Options action in Alcoa (AA) as stock bounces higher

Aloca (NYSE: AA) kicked off earnings season a couple of weeks ago, and option players are now bulled up and looking slightly longer-term. The near-the-money December 13 calls are active today, with nearly 8,000 contracts trading versus open interest of just 997.

One block of 4,450 contracts changed hands around 10:00 a.m., trading near the ask price at 69 cents per contract ($445,000 for the entire block). It is likely these were bought to open.

Also active in AA are the January 14 calls, where nearly 33,000 contracts have traded on open interest of 18,000. A couple of large blocks changed hands before 11:00 a.m., trading at the ask price as well, also indicative of buying.

While this isn't necessarily excessive volume for AA, it is notable that the shares have jumped nearly 8% today on little news, and this has spurred some call-buying activity right out of the gate. As the U.S. dollar has been gaining ground over the past few days, commodities have weakened. Today's stock and call-buying activity could be a sign that some investors are calling for a short-term bottom in the commodity group.

Beth works for The Options News Network (www.ONN.tv), which provides daily stock and options commentary. The above comments are not intended as trading advice.