Last week, SpaceX’s Starship didn’t cancel at the last second. The rocket didn’t explode, but the stock dipped slightly—and it’s now down nearly 50% from its peak. This Friday, another launch is reportedly scheduled. At this point, going long or short both carry risk: if the second launch succeeds, the stock could surge sharply; if it fails—or worse, explodes—the stock will likely plummet. What you can do instead is bet on increased volatility. As I analyzed in my pinned post on Leopold’s situational holdings, use a Straddle strategy. For example, with the stock around $120, simultaneously buy a Call and a Put option both with a strike price near $120, expiring next week or later. If the launch succeeds and the stock rises, the Call profits while the Put expires worthless. If it fails and the stock drops, the Put profits while the Call expires worthless—as long as your profit covers your initial cost. Of course, if the rocket launches or explodes but the stock price remains stubbornly near its current level, both options expire worthless—and you lose. But that’s precisely why you use a Straddle: you’re betting on volatility to spike, not stagnate. I don’t believe it’ll stay flat! Here’s the frustrating part: a few days ago, I tried opening an account on Moomoo (Futu’s Australian subsidiary). I spent ages filling out forms—source of funds, employment details, tax ID, everything. Then I got an email: “Some of your information doesn’t match government records—possibly name, date of birth, or residential address…” I was furious. When in crypto history have we ever had to jump through so many hoops just to open an account? After getting used to CEXs and DEXs, traditional finance feels unbearable! (I’ve included the email screenshot at the end.) Good news: @BITstocks_CN is launching options this Friday! I feel saved… 2,000+ stocks and ETFs with option premiums as low as $0.30 per contract (likely the lowest in the space). While it currently only supports buying Calls and Puts—not selling options yet—it’s more than enough for short-term use. Short-selling options are coming soon. Margin trading, short selling, and options are the three hallmarks of a mature brokerage—and each is progressively harder to implement. 1. Margin trading (borrowing to buy stocks—going long): Low barrier; many platforms offer it. 2. Short selling (borrowing shares to sell—going short): Much more complex. Brokers need sufficient inventory to lend, manage borrowing fees, handle dividends and voting rights, and mitigate forced buy-in risks. Most small platforms can’t support it. 3. Options: Even more complex. Requires robust risk management systems, market maker partnerships, margin calculation engines, and more. BIT is one of the very few platforms in our space offering all three—and not only that, you can even use margin to buy options. It’s truly unique—I call it the “Crypto IBKR.” Currently, there’s a promotion: open an account and receive a free options data card. From July 24 to August 7, first-time options traders can earn $20 in fractional shares of popular stocks. Invite friends to trade options and get $5 in cash options vouchers per referral.