Front-Month Option Traders Swarm Range-Bound First Solar (FSLR)

From Schaeffer's Research:

First Solar, Inc. (FSLR) has been a hot item in the options pits today, with intraday volume far surpassing the norm. In early afternoon trading, the solar concern has already seen roughly 15,000 puts and 17,000 calls change hands, more than doubling its average daily volume of about 6,100 puts and 6,800 calls.

Ahead of October options expiration on Friday, it's not surprising that most option traders have centered on the front-month series today.

On the call side, the October 155 strike has garnered the most attention, with roughly 7,300 contracts crossing the tape. Considering that 53% of the contracts traded at the ask price – suggesting they were bought – and call open interest at the 155 strike currently rests at fewer than 3,000 contracts, it's safe to assume that at least some of today's volume should translate into fresh positions tomorrow.

On the flip side, put players have pounced on the October 150 strike, with close to 5,700 contracts traded on open interest of only about 4,000. Meanwhile, the out-of-the-money October 145 put has seen nearly 4,300 contracts change hands on open interest of fewer than 3,000. In other words, it appears that a healthy portion of today's activity may be attributable to last-minute bets ahead of expiration....MORE