year and has shown resistance around $95 recently. This trade could be risky if the price of oil skyrockets again, but even if that happens, this position could be protected by resistance CVX might find around $95, where it has topped out twice before in the past year.

Brent Archer is an options analyst and writer at Investors Observer.

DISCLOSURE: Mr. Archer owns and/or controls diversified portfolios of long and short stock and option positions that may include holdings in companies he writes about. At publication time, Brent neither owns nor controls positions in CVX.

Barrick Gold Corp. (NYSE: ABX) shares are rising today, helped by higher gold futures. Gold futures are not back up to their record $1,000+ prices, but are recovering after a dip down below $900 in late March. The front-month contract is up almost 2% today, nearing $950 possibly due to investor worries about inflation as the dollar continues to struggle against foreign currencies. If you think that the stock won't fall by too much in the coming months, then now could be a good time to look at a bullish hedged trade on ABX.

After hitting a one-year low of $27.71 in May, the stock hit a one-year high of $54.74 in March, ABX opened this morning at $44.77. So far today the stock has hit a low of $44.75 and a high of $46.20. As of 12:40, ABX is trading at $45.63, up $2.16 (4.9%). The chart for ABX looks bearish and steady, while S&P gives the stock a positive 4 STARS (out of 5) buy rating.

For a bullish hedged play on this stock, I would consider a May bull-put credit spread below the $37.50 range. A bull-put credit spread is an options position that combines the purchase and sale of put options to hedge risk in case the stock doesn't do what you think but still leverage nice returns. For this particular trade, we will make a 4.2% return in just one month as long as ABX is above $37.50 at May expiration. Barrick would have to fall by more than 18% before we would start to lose money. Learn more about this type of trade here.

U.S. regular unleaded gasoline prices rose another 5 cents in the past two weeks to $3.32 per gallon, according to a national survey which collects price information from 7,000 stations nationwide. The Lundberg Survey also put mid-grade and super unleaded at $3.44 and $3.55 per gallon, respectively.

Independent energy trader Jim Dietz told BloggingStocks Monday gasoline is being pushed higher largely by the price of oil, even in the face of flat-to-declining U.S. gasoline demand. U.S. consumers "are doing their part to take pressure of prices," but triple-digit-oil prices are providing little incentive for gasoline refiners and wholesales to lower prices. (The oil component accounts for about 50-55% of the cost of a gallon of gasoline.) Oil rose $2 to $108.23 per barrel in early trading Monday. Dietz added that he's presently flat, or has no open oil or gasoline positions.

Dietz said, typically, when gasoline demand flattens or drops wholesalers/distributors and retail stations lower prices slightly to spur increased sales. That has not occurred so far this spring, despite statistics indicating U.S. gasoline consumption has declined, on a year-over-year basis, for more than three straight weeks.

Another factor that may be helping to keep gasoline at stubbornly high levels in the face of sluggish demand? Hedge/investment funds buying gasoline futures in search of returns, Dietz said. Dietz said an increased number of hedge funds and investments are turning to commodities, and oil/gasoline in particular, as a way "to achieve decent returns, when stocks and other investments can't" due to the hurting U.S. economy.