Noobish Q: Why isn't the delta on ATM options always 50%?

Discussion in 'Options' started by mitchell_1, Jan 9, 2019.

  1. For delta to be exactly 50, it means that N(d1) = 50 -->d1 = 0, which solves that s has be below k by a discount factor involving r, t, var/2. Therefore, delta isn't 50 for spot or even slightly different for atm forward
     
    #11     Jan 10, 2019
    tommcginnis likes this.
  2. M-maybe. Or your statement could be overly strong. Delta is actually a predictive rate of change of the option relative to the underlying. Actual mileage may vary (and does) because price is set by actual B/A and TnS.

    I've frequently seen OTM options move far less than their deltas would suggest.
     
    #12     Jan 12, 2019
  3. Robert Morse

    Robert Morse Sponsor

    That occurs when a stock goes up, IVol drops, so OTM calls often do not match their delta. Then you have to take into account decay.
     
    #13     Jan 12, 2019
  4. Try to understand the intuitive interpretations of N(d1) and N(d2)
     
    #14     Jan 14, 2019