On [Insert Date], options trading activity surged for several components of the Russell 3000 index. Merck & Co Inc (MRK) reported a total volume of 60,382 contracts traded, equating to approximately 6.0 million underlying shares, or 40.7% of its average daily trading volume of 14.8 million shares. Significant activity was noted for the $87 strike call option expiring August 01, 2025, with 6,480 contracts traded, representing around 648,000 underlying shares.
Abercrombie & Fitch Co (ANF) experienced trading volume of 7,990 contracts, which translates to about 799,000 underlying shares, or 40.4% of its average daily volume of 2.0 million shares. The $103 strike call option for ANF, expiring August 01, 2025, saw 1,114 contracts traded, representing approximately 111,400 underlying shares.
Devon Energy Corp. (DVN) reported options trading of 29,168 contracts, representing approximately 2.9 million underlying shares and 40.2% of its average daily volume of 7.2 million shares. The $35 strike call option for DVN, expiring August 01, 2025, saw particularly high activity with 10,850 contracts traded, equaling around 1.1 million underlying shares.
