Total option volume has reached 5.9 million contracts so far today, with trading in the usual indexes and ETFs making up much of that action, according to optionMONSTER's data systems.
The SPDR S&P 500 Fund (SPY) has 773,000 contracts traded, with puts just outpacing puts. Next up are the S&P 500 Index (:SPX) options at 249,000, with 155,000 puts.
Just behind are the PowerShares QQQ Trust (QQQ) options at 236,000 options, led by 144,000 calls. The CBOE Volatility Index (:VIX) has 207,000 contracts changing hands, with calls just outnumbering puts.
The iShares Russell 2000 Fund (IWM) has 173,000 options traded, with a put/call ratio of more than 2 to 1. The iPath S&P 500 VIX Short-Term Futures Note (VXX) has seen 115,000 contracts turn over, with 70,000 puts.
And the iShares China 25 Index Fund (FXI) has 78,000 options traded, with 50,000 calls. (See related story )
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