17 Reasons to trade options

Discussion in 'Options' started by trader221, Jul 10, 2020.

  1. ironchef

    ironchef

    What if we don't trade vol?
     
    #21     Jul 11, 2020
  2. destriero

    destriero

    options are vol.
     
    #22     Jul 11, 2020
    Atikon likes this.
  3. ironchef

    ironchef

    I hear you. But please hear me out:

    I trade options but I am not an options trader like you. Therefore, often vol is a secondary consideration.

    I used to trade individual names on margin extensively. Then in 2013, switched over to options (long/short call/put which ever is appropriate) as margin surrogates.

    If one trades directional, high vol simply means the underlying moves a lot. So I often buy when vol is sky high.

    In general starting from Mar 2009, someone made a long term macro bet, consistently bought names on margin, or short puts/long calls, he/she would be very profitable.

    One of these day I will switch and trade like you. :D

    Welcome your comments and critique.
     
    #23     Jul 12, 2020
    Pkay and Axon like this.
  4. destriero

    destriero

    I follow that and agree. Someone trading DITM calls and/or puts on shares as a D1 proxy are not trading vol.
     
    #24     Jul 12, 2020
    ironchef likes this.
  5. ironchef

    ironchef

    Sometimes it was DOTM, not DITM.
     
    #25     Jul 12, 2020
  6. destriero

    destriero


    Shares vs. lottery ticket. Delimited (add both delta, absent sign, =100) and they will carry similar vega. IOW, a 90Δ call and a 10Δ call will have the same vega if vol is flat.
     
    #26     Jul 12, 2020
    ironchef likes this.
  7. ironchef

    ironchef

    I see. Good point.

    Not lottery, more like VC.
     
    #27     Jul 12, 2020
  8. Cabin111

    Cabin111

    #12 and #14 is me...Yeah, boring but I feel profitable. I'll put in a limit at a lower price to buy the stock. When I do a covered call I will start at the top of the bid/ask. I'll then drop 5-10 cents every 5-10 minutes. Many times when I see that I am the only option at that price (not large companies)...I'll just keep that price till it gets bought.

    Another thing to think about with covered calls and dividends is compounding. I use to take the covered call money and dividends and just keep it in a money market fund (when they were earning 2-6%...Back in the days). Now I can take the call/dividend money and can buy something boring with it (A T & T, Verizon, ADM, Wells Fargo). If I have extra money I can buy 100 shares (round lot)...Stocks that pay fair dividends. I can do another covered call with this money on the stock I just bought. I then have the money compounding for me...Rinse lather and repeat. Boring I know...
     
    #28     Jul 12, 2020
  9. ironchef

    ironchef

    If you are an option buyer like this guy, that's where the big bucks are:

    https://highline.huffingtonpost.com/articles/en/lotto-winners/

    Of course most of us mom and pop amateur retails can't do this. Just like most of the amateur retails can be the casino.
     
    #29     Jul 16, 2020
  10. taowave

    taowave

    Hi there,when you say high vol,are you talking historic or implied??

    Curious to why you choose to buy high vol,and if you have backtested it..

    I think "switching" is a big mistake..

    Cater to your strengths and comfort level..Eliminate your weaknesses..




     
    #30     Jul 16, 2020