The Long and Short of ASML Holding N.V. (ASML)

Shares of ASML Holding N.V. ASML are higher on the session by 1.38%, currently trading at $42.94. The company is scheduled to report earnings before the bell on April 13th, 2011. Playing stocks into earnings is often considered flat out gambling, but if done right, traders can take advantage of near-term discrepancies in price to reap large rewards. Feeling lucky? Here are few trade setups to voice your bear or bull opinion… Bulls: Bulls will note the upward-trending 50-day and 200-day moving averages, saying that shares have garnered and maintained bull support. The $45.00 level remains resistance, though shares appear to be consolidating before a move higher. Bulls will also note that the stock has seen a massive amount of call activity over the past two weeks. A bullish trader would consider buying the May $45/47.50 call spread for $0.70. Bears: Bears will note that shares failed to make a higher high on the recent rebound, finding stiff resistance near $45.00. With shares now trading at $42.95, the stage has been set for a bear trend to form. A move through the 50-day moving average would confirm that a new bear trend has been formed. Bears will also note that the 20-day moving average is now downward-trending. A bearish trader could consider buying the May $42.50/40.00/35.00 put tree for a net debit of $0.85. ASML Holding N.V. is a holding company, which operates through its subsidiaries. The company is a provider of advanced technology systems for the semiconductor industry. It offers an integrated portfolio of lithography systems mainly for manufacturing complex integrated circuits. The company supplies lithography systems to IC manufacturers throughout Asia, the United States and Europe and also provides its customers with a range of support services from advanced process and product applications knowledge to complete round-the-clock service support. Wondering how Benzinga's Chief Options Strategist is playing ASMLClick here to find out…