UOA revolves around the trading of option contracts at volumes significantly higher than their daily averages. The allure of UOA lies in its potential to uncover market insights and potentially ride the coattails of informed traders -It is data that we tracked and traded with for a number of years in the Trader’s Thinktank. However, as we'll explore, this approach has lost some of its luster.
Options Flows on SPX Price Action - A breakdown of Gamma, Vanna, and Charm
Options have emerged as the new bedrock, with SPX functioning as the derivative. Tail wagging the dog scenario. For traders engaged in the SPX, ES (futures), or SPY, understanding the ramifications of options flows is paramount - But is this information really needed to be consistently profitable, or is it just noise?
Options Flow Trading: More Noise Than Signal
Options Flow trading has gained popularity in recent years, with various sites and tools attempting to capture and analyze the data. For multiple years, options flow data and option sweeps were something that we tracked in the Trader’s Thinktank. However, after tracking this data for 6+ years, it's clear to me that options flow and option sweeps have lost the edge they once provided. There are significant reasons why following the options flow is no longer worth your time.
Unraveling the Influence of 0DTE SPX Options: Distortions and Risks in Today's Stock Market
In the ever-evolving landscape of markets, new trading instruments emerge, bringing both opportunities and challenges. One such instrument is the 0DTE option, a derivative introduced in 2022 that has gained significant traction, accounting for nearly 50% of daily trading volumes in the S&P 500 (SPX). While these options have brought liquidity and flexibility to the market, their influence has also led to certain unintended consequences, artificially suppressing volatility and fueling a self-reinforcing feedback loop.
