On Monday morning, one option trader took advantage of the uptick in the VIX to sell out-of-the-money puts on the S&P 500 ETF (SPY) expiring this week.
Strong mortgage originations have propped up bank earnings over the past several quarters, but the trend may have weakened in the first quarter, according to FBR Capital, which lowered the earnings estimate for six banks. TheStreet.com reports.