3.8.2 Total Options Value Over Time

The top three charts shows an historical view of the value of open options contracts and their leverage. The chart on the left shows total contract value and represents an estimate of the total amount of money invested in stock and index options. The middle chart shows the value of the total delta of all options, which represents the total amount of hedging done on contracts by market makers. The right chart is the total delta value divided by the total contract value, which provides an aggregate measure of leverage in the market. Each chart breaks out both puts and calls, as well as their total. The data provides a quick visualization of how much options interest exists, and how much risk participants wish to take.