Options Blueprint Series: Credit Spreads for Weekly Plays

Introduction

Credit spreads are a sophisticated options strategy involving the simultaneous purchase and sale of options of the same class and expiration, but at different strike prices. This approach is particularly effective in scenarios where the trader seeks to capitalize on premium decay while maintaining controlled risk exposure. Commonly used in volatile markets, credit spreads can offer a strategic advantage by allowing traders to position themselves in accordance with their market outlook and risk tolerance.

Understanding Credit Spreads

Selling one option and buying another with the same expiration date but different strike prices is done to earn the premium (credit) received from selling the higher-priced option, offset by the cost of buying the lower-priced option. There are two main types of credit spreads: Call Spreads and Put Spreads, specifically Bull Put Spreads and Bear Call Spreads.

• Bull Put Spreads: This strategy involves selling a put option with a higher strike price (receiving a premium) and buying a put option with a lower strike price (paying a premium), both on the same underlying asset and expiration. The trader anticipates that the asset's price will stay above the higher strike price at expiration, allowing them to keep the premium collected. This spread is termed "bull" because it profits from a bullish or upward-moving market.
  
• Bear Call Spreads: Conversely, this strategy involves selling a call option with a lower strike price (receiving a premium) and buying a call option with a higher strike price (paying a premium). The expectation here is that the asset's price will remain below the lower strike price at expiration. This spread is called "bear" because it benefits from a bearish or downward-moving market.
  

Easy Way to Remember:

• Bull Put Spread: Remember it as "selling insurance" on a stock you wouldn't mind owning. You're betting the stock price stays "bullish" or at least doesn't drop significantly.
  
• Bear Call Spread: Think of it as "calling the top" on a stock. You're predicting that the stock won't go any higher, demonstrating a "bearish" outlook.
  

Risk Profile

The below graph illustrates the risk profile of a Bull Put Spread (Bullish Credit Spread that uses Puts):


WTI Crude Oil Options Contract Specifications

WTI Crude Oil options offer traders the opportunity to manage price risks in the highly volatile crude oil market. Key contract specifications include:

• Point Value: Each contract represents 1,000 barrels of crude oil, with each point of movement equivalent to $1,000.
  
• Trading Hours: Options trading is available from Sunday to Friday, providing extensive access to market participants around the globe.
  
• Margin Requirements: Initial margins are set by the exchange and are adjusted according to market volatility. USD 6,281 at the time of this publication (based on the CME Group website).
  
• Credit Spread Margin Calculation: For credit spreads, margins are typically lower as the margin for a credit spread in WTIC Crude Oil options is calculated based on the risk of the position, which is the difference between the strike prices minus the net credit received. This calculation ensures that the trader has sufficient funds to cover the potential maximum loss. (for example: a spread using the 78.5 and the 77.5 strikes which are 1 point away would require USD 1,000 minus the credit received).
  

Understanding these specifications is crucial for traders looking to employ credit spreads effectively, ensuring compliance with financial requirements and alignment with trading strategies.

Application to WTIC Crude Oil Options

Credit spreads are particularly suited to the Weekly Expiration WTIC Crude Oil Options due to their ability to capitalize on the oil market's frequent price fluctuations. The strategy's effectiveness is enhanced by the oil market's characteristics:

• Market Dynamics: Crude oil prices are influenced by a myriad of factors including geopolitical events, supply-demand dynamics, and changes in global economic indicators. These factors can lead to significant price movements, creating opportunities for options traders.
  
• Strategy Suitability: Given the volatile nature of crude oil, credit spreads allow traders to take a directional stance (bullish or bearish) while limiting risk to the difference between the strike prices minus the credit received. This is particularly advantageous in a market where sudden price swings can occur, as it provides a safety buffer in case WTI Crude Oil moves against the trader and then comes to back towards the desired direction.
  

By employing credit spreads, traders can leverage such market characteristics to potentially enhance returns while maintaining a clear risk management framework.

Forward-looking Trade Idea

For above TradingView price chart presents a trade setup as we consider the current market conditions and employ a put credit spread strategy, focusing on two UFO (UnFilled Orders) Support Price Levels that indicate potential support below the current market price of WTIC Crude Oil Futures. These levels suggest that prices are unlikely to drop below these thresholds anytime soon.

Trade Setup: Utilize the 78.5 and 77.5 put strike prices for the credit spread.

• Sell a put option at the 78.5 strike price, where we expect the market will not fall below and collect 0.13 points (USD 130).
  
• Buy a put option at the 77.5 strike price to limit downside risk and define the trade’s maximum loss and pay 0.07 points (USD 70).
  
• Premium Collected: The credit received from this spread is the difference in premiums between the sold and bought puts, which contributes to the overall profitability if the options expire worthless. The net credit collected is USD 60 (130-70).
  
• Expected Outcome: The best scenario is for WTIC Crude Oil prices to stay above the 78.5 strike at expiration, allowing the trader to retain the full premium collected while minimizing risk.
  

As seen on the above screenshot, we are using the CME Options Calculator in order to generate fair value prices and Greeks for any options on futures contracts.

This trade is predicated on the belief that the underlying crude oil price will remain stable or increase, ensuring that the prices do not fall to the strike price of the sold put, thereby maximizing the potential for profit from the premiums.

Risk Management

Effective risk management is crucial when employing credit spreads in trading. Given the defined risk nature of credit spreads, several strategies can be implemented:

• Position Sizing: Adjust the number of spreads to fit within the overall risk tolerance of the trading portfolio, ensuring that potential losses do not exceed pre-determined thresholds.
  
• Stop-Loss Orders: Although credit spreads have a built-in maximum loss, setting stop-loss orders based on market price can help lock in profits or prevent excessive losses in volatile market conditions.
  
• Monitoring: Regular monitoring of market conditions and adjusting positions as necessary can help manage risks associated with unexpected market movements.
  

Conclusion

Credit spreads offer a strategic advantage for options traders looking to leverage market movements while controlling risk. By focusing on premium collection and employing a disciplined approach to risk management, traders can enhance their chances of success in the volatile WTIC Crude Oil options market.

When charting futures, the data provided could be delayed. Traders working with the ticker symbols discussed in this idea may prefer to use CME Group real-time data plan on TradingView: www.tradingview.com/cme. This consideration is particularly important for shorter-term traders, whereas it may be less critical for those focused on longer-term trading strategies.

General Disclaimer:
The trade ideas presented herein are solely for illustrative purposes forming a part of a case study intended to demonstrate key principles in risk management within the context of the specific market scenarios discussed. These ideas are not to be interpreted as investment recommendations or financial advice. They do not endorse or promote any specific trading strategies, financial products, or services. The information provided is based on data believed to be reliable; however, its accuracy or completeness cannot be guaranteed. Trading in financial markets involves risks, including the potential loss of principal. Each individual should conduct their own research and consult with professional financial advisors before making any investment decisions. The author or publisher of this content bears no responsibility for any actions taken based on the information provided or for any resultant financial or other losses.