Let’s put together what we’ve been talking about, develop an imaginary spread scenario and set it in real life events.
In October, let’s say that you begin to hear about IJK stock. It looks interesting, so you then use a variety of sources to learn about IJK: news, charts, outside analysts, internet research etc. From your [...]
Construction of a vertical spread occurs with the purchase and sale of a call (put) in the same stock and in the same month. The only difference between the two options is the strike price. For example, an investor would construct a vertical spread by purchasing the IBM June 55-call while selling the June IBM [...]
There are two main types of vertical spreads. There is the vertical call spread and the vertical put spread. Each spread allows you to do two things. First, you can buy it, making you long the vertical spread. Second, you can sell it making you short the vertical spread. Both can be employed to take [...]
Construction of a vertical spread occurs with the purchase and sale of a call (put) in the same stock and in the same month. The only difference between the two options is the strike price. For example, an investor would construct a vertical spread by purchasing the IBM June 55-call while selling the June IBM [...]
It is important to remember that the time spread will leave you with several potential positions that can be altered by other options or stock in numerous ways.
There are a number of decisions you must make to clarify your understanding and goals. Being open to a number decisions can be a very good thing [...]
The Strangle is another option strategy that features the use of options in unison with each other. The Strangle is philosophically identical to its ‘cousin’ the Straddle. However, whereas the Straddle has a single strike as its focal point, the Strangle has its focal point spread out over two strikes.
The effect of this as compared [...]
The selection and management of a vertical spread are only two-thirds of the game. Closing out, rolling or morphing the position has to be analyzed and executed with the same due diligence as was used in the selection and management processes.
Looking at the closing out of a vertical call spread, we find there are three [...]
The selection and management of a vertical spread are only two-thirds of the game. Closing out, rolling or morphing the position has to be analyzed and executed with the same due diligence.
Looking at the closing out of a vertical call spread, we find there are three possible outcomes. The spread can finish out-of-the-money and valueless. [...]
Spread traders must understand how to properly calculate accurate volatility. In order to get accurate volatility levels, you must first determine a base volatility for the two options involved in the spread. Getting a base volatility must be done because different volatilities in different months cannot and do not get weighted evenly mathematically.
Since they are [...]
What is the difference? Some may shout.
There is indeed a very BIG difference. I used to search for options strategies all the time as I thought it will make me a better trader. But does it really help a trader to trade better?
My answer is Yes (30%) and No (70%). Most “options strategies” [...]