SteadyOptions Trading Blog

Too often, traders may  make the mistake of associating option volatility with behavior of the underlying issue. However, if you employ a volatility assumption to model how an option is likely to change, remember that pricing models are theoretical. It is only useful for estimating the option risks. It does not indicate how underlying price will move.

Often when we have had some success on the market, investors minds' begin to consider turning their solitary pursuit into a fully-fledged business. One that does not only line their own pockets but can help make some serious money for our client as well. 

When you hear what “the market” did today, what do you think of? Most of us will think of one or more popular US stock indexes like the Dow Jones, Nasdaq, or S&P 500. But how well do these indices actually represent the total stock market? Dimensional Fund Advisors has created an excellent chart to help us answer this question.

Although traders often are attracted to hedged combinations (including spreads), some of the features are misunderstood. The spread may be viewed to manage risk, when in fact selection of an appropriate strategy may provide more potential when picked based on volatility.

Some traders have entered the options arena by selling exceptionally long-term contracts. The rationale for this is based on dollar amounts. A 24-month contract may yield an impressive dollar amount, but is it the best net return? It is not.

When buying a home, individuals who have accumulated enough wealth to pay cash or make a substantial down payment have a decision to make. Take advantage of record low interest rates and lock in a 30-year mortgage for around 2.5%? Or pay cash and make payments to yourself by investing the savings?

The key ingredient on expiration Friday is volatility collapse. At the beginning of that last trading day, there are more than 6 hours of trading yet to go. However, there are 38 hours left before expiration on Saturday. When volatility is high, OTM options are most likely to be overpriced.

Volatility is still widely misunderstood — and feared — by novice traders. As someone lacking in trading knowledge and experience, you often hear and believe horror stories of unstable markets. The fear is valid. After all, your shares and investments are at an elevated risk in an unpredictable environment.

Options traders tend to think mathematically. When considering selection of an underlying, risks and expected profits, the model of outcomes is a primary tool for making selections. Without a model how can anyone understand the differences between two or more options that might otherwise appear the same – similar moneyness, same strike, and same premium.

Are you new to the world of investments? Most likely; it’s not something you just fall into! BUt at the same time, investing can be done by anyone. Investing doesn’t need to be saved for retirement. It isn’t something only the uber rich are able to get into.

The CBOE Volatility Index® (VIX® Index®) is a key measure of market expectations of near-term volatility conveyed by S&P 500 stock index option prices. Considered by many a "Fear Index", the VIX represents one measure of the market's expectation of stock market volatility over the next 30-day period.

Traders may view options spreads as a means for reducing market risk. But this also means that the potential profit is just as limited as potential loss, and this is easily overlooked in the focus on risk alone. A realistic view of spreading is that it reduces risk in exchange for accepting limited maximum profit.