Massive Options Trade in SPDR Energy ETF (XLE)

From Options Insider:

Two massive transactions in XLE options today suggest nearer-term pessimism on the energy sector and longer-term optimism. Shares in the fund started the session in positive territory, but the rally proved to be short-lived as shares are currently trading 0.60% lower on the day at $73.72 just before 12:50pm.

The XLE, an exchange-traded fund that corresponds to the performance of the Energy Select Sector of the S&P 500 Index, jumped to the top of our ‘most active by options volume’ market scanner this morning after a huge bull call spread was purchased outright in the September contract. The transaction is a profitable one if shares in the XLE top recent highs to trade at levels not seen since mid-2008.

The options player purchased 52,750 calls at the September $79 strike for a premium of $2.23 each, and sold the same number of calls up at the September $90 strike at a premium of $0.28 apiece. Net premium paid to initiate the spread amounts to $1.95 per contract, a price tag of more than $10.28 million....MORE