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

Analyze the complete NU 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 NU.

Latest Data: 2025-12-23 (EDT)
Max Pain Price
18
Exp: 2025-12-26
Gamma Flip
11.26
Gamma Flip (≈60 days)
Put/Call OI Ratio
0.365
Shows put vs call positioning
IV Skew
-0.61
Put–call IV difference
Max Pain Price Volatility
σ = 1.31
low volatility

Dealer–Gamma Regime

A combined view of NU’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
269.64M
Gamma Regime
Long Gamma
Flip Threshold: 11

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

Dealer Position Index (DPI)
Current DPI
0.820
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)

Price moves are likely to stay range-bound.

The short-term gamma flip is near 11.24 , with intermediate positioning around 11.26 . The mid-term gamma flip remains near 11.26.


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 NU • As of 2025-12-23
Bearish Bias (Confidence: 35%)

A slight bearish tilt is visible, though the signal is weak and insufficient for a strong directional call. Lower confidence indicates limited directional agreement across option indicators.


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: 83%


Key Price Levels: Support, Resistance & Pivot for NU
The support levels for NU are at 16.68, 16.55, and 16.24, while the resistance levels are at 16.84, 16.97, and 17.28. The pivot point, a key reference price for traders, is at 18.00.

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 1.46% 1-day move.
The expected range for the next 3 days is 16.30 17.18 , corresponding to +2.52% / -2.74% .

Bullish flow suggests upside interest toward 17.42 (3.91% above spot).

Bearish positioning points to downside pressure toward 16.04 (4.31% below spot).

Options flow strength: 0.63 (0–1 scale).

ATM Strike: 17.00, Call: 0.05, Put: 0.38, Straddle Cost: 0.42.

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 (1.46% Standardized 1-Day Move)

“The ATM straddle implies a standardized 1-day move of 1.46%.”

This means:

  • Short-term implied volatility is elevated.
  • The market is pricing increased uncertainty.
  • Traders may expect near-term catalysts or instability.

📌 Plain interpretation: Volatility is picking up — uncertainty is increasing.

2. Expected Price Range (Next 3 Days)

The options market is pricing the following risk range:
16.30 – 17.18

Upper: +2.52%  •  Lower: -2.74%

⚖️ Neutral Skew — upside and downside are relatively balanced.

3. Bullish Flow vs Bearish Flow

▶ Bullish Flow

Upside interest clusters near 17.42 (3.91% above spot).
This region may act as short-term resistance.

▶ Bearish Flow

Downside pressure clusters near 16.04 (4.31% below spot).
This is a downside “magnet zone” where put demand concentrates.

4. Flow Strength: 0.63

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

5. ATM Straddle Cost

The ATM straddle costs 0.42 (2.54% of spot).

The premium indicates high expected volatility. The market anticipates significant movement.

🔥 Professional Summary

1️⃣ The options market assigns greater weight to downside risk.
2️⃣ Implied volatility is elevated, reflecting increased uncertainty.
3️⃣ Put activity dominates — institutional hedging demand is elevated.
4️⃣ FlowStrength 0.63 supports meaningful conviction behind today's positioning.

⭐ One-sentence takeaway: The options market is pricing elevated downside risk for NU.

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:

Neutral consolidation, trend and momentum are indistinct. From the current DPI structure, dealers appear largely neutral, suggesting limited willingness to reinforce directional price moves.

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: NU • Snapshot: 2025-12-23
Total GEX: 269.64M (Regime: Long Gamma (Mean Reversion / Low Volatility), Flip = 217.85M)
Max Danger Expiry: 2026-01-16 (DTE=24)
Expiry GEX: 158.93M (Contribution=58.9%)
Post-Expiry GEX: 110.71M (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 24 158.93M 58.9% 110.71M Gamma Flip Zone (High Trend Probability) Critical
2025-12-26 3 48.49M 18.0% 221.16M Long Gamma (Mean Reversion / Low Volatility)
2027-01-15 388 15.64M 5.8% 254M Long Gamma (Mean Reversion / Low Volatility)
2026-02-20 59 13.71M 5.1% 255.93M Long Gamma (Mean Reversion / Low Volatility)
2026-04-17 115 13.35M 4.9% 256.3M Long Gamma (Mean Reversion / Low Volatility)
2026-06-18 177 7.12M 2.6% 262.52M Long Gamma (Mean Reversion / Low Volatility)
2026-03-20 87 3.91M 1.5% 265.73M Long Gamma (Mean Reversion / Low Volatility)
2026-01-02 10 3.15M 1.2% 266.49M Long Gamma (Mean Reversion / Low Volatility)
2026-01-09 17 1.8M 0.7% 267.84M Long Gamma (Mean Reversion / Low Volatility)
2026-09-18 269 1.13M 0.4% 268.51M Long Gamma (Mean Reversion / Low Volatility)
2027-12-17 724 649.88K 0.2% 268.99M Long Gamma (Mean Reversion / Low Volatility)
2026-12-18 360 432.49K 0.2% 269.21M Long Gamma (Mean Reversion / Low Volatility)
2026-01-23 31 399.72K 0.1% 269.25M Long Gamma (Mean Reversion / Low Volatility)
2026-07-17 206 342.21K 0.1% 269.3M Long Gamma (Mean Reversion / Low Volatility)
2026-01-30 38 305.4K 0.1% 269.34M Long Gamma (Mean Reversion / Low Volatility)
2028-01-21 759 273.02K 0.1% 269.37M Long Gamma (Mean Reversion / Low Volatility)

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: NU • Snapshot: 2025-12-23
Total Vanna
-1.56M
Net delta–vol sensitivity
Vanna Regime
Negative Vanna (Trend Amplifying)
Sensitivity to IV shocks
Max Danger Expiry
2025-12-26 (DTE 3)
Contribution: 930.1%
Large negative Vanna clusters increase hedging pressure during volatility spikes, amplifying directional trends.
Vanna Danger Zone Details
Symbol: NU • Snapshot: 2025-12-23
Total Vanna: -1.56M ( Negative Vanna )
Max Danger Expiry: 2025-12-26 (DTE=3)
Expiry Vanna: 14.48M (Contribution=930.1%)
Post-Expiry Vanna: -16.04M (More Negative — Trend Risk ↑)
Expiry DTE Vanna Contrib % Post-Expiry Post Regime Tag
2025-12-26 3 14.48M 930.1% -16.04M More Negative (Trend Risk ↑)
2026-01-16 24 -12.83M 824.1% 11.27M More Positive (Stabilizing) Critical
2027-01-15 388 -2.28M 146.2% 718.92K More Positive (Stabilizing) Critical
2026-06-18 177 -524.35K 33.7% -1.03M More Negative (Trend Risk ↑)
2026-02-20 59 463.92K 29.8% -2.02M More Negative (Trend Risk ↑)
2026-01-09 17 -374.62K 24.1% -1.18M More Negative (Trend Risk ↑)
2027-12-17 724 -292.98K 18.8% -1.26M More Negative (Trend Risk ↑)
2026-04-17 115 255.65K 16.4% -1.81M More Negative (Trend Risk ↑)
2026-09-18 269 -122.49K 7.9% -1.43M More Negative (Trend Risk ↑)
2026-01-02 10 -114.82K 7.4% -1.44M More Negative (Trend Risk ↑)
2026-12-18 360 -83.56K 5.4% -1.47M More Negative (Trend Risk ↑)
2026-07-17 206 -41.44K 2.7% -1.52M More Negative (Trend Risk ↑)
2026-03-20 87 -34.69K 2.2% -1.52M More Negative (Trend Risk ↑)
2028-01-21 759 -32.43K 2.1% -1.52M More Negative (Trend Risk ↑)
2026-01-23 31 -18.57K 1.2% -1.54M More Negative (Trend Risk ↑)
2026-01-30 38 -10.14K 0.7% -1.55M 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: NU • As of 2025-12-23
30D ATM IV
33.50%
Front-end implied volatility
90D ATM IV
38.89%
Medium-term volatility anchor
IV Ratio (90D / 30D)
1.16
Long-term vs short-term IV
Term Structure Regime
Contango (Long-term Elevated)
Slope: 5.39 pts (30D→90D).

Smile Slope (Put25 – Call25)
24.64%
Downside skew / crash premium
HV 21D vs IV
HV 21D: 33.07%
IV – HV: 0.43%
IV is broadly in line with realized volatility.
IV Percentile / Rank
Percentile: 7.7%
Rank: 0.0%
Relative to 1-year history.
IV Z-Score
-1.39
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.

NU 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: 75.9 (strong)
Max Pain @ 18.00 | Concentration=0.65 · Symmetry=0.67 · Sharpness=7.32
Reason
OI shows a concentrated peak near Max Pain with strong structure and symmetry.
Advice
Max Pain is reliable enough to use for mean reversion, breakout filters and short-term structure forecasts.

Max Pain Price Mean Reversion

Latest Mean Reversion Status
Dec 23 2025
Neutral (Z = -0.95)
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 16.76 18.00 -1.24 -0.95 neutral
2025-12-22 16.62 18.00 -1.38 -1.06 oversold
2025-12-19 16.34 18.50 -2.16 -1.65 oversold
2025-12-18 16.27 18.50 -2.23 -1.71 oversold
2025-12-17 15.86 18.50 -2.64 -2.02 oversold
2025-12-16 16.20 18.50 -2.30 -1.76 oversold
2025-12-15 16.65 18.50 -1.85 -1.42 oversold
2025-12-12 16.90 18.00 -1.10 -0.84 neutral
2025-12-11 16.82 18.00 -1.18 -0.90 neutral
2025-12-10 16.69 18.00 -1.31 -1.00 oversold
2025-12-09 16.68 18.00 -1.32 -1.01 oversold
2025-12-08 16.62 15.00 1.62 1.24 overbought
2025-12-05 16.70 16.00 0.70 0.54 neutral
2025-12-04 17.65 16.00 1.65 1.26 overbought
2025-12-03 17.44 16.00 1.44 1.10 overbought
2025-12-02 17.61 16.00 1.61 1.23 overbought
2025-12-01 17.48 15.00 2.48 1.90 overbought
2025-11-28 17.39 14.00 3.39 2.59 overbought
2025-11-26 17.25 16.50 0.75 0.57 neutral
2025-11-25 16.61 16.50 0.11 0.08 neutral
2025-11-24 15.92 16.50 -0.58 -0.44 neutral
2025-11-21 15.89 16.00 -0.11 -0.08 neutral
2025-11-20 15.32 16.00 -0.68 -0.52 neutral
2025-11-19 15.66 16.00 -0.34 -0.26 neutral
2025-11-18 15.32 16.50 -1.18 -0.90 neutral
2025-11-17 15.60 16.00 -0.40 -0.31 neutral
2025-11-14 15.82 16.00 -0.18 -0.14 neutral
2025-11-13 15.59 17.00 -1.41 -1.08 oversold
2025-11-12 16.18 17.00 -0.82 -0.63 neutral
2025-11-11 16.39 17.50 -1.11 -0.85 neutral
2025-11-07 15.87 16.00 -0.13 -0.10 neutral
2025-11-06 15.94 15.00 0.94 0.72 neutral
2025-11-05 16.17 15.00 1.17 0.90 neutral
2025-11-04 15.80 15.00 0.80 0.61 neutral
2025-11-03 16.13 15.00 1.13 0.86 neutral
2025-10-31 16.11 15.00 1.11 0.85 neutral
2025-10-30 16.06 15.00 1.06 0.81 neutral
2025-10-29 16.09 15.00 1.09 0.83 neutral
2025-10-28 15.93 15.00 0.93 0.71 neutral
2025-10-27 16.00 15.00 1.00 0.77 neutral

Mean Reversion Backtest

Backtest Summary
Total Signals: 15 (Long: 9 · Short: 6)
1-Day Performance
Avg Return: 0.44%
Win Rate: 60.0%
3-Day Performance
Avg Return: 1.43%
Win Rate: 53.8%
Show Last 10 Trades
Date Signal Side Entry 1D Ret 3D Ret
2025-12-22 oversold long 16.62 0.84% 0.00%
2025-12-19 oversold long 16.34 1.71% 0.00%
2025-12-18 oversold long 16.27 0.43% 3.01%
2025-12-17 oversold long 15.86 2.59% 4.79%
2025-12-16 oversold long 16.20 -2.10% 0.86%
2025-12-15 oversold long 16.65 -2.70% -2.28%
2025-12-10 oversold long 16.69 0.78% -0.24%
2025-12-09 oversold long 16.68 0.06% 1.32%
2025-12-08 overbought short 16.62 -0.36% -1.20%
2025-12-04 overbought short 17.65 5.38% 5.50%

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: 57.1%
3D: 57.1%
Reversion Strength
0.19
Noise Score
0.66
Score (Win)
22.9 / 40
Score (Strength)
7.7 / 40
Score (Noise)
13.2 / 20
Historical Effectiveness Score: 43.8 (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.