Geos

So far my impression is that index options like SPX and VIX are quite a bit more volatile than the stock trades. Not sure I have the stomach for all that volatility. If I avoid the index trades and just do just the stocks will that give me less volatility (and less profit)? Is that a viable strategy?

I'd be really careful. Some of the technical analysis I'm seeing is not pretty in the near term.

Am I wrong in thinking if sequester takes effect the market will suffer a major blow? Just wondering if people are taking defensive positions and if so what are they? How does this trade sound as a defensive move:? Sell 1 X SPX Sep 2013 1450 Put @ $50 Buy 2 X SPX Sep 2013 1325 Puts @ -$25