OS 100 List
OS 100 List
Basic Idea:
• Objective: Generate income from an existing stock position by selling call options.
• Construction: Owning the underlying asset while simultaneously selling a call option on the asset.
When Applicable:
• Market Outlook: Neutral to slightly bullish market conditions.
• Investor Profile: Suitable for investors expecting the stock price to remain relatively stable or experience mild
growth.
Construction:
1. Own the Underlying Asset:
• Investor holds a long position in a particular asset (e.g., stocks).
2. Sell a Call Option:
• Simultaneously sell (write) a call option on the owned asset.
• Select a strike price and expiration date for the call option.
Calculation:
• Maximum Profit: Limited to the strike price of the call option plus the premium received from selling the call.
• Maximum Loss: Potential loss is limited to the original asset's purchase price minus the premium received.
• Break-even Point: The break-even point is the purchase price of the underlying asset minus the premium
received from selling the call.
Risk Profile:
• Risk: Limited risk due to the premium received from selling the call option.
• Downside Risk: Partially mitigated by the premium but potential losses if the stock price significantly drops.
Reward Profile:
• Reward: Limited potential for profit based on the strike price plus the premium received.
• Profit Potential: Capped at the strike price of the call option plus the premium.
Max Profit Scenario:
• Scenario: Stock price remains below the strike price until expiration.
• Outcome: Call options expire worthless, and the investor retains the premium received.
Max Loss Scenario:
• Scenario: Stock price drastically decreases below the break-even point.
• Outcome: Investor faces losses limited to the original purchase price minus the premium received.
Break-even Points:
• Upper Break-even: Strike price of the call option plus premium received.
• Lower Break-even: Purchase price of the underlying asset minus the premium received.
Advantage:
• Income Generation: Earn premiums from selling call options.
• Limited Risk: Partially offsets potential losses with premium income.
• Potential for Profit: Limited but achievable through premiums and slight stock price increases.
Disadvantage:
• Capped Profit Potential: Limited to the strike price of the call option plus the premium received.
• Potential Losses: Risk of significant loss if the stock price declines sharply.
Practical Example - Indian Market:
• Scenario: Investor owns 500 shares of XYZ Ltd at ₹150 per share.
• Action Taken: Sells five call option contracts of XYZ Ltd at a strike price of ₹160 with a premium of ₹5 per share,
expiring in one month.
Adjustment Under Different Scenarios:
• Stock Remains Below Strike Price:
• Options expire worthless, and the investor keeps the premium. No adjustments needed.
• Stock Price Rises Above Strike Price:
• Consider rolling the call option to a higher strike or expiration to avoid selling the stock.
• Stock Price Drops Significantly:
• Options may expire worthless, retaining the premium, or consider buying back the call option to limit
further losses.
The Covered Call strategy allows investors to leverage their existing positions to generate income while managing risks
associated with market fluctuations in the Indian stock market. Adjustments are essential based on market movements
and individual risk tolerance.
2) Protective Put
3) Long Call
4) Long Put
Straddle Strategy:
Objective: The Straddle strategy is a neutral options strategy used when you expect significant price movement in the
underlying asset but are unsure of the direction. It involves buying both a call option and a put option with the same
strike price and expiration date.
Components:
1. Buy Call Option: Purchase a call option.
2. Buy Put Option: Purchase a put option.
3. Same Strike Price and Expiration Date: Both options should have the same strike price and expiration date.
How It Works: Here's how the Straddle strategy works:
1. Select an Underlying Asset: You choose an underlying asset you believe will experience significant price
movement.
2. Buy a Call and a Put Option: You simultaneously buy a call and a put option with the same strike price and
expiration date.
Outcome Scenarios:
• Profit Zone: The goal is to profit from significant price movement in either direction. The profit zone exists when
the combined gains from one of the options exceed the total premium paid for both.
• Limited Risk: Your risk is limited to the total premium paid for both options.
Benefits:
• Profit from Volatility: The strategy profits from significant price movement in the underlying asset, regardless of
the direction.
• Defined Risk: The maximum loss is limited to the premium paid for both options.
Risks and Considerations:
• High Premium Costs: The cost of buying both options can be high, increasing the breakeven points.
Answers to the 15 Questions/Doubts about the Straddle Strategy:
1. How do I select the appropriate strike price and expiration date for a Straddle strategy?
• The strike price should be chosen near the current market price. The expiration date should align with
the expected timing of significant price movement.
2. What is the significance of implied volatility in a Straddle strategy, and how do I manage it?
• High implied volatility increases the premium cost and the potential for profit. Manage it by adjusting
the strike price or expiration date.
3. What is the maximum profit and maximum loss potential for a Straddle trade?
• The maximum profit is theoretically unlimited, and the maximum loss is the total premium paid for both
options.
4. How are the breakeven points calculated in a Straddle strategy?
• The breakeven points are calculated by adding or subtracting the total premium paid to the strike prices
of the options.
5. What market conditions or indicators make a Straddle more suitable to open?
• Straddles are suitable when you expect high volatility but are unsure of the price direction, often ahead
of significant events like earnings announcements.
6. How do I decide when to close a Straddle position?
• Monitor the asset's price movement. Close when you reach your profit target or when price movement
becomes unlikely.
7. What happens if the underlying asset's price doesn't move significantly after opening a Straddle?
• If there's not enough price movement, you could incur losses due to the cost of the premiums paid for
both options.
8. How do commissions and fees impact the profitability of a Straddle trade?
• Commissions and fees reduce your overall profit. Choose a broker with competitive rates and consider
them when evaluating potential returns.
9. Are there alternatives to adjusting or hedging a Straddle position when market conditions change?
• You can consider closing the position or converting it into other strategies, like an Iron Condor.
10. What is the typical duration for a Straddle trade, and how does it vary based on market conditions?
• Straddles are often held for a few weeks to a couple of months, but duration varies based on market
conditions and expected price movement.
11. How do dividends and income received from the asset affect a Straddle strategy?
• Dividends and income can impact the position's profitability. Be aware of ex-dividend dates and their
effects.
12. What is the tax treatment for profits and losses in a Straddle strategy?
• Tax treatment can vary, but generally, profits and losses are considered capital gains and losses. Consult
a tax advisor for specifics.
13. Are there risks or considerations related to early exercise of the options in a Straddle?
• Early exercise can occur, but it's generally uncommon, especially for American-style options.
14. How do I manage a Straddle in a situation where there are news releases or economic events?
• Be prepared for potential price volatility around such events. You can monitor and adjust the position
accordingly.
15. Can you explain the impact of stock splits and mergers on a Straddle trade?
• Stock splits and mergers can affect the number of shares and strike prices. Be aware of these corporate
actions and their potential impact on the position.