Ever tried sifting through endless options data without a clear strategy? A comprehensive options screener can transform how you approach US exchange markets. Here's what an effective filtering system looks like:

Start with volume momentum—target contracts where trading volume significantly outpaces open interest. Your baseline: minimum 1,000 contracts in volume paired with a 1.25 volume-to-open-interest ratio. This combo signals genuine activity, not just noise.

Price dynamics matter too. Look for positions where 70% of volume clusters at or closer to the ask side—this reveals aggressive buying pressure and real conviction behind moves. Time decay considerations? Stick to positions between 1-180 days to expiration. You want enough runway without getting trapped in ultra-long-dated contracts.

Size requirements keep things institutional: filter for contracts generating $250,000+ in total premiums. Finally, cap multileg strategies at 10% of total volume to avoid distortions from complex spreads that can skew your market view.

This screening framework helps traders cut through market noise and focus on genuine opportunities across US options markets.