Is there such thing as buying too many contracts?

Discussion in 'Options' started by Sameresult, Feb 19, 2023.

  1. smallfil

    smallfil

    Let me cite an example of too many. Say you buy call options on XYZ stock whose open interest is currently, at 250. You decide to buy 200 of it at say $2.00. Now, assuming it is a thinly, traded stock option, you have most of the contracts available. Now, the stock for some reason drops like a rock and now you have huge losses and wish to exit. Problem is nobody wants to buy your call option back at the $2.00 or higher price. Now, it is being bid at $0.20 by the market marker and he only wants 100 of it. You are now stuck and cannot get out of your position. Now, you can sell the 100 contracts at $0.20 each but, you still have 100 contracts that you will not be able to sell.
     
    #11     Feb 20, 2023
    Sameresult likes this.
  2. newwurldmn

    newwurldmn

    it depends.

    if you are long options you can create a gamma squeeze (good for you: see GME) or you can cause your own pin (bad). If you are short you can force a pin (good for you) or you can cause your own gamma squeeze (bad). It all depends on the counterparties behavior.

    No matter what there’s no cheap exit. So if you are wrong or if the street figures you out, you are toast (see LTCM varswap trade)
     
    #12     Feb 20, 2023
    Sameresult likes this.
  3. traider

    traider

    No! YOLO!
     
    #13     Feb 20, 2023
    taowave likes this.
  4. I think that the term "contract" refers to options contracts.
     
    #14     Feb 25, 2023
  5. I had to ask for the distinction because the commentor introduced the concept of darkpools.
     
    #15     Feb 26, 2023