Bullish Trade. Part II Call Spread
| Jul 10, 2010 Bullish Trade. Part II. Call Spreads
Last time we looked at buying an ITM call
option. (Jul 19, 2010)
One of the best characteristics of options is the ability to use them to reduce risk. That involves a technique known as hedging. Hedging is just the process of using one investment to offset, or partially offset, the risk of owning another investment.NOTE: As a general rule, I am opposed to the purchase of call and put options as speculative plays. The reason is that most traders go about the process incorrectly. They buy positions with little chance of being profitable. When you, as an investment club, buy a call option, potential profit may be unlimited, but in practice, gigantic profits are extremely rare. The goal is to take a more conservative approach. That is accomplished by buying options that are already in the money (ITM). I discussed this is greater detail: Jun 9, 11, 2010. Today the topic reducing the risk even further by hedging the option purchased. That is accomplished by selling another call option. The option chosen has a higher strike price than the option you own. It also has a smaller cash premium. As a result, you must pay something to own the position (it's referred to as a 'call spread'). The good news is that your total investment costs less. The less good news is that in return for reducing risk, potential profits are limited. Investment clubs, as well as individual traders, would be well advised to avoid on greed and count on earning money on a consistent basis. Spreads help the investor do just that. Example ABCD is trading at $42 and you want to make a short-term investment in this company*What do you own? You bought the ABCD Nov 40/45 call spread and invested $260. That is significantly less than the Nov 40 call costs. Thus, your worst case scenario, and maximum loss, is $260. This is a bullish position. You can earn the maximum profit ($240) if ABCD is above $45 per share when the options expire at the close of trading on the 3rd Friday in November. to be continued... Mark D Wolfinger To read more of my blog posts, visit Options for Rookies Expiring Monthly: The Option Traders Journal http://www.expiringmonthly.com/ |