Reliance Industries Sees Heavy Put Option Activity Amid Bearish Hedging Ahead of Year-End Expiry

Dec 30 2025 10:00 AM IST
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Reliance Industries Ltd, a heavyweight in the Indian oil sector, has witnessed a notable spike in put option trading activity, signalling increased bearish positioning and hedging strategies among investors as the stock nears its 52-week high.
Reliance Industries Sees Heavy Put Option Activity Amid Bearish Hedging Ahead of Year-End Expiry

Put Option Activity Highlights

On 30 Dec 2025, Reliance Industries Ltd (NSE: RELIANCE) recorded the most active put options with a striking volume of 1,729 contracts traded at the ₹1,500 strike price. This activity generated a turnover of approximately ₹1.21 lakhs and an open interest of 2,590 contracts, underscoring significant investor interest in downside protection or speculative bearish bets. The underlying stock closed at ₹1,551.4, just 1.84% shy of its 52-week high of ₹1,581.3, indicating that traders are positioning for potential volatility despite the stock’s recent strength.

Market Context and Stock Performance

Reliance Industries, with a market capitalisation of ₹20,91,172 crores, remains a large-cap stalwart in the oil sector. The stock’s performance on 30 Dec 2025 was largely in line with its sector, posting a modest gain of 0.31%, outperforming the Sensex which declined by 0.08%. The stock traded within a narrow range of ₹9.9, reflecting a consolidation phase after sustained gains. Notably, the price remains above its 20-day, 50-day, 100-day, and 200-day moving averages, though it is slightly below the 5-day moving average, suggesting short-term caution among traders.

Investor Participation and Liquidity

Despite the stock’s robust fundamentals, investor participation has shown signs of moderation. Delivery volume on 29 Dec 2025 stood at 30.63 lakh shares, down 39.35% compared to the five-day average, indicating a temporary pullback in long-term holding interest. However, liquidity remains ample, with the stock’s traded value supporting sizeable transactions up to ₹22.92 crores based on 2% of the five-day average traded value, ensuring that option and equity traders can execute sizeable positions without significant market impact.

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Bearish Positioning and Hedging Implications

The surge in put option volume at the ₹1,500 strike price, which is approximately 3.3% below the current underlying price, suggests that market participants are either hedging existing long positions or speculating on a near-term correction. The open interest of 2,590 contracts indicates that these positions are not fleeting but represent a substantial commitment. Given the expiry date coincides with the same day’s trading, this activity may reflect tactical hedging ahead of potential market-moving events or profit-taking by institutional investors.

Mojo Score and Analyst Ratings

Reliance Industries holds a Mojo Score of 70.0, categorised as a Buy, an upgrade from its previous Hold rating as of 3 Nov 2025. This upgrade reflects improved fundamentals and positive trend assessments, supported by a Market Cap Grade of 1, indicating its status as a large-cap leader. The stock’s technical and fundamental metrics continue to favour accumulation, despite the cautious sentiment reflected in options trading.

Sector and Benchmark Comparison

Within the oil sector, Reliance’s performance remains robust, marginally outperforming the sector’s 0.24% gain on the day. Its proximity to the 52-week high and sustained trading above key moving averages contrasts with the broader market’s slight decline, underscoring its relative strength. However, the increased put option activity signals that investors are mindful of potential volatility, possibly due to global oil price fluctuations or domestic regulatory developments.

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Outlook and Investor Considerations

Investors should weigh the current bullish fundamentals against the evident caution in options markets. The elevated put option interest at a strike price below the current market level suggests a hedging mindset, possibly anticipating short-term corrections or increased volatility. Given Reliance’s strong market position, large-cap status, and recent upgrade, the stock remains attractive for long-term investors, but near-term price fluctuations cannot be ruled out.

Traders focusing on options strategies may find opportunities in the put options market, either to hedge existing exposure or to speculate on downside moves. The liquidity and turnover figures support active trading, while the expiry date alignment indicates that these positions could be adjusted rapidly in response to market developments.

Conclusion

Reliance Industries Ltd continues to command significant attention from both equity and options traders. The surge in put option activity at the ₹1,500 strike price ahead of expiry highlights a nuanced market sentiment balancing optimism with prudence. As the stock hovers near its 52-week high, investors and traders alike should monitor option open interest and volume trends closely to gauge evolving market expectations and adjust their strategies accordingly.

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