A Closer Look at Apple's Options Market Dynamics

High-rolling investors have positioned themselves bearish on Apple AAPL, and it's important for retail traders to take note. \This activity came to our attention today through Benzinga's tracking of publicly available options data. The identities of these investors are uncertain, but such a significant move in AAPL often signals that someone has privileged information.

Today, Benzinga's options scanner spotted 9 options trades for Apple. This is not a typical pattern.

The sentiment among these major traders is split, with 44% bullish and 55% bearish. Among all the options we identified, there was one put, amounting to $145,800, and 8 calls, totaling $381,635.

Predicted Price Range

Taking into account the Volume and Open Interest on these contracts, it appears that whales have been targeting a price range from $247.5 to $260.0 for Apple over the last 3 months.

Analyzing Volume & Open Interest

Looking at the volume and open interest is a powerful move while trading options. This data can help you track the liquidity and interest for Apple's options for a given strike price. Below, we can observe the evolution of the volume and open interest of calls and puts, respectively, for all of Apple's whale trades within a strike price range from $247.5 to $260.0 in the last 30 days.

Apple Call and Put Volume: 30-Day Overview

Largest Options Trades Observed:

About Apple

Apple is among the largest companies in the world, with a broad portfolio of hardware and software products targeted at consumers and businesses. Apple's iPhone makes up a majority of the firm sales, and Apple's other products like Mac, iPad, and Watch are designed around the iPhone as the focal point of an expansive software ecosystem. Apple has progressively worked to add new applications, like streaming video, subscription bundles, and augmented reality. The firm designs its own software and semiconductors while working with subcontractors like Foxconn and TSMC to build its products and chips. Slightly less than half of Apple's sales come directly through its flagship stores, with a majority of sales coming indirectly through partnerships and distribution.

After a thorough review of the options trading surrounding Apple, we move to examine the company in more detail. This includes an assessment of its current market status and performance.

Apple's Current Market Status

• With a volume of 1,360,713, the price of AAPL is down -0.04% at $248.02.
• RSI indicators hint that the underlying stock may be overbought.
• Next earnings are expected to be released in 45 days.

What Analysts Are Saying About Apple

4 market experts have recently issued ratings for this stock, with a consensus target price of $276.5.

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20-year pro options trader reveals his one-line chart technique that shows when to buy and sell. Copy his trades, which have had averaged a 27% profit every 20 days. Click here for access. * An analyst from Wedbush has revised its rating downward to Outperform, adjusting the price target to $300. * An analyst from Needham has revised its rating downward to Buy, adjusting the price target to $260. * Reflecting concerns, an analyst from Morgan Stanley lowers its rating to Overweight with a new price target of $273. * An analyst from Morgan Stanley downgraded its action to Overweight with a price target of $273.

Trading options involves greater risks but also offers the potential for higher profits. Savvy traders mitigate these risks through ongoing education, strategic trade adjustments, utilizing various indicators, and staying attuned to market dynamics. Keep up with the latest options trades for Apple with Benzinga Pro for real-time alerts.