Armored vehicle maker Force Protection (NASDAQ: FRPT) has been slammed down to the single digits on fears that its sole product might be on the way out because of cuts in government spending. Who knows? The CEO says the company is doing fine, but the downtrending stock price is much more convincing. If the stock price is meant to make up lost ground, it should have no problem breaking out past $6, which it has not been able to do for the past few months. I'd avoid until the stock shows some strength.

Within the past few days, IDM Pharmacueticals (NASDAQ: IDMI) has had a huge run-up from under $1 to nearly $4 and a substantial drop to just under $2 -- all due to some positive drug news that was already known since November 2007, and of course the CEO's optimism about European approval. Do I believe the CEO? Yeah right! My distrust of CEOs is dwarfed only by my distrust of biotech CEOs! This company is not in the same league as other recently hot biotechs like Savient Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: SVNT) and Rigel Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: RIGL). Avoid, with a short bias on any spikes.

When I wrote this article about A-Power Generation Systems (NASDAQ: APWR), all the variables were aligned for a great run-up. I wanted to hold, but the volume and share price didn't live up to my expectations, so I sold quickly. Now, this company, potentially the new First Solar (NASDAQ: FSLR) of wind energy, has nearly retraced to its original breakout area around $15, so the risk has gone down ... but so has the reward. If you're a long-term investor, this is a solid choice, but I need it to break its previous highs at $19 to make me a buyer again. Avoid, with a long bias if it breaks out.

Wendy's International Inc. (NYSE: WEN) overall implied volatility increases as WEN reviews strategic options.

• WEN is recently up $2.47 to $40.70.
  
• WEN announced "formation of a special committee of independent directors to review strategic options to enhance shareholder value on 4/26/07."
  
• WEN May option implied volatility is at 40 and June is at 39; above its 26-week average of 23 according to Track Data, suggesting larger risk.

IDM Pharma Inc. (NASDAQ: IDMI) options active and prices valued for Risk into 5/9 FDA outcome.

• IDMI is recently down $2.82 to $5.98.
  
• IDMI will hold a conference call on 5/9 to discuss the outcome of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration Oncologic Drugs Advisory Committee meeting for Junovan (treatment for non-metastatic respectable osteosarcoma).
  
• IDMI call option volume of 2,689 contracts compares to put volume of 2,364 contracts. IDMI May 5 straddle is priced at $3.60 according to Track Data, suggesting large price risks.

Option volume leaders today are: Dendreon Corp. (NASDAQ: DNDN), Elan Corp. (NYSE: ELN), Citigroup Inc. (NYSE: C) and Alcoa Inc. (NYSE: AA).

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