Rising Bullish Sentiment in Tech Stocks: Decoding Boeing and Intel's Options Surges

The recent surge in call options for Boeing (BA) and the pronounced bullish skew in Intel (INTC) options trading have sparked renewed interest in the aerospace and semiconductor sectors. These developments, analyzed through the lens of options market dynamics, offer critical insights into near-term stock performance and investor sentiment. By dissecting open interest trends, put/call ratios, and volatility metrics, this article evaluates whether these signals present a strategic entry point for growth-oriented investors.

Boeing's 10x Call Options Surge: A Signal of Rebound Optimism

Boeing's call options have experienced a dramatic 10x increase in open interest over the past week, rising to 588,818 contracts-a 1.6% weekly gain. This surge, coupled with a put/call ratio of 0.8 (below its 52-week average of 0.9), underscores a shift toward bullish positioning. Large-money traders have executed notable call sweeps, including a $547,308 trade on the 12/19/25 expiration with a $200 strike price, even as the stock trades at $187.95. Such activity suggests anticipation of a near-term price rebound, potentially driven by optimism around production ramp-ups for the 737 MAX or improved defense contract visibility.

Historical context adds nuance to this analysis. A 2025 study on Boeing's stock volatility revealed that operational disruptions, such as the 737 MAX grounding, and macroeconomic shocks (e.g., the pandemic) have historically caused asymmetric price swings. While traditional models like ARIMA struggle to predict such event-driven volatility, the options market's forward-looking nature-where new information is often priced into derivatives before impacting stock prices-positions it as a more reliable indicator. The current call options surge may thus reflect expectations of a post-event stabilization, particularly if Boeing's recent earnings or production updates signal progress.

Intel's 70% Bullish Skew: Volatility as a Double-Edged Sword

Intel's options market has exhibited a 70% bullish skew in the past week, with call open interest rising 1.5% to 3.8 million contracts and a put/call ratio of 0.68 (above its 52-week average of 0.6). While the skew suggests a preference for upside bets, the 30-day implied volatility skew of -0.0691 (as of August 19, 2025) indicates lingering bearish undercurrents. This duality reflects the semiconductor sector's sensitivity to macroeconomic factors, such as AI-driven demand versus broader inflationary pressures.

The volatility skew-a measure of implied volatility differences between out-of-the-money puts and calls-further complicates the narrative. A negative skew typically signals higher demand for downside protection, often linked to earnings uncertainty or sector-specific risks. However, the recent bullish skew may also stem from anticipation of Intel's AI infrastructure investments or its competitive positioning against rivals like AMD. Investors must weigh these factors against the broader market's volatility appetite, as evidenced by the VIX's role in pricing in election-related swings-a strategy increasingly adopted by derivatives traders.

Historical FT Insights: Volatility as a Predictive Tool

The Financial Times' historical analysis of market volatility underscores the predictive power of options data. The VIX, or "fear index," has long served as a barometer for investor sentiment, with its modern iteration (launched in 2003) enabling volatility trading through futures and derivatives. For instance, the S&P 500's 2.8% expected swing on November 6, 2025, prompted investors to employ straddles and collars to hedge election-related uncertainty. Such strategies highlight how volatility metrics can inform tactical options positioning, particularly in sectors like aerospace and tech, where macroeconomic interdependencies are pronounced.

Moreover, academic research cited by the FT reveals that options markets contribute significantly to price discovery, often reflecting new information before it impacts stock prices. This dynamic is particularly relevant for Boeing and Intel, where operational updates (e.g., production milestones or R&D breakthroughs) can trigger rapid sentiment shifts. The ARIMA model's limitations in forecasting Boeing's stock price-exacerbated by event-driven volatility-further emphasize the need for real-time options data as a leading indicator.

Strategic Entry Point: Weighing the Signals

For growth-oriented investors, the current options surges in Boeing and Intel present a mixed but actionable picture. Boeing's call options surge aligns with historical patterns of post-event rebounds, suggesting a potential short-term rally if production or earnings reports exceed expectations. However, the stock's sensitivity to operational risks (e.g., supply chain bottlenecks) necessitates caution. A strategic entry might involve buying calls with strike prices near $200, leveraging the 12/19/25 expiration, while hedging with downside protection given the sector's volatility.

Intel's 70% bullish skew, meanwhile, reflects optimism about its AI and chip manufacturing roadmap. Yet, the negative volatility skew and elevated put open interest signal that investors are not fully pricing in downside risks. A balanced approach could involve a call spread to capitalize on the skew while capping losses, particularly if Intel's next earnings report validates its growth trajectory.

Conclusion

The options market's predictive power lies in its ability to aggregate investor sentiment and price in future expectations. Boeing's 10x call options surge and Intel's 70% bullish skew suggest a near-term tilt toward optimism, but these signals must be contextualized within sector-specific risks and broader macroeconomic trends. For investors, the key is to leverage these insights not as standalone triggers but as part of a diversified strategy that accounts for volatility dynamics and event-driven catalysts. As the FT's historical analysis demonstrates, the interplay between options data and market volatility remains a cornerstone of informed decision-making in today's fast-moving tech landscape.