On September 17, Intel saw its options trading volume nearly triple the monthly average, with over 1.3 million contracts changing hands. This activity coincides with a stock rally that has seen the share price rise approximately 35% from its summer lows.
Investors directed $320 million in buyer-initiated premiums into Intel options, with $231 million allocated to call options. Market data shows 270,000 call contracts purchased against fewer than 140,000 puts. A notable position includes the October 2 call option with a strike price of $115.
Broader market trends show similar activity in the semiconductor sector, as AMD options volume nearly doubled its average. CrowdStrike and SpaceX also recorded bullish flows exceeding their 30-day averages. At-the-money calls currently trade at a premium of roughly $2 over equivalent puts.
The Cboe Volatility Index (VIX) fell by more than two points to 15.4, reaching its lowest level in a week. This shift in market volatility followed the Federal Reserve's implementation of its first interest rate hike since 2023.
