STOCKS NEWS US-Symantec option volume swells. calls active

Stocks on the move [HOT-RTRS] Real-Time Equity news [U E]

U.S. stock market report [.N] 1414 ET-24Dec2008 Symantec options volume heavy, calls active ------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Option volume in security software maker Symantec Corp (SYMC.O) surged to three times the normal level with no apparent catalyst. According to Trade Alert, about 5,231 puts and 6,760 calls traded, and sentiment based on option order flow was 67 percent bullish. Investors eyed the Feb $15 calls, where more than 6,000 contracts traded as players established fresh long positions, betting that shares will advance before February expiration, said Interactive Brokers Group analyst Andrew Wilkinson. On the put side, WhatsTrading.com strategist Frederic Ruffy said the Feb $12.50 strike appeared to be bought-to-open this morning after a block of 2,153 traded for a premium of $1.25. Its earnings are due on Jan. 28, he added.

Reuters Messaging: doris.frankel.reuters.com@reuters.net

1334 ET-24Dec2008-Players initiate bearish option strategies in Rohm-analyst ------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Shares in Rohm and Haas ROH.N fell 2.32 percent to $63.88. In the options market some investors have put bearish strategies on the table prompted by uncertainty of a proposed takeover for the specialty chemicals maker, said Interactive Brokers Group analyst Andrew Wilkinson. In July, Dow Chemical (DOW.N) said it would acquire rival Rohm for $15.3 billion. Dow said earlier this month it considered altering the structure of its bid and was committed to completing the acquisition. In a note to clients, Wilkinson said players sold Rohm January calls where some 2,000 lots were sold for $1.70 premium at the $70 strike. On the put side, they paid heavy premiums to acquire rights to sell shares before January's expiration at the fixed price of $60 and $50. At the higher strike, he said players bought around 1,000 puts at $7.80 each, while the $50 strike earlier drew similar volume at a $5.40 premium.

Reuters Messaging: doris.frankel.reuters.com@reuters.net 1317 ET 24Dec2008-RIM claims Motorola is blocking jobs -Bloomberg ------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Research in Motion (RIMM.O) Wednesday sued Motorola (MOT.N), claiming that the company is improperly blocking it from offering jobs to former Motorola employees, according to a report by Bloomberg.

RIM, which manufactures the BlackBerry smart phone, asked for an order invalidating an agreement the companies reached this year to not solicit each other's employees, Bloomberg said. [ID:nBNG250770]