All-time record options activity came following September Fed meeting, says CBOE's Mandy Xu

Core Viewpoint - The options market is experiencing increased bullish activity, particularly following the recent Federal Reserve meeting, with a notable rise in single stock options trading, especially in AI-related stocks and small caps [2][4]. Options Market Activity - A record 54 million single stock options contracts were traded, predominantly from the call side, indicating a strong bullish sentiment [2]. - The percentage of large-cap names trading with inverted call skew rose from 3% to 12% in just one week, suggesting heightened demand for upside calls [4]. - There is a decline in hedging demand, as evidenced by the cost of puts, indicating that investors are more focused on seeking upside potential rather than protecting positions [6]. Sector Rotation and Market Sentiment - A significant sector rotation was observed, moving away from defensive sectors towards cyclical sectors, reflecting a risk-on sentiment in the market [7]. - The options market indicates bullishness in equities, while the bond market is pricing in higher inflation, suggesting a complex market environment [7]. Economic Outlook - There is skepticism about whether the markets are signaling a growth environment, as both the bond and stock markets may be misinterpreting the Federal Reserve's focus, potentially leading to vulnerabilities in the weeks ahead [8]. - The underlying economic conditions, including inflation and labor market data, are critical factors to monitor, as they could impact market stability [8].