Options Strategist Sees Opportunity in Big Tech and Energy Stocks

As of November 13th, 2025, options strategist Sean McLaughlin is positioning for a potential surge in the stock market by the end of the year. Despite recent volatility and uncertainty in the macroeconomic backdrop, McLaughlin believes the market is set up for a "face ripper rally" into the year-end.

McLaughlin's current portfolio reflects his bullish outlook, with long positions in energy names, mining stocks, and large-cap tech giants like Cisco, Intel, and Amazon. He expects the "mag seven" big-cap names to see significant capital inflows as investors seek liquidity. At the same time, McLaughlin notes that healthcare stocks have started to position well, while some of the smaller, high-flying tech plays have faded a bit.

To hedge his long options premium exposure, McLaughlin is selling call credit spreads on the S&P 500 index. He emphasizes that this is not a bearish bet, but rather a way to generate income if the market simply chops around in the near term without a significant pullback.

Looking at the potential government shutdown resolution, McLaughlin sees Delta Airlines as the best-positioned airline stock, with a trading range that suggests it is waiting for a catalyst to break out. He believes a resolution to the shutdown could provide that much-needed boost.

Regarding Bitcoin, McLaughlin acknowledges the cryptocurrency's recent struggles, with a trading range that has frustrated many investors. He believes the volatility that crypto traders have grown accustomed to has dampened as more institutional money has entered the market. However, McLaughlin remains optimistic about Bitcoin's long-term prospects, citing ongoing adoption and new ways for investors to gain exposure.