Timing a non-directional earnings play

Discussion in 'Options' started by kevagonia, Mar 12, 2018.

  1. Assuming I am going to make an earnings play: specifically a one-day Iron Condor for DKS overnight tonight, when should I time my entry? I assume some stuff can go down today and I should maybe wait until late in the day. I'm going shortest duration (4 DTE), slight bullish skew. Likely short strikes ~ 30,37.

    Earnings on this underlying are announced before open tomorrow. I am curious about timing entry and exit from those who maybe are not in the "don't trade earnings" camp.

    Thanks-

    -Kev
     
  2. >> Assuming I am going to make an earnings play: specifically a one-day Iron Condor for DKS overnight tonight, when should I time my entry?

    Two days ago, like I did mine.
     
  3. Robert Morse

    Robert Morse Sponsor

    kevagonia likes this.
  4. Like Robert said: go back man.
     
  5. Please be aware that holding any position through earnings has huge risks. Even if backtesting shows good results, you should always assume a 100% loss and position size accordingly.
     
  6. sounds fun! I am adjusting/closing/finalizing all other positions to avoid earnings and took this into account before they were opened. My questions was more specific to an earnings-only play. Thanks

    -Kev
     
  7. It's certainly more of a gamble than my typical fare.

    -Kev
     
  8. Due to the better pricing you received at that time? The stock has moved one point since that time. Thanks,

    -Kev
     
  9. Another possibility is to wait for the earnings report and evaluate the quality the earnings, revenues, company current competitive position, etc and think like an institution who has a long term horizon because of the amount of money they have to invest.

    Having a sense of how an large institution may look at a company can give you a good clue on whether to fade the move or to determine if the move may have some legs. Besides, you may get better option pricing for a long option position after the earnings release.
     
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  10. Since you want to take advantage of the option IV crush due to earnings the best time to enter is just before earnings at market close - around 3:30pm EST. In your case that would be today.

    Your option selections depends on the price of the underlining and your expected move after earnings.
     
    #10     Mar 12, 2018
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