Option chains, explained clearly
An option chain groups call and put contracts by strike price and expiry. The most useful columns are open interest, change in open interest, traded volume, last traded price and implied volatility. Read them together rather than treating any single number as a trading signal.
How to use the directory
- Choose an index card or search for an F&O stock.
- Open the detailed chain and confirm the selected expiry.
- Locate the at-the-money strike nearest the current spot price.
- Compare call and put positioning around that strike.
Reading support, resistance and PCR
High put open interest can indicate a support zone while high call open interest can indicate resistance. These levels move during the session, especially near expiry. PCR compares aggregate put OI with call OI: values above one show relatively heavier put positioning, while values below one show relatively heavier call positioning.
OI describes positioning, not guaranteed direction. Confirm price structure, liquidity and changes over time.
A practical analysis workflow
Start with spot and ATM, identify the largest OI concentrations, then inspect change in OI and price together. Rising option price with rising OI often points to long buildup. Falling price with rising OI often points to writing. Use volume to judge whether the move has meaningful participation.
Data and risk notes
Live market feeds can be delayed, interrupted or revised by providers. Always verify critical prices with your broker before making a decision. Tradeology is an analytics workspace and does not provide investment recommendations.