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101% Option Play on NVDA Today! Just wanted to share our heck of a option play that we pulled this morning with NVDA, as a projected pullback from the recent bounce and reaction from the CPI/PPI/Unemply. Data that was release this weekend. CNBC Analysts touted this as a safehaven, but I thought it was a false narrative based on the TA and what we were seeing on the charts going into the Aftermarket Session, yesterday. Pullbacks are healthy, so we exact a rebound back to the north based on the past few trading sessions. Stay Tuned for more as we move forward with providing you our Daily MyMI Option Playz at MyMI Wallet!
NASDAQ:NVDAShort
by MyMIWallet
Opening (IRA): KWEB May 17th 24 Monied Covered CallLooking to get a fill on a monied covered call in KWEB (IVR/IV 12/33.2) while I wait around for some (or any) vol to show itself in the broader market. That IVR isn't great, but I'm going small so that I can potentially add at more favorable strikes/share cost bases should an opportunity present itself. It's pre-market, so bid/ask is somewhat wide on both the shares and the short call, but I'm looking to buy a one lot and sell a -75 delta call against for around 26.09 in order to emulate the delta metrics of a 25 delta short put, have built-in short call defense, and to take advantage of IV skew on the call side (it's 39.4% at the 24 call strike; 32.4% at the 24 put). On a side note, the on margin variant of a Plain Jane short put isn't paying spectacularly from a dollar and cents standpoint: the May 17th 24 short put is paying .37 at the mid, which isn't anything to write home about, but that would be on a BPE of 6.72 (5.51% ROC at max; 2.75% at 50% max; 23.63 break even) should you want to go the standard short put/acquire/cover route. Break Even/Cost Basis in Shares/Buying Power Effect: 23.09 Max Profit: .91 ($91) ROC at Max: 3.49% ROC at 50% max: 1.74% In all likelihood, I'll have to "penny up" if I don't get a fill for 23.09 ... .
AMEX:KWEBLong
by NaughtyPines
Options Blueprint Series: Leveraging Diagonals with Corn FuturesIntroduction to Corn Futures (CBOT) Corn Futures, central to the commodities market, are traded on the Chicago Board of Trade (CBOT). These futures contracts are standardized agreements to buy or sell 5,000 bushels of corn, providing traders with a mechanism to hedge against price changes or to be exposed to future price movements in the agricultural sector. Contract Specifications: Contract Size: 5,000 bushels Quotation: Cents per bushel Minimum Tick Size: ¼ cent per bushel, equivalent to $12.50 per contract Trading Hours: Sunday to Friday, electronic trading from 7:00 PM to 7:45 AM CT, and Monday to Friday, daytime trading from 8:30 AM to 1:20 PM CT Contract Months: March, May, July, September, December, with additional serial months providing year-round trading opportunities Margin Requirements: Margins are set by the exchange and can vary, with initial margins typically being a fraction of the contract value to secure a position ($1,300 at the time of this publication) The liquidity and volume in Corn Futures make them an attractive market for traders. Factors influencing corn prices include weather patterns affecting crop yields, global supply and demand dynamics, and changes in energy prices due to corn's role in ethanol production. Understanding Diagonal Spreads Diagonal Spreads are a sophisticated options strategy that involves simultaneously buying and selling options of the same type (either calls or puts) with different strike prices and expiration dates. This approach is designed to leverage the time decay (theta) and volatility differences between contracts, making it particularly suitable for markets with expected directional moves and distinct volatility characteristics, like Corn Futures. Key Components: Long Leg: Involves buying an option with a longer expiration date. This option acts as the foundational position, typically chosen to be in-the-money (ITM) to capitalize on intrinsic value while also benefiting from time decay at a slower rate due to its longer duration. Short Leg: Consists of selling an option with a shorter expiration date and a different strike price, usually out-of-the-money (OTM). This leg generates immediate income from the premium received, which helps offset the cost of the long leg. Strategic Advantages: Directional Flexibility: Diagonal spreads can be tailored to bullish or bearish outlooks depending on the selection of calls or puts, strikes and expirations. Time Decay Harnessing: By selling a shorter-term option, the strategy aims to benefit from the rapid acceleration of time decay on the sold option, improving the position's overall theta. Given the cyclical nature of the agricultural sector and the specific factors influencing corn prices, diagonal spreads offer a strategic method to trade Corn Futures options. They provide a balance between long-term market views and short-term income generation through premium collection on the short leg. Application of Diagonal Spreads to Corn Futures In applying Diagonal Spreads to Corn Futures, we focus on a bearish strategy to capitalize on an anticipated gap fill below the current price level. This strategic choice is driven by the analysis of Corn Futures' price action, indicating potential downward movement. A bearish diagonal spread can be particularly effective in such scenarios, offering the flexibility to benefit from both time decay and directional movement. Bearish Diagonal Spread Setup: Long Leg (Buy Put): Select a put option with a longer expiration date to serve as the foundation of your bearish position. Choose a strike price that is at-the-money or in-the-money (ATM/ITM) to ensure intrinsic value. Short Leg (Sell Put): Sell a put option with a shorter expiration date at a lower strike price that is out-of-the-money (OTM). Trade Example: Assumption: Corn Futures are trading at 434 cents per bushel. Long Put: Buy a 47-day put option with a strike price of 435 cents, paying a premium of 7.49 cents per bushel ($374.5 – point value =$50). Short Put: Sell a 19-day put option with a strike price of 415 cents, receiving a premium of 1.01 cents per bushel ($50.5 – point value =$50). As seen on the below screenshot, we are using the CME Options Calculator in order to generate fair value prices and Greeks for any options on futures contracts. The goal is for Corn Futures to decline towards the 415-cent level (origin of the gap). Risk Considerations: While diagonal spreads can offer controlled risk (premium paid = 6.48 = 7.49 – 1.01 = $324 – point value =$50) and strategic flexibility, it's crucial to be mindful of the potential for loss, particularly if the market moves sharply in an unintended direction. Employing risk management techniques can help mitigate these risks: Adjustments and Rolls: Proactively manage the position by adjusting or rolling the short leg to a different strike price or expiration date in response to market movements or changes in volatility. This can help collect additional premium and potentially offset losses on the long leg. Use of Stop Losses: Implement stop-loss orders based on predefined risk tolerance levels. This could be set as a percentage of the initial investment or based on the technical levels in Corn Futures prices. Diversification: While not specific to the strategy, diversifying your portfolio beyond just Corn Futures options can help manage overall market risk. Different markets may react differently to the same economic indicators or geopolitical events, spreading your risk exposure. Regular Monitoring: Given the dynamic nature of Corn Futures and the options market, regular monitoring is crucial. Stay informed about market conditions, news impacting agricultural commodities, and changes in volatility that could affect your position. Diagonal spreads in Corn Futures offer a strategic avenue for traders looking to exploit market conditions and time decay with a defined risk profile. However, the key to successful implementation lies in diligent risk management, including making informed adjustments, employing diversification, and maintaining a disciplined approach to monitoring and exiting positions. Conclusion In this edition of the Options Blueprint Series, we explored the strategic application of Diagonal Spreads to Corn Futures traded on the Chicago Board of Trade (CBOT). This advanced options strategy offers traders a nuanced approach to potentially capitalize on market movements, leveraging the inherent time decay of options to enhance potential returns. Employing Diagonal Spreads allows traders to express a directional bias—bearish, in our case study—while managing the investment's risk profile through a combination of long-term and short-term options. By buying a longer-dated, in-the-money put and selling a shorter-dated, out-of-the-money put, traders can set up a position that benefits from both the expected downward movement towards a gap fill and the accelerated time decay of the sold option. However, as with any sophisticated trading strategy, understanding and managing the associated risks is paramount. Directional risks, volatility changes, and the potential for early assignment on the short leg require vigilant management and a readiness to adjust the position as market conditions evolve. By adhering to disciplined risk management practices—such as making timely adjustments, employing stop losses, and maintaining portfolio diversification—traders can seek to navigate the complexities of the options market and aim for consistent, strategic gains. The Corn Futures market, with its dynamic price movements influenced by a range of factors from weather to global supply and demand dynamics, provides a fertile ground for applying Diagonal Spreads. Traders who invest the time to understand both the underlying market and the intricacies of this options strategy may find themselves well-positioned to exploit opportunities that arise from market volatility. In summary, Diagonal Spreads present a strategic option for traders looking to leverage market insights and options mechanics in pursuit of their trading objectives. As always, education and practice are key to mastering these techniques, with paper trading offering a risk-free way to hone one's skills before venturing into live markets. 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.
CBOT:ZC1!Education
by traddictiv
4
Opening (IRA): GDX February 16th 29 Monied Covered Call... for a 28.24 debit. Comments: GDX (IVR/IV 40.8/ 32.9) is at the top of my IV screener for ETF's (along with GDXJ, which has higher IV, but is less liquid). Buying stock and selling the -71 delta call against, resulting in a max profit potential of .76 ($76)/contract; 2.69% ROC at max; 1.35% at 50% max. That .76 isn't massively compelling, but the ROC is "decent" for what I'm trying to do in the IRA on a month-month basis.
AMEX:GDXLong
by NaughtyPines
Opened (IRA): SMH May 17th 198 Monied Covered Call... for a 192.24 debit. Comments: Opened this in late Friday's session as it floated to the top of my IV screener with IVR/IV at 106/39. Sold the -75 delta call against 100 delta of long stock, with a resulting cost basis of 192.24/share. This is to emulate a 25 delta short put and to take advantage of call side IV skew while having "built-in" position defense via the short call. Will look to add at intervals, assuming IVR/IV remains high, generally taking profit at 50% max and defending via roll out of the short call. Metrics: BPE/Break Even/Cost Basis in Shares: 192.24 Max Profit: 5.76 ($576) ROC at Max: 3.00% ROC at 50% Max: 1.50% Variants: Short Put: May 19th 200 Short Put, 4.65 at the mid, 195.35 (cash secured), 25.70 (on margin). 2.38% ROC at max, 1.19% at 50% max for cash secured; 18.09% ROC at max, 9.05% at 50% max on margin (which is why you stick with the short put on margin; it's more BP efficient). Synthetic Short Put: May 19th 110/200 Short Put Vertical, 4.50 at the mid, 85.50 (cash secured), paying .15 to bring in BPE by more than half, 5.26 ROC at max, 2.63% at 50% max. This would only make sense in a cash secured environment from a BP efficiency standpoint; the naked short put remains more BP efficient on margin than either the covered call or the "synthetic naked short put" spread. Standard Short Put Vertical: May 19th 190/200 Short Put Vertical, 2.03 at the mid on BPE of 7.97 (both cash secured and on margin), 25.57% ROC at Max; 12.74% ROC at 50% max.
NASDAQ:SMHLong
by NaughtyPines
Opening (IRA): TLT Jan 17th 2025 100 Covered CallsComments: Doing something long-dated here in 20 year+ paper to get in at a cost basis that is coincident with a 10 year yield at 4.10%. Metrics: Buying Power Effect/Cost Basis: 91.40/contract Max Profit: 8.60 ($860)/contract ROC at Max as a Function of Buying Power Effect: 9.41% (Excluding Dividends) ROC at 50% Max as a Function of Buying Power Effect: 4.70% (Excluding Dividends) Delta/Theta: 49/1.00 Will look to roll out the short calls at intervals if they're in profit to reduce cost basis further. They're currently marking at 7.00/7.25 with the only available expiry to roll out to in Jan of 2026 (so I'll be forced to sit on my hands for "a bit").
TVC:TNXLong
by NaughtyPines
Opening (IRA): XBI May 17th 88 Monied Covered Call... for an 85.94 debit. Comments: 32.5% 30-Day IV. Buying a one lot and selling a -75 delta call against to emulate a 25 short put, take advantage of call side IV skew, and to have built-in defense via the short call. Metrics: Cost Basis/Break Even/Buying Power Effect: 85.94 Delta/Theta: 28.5/4.31 Max Profit: 2.06 ($206) ROC at Max: 2.40% ROC at 50% Max: 1.20% Will generally look to take profit on the entire setup (stock + short call) as a unit at 50% max; look to roll the short call for duration it hit 50% max at any time to reduce cost basis further; add short put, assuming I can get in at a strike with a lower break even than what I currently have on.
AMEX:XBILong
by NaughtyPines
Opening (IRA): BITO April 19th 26 Short Put... for a 1.23 credit. Comments: Adding to my covered call position (See Post Below) on weakness, converting the covered call into a covered strangle (i.e., short put + stock + short call). I went with April, since May appeared to be shit illiquid at where I'd want to pitch my tent. I'm fine with being assigned additional stock here at the 26 strike, since my cost basis in my shares is currently 27.54, with the cost basis in any shares assigned via the 26 at 24.77, although my preference would be just to take profit on the covered call aspect at 50% max and the short put at 50% max and move on. Naturally, if I also manage to grab the April dividend, that would be additionally bueno. As a standalone trade: Break Even/Buying Power Effect/Cost Basis in Any Assigned Shares: 24.77 Max Profit: 1.23 ($123) ROC at Max: 4.97% ROC at 50% Max: 2.48%
AMEX:BITOLong
by NaughtyPines
Options Blueprint Series: Perfecting the Butterfly SpreadIntroduction to the Butterfly Spread Strategy A Butterfly Spread is an options strategy combining bull and bear spreads (calls or puts), with a fixed risk and capped profit potential. This strategy involves three strike prices, typically employed when little market movement is expected. It's an excellent fit for the highly liquid energy sector, particularly CL WTI Crude Oil Futures Options, where traders seek to capitalize on stability or minor price fluctuations. Understanding CL WTI Crude Oil Futures Options WTI (West Texas Intermediate) Crude Oil Futures are one of the world's most traded energy products. These futures are traded on the NYMEX and are highly regarded for their liquidity and transparency. The introduction of Micro WTI Crude Oil Futures has further democratized access to oil markets, allowing for more granular position management and lower capital requirements. Key Contract Specifications for Crude Oil Futures: Standard Crude Oil Futures (CL) Contract Size: Each contract represents 1,000 barrels of crude oil. Price Quotation: Dollars and cents per barrel. Trading Hours: 24 hours a day, Sunday-Friday, with a 60-minute break each day. Tick Size: $0.01 per barrel, equivalent to a $10.00 move per contract. Product Code: CL Micro Crude Oil Futures (MCL): Contract Size: Each contract represents 100 barrels of crude oil, 1/10th the size of the standard contract. Price Quotation: Dollars and cents per barrel. Trading Hours: Mirrors the standard CL futures for seamless market access. Tick Size: $0.01 per barrel, equivalent to a $1.00 move per contract. Product Code: MCL Options on Crude Oil Futures : Options on WTI Crude Oil Futures offer traders the ability to hedge price risk or speculate on the price movements. These options provide the flexibility of exercising into futures positions upon expiration. Constructing a Butterfly Spread The essence of a Butterfly Spread lies in its construction: It involves buying one in-the-money (ITM) option, selling two at-the-money (ATM) options, and buying one out-of-the-money (OTM) option. For CL WTI Crude Oil Futures Options, this could translate into buying an ITM call or put, selling two ATM calls or puts, and buying an OTM call or put, all with the same expiration date. The goal is to profit from the premium decay of the ATM options faster than the ITM and OTM options, especially as the futures price gravitates towards the middle strike price. Using call options would typically generate positive delta making the strategy slightly bullish. Using put options would typically generate negative delta making the strategy slightly bearish. Selection of Strike Prices: Identify suitable ITM, ATM, and OTM strike prices based on current crude oil futures prices and expected market movement. (The below chart example uses Support and Resistance UFO price levels to determine the optimal Strike Selection.) Determine Expiration: Choose an expiration date that balances time decay with your market outlook. Manage Premiums: The premiums paid and received for these options should result in a net debit, establishing your maximum risk. Advantages and Risks Advantages: Defined Risk: The maximum potential loss is known at the trade's outset, limited to the net debit of establishing the spread. Profit Potential: Profits are maximized if the futures price is at the middle strike at expiration. Flexibility: Suitable for various market conditions, especially in a range-bound market. Risks: Limited Profit: The strategy caps the maximum profit, which is achieved under very specific conditions. Commission Costs: Multiple legs mean higher transaction costs, which can erode profits. Complexity: Requires careful planning and monitoring, making it less suitable for novice traders. The construction of a Butterfly Spread in the context of CL WTI Crude Oil Futures Options highlights the strategic depth required to navigate the volatile energy market. Meanwhile, understanding its advantages and inherent risks equips traders with the knowledge to apply this strategy effectively, balancing the potential for profit against the complexity and costs involved. Market Scenarios and Butterfly Spread Performance The performance of a Butterfly Spread in CL WTI Crude Oil Futures Options is highly contingent on market stability and slight fluctuations. Given crude oil's propensity for volatility, identifying periods of consolidation or mild trend is crucial for this strategy's success. Neutral Market Conditions: Ideal for a Butterfly Spread, where prices oscillate within a narrow range around the ATM strike price. Volatility Impact: Sudden spikes or drops in crude oil prices can move the market away from the strategy's profitable zone, reducing its effectiveness. Understanding these scenarios helps in planning entry and exit strategies, aligning them with expected market movements and historical price behavior within the crude oil market. Executing the Strategy Executing a Butterfly Spread involves precise timing and adherence to a pre-defined risk management plan. The entry point is critical, often timed with expected market stagnation or minor fluctuations. Entry Criteria: Initiate the spread when volatility is expected to decrease, or ahead of market events predicted to have a muted impact. Adjustments: If the market moves unfavorably, adjustments can be made, such as rolling out the spread to a further expiration or adjusting strike prices. Exit Strategy: The ideal exit is at expiration, with the futures price at the ATM option's strike. However, taking early profits or cutting losses based on predefined criteria can optimize outcomes. Case Study: Applying Butterfly Spread to Crude Oil Market Let's explore a hypothetical scenario where a trader employs a Butterfly Spread in anticipation of a stable WTI Crude Oil market. The futures are trading at $80.63 per barrel. The trader expects the price to move down slowly due to mixed market signals even though key support and resistance (UFOs) price levels would indicate a potential fall. As seen on the below screenshot, we are using the CME Group Options Calculator in order to generate fair value prices and Greeks for any options on futures contracts. Underlying Asset: WTI Crude Oil Futures or Micro WTI Crude Oil Futures (Symbol: CL1! or MCL1!) Strategy Setup: Buy 1 ITM put option with a strike price of $82.5 (Cost: $3.00 per barrel) Sell 2 ATM put options with a strike price of $78 (Credit: $0.92 per barrel each) Buy 1 OTM put option with a strike price of $73.5 (Cost: $0.24 per barrel) Net Debit: $1.40 per barrel ($3.00 - $0.92 - $0.92 + $0.24) Maximum Profit: Achieved if crude oil prices are at $78 at expiration. Maximum Risk: Limited to the net debit of $1.40 per barrel. Over the following days/weeks, crude oil prices could fluctuate mildly due to competing factors in the market but ultimately close at $78 at the options' expiration. The trader's maximum profit scenario is realized, demonstrating the strategy's effectiveness in a stable market. Risk Management Considerations Executing a Butterfly Spread or any options strategy without a robust risk management plan is perilous. The following considerations are essential for traders: Use of Stop Loss Orders: To mitigate losses in unexpected market moves. Hedging: Employing alternative positions to protect against adverse price movements. Defined Risk Exposure: Always know the maximum potential loss before entering any trade. Market Analysis: Continuous monitoring and analysis of the crude oil market for signs that may necessitate strategy adjustment. Conclusion The Butterfly Spread is a nuanced strategy that, when applied carefully, can offer traders of CL WTI Crude Oil Futures Options a means to capitalize on relatively slow market moves. While the potential for profit is capped, so is the risk, making it an attractive option for those with a precise market outlook. It exemplifies the strategic depth available to options traders, allowing for profit in less volatile market conditions. 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.
NYMEX:CL1!Education
by traddictiv