Market volatility is picking up. How to use option spreads to protect and maximize returns

Michael Khouw breaks down how to take advantage of asymmetrical stock returns using options, as volatility picks up.

Energy is the best-performing sector in the S&P 500 so far this year — and it’s not just because of the rise in oil prices February 13, 2026
The energy sector has been the best-performing sector in the S&P 500 this year — and it’s not just because risks to global oil flows, tied to Venezuela and Iran, have boosted crude prices by nearly 10%.
Myra P. Saefong
Rivian’s stock jumps as investors cheer big growth potential this year February 13, 2026
Rivian expects to deliver up to 67,000 EVs this year but could dole out more than $2.1 billion on capital expenditures as it expands its roadmap.
William Gavin
Coinbase swings to surprise loss amid crypto exodus, but says traders are buying the dip February 13, 2026
The crypto exchange’s stock bounced off a two-year low as it looked to ease investor worries amid a sharp crypto selloff.
Bill Peters
Airbnb expects a continued travel rebound this year, as it banks on new services February 13, 2026
The vacation-rental platform is also moving deeper into an industry it once sought to disrupt — hotels.
Bill Peters
DraftKings’ stock sinks as investors balk at the high cost of a push into prediction markets February 13, 2026
The sports-betting company sees “a massive, incremental opportunity” in the hot world of prediction markets.
Emily Bary
My elderly mother has dementia. My sister sold her house and has hidden the proceeds. What can we do? February 13, 2026
“My sister is planning to move out of state and feels it is her right to control the money.”
Quentin Fottrell
‘I’m a loner’: I’m 62 with a multimillion-dollar portfolio and no heirs. Should I find a wife for my twilight years? February 13, 2026
“I have never been married, have no siblings, and both my parents have passed away.”
Quentin Fottrell
Amazon’s stock just entered a bear market. This ‘Magnificent Seven’ name could be next. February 12, 2026
Big Tech stocks are being pummeled by fears of AI overspending, but some are more at risk than others
Christine Ji
Dow ends below 50,000 threshold for first time since Friday as AI fears spark wider stock selloff February 12, 2026
The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed below the 50,000 threshold for the first time since Friday, as fears spread that artificial intelligence might disrupt areas of business beyond tech and software.
Joy Wiltermuth
Long-term Treasury bonds rally as investors dump stocks in broad-based selloff February 12, 2026
Long-term Treasurys had their best day in months on Thursday, as investors looked for safety in the bond market amid a broad selloff in U.S. equities.
Christine Idzelis