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Trading the VIX - A Balanced Strategy for Smart InvestorsWarning: This strategy is presented as a trading idea and should not be considered guaranteed trading guidance. Traders are responsible for their own decisions and should carefully evaluate risks before executing any trades. Given that VIX is generally between 13 and 20, I designed this option strategy. Combination VIX Vertical Spreads Strategy Overview: Days to Expiry (DTE): 37 Option Positions: Buy VIX 13 Call Sell VIX 15 Put Sell VIX 20 Call × 2 Visualized Setup Strategy Summary: This strategy results in a combination resembling a modified short straddle centered at VIX 20. However, in structure, it is better understood as a short strangle (neutral) combined with a bull call spread (bullish). The bullish component of the spread suggests that the trader expects the VIX to rise above 13 but remain below 20. The inclusion of a short strangle component helps offset the premium of the debit call spread. This structured approach allows for a calculated risk-reward balance, aligning with the trader’s outlook on implied volatility while leveraging option spreads to optimize capital efficiency. Risk and Reward Assessment: The strategy is heavily weighted towards a long VIX bias, meaning the trader anticipates an increase in VIX, though at a measured pace within a month. There is a slight increase in risk to the short side of VIX due to the exposure created by the short options. The expected profit range suggests that VIX volatility will stay within a defined range of 14 to 24. While the trader acknowledges the possibility of VIX exceeding 20, it is not expected to surpass 24. The probability of profit at expiry is estimated at 65% if entered today. Despite the additional short-side risk, the overall risk remains comparable to a standard short strangle. Historical VIX data indicates that the index fluctuates between 12 and 40 on a monthly basis, with a 52-week high of 65.7 and a 52-week low of 10.6. This reinforces the strategy’s inherent higher risk to the long VIX side. Key Considerations for Execution: Event Risk: Confirm that no major events (e.g., geopolitical instability, Federal Reserve announcements) are expected that could push VIX above 30. Entry Timing: Optimal entry is when VIX is at a relatively low level, such as observed last Friday (2/7/2025) morning. Exit Strategy: The position should be closed in approximately two to three weeks or when profit exceeds 100%. Notes and Alternative Strategy: One challenge of this strategy is the uncertainty in determining a precise stop-loss strategy. However, given the nature of a strangle, there is no immediate need to exit within the first 20 days, making it a relatively "lazy" management strategy. The trader has ample time to adjust after the initial 20-day period. Management should be approached by treating the bull call spread and short strangle separately. Given the natural variance of VIX, this approach should not be overly difficult to execute. A suggested alternative strategy might provide more controlled risk exposure. For example, I would start the trade with a butterfly at 20 if I see the potential rise of VIX. Then, I would reassess it after 30 days (assuming DTE=37; a shorter DTE may also be considered). Alternatively, I could simply wait until expiration day to make a final decision. This strategy has a limited loss while maintaining a similar profit potential. The suggested strategy manages the cost-efficiency aspect while also limiting potential losses. The decision-making process can then be based on market direction after the expected conditions begin to form. In comparison to the original strategy in terms of profit and exit timing, the proposed strategy may offer a faster exit, whereas a butterfly setup may require waiting until expiration. However, traders may find early exits possible for condors or strangles. Here is a visualization of the alternative setup: Alternative Strategy Visualization Thank you for reading. Wish you a successful options trading!
TVC:VIXLong
by yungyeh
3
[02/03] TSLA GEX Outlook for February expiration📌 Key Levels & GEX Insights Gamma Flip Zone: ~400 (until Febr expiration) Tight Transition Zone, Wide Clear Movement Range Above 420 Call Resistance : Every strike has positive Net GEX, meaning a return to this range would likely support further balanced upside or sideways movement. Below 375 : The next PUT support is at 350, so a break below this level could open the door for a deeper drop. There are 3 weeks until expiration. IV and IVR remain high even after earnings. Despite today’s selloff, the high call pricing skew is still attractive if we want to collect credit. In this case, a call butterfly or broken-wing call butterfly could be worth considering—but strictly based on GEX levels. PS: FINAL GEX ZONE COLORING SHEET
NASDAQ:TSLA
by TanukiTrade
6
MSFT Microsoft Corporation Options Ahead of EarningsIf you haven`t bought MSFT when they reported 49% stake in OpenAI: Now analyzing the options chain and the chart patterns of MSFT Microsoft Corporation prior to the earnings report this week, I would consider purchasing the 430usd strike price Calls with an expiration date of 2025-2-21, for a premium of approximately $15.35. If these options prove to be profitable prior to the earnings release, I would sell at least half of them.
NASDAQ:MSFTLong
by TopgOptions
[01/20] GEX Outlook: Decision, Key Levels and Looming VolatilityLooking at the GEX levels through Friday, we can see that since mid-December, the market has been moving in a slightly downward channel. Above 6000–6025: A call gamma squeeze is expected. Between 5925 and 6000: A sideways “chop zone.” Below 5925: The high-volatility zone begins, with 5800–5850 acting as our major support/resistance level characterized by heavy put dominance. Below that level lies a “total denial zone.” We’ve seen this scenario before—think back to the red candle on December 18, when the price broke below that threshold. This “red zone” is currently around 5800, so below 5925 we can anticipate large-amplitude moves. At this point, the market still does not seem worried about significant volatility. Until Friday, all NETGEX values for every expiration are positive , so market participants are pricing in more of a sideways movement. We haven’t yet seen a big pickup in volatility. I’m not pessimistic, but keep in mind that Trump’s inauguration might usher in a high-volatility period—something the market and many retail traders haven’t experienced in a while. Better safe than sorry.
SPREADEX:SPX
by TanukiTrade
4
Bitcoin & Gold: Weekly Options Trading Recap Gold: 🌟 The entire past week saw a positive trend in gold trading, characterized by a continuous accumulation of vertical call spreads targeting $2925-$2950. On Friday, higher targets around $2990-$3000 were added, with expiration in August of this year. The sentiment remains positive. However, volatility increased last week and remains at a relatively high level, indicating potential turbulence in the precious metals market. Bitcoin: 💰 Interesting portfolios aiming for $120,000-$140,000 have been observed in Bitcoin trading. These portfolios emerged on January 16 when Bitcoin was around $99,000. Within a couple of days, Bitcoin surged by 6.8% and broke the previous high around $102,500.
COINBASE:BTCUSDLong
by ClashChartsTeam
CLNE Option Activity Looks Promising There was more positive news on CLNE today and a lot of buying activity with a single order of 5,000 on .CLNE260116C4. 80% of the call activity happened at or above ask. 51% of calls had a delta between 0.41 and 0.60. I like longer exp dates and this time that's where most of the buying is. I'll most likely open a position Friday. I'm already long in shares. They do have some financial concerns from tax credits possibly ending and a few other things. Either way it may be a good short term play. Always watch volume and use some form of stop or hedge.
NASDAQ:CLNELong
by Brohma
ARKK potential Breakout to 66 - 70s before new year !After an impressive climb, ARKK’s price has paused near $56.21, forming a classic bull flag pattern. This is a textbook signal: a strong initial rally followed by sideways consolidation, often hinting at continuation in the direction of the previous trend. The trendlines reveal the ETF is compressing, building energy like a coiled spring. The moving averages are lined up perfectly for bulls. The short-term yellow moving average is trending well above the long-term blue one, confirming the strength of the upward momentum. This tells us the battle-tested bulls are still in control, with the bears retreating to lower ground. The RSI is sitting at 70.14, signaling strength. While some might see it as "overbought," seasoned traders know this is where momentum players thrive. The ETF’s ability to hold this level without significant pullbacks shows strong buying interest from institutions and retail traders alike. It’s like a crowd gathering behind the archer, ready to release the bowstring. The MACD histogram is glowing green, reinforcing the narrative that buyers are still active. As the histogram bars hold steady, there’s no sign yet of the bears staging a comeback. At this point, ARKK is testing the $58.38 resistance level, a successful breakout could launch ARKK toward its next resistance levels at $61.85 and $67.20, offering a significant upside for traders who act decisively. Target Levels: First target: $61.85 Second target: $67.20 Stop-Loss: Place a stop-loss just below $52.32 , the key support zone, to protect against sudden reversals. As an options trader, I’ve entered the following positions: ARKK December 20, 2024, $70 call at a premium of $0.12 (open). ARKK December 20, 2024, $66 call at a premium of $0.24 (open).
AMEX:ARKKLong
by EssieQuantumTrader