Volume Signals

iShares EFA (EAFA) options volume is running 4X the (22-day) average, with 196,000 contracts traded and call volume accounting for 95 percent of the volume.

iShares Japan Fund (EWJ) options volume is 5X, the average daily, with 128,000 contracts traded and call option volume representing 95 percent of the activity.

Yum Brands (YUM) options volume is running 5X the average daily, with 84,000 contracts traded and put volume accounting for 99 percent of the activity.

Increasing options activity is also being seen in Las Vegas Sands (LVS), Mead Johnson (MJN), and Resources (EOG)

Implied Volatility Mover

Implied volatility in the options on Big Lots (BIG) is moving higher Tuesday. The stock is up 12 cents to $31.06 and options volume on the retailer is running 6X the daily average, driven by increased activity in calls on BIG. The top trade is a 403-lot of Jan 32.5s for 50 cents per contract when the market was 35 to 50 cents. 6,774 contracts traded total against 813 in open interest and 30-day implied volatility in the options on the stock jumped 15.5 percent to 33.