Equity Derivatives

Weekly Top Ten Equity Derivatives – Aug 2, 2026

By August 2, 2026 No Comments
This weekly newsletter pulls together summaries of the top ten most-read Insights across Equity Derivatives on Smartkarma.

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1. SK Hynix Tactical Outlook: Imminent Small Rally, And Then?

By Nico Rosti, MRM Research

  • SK Hynix (000660 KS) has lost 41% of its value since its peak 1 month ago, a pretty dramatic correction.
  • No need to state the obvious, 5 weeks down, the stock is ultra-oversold, it should rebound soon but the real question is:how far can the rebound rally go?
  • According to our model the upcoming rebound rally is going to be a small rally. Usually this type of rebound pattern can see much lower prices after the ‘bounce’.

2. SK Hynix (000660 KS): Large Moves Prompt Largest 2x Product to Reduce Leverage

By Gaudenz Schneider

  • Following large moves in SK hynix (000660 KS) , CSOP will allow leverage across its twelve single-asset 2x leveraged products to fall as low as 1.1x.
  • Flexible leverage in the largest listed leveraged product on SK hynix may reduce hedging and rebalancing pressure during periods of market stress.
  • The change adds manager discretion, may limit participation in subsequent rebounds and reinforces that these are ultra-short-term trading products.

3. Samsung Electronics (005930 KS): 2x Leveraged ETF Outflows Signal Weakening Demand

By Gaudenz Schneider

  • Last week, KRX-listed 2x long ETFs on Samsung Electronics (005930 KS) saw outflows, signalling weakening investor demand.
  • Among other measures, Korea will triple minimum cash deposit requirements for single-stock leveraged ETFs from 31 July, potentially adding pressure on future flows and AUM.
  • The inverse ETF has benefited from Samsung Electronics’ decline but is also seeing outflows.

4. SK Hynix (000660 KS): 25% Rebound Revives Leveraged ETF AUM

By Gaudenz Schneider

  • SK Hynix (000660 KS)’s sharp rebound lifted combined leveraged ETF AUM back to 72% above launch levels, reversing much of the recent decline.
  • Medium-Term returns continue to demonstrate the risks of daily rebalancing, reinforcing that leveraged and inverse ETFs are ultra-short-term trading instruments.
  • Today’s rally triggered renewed inflows, led by Samsung Asset Management’s KODEX product, even as tighter regulation clouds the segment’s growth outlook.

5. The KOSPI Semiconductor Leverage Loop: Navigating SK Hynix Volatility and DEC26 ADR Options

By Jay Cameron, Cameron Design

  • After a large downswing over June and July, we examine Q2 earnings to see where SK Hynix is headed from here, noting the movement is recently amplified by leveraged trades.
  • A large cash influx attributed to the sale of shares in Kioxia added a significant amount to the company’s cash, while debt ratios continue to be strong.
  • SK Hynix DEC26 Options are possible for US investors now, and we propose looking at out of the money options to get on the right side of the movement. 

6. Crushing Losses and New Laws to Lead to Lower Demand for 2x Single Stock Leveraged ETFs in Korea

By Douglas Kim, Douglas Research Advisory

  • In this insight, I argue how crushing losses and changing regulations are likely to lead to lower demand (especially among retail investors) for 2x single, stock leveraged ETFs in Korea. 
  • These 2x single stock leveraged ETFs have received a major blame as to why Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix’s share prices have been so volatile in the past two months.
  • Korean regulators are making new rules including a 20% cap on individual investments in single-stock leveraged ETFs to reduce excessive trading of these products, especially among retail investors. 

7. Tencent (700 HK) Tactical Outlook UPDATE: Rally Profit Targets

By Nico Rosti, MRM Research

  • Tencent (700 HK) is scheduled to report its H1 / Q2 2026 financial results on August 11–12, 2026. In our recent insight (July 17) we signaled a BUY opportunity.
  • There has been some bottoming process and the PROFIT TARGETS have been reset on our model.
  • This insight updates the profit targets for a rally that may be starting from the current lows. Consensus ratings remains overwhelmingly bullish: “Buy” or “Strong Buy”.

8. Zhongji Innolight Tactical Outlook: Fade Relief Rally as Downside Risk Persists

By Nico Rosti, MRM Research

  • Zhongji InnoLight (3308 HK) IPO could not happen on a worse day, right after a US sell-off, but both the HK and the China mainland stock (300308 CH) will recover.
  • H-Share float expansion, IPO arbitrage, and sector profit-taking created a tactical dislocation against intact fundamental bull cases. 
  • Consensus Rating is overwhelmingly bullish. Analyst coverage shows ~87.5% “Strong Buy” and ~12.5% “Buy” with zero “Hold” or “Sell” ratings. Our model indicates the stock is short-term oversold.

9. Hong Kong Single Stock Options Weekly July 27–31: Rally Broadens While Xiaomi Option Volumes Surge

By John Ley, Clifton Derivatives

  • Hong Kong equities extended their rally with broad participation and continued outperformance versus North American technology stocks.
  • Single stock option activity rebounded, with Call trading most active during the week’s strongest market session and Xiaomi seeing a large uptick in volume.
  • Consumer Staples and Consumer Discretionary stood out as the strongest sectors during another broadly positive week.

10. Tencent (700 HK) Option Insights: Balanced Positioning Ahead of Earnings

By Gaudenz Schneider

  • Context: Over the past five trading days, Tencent (700 HK) multi-leg option strategies showcased a variety of approaches. Strategy highlights are provided.
  • Highlights: Diagonal spreads accounted for 31% of observed trades, supported by an inverted term structure leading into earnings.
  • Why read: This breakdown of complex option strategies sheds light on market sentiment and positioning. Detailed examples provide actionable insights that could inspire similar strategies.