Significant Options Trading on Monday: PINC, ZS, STNG
Zscaler Inc Options Activity: Zscaler Inc (ZS) has seen a trading volume of 6,220 options contracts today, equating to about 622,000 underlying shares, which is 47.9% of its average daily trading volume of 1.3 million shares. Notably, the $275 strike put option expiring on November 28, 2025, has recorded 435 contracts traded.
Scorpio Tankers Inc Options Activity: Scorpio Tankers Inc (STNG) reported an options trading volume of 3,395 contracts, representing approximately 339,500 underlying shares, or 46% of its average daily trading volume of 738,035 shares. The $55 strike put option expiring on January 16, 2026, has seen particularly high activity with 3,021 contracts traded.
Options Trading Insights: The article highlights the significant options trading activity for both ZS and STNG, indicating investor interest and potential market movements related to these stocks.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in the article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Nasdaq, Inc.
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- Shipping Costs Surge: Due to the conflict between the U.S. and Iran, shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has been severely disrupted, with Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCC) reaching a record daily rate of $423,736, representing an increase of over 94% from last Friday, directly impacting transportation costs in the global energy market.
- Insurance Coverage Canceled: Major marine insurers have scrapped war risk coverage for vessels operating in the Middle East, leading to increased risks for shipowners navigating the Strait of Hormuz, despite the waterway not being officially closed, which will further exacerbate shipping costs and supply delays.
- Global Energy Prices Rise: With shipping disruptions, global oil and gas prices have significantly increased, expected to create ripple effects in international markets, especially affecting the one-third of seaborne crude oil and 19% of liquefied natural gas flows that transit through the Strait of Hormuz.
- Shipping Companies' Response: Shipping giants, including Maersk, have suspended special cargo acceptance in the UAE, Oman, and other regions, indicating that shipping companies are prioritizing safety amid deteriorating security conditions, which may lead to decreased liquidity in global trade.
- Defense Stocks Surge: Following the joint U.S.-Israeli attack on Iran, defense stocks collectively rose, with Lockheed Martin shares gaining 6%, Northrop Grumman up 5%, and drone manufacturer AeroVironment soaring over 10%, indicating strong market optimism regarding defense spending.
- Oil Prices Spike: The escalation of conflict has led to a significant rise in oil prices, with Brent crude hitting a 52-week high of over $78 on Monday, causing Exxon Mobil and Chevron shares to rise about 4% and ConocoPhillips to gain over 5%, reflecting market concerns over potential disruptions to global crude production and transport.
- Tankers Stocks Perform Well: In response to the military strikes in the Middle East, tanker stocks surged, with Frontline rising over 5%, DHT Holdings up 7%, and International Seaways increasing by 6%, showcasing heightened expectations for tanker transportation demand.
- Travel Stocks Decline: The conflict has caused oil prices to surge, disrupting global travel, leading to declines in travel stocks, with Expedia and Booking Holdings down 3.2% and 2.7%, respectively, Delta Air Lines falling 5.7%, and American Airlines and United Airlines dropping at least 6%, reflecting a pessimistic outlook for the travel industry.
Iran's Actions: Iran has effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz in response to U.S. and Israeli attacks.
Impact on Oil Prices: This closure could lead to a spike in oil prices.
Shipping Stocks: The situation may benefit shipping stocks, particularly companies like Frontline and DHT Holdings.
Geopolitical Tensions: The ongoing tensions in the region are influencing both oil markets and shipping industries.
- Global Economic Overview: While inflation continues to ease across major economies, uneven growth persists, and concerns over how AI will reshape margins and pricing power have led to volatility in the software sector, impacting credit markets.
- European Market Resilience: The Eurozone remains stable with fiscal support, despite modest deterioration in manufacturing and hiring trends, as strong performances in banks, commodities, and defense industries offset volatility tied to global technology concerns.
- Japan's Policy Shifts: Fiscal expansion linked to election promises has pushed bond yields higher in Japan, prompting markets to reassess debt and spending expectations, while corporate governance reforms and improving economic growth have supported stock performance.
- North American Rotation: With moderating inflation and a resilient labor market in the U.S., investors are increasingly favoring companies with strong balance sheets and predictable cash flows, leading to relative strength in energy and financial sectors.
- Forum Overview: The 20th Annual Capital Link International Shipping Forum is scheduled for March 9, 2026, in New York City, expected to attract numerous investors and shipping executives, showcasing the latest trends and developments in the shipping industry while facilitating engagement between investors and shipping companies.
- Keynote Speakers: U.S. Department of Energy's Special Envoy for Global Energy Integration, Joshua Volz, and Greek Minister of Maritime Affairs, Vasilis Kikilias, will deliver keynote remarks during lunch, discussing the dynamics and challenges of global energy markets, emphasizing the shipping industry's critical role in energy transition.
- Industry Panel Discussions: The forum will feature multiple panels addressing key issues such as supply and demand fundamentals, freight rates, and asset values in the dry bulk, gas, and tanker shipping sectors, aiming to provide attendees with profound market insights and forward-looking analyses.
- Registration Information: Registration for the forum is complimentary for institutional investors and shipping companies, with details available on the official website, reflecting the forum's commitment to enhancing connections between the shipping industry and investors.
- Forum Overview: The 20th Annual Capital Link International Shipping Forum will take place on March 9, 2026, in New York City, featuring senior executives from 23 leading shipping companies, showcasing the latest trends and dynamics in the shipping market while facilitating dialogue between investors and shipping firms.
- Keynote Speakers: Joshua Volz, Special Envoy for Global Energy Integration from the U.S. Department of Energy, and Vasilis Kikilias, Minister of Maritime Affairs from Greece, will deliver keynote remarks, emphasizing the close relationship between global energy transitions and the shipping industry, likely sparking in-depth discussions on future shipping policies among attendees.
- Investor Meetings: The forum offers one-on-one meeting opportunities for shipping companies and institutional investors, with complimentary registration for both groups, aimed at enhancing capital flow and industry collaboration, thereby increasing the investment appeal of the shipping market.
- Industry Discussions: The forum will address critical topics such as geopolitics, the new energy landscape, access to capital, and technological innovation, expected to provide valuable insights for the future development of the shipping industry, helping participants seize market opportunities.










