Sometimes we like to talk about insider trading technique around here. This is the worst way to insider trade: Work in the information technology department of a big law firm that advises on lots of mergers. Find out about a pending deal from your work computer systems. Buy stock in one of the parties to the deal in your law firm 401(k) account. Realize that that's dumb, your law firm might notice that sort of thing. Sell the stock out of your 401(k) account at a tiny ($90) profit. Then buy short-dated out-of-the-money call options on the same company in your personal account. Panic when, completely coincidentally, a ... (full story)