Despite the S&P 500 reaching record highs (near 7,137 ), the options market is showing caution. Put options on the S&P 500 are priced at nearly double the implied volatility of calls, indicating that institutions are aggressively buying "downside protection".
Defensive positioning against potential pullbacks at record highs. , QQQ Straddles/Strangles stock options to buy today
Profiting from large moves regardless of direction before earnings. , SBUX , GOOGL Covered Calls Despite the S&P 500 reaching record highs (near
Remains the primary "AI bellwether." With a market cap over $4.5 trillion , it is a staple for tactical traders using newly expanded Monday and Wednesday expiries to capture fast-moving AI sentiment. Meta, in particular, is balancing high AI infrastructure
Both are in the spotlight this week with major earnings reports scheduled. Meta, in particular, is balancing high AI infrastructure spending (estimated $115B–$135B for 2026) against strong ad revenue.