Flat feels like down, grade B

Market is mostly flat for the month, but it feels like down, grade B. I make a few trades, staying in the safe harbor, rather than setting sail. My account is slightly up for this option cycle.

Here are a few etfs, year to date, no dividends included:
QQQ Nasdaq 100 19.2%
SPY SP500 18.1%
IWM Russell 2000 13.5%

EEM emerging market -0.6%
TLT US20 yr treasury -5.4%

GLD gold -8.2%
SLV silver -15.6%

My account up 11.3%. The stock indexes continue to lead, precious metals slide lower. I continue to underperform both QQQ and SPY, but half a loaf isn’t all bad for a cautious stance.

My overwrites have done well. Typically, buy 5 shares, sell a 5 delta call. Rebalance with shares or selling options to stay near the delta neutral line. Premiums are tiny on the way otm calls, but the dollar investment is small on portfolio margin. Risk is that the stock craters or moons. Slightly higher, slightly lower is good.

I’ve mostly stayed clear of the most popular meme stocks. Occasionally taking a tiny position via selling way otm puts.