Citi Data Shows Traders Betting on Continued Rise of Nasdaq 100 Index

On July 3, typically, a 30% rise in the Nasdaq 100 Index over three months would prompt investors to take profits. However, they are currently betting that this upward trend is just beginning. Demand for call options on the largest exchange-traded fund tracking the Nasdaq 100 is growing faster than the overall market, indicating that funds are rotating into AI and growth stocks. Data compiled by Citigroup shows that, according to one metric, the cost of call options on tech stocks relative to the S&P 500 Index is at its highest level since 2007. This pattern is not without risks, as concerns grow that the AI trades dominating market narratives for most of this year may be overheating. On Wednesday, the Nasdaq 100 Index fell 1.5%, underperforming the S&P 500 Index, which closed nearly flat, and on Thursday, the index again lagged behind the broader market. Brent Kachuba, founder of options platform Spot Gamma, commented on tech stock call options, stating, 'Traders are currently in an extremely bullish state.'