Chip, private equity, and connectivity names show directional conviction
By Steve Strazza
March 16, 2026
This note highlights a select group of stocks showing the most unusual — and highly directional — options activity.
The goal is simple: follow the big money and trade in the direction of the underlying trend.
Here is the list of Unusual Options activity from March 16:
*Click to enlarge view
Arm Holdings $ARM — Chip designers are back in focus as the AI buildout keeps demand elevated. Arm sits at the center of that ecosystem, and that’s not changing anytime soon.
Bullish flow showed up with 1,998 contracts of the 12/18 $250 calls — a long-dated bet with real conviction behind further upside.
Blackstone Inc $BX — Blackstone has had a rough stretch, pulling back sharply over the past month as higher rates and credit fund concerns weigh on sentiment.
Traders picked up 162 contracts of the 10/16 $95 puts — a clear bet the selling pressure isn’t done yet, with time for the move to play out.
Amphenol Corp $APH — Amphenol makes the connectors and cables that hold the modern world together — data centers, defense, autos, you name it. The business just posted a record year and keeps finding new ways to grow.
Traders swept 3,000 contracts of the 4/17 $155 calls — a bold near-term bet on a bounce following the recent pullback.
