Calendar Spreads Definition � Options Explained � optionMONSTER

Post on: 13 Апрель, 2015 No Comment

Calendar spreads provide known and fixed maximum loss up, until the expiration of the short option.

They are usually used with low implied volatility and the expectation of range-bound trade.

Call calendars are virtually identical to put calendars, when using the same strike.

They take advantage of the difference in time decay for different expirations (theta).

Would you like to.

Be able to profit from range-bound markets?
Take advantage of the different time decay rates in different expiration months?

Anyone who has traded options for a while has a feel for how time decay can eat away at an option’s value, especially as expiration gets closer. Options positions can in fact profit from time decay, but this entails selling options and can involve significant risk. Long calendar spreads provide a limited-risk way to take advantage of time decay inherent in different expiration dates.

Long calendar spreads profit within a given range. They profit from a rise in implied volatility and are therefore a low-cost way of taking advantage of low implied volatility options. This is considered a more advanced options strategy, but usually has lower risk and a better probability of profit than outright call or put buying.

The maximum risk is known from the outset of the trade, and is equal to the debit paid for the spread, up until the near-month option that you sell gets to expiration, at which point exposure becomes the risk inherent in the option you buy.

What is a Calendar Spread?

Calendar spreads can be done with calls or puts and, if using the same strikes, put and call calendar spreads are virtually equivalent. Implementing the strategy involves buying one option and selling another option of the same type and strike, but with different expiration. A long calendar spread would entail buying an option (not a front month contract) and selling a nearer-expiration option of the same strike and type. Long calendar spreads are traded for a debit, meaning you pay to open the overall position.

This strategy profits in a limited range around the strike used. The trade can be set up with a bullish, bearish or neutral bias. The greatest profit will come when the underlying is at the strike used at expiration. Calendar spreads also profit from a rise in implied volatility, since the long option has a higher vega than the short option.

Calendar spreads lose if the underlying moves too far in either direction. The maximum loss is the debit paid, up until the option you sold expires. After that, you are long an option and your further risk is the entire value of that option.

Options in nearer-month expirations have more time decay than later months (they have a higher theta). The calendar spread profits from this difference in decay rates. This trade is best used when implied volatility is low and when there is implied volatility skew between the months used, specifically when the near-month sold has a higher implied volatility than the later-month bought.

In this example, with the stock at 135.13, the September 135 call is purchased for $15.45, and the July 135 call is sold for $10.45, for a net debit of $5, which is the maximum risk.

This is a neutral trade used when the outlook is for a range-bound underlying. The maximum risk is known from the outset of the trade, and is equal to the debit paid (until the first expiration). If the implied volatility does not change, the position profits from roughly 121 to 154. Rises in implied volatility will increase the profit and the range. Time decay is on your side with this trade.

Example of a Winning Trade

Research in Motion (RIMM) moved up to $108 in late February, while implied volatility moved down below 50.

With the stock at 108, we would buy the April 110 calls for $7.50 and sell the March 110 calls for $4.45, for a net debit of $3.05.

The maximum risk is the $305 we paid (remembering that options contacts come in lots of 100). The risk would be realized if the stock moves too far in either direction.

In this case, RIMM was at 101 at March expiration, with implied volatility up to 65. So the March 110 call expired worthless, while the April 110 call was worth $4.30, for a 41% return.

Example of a Losing Trade

Using the same RIMM charts, we see that establishing a spread just before earnings would not have worked out.

In August, we saw the price heading up through 220 and implied volatility at 62 percent. The October 220 call was purchased for $22.60 and the September 220 call sold for $15.90, for a net debit of $6.70.

After earnings, the price plummeted down into the $80 range and implied volatility dropped below 50.

The implied volatility recovered by the September and October expirations, but the price did not, so the maximum loss of $670 was realized.

Options involve risk and are not suitable for all investors. For more information, please read the Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options. Copies may be obtained from The Options Clearing Corporation, One North Wacker Drive, Suite 500, Chicago, IL 60606 or call 1-888-OPTIONS or visit www.888options.com.

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