TLT Bond ETF Sees 1.4M Contracts Amid Rising Rates

On May 13, 2026, the iShares 20+ Year Treasury Bond ETF (TLT) saw over 1.4 million contracts traded, more than three times its average daily volume. Of these, approximately 380,000 were put options, indicating a bearish stance anticipating higher yields and lower prices for bonds. A notable trade included 15,000 June 75-strike puts, representing a $2 million bet that the TLT will drop 11% by June 17, which could set a new low since its launch in 2002. The backdrop for these trades includes rising Treasury yields and economic concerns reflected in CPI increases and crude oil prices above $100.