Downside Purchased on ASML Holding (ASML)

Shares of ASML Holding (ASML) are trading higher on the session by 0.39%, at $54.54. The stock has been on a wild ride over the past month after a Bernstein Liedhard announced an investigation into the purchase of Cymer (CYMI) by ASML.

While shares have formed a relief bounce following the news, one trader is taking the opportunity to buy downside here. A short while ago the December $55.00 put was purchased 2,467 times, near the offer, for $2.60. Volume on the strike is now over 3k contracts, which far outpaces current open interest of 496.

This trade has pushed overall put volume to 5x normal volume with 3,107 contracts traded.

30-day implied volatility has risen 0.9% today to 27.17%; 10-day realized vol remains elevated at 43.03%.

ASML Holding N.V. is a holding company, which operates through its subsidiaries. The company is a provider of advanced technology systems for the semiconductor industry.

About Michael Zerinskas

Originally from Chicago, Michael J. Zerinskas began his career as an intern for a small high-frequency trading firm based at the CME; he then moved on to become Chief Options Strategist at Benzinga.com. Michael is now Unusual Activity Editor at The Options Insider, specializing in VIX, volatility, and flagging unusual activity.