Volume Signals
Mini-NASDAQ 100 Index (.MNX) options volume is running 7.5X the (22-day) average, with 38,000 contracts traded and call volume accounting for 100 percent of the volume.
Melco Crown Entertainment (MPEL) options volume is 2.5X, the average daily, with 26,000 contracts traded and call option volume representing 94 percent of the activity.
F5 Networks (FFIV) options volume is running 6.5X the average daily, with 36,000 contracts traded and call volume accounting for 51 percent of the activity.
Increasing options activity is also being seen in MannKind (MNKD), Delta Airlines (DAL), and OfficeMax (OMX).
Implied Volatility Mover
Implied volatility in the options on International Game Technology (IGT) is moving higher amid active trading in the call options on the Las Vegas, NV maker of gaming equipment. The stock is down 45 cents to $15.80 and options volume is running 8X the daily average. 8,950 calls and 450 puts traded in IGT today. April 17 calls are the most actives and possibly seeing some closing activity. 7,080 traded against about 18,000 in open interest. The contract expires in two weeks. Apr 16, May 18, and May 17 calls are the next most actives in IGT and implied volatility in the options on the stock is up 20 percent to 34.