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Quant Trader
Expert-Level Options for Sophisticated Traders

July 8, 2022

As I’ve been stating over the past few weeks, gold and energy look like an interesting short-term setup given the extreme oversold levels.

Today, given the extreme oversold readings, I’m going to open a position in the SPDR Gold ETF (GLD), more specifically a bull put spread.

As I’ve been stating over the past few weeks, gold and energy look like an interesting short-term setup given the extreme oversold levels.

Today, given the extreme oversold readings, I’m going to open a position in the SPDR Gold ETF (GLD), more specifically a bull put spread.

GLD chart 070822

As you can see below, IV rank is well above normal and I have no problem selling premium anytime we see an IV rank above 40. So, when the IV rank is sitting at 86.85 there is no doubt options premium is inflated and it’s a good time to sell a credit spread.

GLD iv rank 070822

Image courtesy of Slope of Hope

IV: 19.43%
IV Rank: 86.85
Expected Move (Range):
The expected move (range) for the GLD August 19, 2022, expiration cycle is from 156 to 170.

The Trade

GLD bull put 070822

With the SPDR Gold ETF (GLD) trading for 162.46 I want to place a short-term bull put spread going out 42 days. My intent is to take off the trade well before the August 19, 2022, expiration date.

Simultaneously:
Sell to Open GLD August 19, 2022, 155 put strike

Buy to Open GLD August 19, 2022, 150 put strike for a total of $0.60 (As always, the price of spread will vary, so please adjust accordingly.)

GLD price 070822

Delta of spread: 10
Probability of Profit: 77.41%
Probability of Touch: 45.08
Total net credit: $0.60
Total risk per spread: $4.40
Max return: 13.6%

Risk Management

Since we know how much we stand to make and lose prior to order entry, we can precisely define our position size on every trade we place. Position size is the most important factor when managing risk, so by keeping each trade at a reasonable level (I use 1% to 5% per trade) it allows not only the Law of Large Numbers to work in your favor … it also allows you to sleep well at night.

I tend to set a stop-loss that sits 1 to 2 times my original credit. Since I’m selling the 155/150 bull put spread for roughly $0.60, if my bull put spread reaches $1.20 to $1.80 I will exit the trade. As always, I will keep you updated on the status of the position as it progresses and send any necessary updates as needed.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to email me at andy@cabotwealth.com.