Short Strangle on MER, need feedback on this trading

Discussion in 'Options' started by newguy05, Dec 15, 2007.

  1. i am sorry you guys lost me here. What you mean? "keep the shorts open? Open at a nickel? " and the response to that? didnt get it.
     
    #11     Dec 16, 2007
  2. The options would be worth a nickel and you have a choice to buy them back to close the position. This frees up margin for the next trade and protects you from a nasty after-hour gap against you. But since this would be into the last week you could let them expire worthless. This is something to think about.
     
    #12     Dec 16, 2007
  3. The Jan 70s are 15 cents. I can't imagine leaving it open.
     
    #13     Dec 16, 2007
  4. Not short the Jan 70s.
     
    #14     Dec 16, 2007
  5. Does that mean you rec buying it?
     
    #15     Dec 16, 2007
  6. atticus, what are you saying exactly i dont understand. The Jan 70 calls are 0.45, 75 calls are 0.15. Below is my trade:

    - Short MERAM (Jan 65 Call)
    - Short MERMJ (Jan 50 Put)

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    FF, yes it's something that has to be decided when the time comes. As a general rule, i usually cover when the shorts are at 20% to lock in profit and free margin for next trade, unless it's really the last week of expiration and not much news/volatility, then i let it expire and save some commission as well.
     
    #16     Dec 16, 2007
  7. MTE

    MTE

    No, it means that if someone was short it then there's no point keeping it open as the risk doesn't justify the reward of 15 cents.
     
    #17     Dec 17, 2007
  8. Yes, atticus recommends buying back the short option.
     
    #18     Dec 17, 2007
  9. But the 70s are 14 points otm. A reference strike to price the 65s or 50s if either strike were hit.
     
    #19     Dec 17, 2007
  10. I referenced the Dec $15.00 OTM options for a quick price guide for 1 week left and they are about $0.05. Obviously my "Some exit plans" list isn't complete but is a starting point.

    I had a December DIA Iron Condor and used the second exit plan: "If it's an Iron Condor you would have to consider liquidating the entire leg that is ATM and leave the OTM leg open". My latest update: DIA Iron Condor
     
    #20     Dec 17, 2007