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CNC Options Chain — Open Interest, Implied Volatility, Max Pain & Gamma Exposure

Analyze the complete CNC options chain including strike-level open interest, real-time implied volatility (IV), max pain levels, gamma exposure, dealer positioning, and options flow trends. This dashboard provides data-driven insights for traders building directional or hedging strategies around CNC.

Latest Data: 2025-12-23 (EDT)
Max Pain Price
39
Exp: 2025-12-26
Gamma Flip
31.60
Gamma Flip (≈60 days)
Put/Call OI Ratio
0.346
Shows put vs call positioning
IV Skew
-2.46
Put–call IV difference
Max Pain Price Volatility
σ = 3.29
low volatility

Dealer–Gamma Regime

A combined view of CNC’s total gamma exposure (GEX) and Dealer Position Index (DPI). This helps identify whether dealer hedging flows support mean reversion or trend continuation in the current options market.

Overall Market Regime
Mean Reversion Zone
Long Gamma · Strong Net Long Options · Low Volatility
Low Volatility Mean Reversion Bias DPI Trend: neutral

Gamma Exposure
Total GEX
39.5M
Gamma Regime
Long Gamma
Flip Threshold: 4

In a long gamma regime, dealers hedge against price moves, strengthening mean reversion and suppressing volatility.

Dealer Position Index (DPI)
Current DPI
0.872
Dealer Positioning
Strong Net Long Options
Trend Label: neutral

A Strong Net Long Options profile indicates how dealers hedge daily flows, influencing whether trends extend or revert.


Market Behavior (Gamma Flip–Based)

Short-term moves may occur, but follow-through is uncertain.

The short-term gamma flip is near 39.61 , with intermediate positioning around 31.60 . The mid-term gamma flip remains near 32.15.


Combined Interpretation

With Long Gamma and a neutral DPI trend , the current setup favors Mean Reversion Zone .

Dealer hedging flows interact with gamma positioning to form short-term volatility regimes. Stronger directional movement is more likely when gamma is short or unstable.

Volatility Environment
Low Volatility
Trend vs Mean Reversion
Mean Reversion Bias
Dealer Hedging Behavior
Strong Net Long Options

Options-Based Market Outlook & Short-Term Sentiment for CNC • As of 2025-12-23
Bearish Bias (Confidence: 52%)

The options structure reflects a moderate bearish bias. Downside factors are present but not dominant. Medium confidence reflects partial agreement across option-based signals.


Put-Side Positioning Insight
On the put side, the bearish positioning looks mainly like hedging. This reflects caution and short-term protection rather than a true bearish call. Confidence: 67%


Key Price Levels: Support, Resistance & Pivot for CNC
The support levels for CNC are at 39.22, 38.65, and 36.80, while the resistance levels are at 39.98, 40.55, and 42.40. The pivot point, a key reference price for traders, is at 39.00.

Important intraday and swing-trading price levels derived from max pain, open interest distribution, and gamma positioning. These price levels are derived from Max Pain analysis, gamma exposure trends, and open interest dynamics, which are crucial factors for assessing market sentiment and potential price movements. Traders can use the support and resistance levels to identify key price zones for entry or exit points, while the pivot point serves as an important reference for gauging trend direction.


Option-Implied Price Range (DTE: 3)
Based on the latest options positioning (DTE 3), the ATM straddle implies a standardized 1.35% 1-day move.
The expected range for the next 3 days is 39.06 40.48 , corresponding to +2.22% / -1.36% .

Bullish flow suggests upside interest toward 40.95 (3.41% above spot).

Bearish positioning points to downside pressure toward 38.87 (1.85% below spot).

Options flow strength: 0.65 (0–1 scale).

ATM Strike: 39.50, Call: 0.50, Put: 0.42, Straddle Cost: 0.93.

Estimated using ATM implied volatility, OTM option flow, and dealer hedging conditions to capture the market-implied price range.

📘 Show Options Market Insight

1. Core Volatility Signal (1.35% Standardized 1-Day Move)

“The ATM straddle implies a standardized 1-day move of 1.35%.”

This means:

  • Implied volatility is within normal range.
  • Price movement expectations are typical for CNC.
  • The market is not signaling unusually high risk.

📌 Plain interpretation: Normal volatility — nothing unusual is being priced.

2. Expected Price Range (Next 3 Days)

The options market is pricing the following risk range:
39.06 – 40.48

Upper: +2.22%  •  Lower: -1.36%

🔺 Bullish Skew — upside potential outweighs downside risk.

3. Bullish Flow vs Bearish Flow

▶ Bullish Flow

Upside interest clusters near 40.95 (3.41% above spot).
This region may act as short-term resistance.

▶ Bearish Flow

Downside pressure clusters near 38.87 (1.85% below spot).
This is a downside “magnet zone” where put demand concentrates.

4. Flow Strength: 0.65

Flow strength is moderate to strong, suggesting that today's positioning carries informational value.

5. ATM Straddle Cost

The ATM straddle costs 0.93 (2.34% of spot).

Traders are pricing elevated volatility, likely due to upcoming catalysts or uncertainty.

🔥 Professional Summary

1️⃣ The options market leans toward upside potential.
2️⃣ Implied volatility is within normal range for near-term movement.
3️⃣ Call activity dominates — traders position for upside moves.
4️⃣ FlowStrength 0.65 supports meaningful conviction behind today's positioning.

⭐ One-sentence takeaway: The options market reflects a mild bullish tilt for CNC.

The insights are generated by an AI-driven options analysis model. We strongly recommend interpreting the data in the context of your own judgment and market understanding.

DPI Trend Index

Dealer Position Index (DPI) tracks how options dealers are positioned. Rising DPI → dealers long options (mean reversion). Falling DPI → dealers short options (trend amplification).
DPI does not predict direction. It only answers one question: once price moves, will the market reinforce that move? DPI reflects the direction and strength of dealer gamma exposure — not a bullish or bearish call.

Latest Trend Interpretation:

🔀 Volatility constriction, price is constrained by maker selling/support

Gamma Exposure & Expiry Risk Zones

Gamma Exposure (GEX) defines how option dealer hedging interacts with price moves. Large expiries can sharply alter hedging pressure and trigger volatility shifts.

Market GEX vs Price History

Aggregate gamma exposure plotted with underlying price. Sharp GEX declines or flip-zone tests often precede increased volatility.

GEX Danger Zone Overview
Symbol: CNC • Snapshot: 2025-12-23
Total GEX: 39.5M (Regime: Gamma Flip Zone (High Trend Probability), Flip = 39.94M)
Max Danger Expiry: 2026-01-16 (DTE=24)
Expiry GEX: 15.05M (Contribution=38.1%)
Post-Expiry GEX: 24.45M (Regime: Gamma Flip Zone (High Trend Probability))
⚠ This expiry is CRITICAL: removal may push GEX into Flip Zone or weaken gamma support sharply.
Expiry DTE GEX Contrib % Post-Expiry GEX Post Regime Tag
2026-01-16 24 15.05M 38.1% 24.45M Gamma Flip Zone (High Trend Probability) Critical
2025-12-26 3 7.86M 19.9% 31.64M Gamma Flip Zone (High Trend Probability) Critical
2026-03-20 87 4.75M 12.0% 34.75M Gamma Flip Zone (High Trend Probability) Critical
2026-06-18 177 2.82M 7.1% 36.68M Gamma Flip Zone (High Trend Probability) Critical
2026-09-18 269 2.61M 6.6% 36.89M Gamma Flip Zone (High Trend Probability) Critical
2027-01-15 388 2.53M 6.4% 36.97M Gamma Flip Zone (High Trend Probability) Critical
2026-01-02 10 2.04M 5.2% 37.46M Gamma Flip Zone (High Trend Probability) Critical
2026-02-20 59 996.96K 2.5% 38.5M Gamma Flip Zone (High Trend Probability) Critical
2026-01-09 17 454.99K 1.2% 39.05M Gamma Flip Zone (High Trend Probability) Critical
2028-01-21 759 155.85K 0.4% 39.34M Gamma Flip Zone (High Trend Probability) Critical
2026-01-30 38 142.53K 0.4% 39.36M Gamma Flip Zone (High Trend Probability) Critical
2026-01-23 31 57.27K 0.1% 39.44M Gamma Flip Zone (High Trend Probability) Critical
2026-12-18 360 27.17K 0.1% 39.47M Gamma Flip Zone (High Trend Probability) Critical

Vanna Exposure & Risk Zone

Vanna measures how delta changes when implied volatility shifts. Heavy negative Vanna clusters can amplify volatility during IV shocks.

Current Vanna Exposure Overview
Symbol: CNC • Snapshot: 2025-12-23
Total Vanna
-6.93M
Net delta–vol sensitivity
Vanna Regime
Negative Vanna (Trend Amplifying)
Sensitivity to IV shocks
Max Danger Expiry
2027-01-15 (DTE 388)
Contribution: 35.2%
Large negative Vanna clusters increase hedging pressure during volatility spikes, amplifying directional trends.
Vanna Danger Zone Details
Symbol: CNC • Snapshot: 2025-12-23
Total Vanna: -6.93M ( Negative Vanna )
Max Danger Expiry: 2027-01-15 (DTE=388)
Expiry Vanna: -2.44M (Contribution=35.2%)
Post-Expiry Vanna: -4.49M (More Negative — Trend Risk ↑)
Expiry DTE Vanna Contrib % Post-Expiry Post Regime Tag
2027-01-15 388 -2.44M 35.2% -4.49M More Negative (Trend Risk ↑)
2026-01-16 24 -2.38M 34.4% -4.55M More Negative (Trend Risk ↑)
2026-03-20 87 -778.42K 11.2% -6.15M More Negative (Trend Risk ↑)
2025-12-26 3 -583.19K 8.4% -6.34M More Negative (Trend Risk ↑)
2026-09-18 269 -448.63K 6.5% -6.48M More Negative (Trend Risk ↑)
2026-06-18 177 -258.87K 3.7% -6.67M More Negative (Trend Risk ↑)
2028-01-21 759 -114.1K 1.6% -6.81M More Negative (Trend Risk ↑)
2026-01-09 17 41.74K 0.6% -6.97M More Negative (Trend Risk ↑)
2026-01-02 10 23.26K 0.3% -6.95M More Negative (Trend Risk ↑)
2026-01-30 38 5.46K 0.1% -6.93M More Negative (Trend Risk ↑)
2026-12-18 360 -4.39K 0.1% -6.92M More Negative (Trend Risk ↑)
2026-01-23 31 4.26K 0.1% -6.93M More Negative (Trend Risk ↑)
2026-02-20 59 929 0.0% -6.93M More Negative (Trend Risk ↑)

Volatility Structure & Term Structure

Short-dated and medium-term implied volatility, term structure shape, downside skew, and realized volatility context.

ATM IV Term Structure Snapshot
Symbol: CNC • As of 2025-12-23
30D ATM IV
44.21%
Front-end implied volatility
90D ATM IV
48.83%
Medium-term volatility anchor
IV Ratio (90D / 30D)
1.10
Long-term vs short-term IV
Term Structure Regime
Contango (Long-term Elevated)
Slope: 4.62 pts (30D→90D).

Smile Slope (Put25 – Call25)
23.78%
Downside skew / crash premium
HV 21D vs IV
HV 21D: 34.86%
IV – HV: 9.34%
Options trade richer than realized volatility.
IV Percentile / Rank
Percentile: 2.7%
Rank: 0.0%
Relative to 1-year history.
IV Z-Score
-1.88
Deviation vs recent average

ATM IV Term Structure

30D · 90D

IV vs Realized Volatility

HV 21D vs 30D IV
A contango structure shows longer-term volatility is priced higher. Smile slope reflects downside protection demand, while IV percentile and rank show how current IV compares to its own history.

CNC Max Pain — Daily Levels, Trend, Volatility Pressure & Options Positioning

Daily Max Pain levels with trend shifts, volatility pressure and options positioning cycles.

Max Pain Price Trend Index

Latest Trend Interpretation

Max Pain is stable, reflecting neutral options positioning.

➖ Trend strength: Very weak — no meaningful direction.

➖ Recent movement: Largely unchanged.

Trend Shifts

Green = Bullish • Dark Green = Strong Bullish • Gray = Neutral • Red = Bearish • Dark Red = Strong Bearish

Current OI Structure Reliability

OI Concentration / Pain Reliability · Dec 23 2025
Reliability: 41.6 (moderate)
Max Pain @ 39.00 | Concentration=0.08 · Symmetry=0.84 · Sharpness=1.35
Reason
Some OI clustering exists but lacks clear dominance.
Advice
Treat Max Pain as secondary — combine with gamma, DPI, or trend.

Max Pain Price Mean Reversion

Latest Mean Reversion Status
Dec 23 2025
Neutral (Z = 0.18)
Price is near Max Pain, showing balanced options pressure.
Price vs Max Pain Distance
Show Mean Reversion History
Date Price Max Pain Distance Z-Score Signal
2025-12-23 39.60 39.00 0.60 0.18 neutral
2025-12-22 39.95 38.50 1.45 0.44 neutral
2025-12-19 39.02 37.50 1.52 0.46 neutral
2025-12-18 39.22 37.50 1.72 0.52 neutral
2025-12-16 38.97 37.50 1.47 0.45 neutral
2025-12-15 40.45 37.50 2.95 0.90 neutral
2025-12-12 40.85 40.00 0.85 0.26 neutral
2025-12-11 40.46 39.50 0.96 0.29 neutral
2025-12-10 38.67 39.00 -0.33 -0.10 neutral
2025-12-09 38.08 39.50 -1.42 -0.43 neutral
2025-12-08 37.88 39.00 -1.12 -0.34 neutral
2025-12-05 38.34 40.00 -1.66 -0.51 neutral
2025-12-04 38.85 40.00 -1.15 -0.35 neutral
2025-12-03 38.81 40.00 -1.19 -0.36 neutral
2025-12-02 38.81 39.50 -0.69 -0.21 neutral
2025-12-01 37.89 40.00 -2.11 -0.64 neutral
2025-11-28 39.34 38.00 1.34 0.41 neutral
2025-11-26 39.46 38.00 1.46 0.44 neutral
2025-11-25 39.66 38.00 1.66 0.51 neutral
2025-11-24 38.17 37.00 1.17 0.36 neutral
2025-11-21 36.50 36.00 0.50 0.15 neutral
2025-11-20 34.83 36.00 -1.17 -0.36 neutral
2025-11-19 35.95 36.50 -0.55 -0.17 neutral
2025-11-18 36.93 36.50 0.43 0.13 neutral
2025-11-17 37.08 35.00 2.08 0.63 neutral
2025-11-14 36.38 39.00 -2.62 -0.80 neutral
2025-11-13 36.09 38.50 -2.41 -0.73 neutral
2025-11-12 36.20 38.50 -2.30 -0.70 neutral
2025-11-11 35.36 38.50 -3.14 -0.96 neutral
2025-11-07 37.56 45.00 -7.44 -2.26 oversold
2025-11-06 37.10 45.00 -7.90 -2.40 oversold
2025-11-05 36.84 45.00 -8.16 -2.48 oversold
2025-11-04 36.11 45.00 -8.89 -2.71 oversold
2025-11-03 34.50 45.00 -10.50 -3.20 oversold
2025-10-31 35.37 32.50 2.87 0.87 neutral
2025-10-30 35.02 32.50 2.52 0.77 neutral
2025-10-29 37.34 32.50 4.84 1.47 overbought
2025-10-28 33.19 32.50 0.69 0.21 neutral

Mean Reversion Backtest

Backtest Summary
Total Signals: 6 (Long: 5 · Short: 1)
1-Day Performance
Avg Return: 1.50%
Win Rate: 83.3%
3-Day Performance
Avg Return: 1.47%
Win Rate: 50.0%
Show Last 10 Trades
Date Signal Side Entry 1D Ret 3D Ret
2025-11-07 oversold long 37.56 -5.86% -3.91%
2025-11-06 oversold long 37.10 1.24% -2.43%
2025-11-05 oversold long 36.84 0.71% -4.02%
2025-11-04 oversold long 36.11 2.02% 4.02%
2025-11-03 oversold long 34.50 4.67% 7.54%
2025-10-29 overbought short 37.34 6.21% 7.61%

Historical Max Pain Effectiveness

Based on historical behavior (not current OI)
No Historical Effectiveness
Little to no historical alignment between price action and Max Pain.
Win Rate
1D: 83.3%
3D: 50.0%
Reversion Strength
0.06
Noise Score
0.77
Score (Win)
25.3 / 40
Score (Strength)
2.6 / 40
Score (Noise)
15.4 / 20
Historical Effectiveness Score: 43.3 (neutral)
Disclaimer

Our analysis incorporates options market microstructure, institutional flow patterns, gamma and vanna dynamics, and dealer hedging models. The analytics and insights provided on this page are generated from a multi-factor options microstructure model, supported by WhaleQuant’s AI forecasting framework. These results reflect structural dynamics such as dealer positioning, hedging flows, volatility regimes, open interest concentration, and term structure behavior.

The outputs shown—including bias assessments and confidence scores—represent directional tendencies based on option market structure and should not be interpreted as price predictions, probability forecasts, or investment advice. Market conditions can change rapidly, and all analyses are provided for informational purposes only.