Top Options to Watch This Week for High Conviction Trades

Positioning for upside in the options market requires careful selection and timing. This week, several names stand out for their potential to deliver strong moves. By focusing on trades with enough time to develop and using a disciplined approach, traders can reduce risk and increase the chance of success. This post highlights key options plays to watch, including shorter-term high-conviction setups, core swing trades with longer expirations, and opportunities with cheap premiums.

Options trades positioned near support and momentum zones

High-Conviction Shorter-Term Plays

For traders looking for quicker moves, two names stand out with options expiring within the next two weeks. These setups are near critical support levels or show volatility potential, making them attractive for shorter-term calls.

HIVE

• Expiration: April 2

• Strike: At-the-Money

HIVE is currently sitting near a key support level. If this support holds and confirms, the stock could move quickly higher. This makes ATM calls a strong play for traders expecting a swift bounce.

OPEN (Opendoor)

• Expiration: March 27

• Strike: At-the-Money

OPEN shows signs of potential volatility. The premiums for calls here are attractive compared to the upside potential. This setup suits traders who want to capture a sharp move without paying too much for time decay.

Both plays require close monitoring of price action and volume to confirm entry points. The shorter expiration means theta decay will accelerate, so timing is crucial.

Core Swing Call Setups (6–7 Weeks Out)

For those who prefer to position for continuation rather than quick scalps, several names offer solid setups with options expiring 6 to 7 weeks from now. This timeframe reduces theta pressure and gives the trade room to develop.

Stocks to Watch

• MU (Micron Technology)

• XOM (Exxon Mobil)

• CVX (Chevron)

• SLV (Silver ETF)

• WDAY (Workday)

• PATH (UiPath)

• CRDO (Credo Technology)

• PLTR (Palantir Technologies)

  
  

Strategy

• Choose At-the-Money or slightly In-the-Money calls

• Position for continuation of momentum, not quick scalps

• Wait for chart structure and momentum to confirm entry

  
  

These trades rely on strong technical setups and fundamental tailwinds. For example, MU and semiconductor stocks have shown resilience amid chip demand recovery. Energy names like XOM and CVX benefit from stable oil prices. SLV offers exposure to silver, which can act as a hedge during market volatility. Software and tech names like WDAY, PATH, CRDO, and PLTR have catalysts in earnings and product launches.

By selecting options with 6–7 weeks until expiration, traders reduce the risk of losing premium to time decay and allow the underlying trend to unfold.

Cheap Premium Opportunity

Some traders look for higher risk, higher reward setups with inexpensive premiums. These trades can offer significant leverage but require careful risk management.

LPTH (LightPath Technologies)

• Expiration: April 17

• Strike: Out-of-the-Money

LPTH offers a setup with cheap premiums and potential for a strong move if the stock breaks out. This is a higher risk trade because it is out-of-the-money and further from expiration, but the leverage can be rewarding if the thesis plays out.

PATH (UiPath)

PATH also provides relatively inexpensive premium for upside exposure. Combining PATH with LPTH can diversify risk while maintaining exposure to potential gains.

Traders should size positions carefully and use stop-losses or exit plans to manage downside risk.

Risk Management and Positioning

No matter how attractive a trade looks, risk management must come first. Here are some key principles to follow:

• Risk management is more important than conviction. Even the best setups can fail. Protect your capital by sizing positions appropriately.

• Let the chart validate the thesis. Avoid chasing trades. Wait for confirmation from price action and momentum before entering.

• Use time wisely. For most setups, going 6–7 weeks out reduces theta pressure and gives the trade room to work. Shorter expirations require more precise timing.

• Avoid overexposure. Spread risk across multiple trades or sectors to avoid large losses from a single position.

  
  

By following these guidelines, traders can build a disciplined approach that balances opportunity with protection.

Final Thoughts

This week offers several compelling options trades across different timeframes and risk profiles. Shorter-term plays like HIVE and OPEN can capture quick moves near support and volatility zones. Core swing setups in MU, XOM, CVX, and others provide a more patient approach with time to develop. For those willing to take on more risk, LPTH and PATH offer cheap premium opportunities with leverage.

Focus on trades with clear chart confirmation and position size to protect capital. Avoid chasing and let momentum guide your entries. With a balanced approach, these options can add meaningful upside potential to your portfolio.

Start by reviewing charts and premiums for these names, then plan your entries based on your risk tolerance and market outlook. Position smartly and watch for the moves ahead.