Is this arbitrage?

Discussion in 'Options' started by wxytrader, Aug 26, 2024.

  1. MARA avg cost: 1500 shares @ 19.75
    Sell at open @ 18.57 = loss of -1770

    Or

    Sell 15 AUG30 18 CALL for .93 = premium 1395
    Adj avg cost: 18.80
    @ expiry loss if itm: -.80 x 1500 = -1200

    Did I not just arb myself 570? :)
     
  2. Sekiyo

    Sekiyo

    In both cases, the outcomes involve risk and potential losses, which are not characteristics of arbitrage.

    Arbitrage would require a guaranteed, risk-free profit, which is not the case here.
     
    poopy likes this.
  3. Well profit is relative...it guaranteed me 570 less in losses which is essentially a profit when compared to the alternative of selling at the open.
     
    Last edited: Aug 26, 2024
    Sekiyo likes this.
  4. I don't fully get your example, but how possibly could you buy an ITM call for cheaper than the stock? A call is essentially a stock + put (ignoring interest, dividends, etc.), so your put is essentially negative if the ITM call + strike price is less than the current price.

    So yes, definitely an arbitrage opportunity if the ITM strike + call is cheaper than the stock, but how could that possibly be?
     
  5. AKJ

    AKJ

    this has got to be one of the stupidest fucking questions I have ever seen relating to options. No it's not an arb! In scenario 1, you are out of the stock and lock in a loss. In scenario 2, you could end up losing a lot more if the stock tanks.
     
    newwurldmn and poopy like this.
  6. Unrealized losses are not losses any more than unrealized gains are gains.
     
  7. Selling an itm call...not buying
     
  8. AKJ

    AKJ

    Do you have Manatees just randomly pick balls with financial words on them to construct your replies?
     
    poopy likes this.
  9. Lol it's a bit cryptic but sound. If you consider an unrealized loss a loss then that's the same as considering an unrealized gain a gain.
     
  10. AKJ

    AKJ

    Yeah, I understand what you're saying. I'm not an idiot. I just think the things you say are not intelligent.

    Best of luck to you.
     
    #10     Aug 26, 2024