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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.
SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY)
Sentiment: Mixed. There was a significant sell-side activity in SPY calls for January 2025, combined with buy-side flows in deep out-of-the-money calls, suggesting a hedging or speculative positioning around a broader market move.
Options Activity: Multiple sweeps for calls expiring January 17, 2025, at $562 and $568 strikes. Key premium paid includes $2.06 million.
Total Values: Approximately $6.1 million in total premiums for standout strikes.
Strike Price: $562 to $596.
Expectations: These trades reflect diverse positioning for upside or capped risk scenarios. Monitor for volatility ahead of expiry.
iShares Russell 2000 ETF (IWM)
Sentiment: Bearish, as evidenced by heavy put buying with significant notional value.
Options Activity: A block trade of 1,040 puts at the $231 strike expiring January 2025 at a premium of $1.20 million. Additional notable put sweep activity for January 2025.
Total Values: Over $4.9 million across key put trades.
Strike Price: $231.
Expectations: The market is hedging or anticipating downside momentum in the small-cap space.
Rocket Lab USA (RKLB)
Sentiment: Bearish due to notable call selling for January 2025.
Options Activity: A large trade of 3,176 calls sold at the $17 strike, generating premiums of $780,000.
Total Values: Approximately $780,000 in key trades.
Strike Price: $17.
Expectations: This activity suggests traders anticipate limited upside for RKLB within the trade’s time horizon.
Pfizer Inc. (PFE)
Sentiment: Mixed, with significant put selling (bullish) and put buying (bearish).
Options Activity: Heavy flow of puts at $35 and $42.5 strikes, expiring January 2025. Premiums ranged from $806,450 to $2.67 million.
Total Values: Over $5 million combined premiums.
Strike Price: $35, $42.5.
Expectations: Watch for consolidation near these levels; potential bullish sentiment due to put selling indicates confidence in a support zone.
Rivian Automotive Inc. (RIVN)
Sentiment: Bullish, with considerable call buying activity.
Options Activity: Trades include $12.5 strike calls expiring January 2025, totaling $427,680 in premiums.
Total Values: Approximately $427,000 in notable flows.
Strike Price: $12.5.
Expectations: Speculation on an upside move in the short-to-medium term.
JOBY Aviation (JOBY)
Sentiment: Neutral to bearish, as indicated by call selling.
Options Activity: Several sweeps for calls at $12 and $10 strikes expiring January 2025, generating over $445,000 in premiums.
Total Values: $445,000 in premiums.
Strike Price: $10, $12.
Expectations: The market anticipates limited near-term upside for JOBY.
Central Garden & Pet (CENT)
Sentiment: Bullish, based on aggressive call buying before earnings.
Options Activity: Pre-earnings activity at $50 strike calls, expiring December 2024, with a $15,000 premium trade.
Total Values: $15,000 in key flows.
Strike Price: $50.
Expectations: Positive anticipation for upcoming earnings may drive price action.
Moderna Inc. (MRNA)
Sentiment: Bullish, as evidenced by put selling at deep out-of-the-money strikes.
Options Activity: Heavy flow of puts sold at $105 strike, expiring January 2025, totaling $14.1 million in premiums.
Total Values: Over $14 million in premiums collected.
Strike Price: $105.
Expectations: Strong sentiment for downside stability, likely supported by fundamental catalysts.
Pinduoduo (PDD)
Sentiment: Mixed, with noteworthy put selling (bullish) and put buying (bearish).
Options Activity: Key strikes include $140 and $150 puts sold, expiring December 2024, totaling $5.3 million in premiums.
Total Values: Over $5 million in notable trades.
Strike Price: $140, $150.
Expectations: Trades suggest a potential base or key level consolidation at these strike prices.
Fluence Energy (FLNC)
Sentiment: Bullish, as evidenced by call buying.
Options Activity: Key trades include $20 strike calls, expiring January 2025, with a premium of $149,548.
Total Values: $149,548 in premiums.
Strike Price: $20.
Expectations: Speculative positioning ahead of potential catalysts or earnings announcements.
Anywhere Real Estate (HOUS)
Sentiment: Bullish
Options Activity: A purchase of January 2025 $6 calls
Total Values: 41 contracts traded with a premium of $45,725
Strike Price: 4.9% below the spot price of $22.08
Expectations: This large call buy suggests optimism for a significant upward move in the stock by the expiration date.
Market View: Monitor for upside momentum as it may lead to a breakout.
NIO (NIO)
Sentiment: Bearish
Options Activity: A sale of February 2025 $7 calls
Total Values: 12,052 contracts traded with a premium of $100,000
Strike Price: 48.46% above the spot price of $4.715
Expectations: Selling reflects low expectations for surpassing the strike price.
Market View: Stability expected below the strike.
SPDR Metals & Mining ETF (XME)
Sentiment: Bullish
Options Activity: A purchase of January 2025 $73 calls
Total Values: 0 contracts open, traded at a premium of $500,000
Strike Price: 5.89% above the spot price of $68.94
Expectations: Significant activity suggests a strong bullish outlook for metals and mining.
Market View: A breakout may occur if momentum continues upward.
Mitek Systems (MITK)
Sentiment: Bullish
Options Activity: A purchase of April 2025 $12.5 calls
Total Values: 151 contracts traded with a premium of $46,410
Strike Price: 31.16% above the spot price of $9.53
Expectations: Traders are positioning for substantial gains in the medium term.
Market View: Monitor for potential trend continuation or catalysts.
Rigetti Computing (RGTI)
Sentiment: Bullish
Options Activity: A purchase of January 2025 $3 calls
Total Values: 1,519 contracts traded with a premium of $53,700
Strike Price: 0.84% above the spot price of $2.975
Expectations: The call purchase aligns with optimism for price movement above the strike level.
Market View: Potential for a breakout in the near term.
SPDR Biotech ETF (XBI)
Sentiment: Bearish
Options Activity: A sale of January 2025 $100 calls
Total Values: 18,545 contracts traded with a premium of $1,271,160
Strike Price: 1.71% above the spot price of $98.315
Expectations: Traders expect price stability or resistance at the strike level.
Market View: Stability anticipated below the strike.
Material Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLB)
Sentiment: Bearish
Options Activity: A purchase of March 2025 $92 puts
Total Values: 321 contracts traded with a premium of $135,650
Strike Price: 3.02% below the spot price of $94.8656
Expectations: Traders are hedging against potential downside risks.
Market View: Downside momentum could test lower support levels.
Range Resources (RRC)
Sentiment: Bullish
Options Activity: A purchase of December 2024 $25 calls
Total Values: 617 contracts traded with a premium of $346,840
Strike Price: 31.59% below the spot price of $36.5448
Expectations: Large call buying shows confidence in upward movement before expiration.
Market View: Potential for a near-term breakout as momentum builds.
PDD Holdings Inc. (PDD)
Sentiment: Bullish
Options Activity: Significant call premium of $9,576,271 purchased against $4,422,316 in calls sold. Put activity remains balanced with $5,088,278 in premium bought and $9,365,895 sold.
Total Values: Net premium of $9,431,572, indicating strong institutional bullish sentiment.
Expectations: The high net premium reflects optimism about PDD’s price performance in the short term, with robust call buying dominating the activity.
Market View: Monitor for upside momentum as the options flow suggests potential upward movement.
Amazon.com, Inc. (AMZN)
Sentiment: Bullish
Options Activity: Notable call premium of $15,057,112 bought against $7,547,153 sold. Limited put activity, with $437,002 bought and $548,669 sold.
Total Values: Net premium of $7,621,626 highlights strong bullish bias.
Expectations: Call activity dominance suggests expectations of continued strength in Amazon’s performance.
Market View: Upside movement appears likely, driven by institutional optimism.
Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. (AMD)
Sentiment: Bullish
Options Activity: $13,408,398 in call premium purchased against $5,950,527 sold. Minimal put activity, with $812,483 bought and $313,586 sold.
Total Values: Net premium of $6,958,974 indicates sustained bullish sentiment.
Expectations: Strong call buying points to anticipated upward momentum in AMD’s stock price.
Market View: Continue monitoring for a potential breakout on positive market catalysts.
The Home Depot, Inc. (HD)
Sentiment: Bullish
Options Activity: $4,346,748 in call premium bought with minimal call selling ($55,414) and no notable put activity.
Total Values: Net premium of $4,291,334 underscores institutional confidence.
Expectations: The lack of put activity and high call premiums indicate strong bullish sentiment.
Market View: Positive momentum may continue, supported by significant call flow.
Zoom Video Communications, Inc. (ZM)
Sentiment: Bullish
Options Activity: $6,140,506 in call premium bought, $1,618,552 sold. Balanced put activity, with $1,274,113 bought and $830,283 sold.
Total Values: Net premium of $4,078,124 signals bullish sentiment.
Expectations: Institutional activity reflects positive expectations for Zoom’s near-term performance.
Market View: Watch for potential upside driven by increased call activity.
Shopify Inc. (SHOP)
Sentiment: Bullish
Options Activity: $5,159,534 in call premium bought, $1,859,337 sold. Minimal put activity, with $24,794 bought and $97,990 sold.
Total Values: Net premium of $3,373,393 signals bullish bias.
Expectations: Institutional call activity indicates optimism in Shopify’s near-term growth.
Market View: Potential for upward movement based on strong call flow.
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
Shoals Technologies Group Inc (SHLS)
Buyer: Bardos Dominic (Chief Financial Officer)
Shares Purchased: 15,000 (+6.7%)
Price: USD 4.71
Total Value: USD 70,650
PCB Bancorp (PCB)
Buyer: Kim Henry (President, CEO & Director)
Shares Purchased: 1,700 (+8.6%)
Price: USD 21.39
Total Value: USD 36,363
ThredUp Inc (TDUP)
Buyer: Daniel J. Nova (Non-Executive Director)
Shares Purchased: 29,891 (+16.2%)
Price: USD 1.45
Total Value: USD 43,450
Booz Allen Hamilton Holding Corp (BAH)
Buyer: Joan Lordi Amble (Non-Executive Director)
Shares Purchased: 2,000 (+3.8%)
Price: USD 147.13
Total Value: USD 294,260
US Insider Sales
Microsoft Corp (MSFT)
Seller: Althoff Judson (EVP, Chief Commercial Officer)
Shares Sold: 25,000 (-17.6%)
Price: USD 417.00
Total Value: USD 10,425,000
Lithia Motors Inc (LAD)
Seller: DeBoer Bryan B (Chief Executive Officer)
Shares Sold: 11,627 (-6.0%)
Price: USD 390.00
Total Value: USD 4,534,530
Rockwell Automation Inc (ROK)
Seller: Moret Blake D. (President and CEO)
Shares Sold: 12,032 (-11.8%)
Price: USD 297.89
Total Value: USD 3,584,265
Innodata Inc (INOD)
Seller: Abuhoff Jack (CEO and President)
Shares Sold: 75,744 (-5.3%)
Price: USD 46.30
Total Value: USD 3,506,947
Axon Enterprise Inc (AAXN)
Seller: Bagley Brittany (COO & CFO)
Shares Sold: 3,500 (-4.4%)
Price: USD 640.00
Total Value: USD 2,240,000
CDN Insider Purchases
Andrew Peller Ltd (ADW.A)
Buyer: Chris Tsiofas (Director of Issuer)
Shares Purchased: 4,600 (+90.2%)
Price: CAD 5.05
Total Value: CAD 23,230
Martinrea International Inc (MRE)
Buyer: Robert Peter Edward Wildeboer (Executive Director)
Shares Purchased: 7,000 (+1.2%)
Price: CAD 10.02
Total Value: CAD 70,140
Itafos Inc
Buyer: Stephen Lawrence Shapiro (Non-Executive Director)
Shares Purchased: 8,600 (+101.2%)
Price: CAD 1.76
Total Value: CAD 15,136
CDN Insider Sales
Secure Energy Services Inc (SES)
Seller: Jon Winkelried (Large Shareholder)
Shares Sold: 26,183 (-0.2%)
Price: CAD 16.33
Total Value: CAD 427,542
Jamieson Wellness Inc (JWEL)
Seller: Regan Stewart (Senior Officer of Issuer)
Shares Sold: 6,300 (-19.0%)
Price: CAD 35.69
Total Value: CAD 224,847
CanAlaska Uranium Ltd (CVV)
Seller: Geoffrey Gay (Non-Executive Director)
Shares Sold: 50,000 (-15.9%)
Price: CAD 0.77
Total Value: CAD 38,600
Institutional Spotlight: Renaissance Technologies LLC Portfolio Update
Renaissance Technologies LLC, under the leadership of James Simons, disclosed significant activity in its most recent filings, revealing a portfolio value of $66.5 billion across 3,484 holdings. Known for its quantitative strategies, the firm continues to dominate as one of the most influential hedge funds in the market.
Among its top holdings are Palantir Technologies Inc. (PLTR), Novo Nordisk A/S (NVO), United Therapeutics Corporation (UTHR), Apple Inc. (AAPL), and Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated (VRTX). Recent acquisitions signal a continued diversification of their strategy. Noteworthy new positions include Ferguson Enterprises Inc. (FERG), Super Micro Computer, Inc. (SMCI), TE Connectivity plc (TEL), Teekay Corporation Ltd. (TK), and GE Vernova Inc. (GEV).
In the latest round of 13G and 13G/A filings, Renaissance Technologies highlighted several notable increases in ownership. Key transactions included a 64.6% increase in shares of PetMed Express, Inc. (PETS), bringing ownership to over 1.34 million shares, and a 27.4% rise in Vanda Pharmaceuticals Inc. (VNDA) holdings, totaling 3.68 million shares. Other significant increases include 19.9% more shares in Medifast, Inc. (MED) and a 14.4% growth in StealthGas Inc. (GASS).
The firm’s involvement in niche industries such as “Fishing, hunting, and trapping” and “Social Services” demonstrates a unique focus beyond traditional market sectors. Meanwhile, increased stakes in companies like Exelixis, Inc. (EXEL), with a 4.4% rise in ownership, and Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc. (RGR), with a 3.9% gain, underscore the breadth of its diversified portfolio.
These movements solidify Renaissance Technologies’ standing as a premier institutional investor, with targeted growth strategies and a continued focus on industries with high-growth potential. Key stakeholders and market participants should keep a close watch on this activity for insights into broader market trends.
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
EXPORT -US – Institutional – 2024-11-23
AAPL, ACLX, ADSK, AESI, AEYE, AFRM, AGX, AJG, ALL, AMP, AMSC, ANET, AON, APD, APH, APLD, APLT, APO, APP, ARES, ASPI, ATMU, AXON, AXP, BAC, BDC, BECN, BHRB, BK, BKU, BLFS, BLK, BN, BNTC, BOKF, BOX, BRKL, BTDR, BTO, BV, BX, CAAP, CAVA, CBSH, CBU, CDMO, CFFN, CFG, CFR, CIEN, CIFR, CKPT, CLM, CMA, CMI, CMPO, CNK, COMP, COOP, CORZ, CPT, CRBG, CRH, CRS, CRVL, CSWI, CTAS, CVBF, CVNA, CW, CWAN, DE, DECK, DLR, DOCS, DOCU, DORM, DTM, DUOL, EBC, EHC, ENVA, EQH, EQR, ETN, EWTX, EZPW, FCF, FCNCA, FFIN, FFIV, FI, FIBK, FIX, FLUT, FNGS, FOUR, FRME, FRPT, FUNC, GKOS, GLW, GM, GPI, GRND, GSHD, GTES, GWRE, HCP, HD, HIMS, HLMN, HLT, HMN, HNRG, HOMB, HPE, HPQ, HTLF, HWM, IBM, IESC, INDB, IOT, IP, IPI, ITRI, ITT, JHG, JPM, KAI, KD, KKR, KTOS, KVYO, KW, LAZ, LBTYA, LENZ, LITE, LLYVA, LMB, LNT, LOPE, LYV, MAA, MAMA, MCB, MCO, MD, MDGL, MGNI, MIR, MKL, MNDY, MOD, MP, MRCY, MSI, MTSI, MTUM, MTZ, MWA, NATL, NCLH, NCNO, NDAQ, NFLX, NN, NOW, NRIM, NWBI, OFIX, OMF, ONON, OOMA, ORI, ORRF, OSW, OUT, OWL, PCT, PFS, PGR, PGRU, PHX, PLNT, PLTR, PLXS, PNC, POWL, PRAX, PTCT, PTGX, PYPL, QNST, QTWO, RBC, RCL, RDVT, RDW, REAL, REPL, REVG, RGA, ROAD, RYAN, RYTM, SAP, SCHW, SCI, SEZL, SFM, SFNC, SGHC, SHW, SKY, SLNO, SLVM, SMR, SNDR, SNT, SPOT, SPXC, SR, SSNC, SSO, STEP, SWI, SWX, TBBK, TGLS, TGNA, TGTX, TJX, TOST, TSLA, TT, TTD, TTWO, TW, TYL, UAL, UGL, USFD, USM, UTHR, VERX, VRNA, VRSK, VSCO, VTV, VTWO, VUG, WAB, WCC, WELL, WGS, WLFC, WM, WMT, WSO, WULF, XLF, YEXT, YPF, Z, ZBRA, ZM, ZWS
Canadian Institutional Momentum Watchlist
EXPORT – CDN – Institutional – 2024-11-23
AAUC.TO, ABX.TO, AC.TO, ACQ.TO, AD/UN.TO, AFN.TO, AGI.TO, AIF.TO, ALA.TO, ARE.TO, ARG.TO, ARIS.TO, ARTG.V, ATH.TO, ATRL.TO, BBD/B.TO, BMO.TO, BN.TO, BNS.TO, BTO.TO, CAS.TO, CCA.TO, CEF.TO, CEU.TO, CGY.TO, CIGI.TO, CIX.TO, CJ.TO, CM.TO, CNQ.TO, CNR.TO, CP.TO, CPX.TO, CRON.TO, CU.TO, CWB.TO, CXB.TO, DFY.TO, DNG.TO, DOO.TO, DPM.TO, DSG.TO, DXT.TO, EDV.TO, EFX.TO, EMA.TO, EQB.TO, EXE.TO, FC.TO, FFH.TO, FM.TO, FN.TO, FNV.TO, FRU.TO, FSV.TO, FSZ.TO, FTS.TO, GAU.TO, GEI.TO, GFL.TO, H.TO, HBM.TO, III.TO, IMG.TO, IMO.TO, JWEL.TO, K.TO, LAC.TO, LB.TO, LSPD.TO, LUC.TO, LUG.TO, LUN.TO, MDA.TO, MG.TO, MND.TO, MTY.TO, MX.TO, NA.TO, NEO.TO, NOA.TO, NXE.TO, ONEX.TO, OR.TO, PD.TO, PHX.TO, PIF.TO, POU.TO, POW.TO, PRL.TO, PZA.TO, RCH.TO, RUS.TO, SCR.TO, SII.TO, SRU/UN.TO, SSL.TO, SU.TO, TD.TO, TF.TO, TFII.TO, TIH.TO, TOY.TO, TPZ.TO, TVE.TO, VHI.TO, WDO.TO, WJX.TO, WPK.TO, WPM.TO, WSP.TO, WTE.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!