Index, ETF option volumes near midday

Total option volume remains light so far today at 4 million, with relatively heavy call action in the indexes and ETFs, according to optionMONSTER's data systems.

The SPDR S&P 500 Fund (SPY) has 513,000 options traded, with 288,000 puts. The S&P 500 Index (:SPX) options have changed hands 125,000 times, with 67,000 puts. Just behind are the CBOE Volatility Index (:VIX) options at 117,000, led by 64,000 calls.

The PowerShares QQQ Trust (QQQ) has 113,000 contracts turning over, with slightly more calls than puts. The SPDR Gold Shares Fund (GLD) has 102,000 contracts trading, with 58,000 calls. Not far behind are the iShares Silver Fund (SLV) options with 91,000 contracts, dominated by 69,000 calls. The iShares Russell 2000 Fund (IWM) has 66,000 options traded, with 48,000 puts.

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