Glossary
Institutional accumulation
Multiple flows at the same strike over several days — position building, not noise.
What it is
Institutional accumulation is when an institution systematically builds a position over multiple sessions — returning to the same strike and expiry again and again rather than making a single large trade.
Why it is the strongest signal
A one-off flow could be a hedge or a mistake. Multiple flows at the same strike and expiry over several days is a deliberate accumulation pattern. Multiple flows in the same sector is a macro rotation. Multiple members of Congress buying the same name around the same time is shared information about a catalyst.
How to identify it
Ticker Search is the primary tool: filter to the past 30 days, select Sweeps and Golden Sweeps, Calls only. Five or more bullish aggressive flows in 30 days = institutional accumulation, not noise. Check which strikes and expirations keep repeating — that is the target institutions are positioning for.
Sector Flow flags sustained multi-signal positioning in a sector ETF. Politician Trades flags cross-party buying in the same ticker — especially meaningful when the relevant committee members are involved.
Where you will see it
- Ticker SearchOne search box into a full dossier on any name: flow, technicals, levels, news, smart-money context, FINRA short interest, and a gamma-pocket flag when dealer gamma diverges from the market regime — all in a single view.
- Sector FlowSee which sectors smart money is rotating into and out of, so you're early to the theme instead of chasing it after it's on CNBC.
- Politician TradesStock trades disclosed by members of Congress under the STOCK Act: track what lawmakers are buying and selling.