Earnings Week Sparks Unusual Options Bets

A busy earnings calendar is driving unusual options activity across US markets this week. Several high-profile names head into their Q2 prints with notable positioning signals.

Rocket Companies stands out. Its short score sits at 63 and days-to-cover at 5.6. The stock is down 27% year-to-date. Options market data shows unusually elevated positioning heading into its Q2 earnings print. Analysts see 35% upside. That combination — heavy shorting plus bullish analyst targets — creates a loaded setup.

NRG Energy shows a striking disconnect. The stock has fallen 26.5% year-to-date but analysts price in 67% return potential. RSI sits at 36, in oversold territory. Short score is 37. Options bets here reflect a market divided on whether the selloff is overdone.

Zeta Global carries a short score of 62 and 5.7 days-to-cover. It reports Q2 results soon. YTD it is up 19%. The combination of elevated short interest and positive price momentum is a classic pre-earnings tension trade.

On the macro side, Berkshire Hathaway, Cisco, and Occidental Petroleum all report this week. OXY is up 34% YTD. Its options score is high among S&P 500 names. With Berkshire and Cisco also printing numbers, broad market volatility expectations remain elevated heading into the back half of the week. Traders should watch for sharp moves at expiry.

This is not financial advice.