Ashland Inc. (ASH)

ASH trades at $48.78, 2.4% below the near-term max pain of $50 expiring Oct 17, 2025 (18 days). Price stability likely with balanced options positioning at this level. Max pain is falling across expirations ($32.5-$60), signaling increased put positioning or downside protection. Key magnetic zone at 50 where 2 expirations converge. High dispersion in max pain levels suggests competing forces and potential volatility.

Max pain for ASH shows a downward trend from 60 to 32.5, indicating bearish sentiment or hedging activity. The 58% spread signals divergent expectations across timeframes. Levels distributed around 48.78. Weekly expirations influence price 2-3 days before expiry; monthlies throughout their final week.