Investors turn bearish on JD.com amid options surge

In a notable development concerning JD.com, recent trading activity has revealed that investors, particularly those with substantial financial resources, are adopting a bearish outlook on the company. As of August 19, 2025, Benzinga's options scanner identified unusual trading patterns, including eight significant options trades linked to JD.com. This shift in sentiment suggests that major traders may anticipate prospective downturns or events affecting the company's stock price. The overall sentiment derived from these large-scale trades indicates that roughly 50% of these investors are bearish on the stock, while only 25% hold a bullish position, with the remainder classified as neutral. The analysis shows that the trading volumes and open interest for JD.com are concentrated within a designated price range between $29.0 and $50.0 over the previous three months. Current indicators suggest an average open interest for JD options trades at about 4,276.67, paired with a total volume of 1,874.00. When examining the breakdown of recent trades, a mix of call and put options reflects the divided opinions among traders, where bearish sentiments are heavily represented, particularly in a notable put trade at a strike price of $50, highlighting anticipated downturns. Current stock performance for JD.com shows an increase of 0.91%, bringing the trading price up to $31.99. Despite this slight rise, RSI indicators suggest the stock's potential to be oversold, indicating that further declines may be expected by traders. Market experts have expressed a diversified view on JD.com’s future, with two prominent analysts weighing in. Citigroup has adjusted its rating downwards to a 'Buy' stance, now setting a price target at $42. In contrast, Benchmark maintains its optimistic view, keeping a 'Buy' rating with a higher target price of $47 for JD.com. The conflict between bearish options activity and overall slight positivity in stock performance paints a complex picture for JD.com. Investors now have to determine whether the bearish traders' instincts will materialize into significant market shifts, based on their elevated options trading activities during recent days. The fluctuations forecasted by analysts emphasize a critical period ahead for JD.com, necessitating close observation and analysis of upcoming market trends and events that may influence their trading outlook significantly.