Spread simulation

Discussion in 'Options' started by rjjaz, Feb 21, 2015.

  1. rjjaz

    rjjaz

    I often trade bull call spreads and use Fidelity and their website to mock trade and then execute.

    I'm sure there are more sophisticated simulators out there that will help me choose the right legs, and other such things? Max gain is easy but would be nice to assess gains and max gains for several spreads at once.

    Oh, ideally a site/tool with no or minimal costs please... Free is best of course :)
     
  2. xandman

    xandman

    Fidelity makes use of tools from some of the best analytical vendors in the business: ivolatility, livevol, S&P Capital IQ, Liquipoint. I noticed this just buy looking at the home page.

    Unfortunately, I am still trying to find a a relative with a Fidelity 401K so I can log in and investigate the available tools. I assume they got all the tools and made it available across the Fidelity platform. Fidelity is the big dog amongst tech customers, so they can buy stuff ala carte . Care to share the Fidelity listing of tools? You may have the best in class screeners/filters already. ivolatility has a spread scanner that they sold to several brokers. You pobably have that already.

    You may not be able to do better unless you get pro level software that combines the analytics with one-click/automated execution.
     
  3. I'm not a relative, but I do have a Fidelity 401k, part of which is self-directed with Active Trader Pro. I'm still at the shallow end of using options tools, and I cannot trade them on my Fidelity account (employer restriction), but I have access to all of the options tools in the menus. I very recently opened a Trade Station account (still an IRA account, but with covered call, call and put buy privileges) for retirement options trading, so I am in learning mode and happy to share.

    It sounds like you are looking for third party tools. I believe there are some but wrapped generically. The most complex of which seem to be explained in this video (hopefully accessible to you): https://www.fidelity.com/learning-c.../atp-strategy-ideas-video?CCSource=atpdesktop
     
    xandman likes this.
  4. xandman

    xandman

    Those seem to be Functions within Active Trader Pro which does have some minor activity requirements to use for free. You will have to apply your own personal filters to find whats consistently profitable. The "Custom Strategy" video shows a nice historical back tester.

    Keep digging. Everytime you see an imbedded applet (wrapped generically) with option analytics/analysis on their website, scan for the 2nd party branding. You may be pleasantly surprised with what you have.

    Thanks again for the leg work.
     
    Last edited: Feb 22, 2015