Large sweeps, block trades, and open interest anomalies.
Options flow data populates after the experiment begins on June 1, 2026.
Fin45 processes OPRA options data in real-time during market hours.
Options markets frequently lead equity markets. Large, informed traders often use options for leverage and limited risk, creating detectable flow patterns before major stock moves.
Fin45 flags: sweep orders (aggressive fills across multiple exchanges), block trades exceeding current open interest, significant changes in put/call ratios, and unusual activity in short-dated options near the money.
A sweep order aggressively fills across multiple exchanges simultaneously at the ask price. It signals urgency — the buyer is willing to pay up and doesn't care about best execution. Sweeps often precede significant moves.
Based on Fin45's backtesting, high-conviction unusual options activity (5x+ normal volume, at the ask, short-dated) precedes a 3%+ move in the underlying within 5 days approximately 62% of the time.
Never. Options flow is one signal category among many. A trade requires multi-signal confluence — options flow might confirm an insider buying signal or validate a dark pool volume anomaly.