![]()
Optimistic options players have set their sights on Netflix, Inc. (NFLX) and FireEye Inc (FEYE)
The 20 stocks listed in the table below are the names that have attracted the highest weekly options volume during the past 10 trading days. Those highlighted are new to the list since the last time the study was run, and data is courtesy of Schaeffer's Senior Quantitative Analyst Rocky White. Two names of notable interest are streaming giant Netflix, Inc. (NASDAQ:NFLX) and cybersecurity firm FireEye Inc (NASDAQ:FEYE).
Call buying has been a popular strategy in NFLX's options pits in recent months, per data from the International Securities Exchange (ISE), Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE), and NASDAQ OMX PHLX (PHLX). Specifically, the stock's 50-day call/put volume ratio of 1.06 across this trio of exchanges ranks in the 92nd annual percentile, meaning calls have been bought to open over puts with more rapidity just 8% of the time within the past year.
On the charts, NFLX has been a powerhouse this year -- thanks in part to a number of well-received fundamental developments -- adding nearly 39% to trade at $474.23. What's more, Netflix, Inc. is within a chip-shot of its Sept. 9 all-time high of $489.29.
Meanwhile, in FEYE's options pits, puts have been popular among short-term speculators, as evidenced by the equity's Schaeffer's put/call open interest ratio (SOIR) of 0.91, which ranks higher than 93% of similar readings taken in the past year. However, this metric measures both buy- and sell-to-open activity among options slated to expire in three months or less, and it appears options traders have shown a preference for the latter. At the ISE, CBOE, and PHLX, for instance, 1.75 short puts have been initiated for each long one over the past 20 sessions.
As with NFLX, FireEye Inc has been flying up the charts in 2015. Year-to-date, the shares have added nearly 43%. In February alone, the stock has tacked on 33%, amid a slew of upbeat analyst attention and the White House's push to ante up on cybersecurity measures. What's more, with today's 1.9% pop that has FEYE trading at $45.12, the equity is on pace to notch its first close north of $45 since last April.