# The Story Behind an “Unusual” $2.86 Million Trade

Canonical: https://stocksurgedaily.com/the-story-behind-an-unusual-2-86-million-trade/

Hey, Ross here:

Yesterday, I talked about how “unusual” options activity can pinpoint big stock moves.

Today, I want to show you.

It may enrage you at how unfair it all is.

So before you read it, just remember…

We must play the cards we are dealt.

**Chart of the Day**

One week ago, on Friday afternoon May 8…

The Wall Street Journal reported that Apple and Intel had reached a preliminary agreement to work together on chips for Apple devices.

![](https://stocksurgedaily.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/image-21-1024x445.png)

Intel stock shot up as much as _16%_ that same day, an absolutely massive intraday move.

But that same morning – _hours_ before the WSJ broke the story…

Someone opened a huge $442,000 call option position on Intel. I’ve circled it in red on the chart below.

![](https://stocksurgedaily.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/image-22-1024x706.png)

That person bought the options at $0.74 each.

By the end of the day, they were worth over $4.80 – a 548% gain…

Turning his $442,000 position into **_$2.86 million dollars._**

_Did this mysterious options trader know that the WSJ would be breaking its Apple and Intel story later that afternoon?_

_Could he have under-the-table connections with any WSJ staff – or maybe even those at Apple or Intel?_

We will likely never know.

And yes, it can all seem so unfair.

But as I explain below…

There’s always a way we can use this unfairness to our advantage.

**Insight of the Day**

**Because call options can go to zero, large “unusual” buys carry a lot more weight**.

Most stocks – even “bad” ones – will never go to zero.

But options can and often do expire worthless.

That trader above?

If Intel stock had stayed flat or even dipped slightly…

That entire $442,000 call option position would have gone to ZERO in just a few days.

Poof – just like that.

And that’s why “unusual” call options buying is such a powerful signal.

Because if they’re wrong – their position can go to zero.

Of course, not every large call options buy is a signal.

There are lots of gamblers out there using call options based on nothing but blind hope.

But over the years, I’ve developed a system for identifying “unusual” call options buying…

And most importantly, separating the signal from the noise.

And **[later this morning at 11 a.m. Eastern…](https://gettheblackedge.com/registration/?tambid=35386&id=TA35564)**

I’m going LIVE to walk you through this exact system…

So you can turn the unfairness of the market to your advantage.

We’re expecting a packed room…

So **[click here to lock in your free spot if you haven’t already…](https://gettheblackedge.com/registration/?tambid=35386&id=TA35564)**

And I’ll see you in just a bit at 11 a.m. ET.

**_P.S._** _If you’re planning to attend on a mobile device, make sure you download the presentation app now so you don’t miss anything when it starts. See you there._

_iOS:_ [**_https://apps.apple.com/us/app/goto/id1465614785_**](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/goto/id1465614785)   
_Android:_ [**_https://play.google.com/store/search?q=goto&c=apps_**](https://play.google.com/store/search?q=goto&c=apps)

**Customer Story of the Day**

_"Excited to see my financial path going up the hill. With a newborn it's impossible to do any such research yourself, you need all the help."_

![](https://stocksurgedaily.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/RossSignature-1.png)

**Ross Givens**  
Editor, Stock Surge Daily