Option Traders Chase Big-Cap Names

By David Russell, reporter at OptionMonster

NEW YORK -- Some option traders are apparently afraid that blue chips such as Bank of America (BAC) and Procter & Gamble (PG) will run away from them.

OptionMonster's tracking programs detected unusual activity in both large-cap stocks Tuesday in what appeared to be "Hail Mary trades" by money managers who have missed out on the recent rallies. These are cheap long-shot bets that will help them save face if the market continues to move higher.

In Bank of America, activity focused on the February 12.50 calls, which saw more than 31,500 contracts trade in volume well above the strike's previous open interest of 4,056, indicating new activity. They initially fetched 1 cent but then ratcheted up to 8 cents as the buying persisted and the shares climbed.

The bulls turned to Procter & Gamble next, snapping up more than 16,000 March 80 calls for 8 cents. This was clearly new positioning as well, as that strike's open interest was just 1,139 contracts at the start of the session.

Calls lock in the price where investors can buy shares. They can generate huge leverage if the stocks move in the right direction but will expire worthless if shares decline or don't climb far enough and fast enough.

Bank of America shares jumped 3.25% to $12.24, at one point hitting a 21-month high of $12.34. Its February 12.50 calls expire this Friday, so those buyers are looking for a quick move to the upside.

Procter & Gamble rose 0.22% to $75.98. Its March 80 calls have 4-1/2 weeks before they run out of time.

Russell has no positions in BAC or PG.

This commentary comes from an independent investor or market observer as part of TheStreet guest contributor program. The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of TheStreet or its management.