We have compiled several options chains we are watching today now that the DEC-2009 PUTS/CALLS have expired on Friday.  Much of this likely options roll-outs continuing, but we are seeing some unusual options trading in several key names above and beyond just the most active options contracts on the CBOE.  We have more detailed volume data and analysis on each grouping below provided with a link over to VSInvestor.com:

We are seeing high-priced active and volatile stocks continue to have options trading that looks more and more like traders and speculators using put and call options as betting instruments rather than investors buying or short selling the stock. This is in the new Big-4 of tech: Apple Inc. (NASDAQ: AAPL), Google Inc. (NASDAQ: GOOG), Amazon.com Inc. (NASDAQ: AMZN), and Research-in-Motion Ltd. (NASDAQ: RIMM).  While this is unusual, this may have become a takeoff of the new normal.

With gold breaking under $1,100.00 per ounce, bets are being made in the SPDR Gold Shares (NYSE: GLD) ETF.

Biogen Idec Inc. (NASDAQ: BIIB) was touted as a takeover candidate today, but trading looks more like rolling activity considering it tried unsuccessfully in the past to find a buyer.

Micron Technology Inc. (NYSE: MU) is also seeing more active options trading than usual today as shares are at fresh 52-week highs.

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JON C. OGG
DECEMBER 21, 2009

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