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kapw7
Registered: Mar 2012
Posts: 113 |
09-02-12 11:18 AM
Let's say we are happy enough to use a long bfly as an alternative to a short straddle (ATM). For example we think ATM IV is very "rich" and we want to avoid "unlimited risk" of the straddle. Assume this compensates for the bfly risk of greeks changing sign, skew risk etc
What would be an alternative for a long straddle? I feel that the obvious short bfly does not balance very well but I am not sure.
One exapmle I'm thinking is a portfolio of rich IV/ cheap IV options. The "academic paper" position is to take short / long straddles but these give high variance results. Assume we don't delta hedge, what alternatives could we use?
(The above is only an example my question is more general than this)
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sonoma
Registered: Oct 2007
Posts: 144 |
09-03-12 01:56 AM
Quote from kapw7:
Let's say we are happy enough to use a long bfly as an alternative to a short straddle (ATM). For example we think ATM IV is very "rich" and we want to avoid "unlimited risk" of the straddle. Assume this compensates for the bfly risk of greeks changing sign, skew risk etc
What would be an alternative for a long straddle? I feel that the obvious short bfly does not balance very well but I am not sure.
One exapmle I'm thinking is a portfolio of rich IV/ cheap IV options. The "academic paper" position is to take short / long straddles but these give high variance results. Assume we don't delta hedge, what alternatives could we use?
(The above is only an example my question is more general than this)
You'll have to configure a position with unlimited reward to mimic the long straddle, so you'll have to be net long option positions. One choice would be a backspread. Another would be a long option with additional short verticals further OTM. In both of these examples, you can arrange the legs such that theta and vega match your needs/expectations. And remember that you don't have to keep the legs in the same expiration series.
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Don Bright
Bright Trading, LLC
Registered: Oct 2001
Posts: 11698 |
09-03-12 02:17 AM
No long straddle, no short straddle. How about a selling the strangle?
Underlying at 30, sell the 20 or 25 puts, and the 35 or 40 calls. Pretty easy, right?
Don
__________________
Don Bright (not an alias)
Bright Trading, LLC
http://www.stocktrading.com
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diaoptions
Registered: Aug 2011
Posts: 392 |
09-03-12 02:17 AM
RE: "Long Straddle Alternative"
Paper trade the straddle, then when (if) one leg hits 2x gain buy that option for real. Exit trade when your P/L has been reached.

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diaoptions has spoken
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diaoptions
Registered: Aug 2011
Posts: 392 |
09-03-12 02:38 AM
Quote from Don Bright:
No long straddle, no short straddle. How about a selling the strangle?
Underlying at 30, sell the 20 or 25 puts, and the 35 or 40 calls. Pretty easy, right?
And then after you collect your dimes you can say good bye to your account when the underling gaps up or down on some unexpected news. Pretty easy alright - LOL.

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diaoptions has spoken
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newwurldmn
Registered: Apr 2011
Posts: 2621 |
09-03-12 03:37 AM
Quote from diaoptions:
RE: "Long Straddle Alternative"
Paper trade the straddle, then when (if) one leg hits 2x gain buy that option for real. Exit trade when your P/L has been reached.

Or employee your strategy:
Paper trade the straddle and when one leg hits 2x pretend that's the only leg you traded.
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