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Unusual Activity Report
This daily report focuses on three key components that can lead to market momentum: unusual options activity, insider buying, and institutional sponsorship. By scanning for these signals each day, we uncover potential stock movements driven by notable trades, insider transactions, and institutional investments. Using advanced algorithms and proprietary research methods, we sift through vast amounts of data to identify unique opportunities, offering timely insights highlighting emerging market momentum.
Disclaimer: All data and information presented in this report are sourced from publicly available materials intended for informational purposes only. The content is not a recommendation to buy or sell securities and should not be relied upon as financial advice. Readers are encouraged to conduct their own research before making any investment decisions.
Standout Options Trades
This section highlights notable options trades reflecting significant sentiment—bullish, bearish, or mixed—characterized by high-dollar-value transactions or large trade sizes exceeding prior open interest. When open interest rises from the previous day, it often indicates the creation of new positions rather than the closing of existing ones, suggesting a fresh outlook on the underlying stock or ETF.
For instance, call buying generally signals an expectation of upward movement, while selling calls suggest the trader anticipates the price will stay below a certain level. Put selling reflects confidence that the price will hold above the strike, implying stability. In contrast, put buying may reveal a bearish outlook or serve as a hedge against a larger bullish position elsewhere.
Note: This report highlights large, unusual options trades identified for their size and potential impact, representing individual sentiment rather than broad market consensus. These trades are informational and are not intended as buy or sell signals. They reflect noteworthy activity observed during the trading day and should be viewed as one part of a broader analysis.
Options Flow Analysis: Trading Day 2024-12-30
The following analysis focuses on the Stock Options Flow Leaderboard for the trading day 2024-12-30. Each section highlights significant institutional activity, providing sentiment, key observations, and market expectations based on the data. All numbers represent large block trades likely executed by institutional players, not total-market figures.
Intel Corporation (INTC)
Sentiment: Bullish
Options Activity: Significant call activity with $12.63M in call premiums bought compared to $2.05M sold. Put activity showed $9.81M in premiums bought versus $33.14M sold.
Total Values: Net premium of $33.91M indicates a strong bullish stance by institutional traders.
Expectations: With calls being heavily bought and substantial put selling, there is confidence in upward price stability above key levels.
Micron Technology, Inc. (MU)
Sentiment: Bullish
Options Activity: Call premiums of $812K bought against $1.79M sold. Notably, $9.79M in put premiums were bought while $38.07M in puts were sold.
Total Values: Net premium of $27.31M points to bullish sentiment.
Expectations: Despite some put buying, the significant put selling reflects confidence in price stability above key support levels.
Exxon Mobil Corporation (XOM)
Sentiment: Bullish
Options Activity: Call premiums totaled $511K bought versus $674K sold, with minimal put premiums bought ($168K) and $23.82M in puts sold.
Total Values: Net premium of $23.49M emphasizes bullish positioning.
Expectations: Limited call activity and significant put selling suggest institutional confidence in price stability or modest upward movement.
Chevron Corporation (CVX)
Sentiment: Mixed
Options Activity: Sparse call activity; $12.25M in put premiums bought against $29.89M sold.
Total Values: Net premium of $17.63M reflects a mildly bullish outlook despite notable put buying.
Expectations: Mixed sentiment with confidence in downside protection, suggesting hedging or speculative positioning.
Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (REGN)
Sentiment: Bullish
Options Activity: Call activity dominated with $10.67M in premiums bought. No significant put activity.
Total Values: Net premium of $10.68M reflects strong bullish sentiment.
Expectations: Clear confidence in upward momentum based on focused call buying.
Occidental Petroleum Corporation (OXY)
Sentiment: Bullish
Options Activity: $315K in call premiums bought and $211K sold. Put activity featured $3.73M in premiums bought against $12.39M sold.
Total Values: Net premium of $8.77M reflects bullish positioning.
Expectations: Significant put selling suggests confidence in price stability above critical levels.
Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. (AMD)
Sentiment: Bullish
Options Activity: $3.83M in call premiums bought and $5.91M sold. Notable put premiums of $33.12M bought and $43.90M sold.
Total Values: Net premium of $8.70M indicates mild bullish sentiment.
Expectations: Mixed activity leans bullish due to heavy put selling and confidence in price stability.
U.S. Bancorp (USB)
Sentiment: Bullish
Options Activity: $10.47M in call premiums bought with minimal put activity.
Total Values: Net premium of $8.33M underscores bullish outlook.
Expectations: Strong call buying suggests upward price confidence with limited downside hedging.
Fifth Third Bancorp (FITB)
Sentiment: Bullish
Options Activity: $7.95M in call premiums bought. No significant put activity.
Total Values: Net premium of $7.95M reflects bullish sentiment.
Expectations: Institutional focus on calls points to optimism for price gains.
Moderna, Inc. (MRNA)
Sentiment: Bearish
Options Activity: Sparse call activity ($49K bought). Put activity dominated with $74.03M in premiums bought and $81.77M sold.
Total Values: Net premium of $7.78M signals hedging or bearish sentiment.
Expectations: Heavy put activity indicates caution or bearish sentiment tied to potential downside risks.
Alphabet Inc. (GOOGL)
Sentiment: Bullish
Options Activity: $11.31M in call premiums bought and $4.77M sold. Limited put activity.
Total Values: Net premium of $7.51M reflects bullish positioning.
Expectations: Call buying points to institutional optimism for upward price movement.
PepsiCo, Inc. (PEP)
Sentiment: Bullish
Options Activity: Limited activity dominated by $5.38M in put premiums sold.
Total Values: Net premium of $4.74M signals bullish sentiment.
Expectations: Put selling reflects confidence in price stability.
Meta Platforms, Inc. (META)
Sentiment: Bullish
Options Activity: $3.05M in call premiums bought versus $1.92M sold. Modest put activity.
Total Values: Net premium of $4.47M supports bullish sentiment.
Expectations: Call buying reflects institutional optimism for upward price movement.
The Cigna Group (CI)
Sentiment: Bearish
Options Activity: $4.24M in put premiums bought with no significant call activity.
Total Values: Net premium of $4.24M highlights bearish sentiment.
Expectations: Heavy put buying suggests caution or hedging against downside risks.
Uber Technologies, Inc. (UBER)
Sentiment: Bullish
Options Activity: $2.67M in call premiums bought and $3.10M sold. Minimal put activity.
Total Values: Net premium of $2.99M reflects mild bullish sentiment.
Expectations: Call activity signals optimism for upward movement, though sentiment remains cautious.
Concluding Observations:
The options flow data reveals predominantly bullish sentiment among institutional traders, with notable confidence in the tech, energy, and financial sectors. Companies like Intel (INTC), Micron Technology (MU), and Exxon Mobil (XOM) exhibit strong net premiums driven by call buying and substantial put selling, signaling optimism for price stability or upward movement. The tech sector, including Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) and Alphabet (GOOGL), shows resilience, with heavy call buying supporting a bullish outlook. In energy, Chevron (CVX) and Occidental Petroleum (OXY) reflect mixed to bullish sentiment, driven by strategic put selling. While most companies demonstrate positive positioning, bearish sentiment emerges in Moderna (MRNA) and The Cigna Group (CI), where heavy put buying highlights cautious hedging against downside risks. Overall, institutional activity underscores confidence in upward momentum across key sectors, with select bearish outliers indicating potential risk areas.
Individual Options Trades: Trading Day 2024-12-30
This section focuses on unusual trades that stand out on an individual basis. These trades are highlighted for their distinctiveness, reflecting significant activity that diverges from typical market behavior.
Energy Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLE)
Sentiment: Bearish
Options Activity: Purchase of PUT contracts with a strike price of $95 expiring on January 17, 2025.
Total Values: $3,281,050 in premium paid.
Strike Price: $95
Expectations: Spot price at $84.475 suggests a bearish outlook, anticipating further decline below the $95 strike price or hedging.
Health Care Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLV)
Sentiment: Bullish
Options Activity: Sale of PUT contracts with strike prices of $154 and $150 expiring on January 17, 2025, and March 21, 2025.
Total Values: $3,275,875 in premiums collected.
Strike Price: $150-$154
Expectations: Spot price at $137.165 reflects bullish sentiment, expecting stability above the sold strike prices.
iShares 20+ Year Treasury Bond ETF (TLT)
Sentiment: Bullish
Options Activity: Sale of PUT contracts with strike prices of $94 and $95 expiring on January 17, 2025.
Total Values: $5,071,000 in premiums collected.
Strike Price: $94-$95
Expectations: Spot price at $87.865 indicates confidence that prices will stay above these strikes.
iTeos Therapeutics, Inc. (ITOS)
Sentiment: Bearish
Options Activity: Sale of CALL contracts with a strike price of $15 expiring on July 18, 2025.
Total Values: $15,000,000 in premiums collected.
Strike Price: $15
Expectations: Spot price at $7.28974 suggests bearish sentiment, expecting prices to remain below $15.
ProShares UltraPro QQQ (TQQQ)
Sentiment: Mixed
Options Activity: Multiple trades, including PUTs expiring January 3, 2025, with a strike of $81 near the spot price of $80.795 and CALLs expiring the same date at $80 near the spot price of $80.6346.
Total Values: Premiums exceed $4,000,000 across trades.
Strike Price: $80-$81
Expectations: The mixed activity around $80-$81 suggests potential hedging or mixed outlooks, with confidence in minimal price fluctuation around this range.
NGL Energy Partners LP (NGL)
Sentiment: Mixed
Options Activity: CALL trades at a $6 strike for July 18, 2025, and at a $4 strike for the same date, spot price fluctuating near $4.655.
Total Values: Premiums approximately $100,000.
Strike Price: $4-$6
Expectations: The sentiment indicates diverse strategies, possibly due to broader market uncertainties impacting NGL.
AngloGold Ashanti Limited (AU)
Sentiment: Bearish
Options Activity: Selling of CALLs at a $20 strike expiring January 16, 2026, with a spot price around $22.72.
Total Values: $285,000 in premiums collected.
Strike Price: $20
Expectations: Confidence that AU will stay below $20, significantly below its current spot price of $22.72.
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited (TSM)
Sentiment: Bullish
Options Activity: Selling PUTs expiring February 21, 2025, with a $195 strike close to the spot price of $200.035.
Total Values: Premiums of over $8,000,000.
Strike Price: $195
Expectations: The bullish sentiment reflects confidence in limited downside risk near $200.
Microsoft Corporation (MSFT)
Sentiment: Bearish
Options Activity: Heavy PUT buying at a $430 strike for August 15, 2025, slightly above the spot price of $423.855.
Total Values: Premiums exceed $6,000,000.
Strike Price: $430
Expectations: Significant downside protection or bearish hedging, suggesting concerns over MSFT price declines.
Apple Inc. (AAPL)
Sentiment: Bullish
Options Activity: CALL buying at a $245 strike expiring February 21, 2025, with the spot price around $251.205.
Total Values: Premiums exceed $3,000,000.
Strike Price: $245
Expectations: Anticipation of continued upward movement above the current levels around $251.
Intel Corporation (INTC)
Sentiment: Mixed
Options Activity: Heavy CALL trading at $18 and $20 strikes expiring January 16, 2026, with the spot price near $19.755.
Total Values: Premiums collected exceed $5,000,000.
Strike Price: $18-$20
Expectations: Mixed strategies suggest hedging or speculative bets on INTC staying range-bound.
Exxon Mobil Corporation (XOM)
Sentiment: Bullish
Options Activity: Sale of PUT contracts with strike prices ranging from $120 to $130 expiring on January 17, 2025.
Total Values: $22,142,500 in premiums collected.
Strike Price: $120-$130
Expectations: Spot price at $105.84 reflects confidence in stabilization above these levels.
Insider Transactions
Each day, insider transactions provide insights into the movements of key executives and shareholders within various companies. These transactions can signal confidence in future performance or a need to liquidate holdings. Today’s report identified the most significant insider purchases and sales, highlighting influential figures and companies that made notable moves. Let’s take a look at some of today’s standout transactions.
US Insider Purchases
Chewy Inc (CHWY)
Buyer: Sumit Singh (Chief Executive Officer, Executive Director)
Shares Purchased: 507,089 (+36.1%)
Price: USD 34.44
Total Value: USD 17,464,145
Globalstar Inc (GSAT)
Buyer: James Monroe III (Non-Executive Director, Large Shareholder)
Shares Purchased: 1,000,000 (+8.8%)
Price: USD 2.13
Total Value: USD 2,128,700
PBF Energy Inc (PBF)
Buyer: Control Empresarial de Capitales S.A. de C.V. (Large Shareholder)
Shares Purchased: 70,000 (+0.2%)
Price: USD 25.56
Total Value: USD 1,788,941
ASA Gold and Precious Metals Ltd (ASA)
Buyer: Alexander Merk (COO, Officer)
Shares Purchased: 23,068 (+20.5%)
Price: USD 20.16
Total Value: USD 465,023
US Insider Sales
Chewy Inc (CHWY)
Seller: Sumit Singh (Chief Executive Officer, Executive Director)
Shares Sold: 64,814 (-4.4%)
Price: USD 35.10
Total Value: USD 2,275,231
Samsara Inc (IOT)
Seller: Sanjit Biswas (Chief Executive Officer, Executive Director, Large Shareholder)
Shares Sold: 53,883 (-2.7%)
Price: USD 44.24
Total Value: USD 2,383,967
Darden Restaurants Inc (DRI)
Seller: Melvin John Martin (President, SRG, Officer)
Shares Sold: 9,470 (-42.9%)
Price: USD 188.07
Total Value: USD 1,780,995
Macerich Co (MAC)
Seller: Andrea M. Stephen (Non-Executive Director)
Shares Sold: 63,289 (-100.0%)
Price: USD 20.59
Total Value: USD 1,303,121
Atlassian Corp (TEAM)
Seller: Michael Cannon-Brookes (CEO, Co-Founder, Executive Director, Large Shareholder)
Shares Sold: 4,436 (-15.2%)
Price: USD 255.62
Total Value: USD 1,133,921
CDN Insider Purchases
Scryb Inc. (SCYB)
Buyer: Gregory Joseph Van Staveren (Director of Issuer, Non-Executive Director)
Shares Purchased: 3,000,000 (+375.0%)
Price: CAD 0.03
Total Value: CAD 75,000
The Eelleet Network Corp. (formerly Kirkland Precious Metals Corp.)
Buyer: Merfin Management Ltd (10% Security Holder of Issuer, Large Shareholder)
Shares Purchased: 2,118,500 (+18.1%)
Price: CAD 0.03
Total Value: CAD 69,911
Calian Group Ltd (CGY)
Buyer: Valerie Sorbie (Director of Issuer, Non-Executive Director)
Shares Purchased: 1,700 (+360.2%)
Price: CAD 48.27
Total Value: CAD 82,059
Bullion Gold Resources Corp. (BGD)
Buyer: Luc Gervais (Director of Issuer, Non-Executive Director)
Shares Purchased: 500,000
Price: CAD 0.05
Total Value: CAD 25,000
CDN Insider Sales
Ares Strategic Mining Inc (ARS)
Seller: James Walker (Director of Issuer, Senior Officer of Issuer, Executive Director)
Shares Sold: 20,000 (-0.3%)
Price: CAD 0.20
Total Value: CAD 4,000
Institutional Spotlight: Globalstar (GSAT)
Institutional ownership in Globalstar, Inc. has demonstrated notable growth, reflecting increased confidence among major stakeholders. The company currently has 360 institutional owners on record, comprising 344 long-only, 5 short-only, and 11 long/short holders, marking a 1.69% increase in ownership for the most recent quarter (MRQ). These institutions collectively hold 445,864,330 shares, representing 23.56% of total shares outstanding (excluding Schedule 13D/G filings). The number of institutional shares grew by 46.00 million shares, an 11.45% increase MRQ, signaling significant recent buy activity.
Leading institutional holders include industry giants such as Vanguard Group Inc., BlackRock, Inc., and State Street Corp. Other notable shareholders include Mudrick Capital Management, L.P., Greenhouse Funds LLLP, and Geode Capital Management, LLC. Mutual funds such as VTSMX – Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund Investor Shares and NAESX – Vanguard Small-Cap Index Fund Investor Shares, along with ETFs like IWM – iShares Russell 2000 ETF, further underscore the robust institutional interest in the company.
Globalstar’s institutional ownership breakdown underscores the diverse nature of its investor base, with contributions from passive funds like Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund Investor Shares (VTSMX) and active hedge funds like Mudrick Capital Management. The mix of passive and active strategies hints at balanced market sentiment, combining long-term confidence with strategic positioning.
Institutional Momentum Watchlists
Welcome to the Institutional Momentum Watchlist, an exclusive feature for our members. This list highlights stocks that have recently caught the attention of institutional investors, either through new purchases or significant additions. These stocks are selected based on promising technical setups that suggest potential momentum. Our systematic approach filters for opportunities where institutional sponsorship aligns with favorable technical conditions, offering a unique edge in your trading strategy. Keep an eye on this watchlist as we update it each weekend with the latest insights from the market.
Click on the CandleGlance chart to view it in full size. Find a chart that matches your criteria or interests. You can easily save it to your watchlist on StockCharts.com for further analysis and tracking or copy and paste the ticker list into your chart provider.
US Institutional Momentum Watchlist
STI, MYSZ, IVDA, FEAM, IDAI, BKYI, EVAX, QTI, MFH, MRNS, PTPI, TENX, CYCC, ALLT, GDS, ONVO, FBRX, REE, GOVX, EKSO, PLCE, STIM, NEOV, MIND, SHLS, BSGM, SATX, ECX, ONDS, MODV, PHX, RSSS, LW, VEON, LWAY, VTYX, CDTX, SQFT, MSAI, MLTX, IBIO, TSE, AMWL, UNCY, TARS, NPWR, PVLA, ACIU, OLN, ZIM, WYY, RDWR, LFST, LI, KALA, PHLT, FDX, INVZ, CARG, INDV, INBX, GPOR, SLRX, NN, SPR, HAIN, USM, EZPW, GRCE, WEAV, FRPT, GM, RDW, TARA, CHWY, EQV, YHNAU, USDU, BKLN, BOXX, CME, HCP, AZO
Canadian Institutional Momentum Watchlist
ELBM.V, PTK.V, TAL.TO, ONEX.TO, PNE.TO, CAE.TO, WRN.TO, NG.TO, PEY.TO, DXT.TO, AEP.V, TVE.TO, LAAC.TO, ONC.TO, MX.TO, OGC.TO, ATZ.TO, NXR/UN.TO, ACB.TO, NEO.TO, SSL.TO, GWO.TO, FC.TO, URC.TO, EXE.TO, EQX.TO, MDA.TO, POW.TO, MI/UN.TO, CHP/UN.TO, IAG.TO, NVA.TO, SLF.TO, IGM.TO, FSZ.TO, BNS.TO, EFN.TO, CTS.TO, BMO.TO, TA.TO, EDR.TO, MFC.TO, PZA.TO, CTC/A.TO, TOU.TO, GEI.TO, RY.TO, EIF.TO, REAL.TO, WSP.TO, CPX.TO, TOY.TO, ENB.TO, AGI.TO, EMA.TO, TRP.TO, FCR/UN.TO, OR.TO, CRR/UN.TO, FNV.TO, NWH/UN.TO, ARIS.TO, TPZ.TO, AD/UN.TO, BDGI.TO, WELL.TO, OLA.TO, KMP/UN.TO, FM.TO, JWEL.TO, ARX.TO, GLXY.TO, L.TO, EMP/A.TO
To conclude our report, we thank you for your engagement and insights. Your feedback is valuable, and we encourage you to share your recommendations. Stay attentive to the Daily Setups, the Workspace, and the Watchlists for emerging opportunities. Additionally, explore the PDFs of the scanner results provided in the Daily Setups report. Until next time, happy trading!
