F&O Insights for 26/03/25: Unusual Options Activity

Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only, based on data as of 1 PM IST on March 26, 2025. This is not financial advice. Trading involves risks. Always do your own analysis and manage risk before trading.

Welcome to this week’s F&O Insights! We’re unpacking Futures & Options (F&O) data to help you spot market moves, whether you’re new or leveling up.

Section 1: Understanding Stock Activity Through OI Changes

Here’s what’s moving in key stocks based on price changes and Open Interest (OI) shifts.

Underlying Price Change Call OI Chg Put OI Chg Call Explanation Put Explanation
HDFCBANK 1806.6 -0.81% -1672 -2331 Long Unwinding Long Unwinding
BHARTIARTL 1739.05 0.54% -99 -1664 Short Covering Short Covering
MARUTI 11741.9 -1.06% -3501 -1711 Long Unwinding Long Unwinding
BAJAJFINSV 1945.5 0.00% -1682 -990 Short Covering Short Covering
LT 3455 -0.46% -376 -1841 Long Unwinding Long Unwinding
KOTAKBANK 2133 -1.71% -840 -4548 Long Unwinding Long Unwinding
BAJFINANCE 8920 -1.62% 286 -2167 Short Buildup Long Unwinding

What Do These Terms Mean?

  • Long Buildup: OI rises with price moving favorably—up for calls (bullish) or down for puts (bearish). Traders are buying options, expecting that direction.
  • Short Buildup: OI rises, but price moves against buyers—down for calls (bearish) or up for puts (bullish). Suggests option selling.
    • Example: BAJFINANCE’s calls show Short Buildup with a 1.62% drop—call writers expect no rally.
  • Short Covering: OI drops with price rising (for calls) or falling (for puts). Short sellers buy back options, fueling the move.
    • Example: BHARTIARTL’s call OI fell (-99) with a 0.54% rise—bullish short covering.
  • Long Unwinding: OI drops with price falling (for calls) or rising (for puts). Long holders exit, signaling doubt.
    • Example: KOTAKBANK’s puts show Long Unwinding (-4548) with a 1.71% drop—fading confidence.

Quick Take: Widespread Long Unwinding (e.g., HDFCBANK, MARUTI) with price drops suggests profit-taking or caution—watch for reversals!

Section 2: Spotlight on High-Activity Options

These options show unusual trading volume relative to OI, hinting at potential action zones.

Contract Volume/OI Ratio Explanation VOLUME OI IV
HDFCBANK 1820 CE 27 Mar 2025 9.63 Long Buildup 11075 1150 20.95
HDFCBANK 1820 PE 27 Mar 2025 4.86 Long Buildup 6736 1386 23.73
BHARTIARTL 1760 CE 27 Mar 2025 8.93 Long Buildup 26061 2917 28.18
BHARTIARTL 1740 PE 27 Mar 2025 7.33 Long Buildup 9136 1246 33.73
MARUTI 11700 PE 27 Mar 2025 8.52 Long Buildup 17527 2056 16.93
MARUTI 11800 PE 27 Mar 2025 6.82 Long Buildup 10794 1583 17.52
BAJAJFINSV 1980 CE 27 Mar 2025 7.74 Long Buildup 8270 1068 32.43
LT 3500 CE 27 Mar 2025 7.72 Long Buildup 14569 1888 33.05
LT 3450 PE 27 Mar 2025 7.17 Long Buildup 8610 1201 31.72
KOTAKBANK 2140 PE 27 Mar 2025 5.77 Long Buildup 10828 1878 20.41
KOTAKBANK 2160 CE 27 Mar 2025 5.30 Long Buildup 7096 1340 19.98
BAJFINANCE 9000 PE 27 Mar 2025 6.56 Long Buildup 7631 1163 28.74
BAJFINANCE 9000 CE 27 Mar 2025 5.09 Long Buildup 8243 1619 28.65

How to Understand Volume/OI Ratio

  • What It Is: Compares today’s trading volume to existing OI. A high ratio signals fresh trades.
  • What It Suggests:
    • Above 2: Notable interest—traders see this strike as key.
    • Above 5: Unusual activity, hinting at big expectations (e.g., HDFCBANK’s 9.63 at 1820 CE).
    • Below 1: Quiet—positions are being held or closed.
  • Why It Matters: High ratios like 9.63 or 8.93 flag hot zones—potential support or resistance!

Final Thoughts

F&O data reveals the market’s pulse—OI shifts show trader exits, and high Volume/OI Ratios (like HDFCBANK’s 9.63) highlight fresh bets. Banking’s cooling, telecom’s steady, and volatility’s brewing. Pair these clues with charts to stay sharp!

Happy trading—see you next time!

Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only, based on data as of 1 PM IST on March 26, 2025. This is not financial advice. Trading involves risks. Always do your own analysis and manage risk before trading.