Semiconductor stocks are dominating options flow this week. NVDA tops positive options bets among large caps, with call-heavy positioning reflecting AI euphoria that has pushed the stock up 18% year-to-date. Its options chain runs expiries near-daily through August, signalling intense trader interest.
MU is the standout in the semiconductor space. The stock has surged 156% year to date. Options traders have piled into both calls and puts, putting it among the top names for negative bets as well — a sign of two-sided positioning ahead of its upcoming Q2 results.
INTC is another name generating unusual options flow. Up 200% year to date, its chain shows a cluster of expiries in late August — unusual for a stock with low momentum scores. That backloaded positioning suggests traders are bracing for a catalyst well beyond the current quarter.
Iran tensions are a second driver. Headlines warning of a US strike threat rattled oil markets. XOM options show active near-term expiries through May 22, with traders hedging energy exposure around the geopolitical timeline.
In a separate signal, LI — the Chinese EV maker — has borrow availability at just 6.7% of short interest heading into its May 28 earnings. That extreme squeeze on available shares often correlates with elevated put premiums as hedgers scramble for downside cover.
GD (General Dynamics) tops the 7-day positive options sentiment table. Defense stocks are benefiting from the Iran-driven spending narrative. Call flow there has hit 100% positive over the past week — a clean bullish read.
This is not 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.
