I now have enough data to write a focused, news-driven options article. Key stories: AMGN FDA put-heavy activity, GM bullish call activity post earnings beat, energy sector (XOM/HAL) call positioning on oil above $110, and AMGN's bearish RSI (39.15) flagging stress. Let me also note GameStop's elevated short score (75.5) and speculative options patterns, and the bullish call sweep activity in energy names.
Crude oil topping $110 a barrel has lit up energy options desks. Exxon Mobil and Halliburton are seeing heavy call-side positioning. HAL is up 42% year-to-date. Traders are layering near-term June calls as Goldman Sachs warns oil could hit $120 if the Iran conflict drags on.
Amgen is the standout bearish story. The FDA moved to withdraw approval of TAVNEOS over alleged data manipulation. AMGN's 14-day RSI dropped to 39. Put activity is stacking up in the May and June expiry chains. Near-term May 1 puts are the most active. The ORTEX options score for the biotech sector ranked AMGN at the top of unusual options flow for the week.
General Motors flipped the script. Q1 earnings topped estimates. Analysts see 20% upside from here. Call volume in GM's May 22 expiry jumped after the beat. The stock is still down 4% year-to-date, which makes the options move more striking.
Speculative interest is also rising in GameStop. Its short score sits at 75.5 out of 100 — near a 12-month high. Days to cover hit 16.8. Options market participants are watching for a squeeze catalyst. Put/call skew in GME remains volatile around each weekly expiry.
Rivian is another name drawing attention. Short score is 68.9. YTD the stock is down 15%. Options bets are split, but negative flow has been climbing over the past week as earnings approach.
This article is for informational purposes and does not constitute financial advice.
ORTEX Market Intelligence content is generated by AI from a snapshot of ORTEX's proprietary data. Content is informational only and does not constitute investment advice.
