Option volume often jumps before or during a big move: traders buy options to bet on news, or sell them in size when they expect calm. The Unusual options page lists the F&O stocks where this is happening today.
How a stock gets on the list
For every F&O stock the site records the at-the-money call and put volume every minute. The page compares the volume traded so far today with the average traded by the same time on the last 10 trading days. A stock appears when today is at least 2× its usual. Comparing the same time of day matters: a stock always trades more by 15:00 than by 10:00.
The columns
- Share price: today's change in the stock.
- ATM option volume: how many times its usual volume, for example 3.4× usual.
- Straddle today: how the at-the-money straddle price has changed since the open.
What it may mean
- Volume up and straddle up (5% or more): traders are paying more for options, so they expect a bigger move. Often seen before results or news.
- Volume up and straddle down (5% or more): heavy trading while premiums fall, most likely option selling by traders who expect the price to stay in a range.
- Volume up, straddle flat: heavy trading in at-the-money options with no clear direction yet.
Unusual volume is a reason to look closer, not a signal on its own. Check the stock's chart, news and filings, and whether results are due, before acting on it.