Today is quadruple witching day! I know, it seems odd so far away from Halloween, but it actually happens four times a year, and it refers to a certain stock market event. There are not four magic sorcerers or stock traders wearing costumes with pointy hats.

Quadruple witching day simply refers to a day every quarter when several options contracts expire at the same time.

What effect does quadruple witching have?

On quadruple witching day, “stocks are more likely to push higher during the expirations.” This means that all three major markets are likely to finish higher today. However, the positive difference will have to be pretty big for any market to finish without a loss.

That reminds me, I should check on how my stock in that company that does payday loans with no faxing.

Quadruple witching hour

The magic on quadruple witching day actually happens all in the last hour of trading, which is called the quadruple witching hour. It falls the third Friday of March, June, September and December.

The quadruple witching hour is from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, or, as they like to call it, New York Stock Exchange time.

The ‘quad’ in quadruple witching

Quadruple witching happens four times per year, but that isn’t where it got its name. Quadruple witching refers to four types of securities. Those four are:

• Stock index futures
• Stock market index options
• Stock options
• Single stock futures

History of jargon

Quadruple witching was originally called triple witching, before the introduction of single stock futures. Because it was originally called triple witching, many believe it is a reference to the Three Witches featured in Shakespeare’s classic MacBeth.

The phrase was based on these literary characters in order to indicate the additional volatility that leads up to the securities expirations. The term, now “quadruple witching” is generally only used by stock market participants, and thus it is considered industry jargon.

MacBeth and money

This isn’t the first time MacBeth has been associated with money. I know of several high schools that did productions of MacBeth to raise money for the drama club or even just for the school overall. MacBeth has been made into several movie incarnations, although none of them made a significant amount at the U.S. box office.

An independent film called “Scotland PA” was loosely based on MacBeth as well. The film was released in 2001 and made $384,098 at the box office –  not bad for an indie film. The movie took several liberties with Shakespeare’s original plot. For instance, rather than battling over a kingdom, the characters fight for ownership of a fast-food restaurant. The film is set in the ’70s, and the central character, named “Mac,” reveals his idea for the drive-thru window to his boss, only to later be passed over for a promotion in favor of the owner’s son.

So, if you’re not glued to watching the stock market today in anticipation of quadruple witching hour, maybe you  can check it out.

The price tag on a barrel of oil today took a big jump.

If you drive an SUV or other gas-guzzling vehicle, you might want to read up on payday loans in case you need one to fill your tank.

Oil prices rose today shortly after the House of Representatives approved the economic stimulus package. Gas prices also have gone up since yesterday. If you don’t have enough cash to fill your tank, remember that the fees on payday loans are tiny compared to the cost of missing a day of work.

Economic indicators

Though most market researchers say the global demand for crude oil will decrease greatly this year, demand appears to have increased in the United States. Energy analysts believe oil prices and the stimulus plan progress are linked.

“To some extent that may be contributing to some willingness to take on more risk,” said Rachel Ziemba, energy analyst with research firm RGE Monitor.

World market

While barrels of crude are fetching higher prices on the New York Stock Exchange, they are still more valuable in other countries.

The price of Brent crude in London ended trading yesterday at $46.03 a barrel, while oil trading in New York closed at $33.98, according to CNN Money.

The price jump today was the largest rise in a single day since the end of 2008. Last summer oil prices peaked at $147.27 per barrel.

A shaky situation

Brent crude prices fell as investors opted to buy U.S. crude instead. The overall market for crude oil is fundamentally “not very good” said the head of a research trading firm.

The national average for a gallon of gas in the U.S. now is $1.96, and analysts believe that price will continue to climb into the summer, but the market is still fluctuating amid all types of speculation. If you get stuck without any fuel, payday loans might be your ticket to transportation.

Related articles

• Suncor Energy updates hedge position for 2009 and 2010 (newswire.ca)

Payday Loans just might become more valuable than buying stock in precious metals like silver, platinum, palladium and even possibly gold in the year 2009. Recently these precious metals have been declining in value due to the major slowdown of the economy and the price of crude oil dropping significantly. Forecasters are predicting that these precious metals are only going to decline in value even more through the year of 2009. I know what you’re thinking: “Payday loans are not more valuable then gold,” but they can help those who are about to default on mortgage payments which in turn keeps foreclosures from going up.

What Other Stocks Are Seeing a Major Decline?

Some of the world’s largest mining companies are struggling on the market as well. These companies are being asked to cancel some deliveries and reduce production levels of things like iron and coking coal. The largest decline on the market this week goes out to the retail industry, who is suffering major hits due to the recession and future financial fears of the general public.

Retail took a massive impact on the Monday after Black Friday, as stockholders of major retailers like Wal-Mart, Macy’s, Target, and JCPenney saw considerable losses in the value of their stock. With shoppers focusing on saving money and spending less this holiday season, the retail market is sure to see some more sizable losses before the shopping season is over. (Consumers remember to be responsible this holiday season and not use faxless payday loans to purchase gifts for loved ones or yourselves.)

Grim Days for Wall Street

Last Monday, December 1, 2008 marked a harsh reality of recession for Wall Street as the previous week’s stock gains were wiped nearly in half. The DOW dropped 679.95 points, Standard & Poor’s 500-Index stock lost nearly 9%; manufacturing dropped to its lowest since 1982; and for every one stock that rose on the New York Stock Exchange, several more fell. Not to mention that the US Dollar went down again and the price of crude oil and gold dropped as well. With the way that the economy is right now, it looks as though Wall Street is in for a very bumpy ride in 2009.

Unfortunately the news for the stock market will most likely not be favorable for the months ahead as unemployment, retail sales and home sales continue to dwindle. With financial worries of the recession on everyone’s thoughts and the lack of consumer spending, the market is bound to see more downturn, further affecting the economy.

There Is Hope

President Elect Barack Obama is installing hope back into investors with making the economy his primary focus and the aggressive actions that he his taking to get the nation back on its feet. He has put together an impressive economic team and says he will have an economic plan ready to go for when he steps into office. All Wall Street can do now is ride out the recession wave and look forward to strong economic plans to be put into action to get the market back on track.

And remember Money Bloggers, if you need help with financial crunches, payday loans are available to you.