Opening (IRA): TAN Nov 15th 37 Covered Call... for a 35.89 debit.
Comments: Relatively decent IV here at 42.8%. Selling the -75 delta call against stock to emulate the delta metrics of a +25 delta short put, but with the built-in defense of the short call.
Metrics:
Buying Power Effect/Break Even: 35.89
Max Profit: 1.11
ROC at Max: 3.09%
50% Max: .56
ROC at 50% Max: 1.55%
Will generally look to take profit at 50% max; roll out short call on test.
Optionsstrategies
EUR/USD Struggles to Recover - Bears Dominate!Today, EUR/USD pair continued to fluctuate in a narrow range below the 1.0900 mark during Thursday's trading session, holding on to recent heavy losses, after falling to a near two-month low the previous day.
Technically, the old support level has turned into a stiff resistance, making any recovery attempt difficult. Meanwhile, technical indicators and signals from EMA 34, 89 continue to favor the Bears, putting EUR/USD on the back foot against other rivals.
Good luck traders!
Opening (IRA): NVDA Nov 15th 83/98/143/158... for a 2.70 credit.
Comments: 30-day IV remains fairly decent here at 48.9%. Going wider than I usually do from a delta standpoint, with the short option legs camped out at the 16 delta, but with the wings at standard width (1/10th the price of the underlying), knowing that I will probably adjust the setup at some point given its duration (56 DTE).
Earnings haven't been firmly announced yet, but are likely to occur right around mopex (~11/14), so will look to be out of the trade by then.
Metrics:
Buying Power Effect: 12.30
Max Profit: 2.70
ROC at Max: 21.95%
50% Max: 1.35
ROC at 50% Max: 10.98%
Will generally look to take profit at 50% max; roll in sides to delta balance.
ALLY Ally Financial Options Ahead of EarningsAnalyzing the options chain and the chart patterns of ALLY Ally Financial prior to the earnings report this week,
I would consider purchasing the 36usd strike price Calls with
an expiration date of 2024-10-25,
for a premium of approximately $1.30.
If these options prove to be profitable prior to the earnings release, I would sell at least half of them.
Opening (IRA): TQQQ Oct 18th 59 Monied Covered Call... for a 56.10 debit.
Comments: This isn't at a lower strike than what I currently have on, but I'm (somewhat) fine with it, since I'm still below what I have in mind to be maximally deployed in this instrument.
Selling the -75 delta call against stock to emulate the delta metrics of a 25 delta short put, but with the built in defense of the short call.
Metrics:
Buying Power Effect/Break Even: 56.10
Max Profit: 2.90
ROC at Max: 5.17%
50% Max: 1.45
ROC at 50% Max: 2.58%
Will generally look to take profit at 50% max, roll out in-profit short call for duration and credit.
Opening (IRA): SMH Nov 15th 190/215/280/305 Iron Condor... for a 4.13 credit.
Comments: IV remains "adequate" here at 39.1%. Selling the 16 delta short options and buying the wings 1/10th of the price of the underlying out from there ... .
Metrics:
Buying Power Effect: 20.87
Max Profit: 4.13
ROC at Max: 19.79%
50% Max: 2.07
ROC at 50% Max: 9.90%
Will generally look to take profit at 50% max/roll up untested side on side test.
Weekly GEX of QQQ | Option Chain AnalysisI’d like to share my thoughts below after analyzing the QQQ option chain. In this analysis, I focus exclusively on the weekly time range, examining the QQQ option chain and the changes in top-tier options metrics.
🟨 Decline in Put Pricing Skew and Increase in IVx
The decline in put pricing skew on Options Oscillator suggests that put options are becoming relatively cheaper , signaling a shift in market participants' expectations. This indicates increased call buying and put writing activity in the options chain . Along with the decrease in implied volatility (IV), this often points to a lower demand for downside protection strategies, which could be interpreted as a bullish sentiment.
Currently, the QQQ’s IVRank stands at 31.5, reflecting a moderate volatility environment. However, with an average IVx of 19.2, trading volumes could increase, and interest in volatility-based strategies may rise further.
🔶 Backwardation in 4-7 DTE and Time Spreads
Backwardation in the 4-7 DTE (days to expiration) period can be ideal for time spread (calendar, diagonal) option traders , as near-term options show higher volatility than longer-term ones. This creates a favorable environment for time spread strategies, especially if this backwardation persists.
🟨 Gamma Levels and Open Interest-Based Levels
Call high OI gamma walls (or call resistance levels) typically act as resistance points. However, once these levels are broken, the bullish movement can accelerate due to positive gamma exposure. Put gamma walls (or put support levels), on the other hand, act as support. If broken, downward moves can intensify due to the high negative gamma exposure.
While the current largest gamma wall was for today at 495, the upcoming expiration on 10/14 could shift this level to 500, where the greatest gamma exposure will likely be after the Monday expiration (due to the large amount of open interest expiring at 495). If the price breaks above this level, it could further bolster bullish prospects to 505 (last ATH). Additionally, the 500 strike plays a critical role as a major level in the Options Grid System, representing the 8/8 level.
🟨 OTM 16 delta probability cloud in Options Overlay
The blue Delta Curves on the Options Overlay show the 16-delta levels, helping traders identify potential price ranges. According to current data, on the call side, the 505 strike is still within the 16-delta range, reinforcing its bullish potential.
This represents the 68% probability range defined by OTM 16 delta PUTs and OTM 16 delta CALLs, showing a clear directional expected move value. It provides an insightful view of the expected price movement’s directional range, often used by delta-neutral strangle traders like those at TastyTrade.
🟨 Time Spread Strategies
The aforementioned backwardation and gamma wall situation may present an advantage for time spread traders. Backwardation between 4-7 DTE provides an optimal window for those favoring time spreads, as the higher short-term volatility offers better premiums.
🟨 TanukiTrade Options Oscillator values
The TanukiTrade Options Oscillator indicates that the combination of declining put skew and decreasing IV suggests potential volatility growth on the bullish side of the market. This could be a valuable signal for both long and time spread strategies.
⅀ QQQ Summary
The decline in put skew and increase in IVx imply that market participants are anticipating an increase in bullish volatility. Backwardation between 4-7DTE supports time spread strategies, while the call gamma wall at 500—and soon 505—is likely to serve as significant resistance/target.
(NOTE: GEX levels is not part of the TanukiTrade Options Overlay indicator yet. The automatic GEX levels will be available soon, by the end of October!)
Weekly GEX of SPX | Option Chain Analysis for Option TradersI’d like to share my thoughts below after analyzing the SPX option chain. In this analysis, I focus exclusively on the weekly time range, examining the SPX option chain and the changes in top-tier options metrics.
🔶 Breakout and Bullish Outlook
Last Friday's price action saw the SPX break through the 5800 call gamma wall, generating strong bullish momentum . This breakout opens the door for further upward movement throughout the week, especially if buying pressure persists. Breaking through a call gamma wall often leads to a rapid price increase, as these levels act as resistance, but once broken, they support further upward moves.
However, caution is advised, as additional call gamma levels (around 5850 and 5875) could act as resistance, where the price may stall. These levels can reverse roles and, if the price falters, could act as significant resistance, potentially leading to a pullback toward the 5800 level.
🔴 Put Skew and IVx Changes
The put pricing skew on the Options Oscillator shows a declining trend, meaning that while put options are still more expensive than calls at equivalent strikes, this trend is softening when looking at the November expiration. This indicates a weakening of put options relative to calls, which could be another bullish signal as demand for puts may be declining.
The five-day IVx average declining , indicating a decrease in market volatility = VIX is melting down.
🟨 Backwardation and Diagonal/Calendar Strategy Opportunities
It's also worth noting the 10.5% backwardation based on the IV skew for the expirations between 10/18 and 10/21 (4/7DTE). This backwardation (downward sloping volatility curve) could benefit calendar and diagonal spread strategies, as options with different expirations have varying volatility conditions.
🔶 GEX Wall Levels: Where Is Support and Resistance?
🔹Gamma Exposure (GEX) levels continue to play a crucial role in the market’s movements:
🔹On the upside, the largest call gamma wall for the next 7 days is at 5850, while the 5875 level may also act as significant resistance. The 5875 is a more likely a realistic bullish target, supported by the Options Overlay’s blue OTM delta 16 probability curve.
🔹On the downside, the 5750 put support level currently offers strong support, with sellers forming a barrier here. The 5800 level is also interesting because it was the largest call gamma level last week, meaning there could be significant volatility as bulls and bears battle around this point.
(NOTE: GEX levels is not part of the TanukiTrade Options Overlay indicator yet. The automatic GEX levels will be available by the end of October.)
🟨 How Delta 16 Curves Define My Rational Price Range in Options Trading
The blue OTM Delta 16 curves from the Options Overlay define the rational probability range for me based on a lognormal distribution. This is important because there’s a 68% chance the price will stay within this range by expiration. These values are also visible in the Overlay Expiry table.
This represents the 68% probability range defined by OTM 16 delta PUTs and OTM 16 delta CALLs, showing a clear directional expected move value. It provides an insightful view of the expected price movement’s directional range, often used by delta-neutral strangle traders like those at TastyTrade.
⅀ SPX Summary
The SPX options chain is showing a bullish direction with the breakout above 5800, but it will be key to watch the gamma levels where the market might stall this week. The rising IV and declining put skew trend could provide further signals that the bull market might continue, but the possibility of resistance or a pullback remains. For those considering diagonal strategies, the backwardation may offer interesting opportunities to capitalize on.
(NOTE: GEX levels is not part of the TanukiTrade Options Overlay indicator yet. The automatic GEX levels will be available soon, by the end of October!)
Options Blueprint Series [Intermediate]: Vega-Neutral Gold Play1. Introduction
Gold is currently in an uptrend, presenting a potentially favorable environment for bullish traders. However, with implied volatility (IV) sitting around its mean, there’s uncertainty about whether IV will rise or fall in the near future. In such a scenario, traders may want to neutralize their vega exposure to avoid being negatively affected by changes in volatility.
This article focuses on setting up a Call Ratio Spread, a bullish option strategy that provides positive delta while allowing for further adjustments that could keep vega neutral. This allows traders to capitalize on Gold’s potential uptrend while minimizing risk from changes in implied volatility.
2. Current Market Context
The Gold futures market shows strong levels of support, which reinforces the bullish outlook. On the continuous Gold futures chart above GC1!, we observe key support levels at 2646.2 and 2627.2-2572.5. These levels could act as price floors, helping the uptrend continue if tested.
Similarly, when examining the contract-specific below chart for GCQ2025, we identify supports at 2725.4 and 2729.5-2705.5. These levels provide solid ground for bullish trades on this specific contract, giving traders additional confidence in entering long positions.
With implied volatility near its average (see the chart below), the market’s future volatility direction is unclear. Traders using options may choose adapt to this environment, ensuring that changes in volatility do not work against them.
3. Options Strategy: Call Ratio Spread
To take advantage of Gold’s uptrend while neutralizing the risk from changes in volatility, we could employ a Call Ratio Spread. This strategy offers a bullish stance while maintaining vega neutrality, protecting the trader from swings in implied volatility.
Setup:
Buy 1x 2600 Call at 256.15
Sell 2x 3500 Calls at 23.32
Expiration: July 28, 2025
This configuration generates positive delta, meaning the strategy will benefit from upward price movement. At the same time, by selling two calls at a higher strike, we offset the vega exposure, ensuring that changes in volatility won’t dramatically affect the position.
The strike prices and expiration selected help create a risk profile that works well in a bullish market. The maximum gain potential occurs if Gold continues to rise but stays below the higher 3500 strike, while the vega neutrality minimizes any volatility risks as the trade begins.
Notice the breakeven point for this strategy is 2809.5, meaning the trade becomes profitable if Gold exceeds this level by expiration.
4. Why Use Micros?
Traders looking for a more flexible approach can consider using Micro Gold Futures (symbol: MGC) instead of standard Gold futures contracts. Micro Gold Futures offer smaller contract sizes, which translate into lower margin requirements and a more precise way to control risk. This makes them an attractive alternative for traders with smaller accounts or those looking to scale into positions gradually.
Additionally, Micro Gold Futures allow traders to fine-tune their exposure to Gold without the larger capital commitment required by standard contracts. For those implementing strategies like the Call Ratio Spread, Micros provide a cost-effective way to execute similar trades with a lower financial commitment.
Contract Specs and Margin Requirements
Gold Futures (symbol: GC) represent 100 troy ounces of gold, and their margin requirements can vary depending on market volatility and the broker. Typically, the initial margin requirement for a standard Gold futures contract is around $10,000 to $12,000, but this can fluctuate. For traders seeking more flexibility, Micro Gold Futures (symbol: MGC) offer a smaller contract size, representing 10 troy ounces of gold. The margin requirement for Micro Gold Futures is significantly lower, usually in the range of $1,000 to $1,200, making it a more accessible option for those with smaller accounts or those looking to fine-tune their exposure.
5. Risk Management
As with any options trade, managing risk is essential. In the case of a Call Ratio Spread, the primary risk comes from the naked short calls at the 3500 strike price. If Gold rallies aggressively beyond 3500, the trader faces unlimited risk due to the uncovered nature of the short positions.
To mitigate this risk, traders should consider using stop-loss orders or adjusting the trade if Gold's price approaches the 3500 level too quickly. Another way to eliminate the unlimited risk component to the upside would be to convert the Call Ratio Spread into a Call Butterfly by buying an additional call above the 3500 strike price, effectively capping the risk. This adjustment still allows for positive delta exposure while limiting potential losses if Gold moves sharply higher.
Additionally, monitoring implied volatility is key. While the position starts with neutral vega exposure, this will change as the underlying asset price moves and time passes, especially as expiration approaches. The vega exposure can increase or decrease depending on these factors. If maintaining the vega-neutral characteristic is a priority, further adjustments—such as rolling options or modifying strike prices—could be made to keep the position aligned with the trader’s volatility outlook.
When charting futures, the data provided could be delayed. Traders working with the ticker symbols discussed in this idea may prefer to use CME Group real-time data plan on TradingView: www.tradingview.com - This consideration is particularly important for shorter-term traders, whereas it may be less critical for those focused on longer-term trading strategies.
General Disclaimer:
The trade ideas presented herein are solely for illustrative purposes forming a part of a case study intended to demonstrate key principles in risk management within the context of the specific market scenarios discussed. These ideas are not to be interpreted as investment recommendations or financial advice. They do not endorse or promote any specific trading strategies, financial products, or services. The information provided is based on data believed to be reliable; however, its accuracy or completeness cannot be guaranteed. Trading in financial markets involves risks, including the potential loss of principal. Each individual should conduct their own research and consult with professional financial advisors before making any investment decisions. The author or publisher of this content bears no responsibility for any actions taken based on the information provided or for any resultant financial or other losses.
Opening (IRA): SPY Oct 18th 515 Covered Call... for a 511.00 debit.
Comments: After taking profit, re-upping here out in October, selling the 84 call against long stock to emulate the delta metrics of a 16 delta short put, but with the built-in defense of the short call. Going lower delta here, since I've already realized gains for (basically) September.
There is a divvy to be had in Sept, with the last distribution being 1.76, so this will improve the unsexy ROC %-ages somewhat ... .
Metrics:
Buying Power Effect/Break Even: 511.00/share
Max Profit: 4.00 ($400); 5.76 ($576) with dividend, assuming a 1.76 distribution.
ROC at Max: .78% ROC at max; 1.13% ROC (with dividend)
50% Max: 2.00 ($200); 3.76 ($376) (with dividend)
ROC at 50% Max: .39% ROC. 74% ROC (with dividend)
Will generally look to take this off at >50% after the dividend drops or look to roll out in-profit short call to maintain net delta at +25 or less.
Opening (IRA): IWM October 18th 199 Monied Covered Call... for a 196.80 debit.
Comments: Re-upping with a monied covered call in the October 18th cycle. I left some money on the table by taking profit early. However, I don't want to be as aggressive as I usually am from a delta standpoint, since I already made money in the cycle, albeit after somewhat of a rollercoaster July/August.
Instead of selling the -75 delta call against as I usually do, I'm selling the -84 against, resulting in a net delta metric of around 16. The 16 delta strike is associated with 2 x the expected move, which is why I'm choosing that short call strike ... .
Metrics:
Buying Power Effect/Break Even: 196.80
Max Profit: 2.20
ROC at Max: 1.12%
50% Max: 1.10
ROC at 50% Max: .56%
I'll generally look to take profit at 50% max; roll in-profit short call out if and when the setup converges on +30 delta.
Opening (IRA): EWZ July 19th 31 Monied Covered Call... for a 30.31 debit.
Comments: Decent 30-day IV at 34.0%, but I'm primarily looking to position myself to grab the June dividend. IV is skewed to the put side in this underlying, so the general go-to would be short put, but to grab the dividend, you have to be in stock.
Because I want the extrinsic in the short call to exceed any dividend, I'm basically going at-the-money/slightly monied with the short call and will look to manage the position after the dividend drops. Unfortunately, the distribution has been wildly variant, so it's hard to tell how much extrinsic to keep in the short call to diminish the prospect of being called away early due to some dick exercising their long call early to grab the dividend.
Metrics (Sans Dividend):
Break Even/Buying Power Effect: 30.31
Max Profit: .69
ROC at Max: 2.28%
ROC at 50% Max: 1.14%
GBPUSD: The sellers still have the upper hand.Currently, GBPUSD is moving around 1.305 at the beginning of the weekend trading session with the weakness continuing since the beginning of the week.
Although there is a recovery, it is only short-term and is a trend correction. With a strong reversal from the EMA 34, 89, this currency pair is still heavily influenced by the technical selling sentiment.
In the short term, we expect to continue to prioritize selling with the profit-taking target right at the limit of the downtrend line marked on the chart.
EURUSD should buy or sell?Hello everyone!
EURUSD is currently following my previous prediction as it is in a deep decline, hovering at 1.098 and breaking out of the support level of 1.101.
With 3 deep declines and breaking out of 3 support levels, sellers continue to profit. Therefore, I expect it to continue moving down at least to the lower price channel, as indicated by the flat EMA for shorting.
Happy trading and don't forget to share your opinions in the comments section!
TIGR UP Fintech Holding Limited Options Ahead of EarningsIf you haven`t bought TIGR before the previous earnings:
Now analyzing the options chain and the chart patterns of TIGR UP Fintech Holding Limited prior to the earnings report this week,
I would consider purchasing the 4usd strike price Calls with
an expiration date of 2025-1-17,
for a premium of approximately $0.72.
If these options prove to be profitable prior to the earnings release, I would sell at least half of them.
UNFI United Natural Foods Options Ahead of EarningsAnalyzing the options chain and the chart patterns of UNFI United Natural Foods prior to the earnings report this week,
I would consider purchasing the 17usd strike price Calls with
an expiration date of 2024-10-18,
for a premium of approximately $1.25.
If these options prove to be profitable prior to the earnings release, I would sell at least half of them.
WFC Wells Fargo & Company Options Ahead of EarningsIf you haven`t bought the dip on WFC:
Now analyzing the options chain and the chart patterns of WFC Wells Fargo & Company prior to the earnings report this week,
I would consider purchasing the 51usd strike price Puts with
an expiration date of 2024-11-1,
for a premium of approximately $0.24.
If these options prove to be profitable prior to the earnings release, I would sell at least half of them.
XAUUSD: Continues to fall furtherHello dear friends, nice to meet you in today's gold price race!
Today, gold has not changed much, mainly fluctuating around the $2600 mark, and the downtrend is still dominant.
The metal is under pressure as the USD starts to regain strength. On the analytical chart, the price has dropped below the support level of $2625. The 4-hour chart shows the possibility of this downtrend continuing soon. With the acceptance of the falling wedge resistance and the reaction at the EMA 34 confirmed, we may not see any significant support until $2575.
How do you think gold will perform in the coming time?
BANK NIFTY INTRADAY LEVELS FOR 10/10/2024BUY ABOVE - 51340
SL - 51160
TARGETS - 51600,51820,51990
SELL BELOW - 50920
SL - 51160
TARGETS - 50600,50300,49930
NO TRADE ZONE - 50920 to 51340
Previous Day High - 51600
Previous Day Low - 50920
Based on price action major support & resistance's are here, the red lines acts as resistances, the green lines acts as supports. If the price breaks the support/resistance, it will move to the next support/resistance line. White lines indicates previous day high & low, high acts as a resistance & low acts as a support for next day.
Trendlines are also significant to price action. If the price is above/below the trendlines, can expect an UP/DOWN with aggressive move.
Please NOTE: this levels are for intraday trading only.
Disclaimer - All information on this page is for educational purposes only,
we are not SEBI Registered, Please consult a SEBI registered financial advisor for your financial matters before investing And taking any decision. We are not responsible for any profit/loss you made.
Request your support and engagement by liking and commenting & follow to provide encouragement
HAPPY TRADING 👍
NIFTY INTRADAY LEVELS FOR 10/10/2024BUY ABOVE - 25060
SL - 24970
TARGETS - 25120,25180,25230
SELL BELOW - 24970
SL - 25060
TARGETS - 24890,24800,24700
NO TRADE ZONE - 24970 to 25060
Previous Day High - 25280
Previous Day Low - 24970
Based on price action major support & resistance's are here, the red lines acts as resistances, the green lines acts as supports. If the price breaks the support/resistance, it will move to the next support/resistance line. White lines indicates previous day high & low, high acts as a resistance & low acts as a support for next day.
Trendlines are also significant to price action. If the price is above/below the trendlines, can expect an UP/DOWN with aggressive move.
Please NOTE: this levels are for intraday trading only.
Disclaimer - All information on this page is for educational purposes only,
we are not SEBI Registered, Please consult a SEBI registered financial advisor for your financial matters before investing And taking any decision. We are not responsible for any profit/loss you made.
Request your support and engagement by liking and commenting & follow to provide encouragement
HAPPY TRADING 👍
NIFTY INTRADAY LEVELS FOR 09/10/2024BUY ABOVE - 25060
SL - 24980
TARGETS - 25120,25180,25230
SELL BELOW - 24890
SL - 24980
TARGETS - 24800,24700,24600
NO TRADE ZONE - 24890 to 25060
Previous Day High - 25060
Previous Day Low - 24800
Based on price action major support & resistance's are here, the red lines acts as resistances, the green lines acts as supports. If the price breaks the support/resistance, it will move to the next support/resistance line. White lines indicates previous day high & low, high acts as a resistance & low acts as a support for next day.
Trendlines are also significant to price action. If the price is above/below the trendlines, can expect an UP/DOWN with aggressive move.
Please NOTE: this levels are for intraday trading only.
Disclaimer - All information on this page is for educational purposes only,
we are not SEBI Registered, Please consult a SEBI registered financial advisor for your financial matters before investing And taking any decision. We are not responsible for any profit/loss you made.
Request your support and engagement by liking and commenting & follow to provide encouragement
HAPPY TRADING 👍