Total option volume is very light at 4.3 million so far today, with mixed action in the top indexes and ETFs, according to optionMONSTER data systems.
The SPDR S&P 500 Fund (:SPY) has 375,000 options traded, led by 233,000 puts. Following is the iShares Russell 2000 Fund (:IWM) at 255,000 as puts slightly outpace calls. The S&P 500 Index (:SPX) is next at 210,000, with a put/call ratio topping 2 to 1.
The PowerShares QQQ Trust (QQQ) has 116,000 contracts changing hands, with 69,000 puts. The iPath S&P 500 VIX Short-Term Futures Note (VXX) has volume of 69,000, evenly split between calls and puts. The CBOE Volatility Index (:VIX) follows at 60,000, dominated by 48,000 calls.