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Gamma

What is Gamma?🔎 What is Gamma? Gamma Exposure (GEX) measures how much and how fast an option’s Delta changes as the underlying moves. Why does this matter? Because when options shift, market makers must hedge, and their hedging can move markets. Gamma = the “acceleration” of Delta. Large gamma zones = areas where market makers must hedge aggressively. These hedges often create temporary support or resistance levels. Think of Gamma as the invisible hand shaping intraday price action. ⚡ Why is Gamma Important? Market makers aren’t directional traders — they aim to stay delta-neutral. But depending on whether they’re in a positive or negative gamma environment, their hedges can either calm the market or fuel volatility. ✅ Positive Gamma Dealers are net long calls. Price Drop: They buy underlying to hedge → creates support. Price Rise: They sell underlying to hedge → creates resistance. Result: Market stays stable, moves are dampened. ❌ Negative Gamma Dealers are net short puts. Price Drop: They sell underlying to hedge → adds downward pressure. Price Rise: They buy underlying to hedge → adds upward pressure. Result: Market becomes unstable, moves are amplified (higher volatility, risk of squeezes). 📍 Key Gamma Levels to Watch Zero Gamma: Pivot point where hedging flows are balanced. Price often consolidates or pivots here. Major Positive Gamma Zones: Act as resistance (dealers sell into strength). Major Negative Gamma Zones: Act as support (dealers sell into weakness, but may cause bounces).
CME_MINI:MES1!Education
by DiYWALLST
1
FOMC 100% Breakout (Check) - Key Resistance and 6500 Gamma PinFOMC was in fact a NOISE candle So I measured the candle, projected a 100% breakout bullish and bearish Bulls took the bait and ran higher, but still resistance @ 6700 seen today and hopefully a short-term window to see a bit of a slide lower into some technical levels EMA support levels -watching the 21 period daily EMA -watching the 50 period daily EMA 6550 FOMC candle lows from last week 6500 Gamma Pin with JP Morgan's quarterly collar trade This is the first day in several weeks where I've seen some actual follow through in negative gamma option flows If futures grinds prices lower, the cascade may take hold and we can see a 100-200 point selloff quickly in the S&P I still like scooping up premium and buying the dips, but hopefully at more attractive levels like 4-5% lower or even 8-10% lower Let's see how it plays out. I'll be in the markets grinding per usual. Thanks for watching!!!
SP:SPX
by ChrisPulver
From Mystery to Mastery: Options ExplainedIntroduction: Why Options Feel Complicated Options are perhaps the most misunderstood instruments in trading. To the untrained eye, they seem like an impossible puzzle: strange terminology, an overwhelming options chain filled with numbers, and payoff diagrams that bend in multiple directions. Many traders dismiss them as “too complex,” or worse, confuse them with gambling. But options are not about chance — they are about choice. Each contract offers the trader a way to shape risk, control exposure, and adapt to unique market conditions. While this flexibility comes with greater sophistication, it also unlocks a toolkit that no other instrument can match. The visuals you can see at the top of this publication — an options risk profile with multiple legs and a snapshot of an options chain — illustrate this dual nature. At first glance, the visuals are busy, packed with strikes, expirations, premiums, and curved payoff lines. Yet these are the very tools that make options versatile. They can be combined to express bullish, bearish, neutral, or volatility-driven views with precision. The goal of this article is to take the mystery out of options and highlight why their complexity is worth understanding. Step by step, we’ll explore how they work, how the Greeks shape outcomes, how different strategies can be structured, and why they play such a vital role when layered onto futures trading. What Are Options? At their simplest, options are contracts that give the buyer the right, but not the obligation, to buy or sell an asset at a predetermined price within a specific time period. That asset may be a stock, a futures contract, or even an index. Two Building Blocks Call Options: Give the right to buy the underlying at the strike price. Traders buy calls when they expect the underlying to rise. Put Options: Give the right to sell the underlying at the strike price. Traders buy puts when they expect the underlying to fall. The Price of an Option: The Premium Option buyers pay a premium, while option sellers collect it. This premium reflects the market’s assessment of risk and probability, and it changes constantly with price, volatility, and time. Intrinsic vs. Extrinsic Value Intrinsic Value: The amount an option would be worth if it were exercised immediately. For example, a call with a strike below the current price has intrinsic value. Extrinsic Value: The “time value” built into the premium — compensation for the uncertainty of where price may go before expiration. Why Options Matter Unlike buying or selling the underlying directly, options allow traders to shape their exposure: define maximum risk, set conditional payoffs, or even profit from time decay and volatility changes. The above options chain screenshot illustrates how layered this world can be. Rows of strikes, bid-ask quotes, open interest, and implied volatility may look daunting at first. But each piece of data contributes to building strategies that fit specific objectives. The Greeks Made Simple If the options chain is the menu, then the Greeks are the ingredients that determine how a position behaves. Each Greek measures a different sensitivity, helping traders understand not just what they are trading, but how it will move as conditions change. Delta (Δ) Measures how much an option’s price will change for a one-point move in the underlying asset. A delta of 0.50 means the option should gain about 0.50 units if the underlying rises by 1. Traders often use delta as a proxy for probability of finishing in the money. Gamma (Γ) Tracks how much delta itself will change as the underlying moves. High gamma means delta can shift rapidly, often near at-the-money strikes close to expiration. This makes gamma a key driver of volatility in option prices. Theta (Θ) Represents time decay — the amount an option loses each day, all else equal. Options are wasting assets; as expiration approaches, time value shrinks faster. Option sellers often seek to benefit from theta, while buyers must overcome it. Vega (ν) Measures sensitivity to changes in implied volatility (IV). A higher vega means the option’s value rises more when volatility increases. Since IV often spikes in uncertain times, vega is crucial for traders who position around events. Rho (ρ) Tracks sensitivity to interest rate changes. While less relevant in low-rate environments, rho matters for longer-dated options. Why the Greeks Matter Taken together, the Greeks form a multidimensional risk profile. A trader isn’t just long or short — they are exposed to directional risk (delta), acceleration (gamma), time decay (theta), volatility (vega), and interest rates (rho). The earlier options risk profile diagram illustrates how these forces combine in multi-leg positions. Each curve on the graph reflects the complex interplay of the Greeks, showing why mastering them is essential for managing sophisticated strategies. Core Options Strategies Options can be as simple or as sophisticated as a trader chooses. At their core, all strategies are built from just two instruments — calls and puts — yet when combined, they create a vast range of payoff structures. Directional Strategies Long Calls: Buying a call gives upside exposure with limited downside (the premium paid). Long Puts: Buying a put provides downside exposure with limited risk. These are straightforward but carry the burden of time decay (theta). Income Strategies Covered Calls: Holding the underlying asset while selling a call against it. This generates premium income but caps upside. Cash-Secured Puts: Selling a put while holding cash collateral. If assigned, the trader buys the underlying at the strike price. Risk-Defined Spreads Vertical Spreads: Buying one option and selling another at a different strike in the same expiration. This defines both maximum risk and reward. Iron Condors: A combination of spreads that profits if the underlying stays within a range. Risk and reward are defined upfront. The above iron condor risk profile chart shows exactly how this works: profit is maximized in the middle range, while losses are capped outside the wings. Why Structure Matters Each strategy has its strengths and weaknesses, but the true value of options lies in their flexibility. Traders can design positions to fit directional views, volatility expectations, or income objectives — all with defined risk. Options strategies are like tools in a kit: the more you understand their mechanics, the more precisely you can shape your market exposure. Options on Futures Most traders first encounter options through stocks, but options on futures open the door to even broader applications. While the mechanics are similar, there are key distinctions worth noting. Underlying Differences Stock options are tied to shares of a company. Options on futures are tied to futures contracts — which themselves already embed leverage and expiration. This layering adds both flexibility and complexity. A trader is essentially trading an option on a leveraged instrument. Practical Use Cases Hedging Commodity Risk: An airline might use crude oil futures to lock in prices, then overlay options to cap extreme scenarios while reducing hedging costs. Speculating with Defined Risk: A trader bullish on gold can buy a call option on gold futures. The maximum loss is the premium, but the upside tracks leveraged futures moves. Volatility Plays: Futures options often respond strongly to shifts in implied volatility, especially around key reports or geopolitical events. Why They Matter Options on futures give traders the ability to fine-tune exposures. Instead of committing to full futures leverage, a trader can scale in with options, controlling downside while keeping upside potential open. They also broaden the range of strategies available. Futures already expand diversification; adding options introduces an entirely new layer of flexibility. Index Options Among the most widely traded options in the world are those based on equity indexes, such as the S&P 500 or Nasdaq-100. These instruments serve as essential tools for institutions and active traders alike. Why Index Options Are Popular Portfolio Hedging: Instead of hedging each stock individually, investors can use index puts to protect an entire portfolio. Exposure Without Ownership: Index options allow participation in market moves without holding any individual company shares. Liquidity and Depth: Index options often trade with deep volume and open interest, making them attractive for both large and small participants. Volatility and the Options Surface A key feature of index options is their relationship with volatility. The chart below — an implied volatility surface/skew diagram — shows how options with different strikes and maturities carry different implied volatilities. Volatility Skew: Out-of-the-money puts often trade with higher implied volatility, reflecting demand for downside protection. Term Structure: Near-term expirations may reflect event risk (such as earnings or Fed meetings), while longer maturities capture broader market uncertainty. Why It Matters Index options aren’t just directional bets. They are also instruments for trading volatility, sentiment, and risk itself. Institutions rely on them to hedge, while traders use them to capture shifts in implied volatility across strikes and expirations. By understanding how skew and surfaces behave, traders can better interpret market expectations — not just where prices may go, but how uncertain participants feel about the path forward. Risk Management with Options Options provide unmatched flexibility — but that flexibility can tempt traders into overcomplicating positions or underestimating risk. Mastery comes from structuring trades with risk control at the core. Defined vs. Undefined Risk Defined-Risk Trades: Spreads and combinations such as verticals or iron condors cap both upside and downside. Maximum loss is known from the start. Undefined-Risk Trades: Selling naked calls or puts exposes traders to potentially unlimited risk. While these strategies may generate steady premiums, one large adverse move can wipe out months or years of gains. Managing Volatility Exposure Volatility can shift rapidly, especially around earnings reports, central bank decisions, or geopolitical events. A long option position benefits from rising implied volatility but suffers if volatility collapses. A short option position gains from falling volatility but risks severe losses if volatility spikes. Theta Decay and Time Management Time decay (theta) erodes option premiums every day. Buyers must ensure their directional or volatility edge is strong enough to overcome this drag. Sellers must balance the benefit of theta decay against the risk of sharp, unexpected price moves. Position Sizing Still Matters Even defined-risk strategies can compound losses if oversized. Options’ leverage allows traders to control significant exposure with relatively small premiums, making discipline in sizing just as important as with futures. The Core Principle Options don’t eliminate risk — they reshape it. Effective risk management means choosing strategies where the risk profile matches your conviction, market conditions, and tolerance for uncertainty. Common Mistakes New Options Traders Make Options open powerful opportunities, but without structure, beginners often fall into predictable traps. Recognizing these mistakes is the first step to avoiding them. Chasing Cheap Out-of-the-Money Options Many new traders are attracted to options with very low premiums, believing they offer “lottery ticket” potential. While the payoff looks appealing, the probability of expiring worthless is extremely high. Ignoring Implied Volatility Price direction isn’t the only driver of option value. A trader might buy a call, see the underlying rise, yet still lose money because implied volatility dropped. Treating options as simple directional bets ignores one of their most critical dimensions. Overusing Undefined-Risk Positions Naked calls and puts can seem attractive because of the steady income from premium collection. But without defined risk, these trades can expose traders to devastating losses when markets move sharply. Mismanaging Time Decay Theta works against buyers, and new traders often underestimate how fast options lose value near expiration. Buying short-dated options without accounting for theta can erode capital even when the underlying moves in the expected direction. Forgetting the Exercise and Assignment Process Options on futures and equities alike can be exercised or assigned. New traders often overlook the obligations that come with short positions, leading to unexpected futures or stock exposures. Takeaway Every mistake above comes from misunderstanding what options truly are: instruments shaped not only by direction, but also by time, volatility, and structure. Avoiding these pitfalls is what separates those who dabble from those who progress toward mastery. Conclusion: From Complexity to Clarity Options may seem intimidating at first glance. The crowded options chain, the curved payoff diagrams, and the alphabet soup of Greeks can overwhelm even experienced traders. Yet within this complexity lies unmatched versatility. Options allow traders to: Define risk with precision. Express bullish, bearish, or neutral views. Trade volatility and time as independent variables. Hedge portfolios against unexpected events. The charts in this article — from the iron condor risk profile to the volatility skew surface — highlight the breadth of possibilities. They show why options are not a single strategy, but a toolkit that adapts to any market condition. The challenge is not to memorize every strategy, but to understand how the pieces fit together: calls, puts, Greeks, spreads, volatility, and time. Once these elements stop being a mystery, options transform from a confusing maze into a structured path toward mastery. This article completes our From Mystery to Mastery trilogy. We began with Trading Essentials, laying the foundation. We advanced into Futures Explained, exploring leverage and diversification. Now, with Options Explained, we’ve reached the most versatile and sophisticated layer of trading. The journey doesn’t end here. Futures and options will always evolve with markets, offering new challenges and opportunities. But with a structured process, disciplined risk management, and the mindset of continuous learning, traders can move confidently — from mystery to mastery. From Mystery to Mastery trilogy: Options add a powerful layer of flexibility to trading, whether used for directional plays, income strategies, or hedging. Since many actively traded options are written on futures contracts listed on CME Group exchanges, it’s important to note that chart data can sometimes be delayed. For those who wish to analyze these products in real time on TradingView, a CME Group real-time data plan is available: www.tradingview.com . Traders focused on short-term options strategies, where timing and volatility shifts matter most, will find real-time access particularly valuable. 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.
CME_MINI:ES1!Education
by traddictiv
05/05 SPX Weekly Playbook - GEX Zone Outlook🔮 What-If Scenarios for This Week – Based on GEX Structure until Firday Last week’s market momentum pushed the S&P 500 up by almost 3%, effectively erasing the price gap left behind on Liberation Day. The index also strung together nine straight days of gains—something we haven’t seen since late 2004. Meanwhile, implied volatility dropped significantly, with the VIX touching its lowest level since the holiday, falling to around 22.5. Several factors seem to have fueled this bullish tone, including a more measured approach from Trump on trade policies and strong quarterly results from major tech names like Microsoft and Meta. Still, the nature of the buying raises questions—was this a thoughtful rotation, or just a broad sweep of optimism? ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 🔄 Chop Zone: 5650 – 5670 (wide transition zone) 🔹 Gamma Flip: 5615 🔺 Key Call Wall: 5725 (5800 potential shift) 🔻 Key Put Wall: 5500 (5400 major support below) 🔼 Upside Path IF > 5670 → transition cleared → ➡️ 5700 stall / reaction IF > 5725 → call wall breached → ➡️ Path to 5750 / 5775 → stall at 5800 (largest net call OI) IF > 5800 → gamma resistance breaks down → ➡️ 5825/5850 zone opens up 🔽 Downside Path IF < 5615 → gamma flip triggered → ➡️ 5500 = battle zone (massive put wall + high negative GEX) IF < 5500 → negative gamma squeeze likely → ➡️ Stall zone: 5450 → flush to 5400 IF < 5400 → high-volatility regime → ➡️ Possible acceleration to 5375 / 5340 depending on IV spike ⚖️ Neutral Setup IF 5650–5670 holds → dealer hedging = balanced → ➡️ Ideal for non-directional spreads / theta plays ➡️ Wait for breakout confirmation above 5670 or below 5615 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 🔍 Final Thoughts We’ve seen a sharp rally since the Trump trade war scare, with barely any meaningful pullback. The market appears to be looking for one—as a breath. Based on current GEX positioning, there’s significantly more downside hedging than upside, especially in the mid-term May expirations. That doesn’t necessarily mean we crash—but it does mean that moves lower can accelerate faster, while upward breakouts may require more energy or time. In this environment, consider: Bearish or neutral spreads (put debit spreads, call credit spreads) Volatility-based strategies Avoiding naked upside trades unless we see a strong reclaim of 5725+ Stay safe and adapt—GEX doesn’t tell direction, but it does tell where the fire might start, beacuse of reflexting to hedging activity.
SPREADEX:SPX
by TanukiTrade
04/28 Weekly GEX AnalysisDETAILED IMAGE: Here’s what the charts and indicators are showing right now until Friday. We are approaching a key breakout zone. 🐂 🟢 IF the market breaks above the white bearish daily trendline, the next bullish target could be between 5515–5680. 🟦 ⚖️ The chop area is between 5435–5515. Expect more back-and-forth moves here if the breakout fails. 🐻🔴 Watch out: if the price drops below 5435 or 5425, there’s little support left. This could trigger a sharp sell-off ("Bearish Armageddon" scenario). GEX profiles remain positive 🟢 across all near expirations — for now — suggesting that underlying support still exists, but we need to monitor any changes closely. IVRank is still relatively high (30.9), meaning options are priced with a decent amount of implied volatility. 🟢Short-term sentiment is currently bullish, with some speculative activity picking up. This suggests that traders are expecting less volatility over the next month compared to what we saw in the past week. However, if we look at institutional positions focused on longer-term expirations (especially beyond 30 days on SPX/AM maturities), the picture remains bearish 🔴 or at least highly volatile. These players are still strongly hedging against downside risks. This confirms the broader point: Even though price action managed to recover to pre-tariff-announcement levels — with very low trading volume — we’re not out of the woods yet. Until we can break and hold above the key resistance bearish trend with HIGH BUY VOLUME (aka. momentum), we shouldn't expect a strong, stable GEX profile across all expirations like we had in the past.
CME_MINI:MES1!
by TanukiTrade
GEX Analysis & Options “Game Plan”🔶 Short- and longer-term perspective in a high IV, negative GEX environment 🔶 KEY LEVELS & RANGES Spot: 221 Gamma Flip / Transition: around 250 (the turquoise zone on the chart) – This zone typically marks a “power shift.” If price decisively breaks above 250 and holds, market makers’ gamma positioning could flip from neutral/negative to positive. Put Support: 200 – A large negative gamma position has accumulated here, making 200 a strong support level. If it breaks, the downside may accelerate. Call Resistance: 400 – A major long-term “call wall” where a significant amount of OTM calls are concentrated. It’s more relevant to LEAPS; currently far from spot, so not a realistic short-term target. Call Resistance #2: 300 – A medium-term bullish objective, still above the 200-day MA. You’d need to be strongly bullish to aim for ~300 by May (e.g., going for a 16-delta OTM call). Short-Term / Intermediate GEX Levels: – There are gamma clusters around 220–230 and 250–260 . These areas often see higher volatility, possible bounces, or stalls (chop) due to hedging flows. 🔶 WHATEVER SCENARIO – SHORT TERM (0–30 DAYS) A) Upside Continuation / Rebound – If TSLA closes above 225–230 , the next target is 240–250 (transition / gamma flip). – If it breaks above 250 and holds (e.g., successful retest), market makers may shift to “long gamma,” fueling a quicker move to 260–270 . – Resistance: 250, 300, with an extreme LEAPS-level at 400. B) Downside Move / Bearish Break – If price dips below ~220 and sustains, the next targets are 210–200 (major put wall / negative gamma). – If 200 fails, negative gamma may magnify the sell-off. It’s an extreme scenario but still on the table given high IV and macro/geopolitical risks. – Support: 210, 200 — likely stronger buying interest near 200, possibly a short-term bounce. – The options chain suggests near-term hedging via puts for this scenario. C) Chop / Sideways – If TSLA stays in 210–230 , market makers (short options) might benefit from high IV/time decay. – Negative GEX, however, can trigger sudden moves in either direction; caution is advised. 🔶 LONGER-TERM FOCUS (6–12 MONTHS, LEAPS) NET GEX = -61.97M (negative territory) suggests longer-dated positioning is also put-heavy or carries notable negative gamma. HVL / pTrans = 250 is a key pivot; cTrans+ = 400 is distant call resistance. Between these levels, there’s a mix of put/call dominance. If Tesla undergoes a fresh growth phase (AI, robotaxi, energy storage, etc.) and clears 250/300 , 400 could become the next significant call wall — but that’s more of a multi-month horizon. 🔶 STRATEGY IDEAS (High IV Environment) 1. Short-Term Bearish – If you’re bearish and expecting TSLA to test 220–210, consider a bear put spread or net credit put butterfly (lower debit) to leverage high IV. – Targeting 200, but keep in mind negative gamma may accelerate downside movement. 2. Medium-Term “Contra” Bullish (bounce to 250) – If GEX suggests a bounce off 210–220, consider a bull call spread (e.g., 220/240) or a net debit call butterfly (220/240/250). – Be mindful of sudden swings, as we remain in negative gamma territory. 3. Longer-Term Bullish (>3–6 months) – A call butterfly with upper strikes around 300–350 offers capped debit and higher potential payoff if a bigger rally materializes. – A diagonal spread (selling nearer-dated calls, buying further-out calls) exploits elevated front-end IV. 4. Neutral / Range-Bound – If TSLA stays in 200–250 , you could use Iron Condors (e.g., 200/260) to benefit from time decay and any IV collapse. – Exercise caution: negative gamma can generate abrupt, directional moves, making a neutral stance riskier than usual. 🔶 ADDITIONAL NOTES & “BIG PICTURE” High IV & Negative GEX: TSLA has a track record of large swings. Negative GEX can intensify sell-offs, while forced hedging might trigger rapid rebounds. Preferred Structures: With expensive premiums, spreads (vertical, diagonal) and butterfly configurations generally fare better than plain long options (less vulnerable to time decay). Potential Catalysts: AI announcements, Autopilot breakthroughs, new product lines, and macro changes can swiftly alter market dynamics. Keep tracking GEX updates and news flow; TSLA tends to respond dramatically to fresh developments. 🔶 Bottom line: From 221 spot, watch 210–200 on the downside and 240–250 on the upside short term. Medium-term bullish target = 300 , while 400 remains a far LEAPS scenario. High IV + negative gamma = fast, potentially volatile moves — so risk management and spread-based approaches are crucial.
NASDAQ:TSLA
by TanukiTrade
1
Gamma Exposure Analysis SPY & VXX SPY Resistance at 570. The 570 level in SPY likely corresponds to a high gamma concentration for 0DTE (zero days to expiration) options. At this strike, market makers short gamma (i.e., net sellers of options) at this level would dynamically delta-hedge by selling SPY as the price approaches 570, creating selling pressure and resistance. Next resistance level 575. For VXX , the 48 level likely represents a put-dominated gamma zone: If market makers are net long puts, they would buy VXX as prices decline toward 48 to hedge against further downside, creating support. Next support level 46.50
CME_MINI:ES1!
by Gexvieww
02/26 Special GEX Outlook: NVDA Earnings, GEX LevelsNVDA Earnings Announcement 🔥 NVIDIA reports earnings today, after market close, and this release could create significant movement. Let’s dive right into the charts and see what the technicals are telling us! With earnings so close, I typically look only at the nearest expiration, which in this case is 02/28 (Friday). The implied move (IV) is around 10%, or approximately 12 points in either direction. That’s what the market has priced in for this binary event. Key Observations The price is hovering around the Transition Zone and very close to the HVL (High Volume Level) around 130–132. This suggests the market maker is trying to remain delta-neutral leading into earnings. Once the report hits, expect potential volatility on Wall Street! 🚀 GEX Levels for Friday 🔴 Bearish Scenario The bottom of the Transition Zone is at 126. If price drops below 126, the next major put support is at 120 and extends to 115 (a negative gamma squeeze zone). In other words, a breach of 126 could lead to a quick slide down to 120. 🟢Bullish Scenario Major call resistance stands at 150, with a secondary call wall at 145. Above 133 (top of the Transition Zone), calls dominate, meaning the path to 145–150 could open up if we break above the HVL. Longer-Term Perspective 📊 We’re still in an overall uptrend, but history shows that even with positive surprises on 2 out of the last 4 earnings calls, the market had already priced in those expectations—often leading to a sell-the-news reaction. I do not recommend trading right before the earnings with a binary mindset. It’s like walking into a casino and putting all your chips on red or black—it’s pure gamble! 🎰 Call pricing skew has been on a downward trend since DeepSeek (likely referencing a volatility event), indicating that call butterflies might not be as attractive on NVDA now as they were in the past few weeks. Fundamental Analysis 💡 NVIDIA is a hype stock, much like TSLA was a few years back. Its current price has factored in a lot of the future potential. Based on FastGraphs and other valuation tools, NVDA 1.44%↑ seems overpriced relative to its underlying performance. A correction might bring it closer to fair value (the “green zone”), like it did in October 2022. Until then, I’m not considering it for a 5+ year long-term investment—no matter what the short-term price action is. Conclusion & Post-Earnings Strategy 👉 We simply don’t know which direction NVDA will move after earnings. Typically, implied volatility (IV) expands before earnings (~90% of the time) and collapses for the nearest expiration immediately afterward. Even IV on farther-dated expirations can continue to drift lower for a week or two post-earnings. My Plan Since I haven’t opened a time spread trade, I’m focusing on post-earnings setups. If NVDA makes a huge move (breaking out of the 120–150 range), I’ll likely wait at least one more day before placing any new position to let open interest (OI) restructure. April expirations will be more interesting for me after the dust settles.
NASDAQ:NVDA
by TanukiTrade
[02/03] SPX Weekly GEX OutlookSPX shifted into a strong sideways trend after recent market whipsaws, but premarket today saw a sharp sell-off. Now, let’s break down the GEX levels set for Friday’s weekly expiration (first weekly expiry). These are already reflected in today’s GEX data—check them on your indicator! COMMENT: This week, we’ve started updating our seamless GEX & options indicators before the market opens . This has been a long-standing request from users—especially 0DTE traders, who will likely benefit the most. Key GEX Levels for SPX 📍 Highest Positive Call Wall (Call Resistance): 6075 Acted as resistance last Friday, as it often does initially. 📍 Sideways Zone: 6000-6070 (Transition Zone with GAMMA flip) Wide Transition Zone → Expect high volatility or slow drifting within this range. Easy flow between positive and negative GEX profiles, meaning potential sharp moves in either direction. 📍 Put Support (Sum 4DTE): 5900 Very deep support—market is clearly pricing in fear of a potential future drop. 📌Below 6000, there are only negative NetGEX strikes down to 5900, which signals a lack of strong support until that level. What This Means for the Week 📊 SPX opened (gapped down) in negative GEX territory—if buyers don’t reclaim this zone, we are in for a highly volatile week, potentially with a spiking VIX. 🚫 No reason for bullish optimism unless we break above 6070—until then, expect uncertainty and potential downside pressure. PS: FINAL GEX ZONE COLORING SHEET
SPREADEX:SPX
by TanukiTrade
[02/03] TSLA GEX Outlook for February expiration📌 Key Levels & GEX Insights Gamma Flip Zone: ~400 (until Febr expiration) Tight Transition Zone, Wide Clear Movement Range Above 420 Call Resistance : Every strike has positive Net GEX, meaning a return to this range would likely support further balanced upside or sideways movement. Below 375 : The next PUT support is at 350, so a break below this level could open the door for a deeper drop. There are 3 weeks until expiration. IV and IVR remain high even after earnings. Despite today’s selloff, the high call pricing skew is still attractive if we want to collect credit. In this case, a call butterfly or broken-wing call butterfly could be worth considering—but strictly based on GEX levels. PS: FINAL GEX ZONE COLORING SHEET
NASDAQ:TSLA
by TanukiTrade
6
[02/03] AAPL GEX Outlook for February expirationWhile iPhone sales faced some challenges, Apple’s diversified revenue streams and high-margin services business continue to showcase the company’s resilience. The stock initially reacted positively after earnings, but the broader market disagreed during open hours, leading to a sell-off on Friday. Now, let’s analyze the GEX chart together. For NASDAQ:AAPL , I’ve chosen the First Monthly Expiration (Febr 21), as multiple high gamma exposure expirations align with this date. Since we trade stocks and ETFs over a broader timeframe, rather than day trading, this is the most relevant perspective. Key GEX Levels & Market Implications 📌 Uncertainty Below 250 Friday’s sell-off and today’s premarket action have weakened the outlook. GAMMA FLIP ZONE: AAPL is currently in the 230-237.5 Transition Zone, meaning price action can shift quickly in either direction. 📌 Break Below 230? A move below 230 would open the door to 220. 📌 Put Support at 220 Implied volatility (IV) remains high, making this an attractive setup for a potential neutral post-earnings trade. With a 220-250 range, we remain well inside the OTM 16-delta zone for March expiration, which is ideal for premium selling strategies for high IV. PS: FINAL GEX ZONE COLORING SHEET
NASDAQ:AAPL
by TanukiTrade
[01/20] GEX Outlook: Decision, Key Levels and Looming VolatilityLooking at the GEX levels through Friday, we can see that since mid-December, the market has been moving in a slightly downward channel. Above 6000–6025: A call gamma squeeze is expected. Between 5925 and 6000: A sideways “chop zone.” Below 5925: The high-volatility zone begins, with 5800–5850 acting as our major support/resistance level characterized by heavy put dominance. Below that level lies a “total denial zone.” We’ve seen this scenario before—think back to the red candle on December 18, when the price broke below that threshold. This “red zone” is currently around 5800, so below 5925 we can anticipate large-amplitude moves. At this point, the market still does not seem worried about significant volatility. Until Friday, all NETGEX values for every expiration are positive , so market participants are pricing in more of a sideways movement. We haven’t yet seen a big pickup in volatility. I’m not pessimistic, but keep in mind that Trump’s inauguration might usher in a high-volatility period—something the market and many retail traders haven’t experienced in a while. Better safe than sorry.
SPREADEX:SPX
by TanukiTrade
4
Weekly GEX Insights: 01/13 SPX dropTotal Correction? What Can an Options Trader Do in This Situation? How Far Might We Fall This Week? We’ll tackle these questions in this week’s options newsletter! It looks like the new president hasn’t even been sworn in yet, but the market is already reacting with fear to every statement he makes. Last week’s economic data didn’t help ease those concerns either. SPX Weekly Analysis Friday’s red candle set a bearish tone heading into this week. Everyone is predicting and pricing in a potential market apocalypse, and I keep getting the same question: “Greg, how far can we fall?” My answer remains the same: we can fall indefinitely—nobody can know for certain ahead of time. What we can do, however, is analyze our charts and use the our weekly GEX profile to identify the key levels, so we can better understand the market’s dynamics. Examining expirations through Friday, every NETGEX profile is negative , so we can expect volatile movements this week. We’re currently trading below the HVL level, which means that market makers are likely to move in tandem with retail traders. This typically results in bigger swings. We already saw this heightened volatility last week—just look at the size of the candles, and you can tell how quickly sentiment can shift. Below 5965 (the HVL level), we are in a high volatility zone what lies underneath? 1st Support Range: 5780–5800 5800: Currently the strongest PUT support level on the downside. A correction may pause here due to profit-taking. Right beneath this level is the previous gap-fill zone. Remember, these areas function as ranges rather than single lines, as I’ve highlighted down to 5780. This could easily be a take-profit target for traders playing gap fills—an approach that’s quite popular. 2nd Support Range: 5700–5650 (Very Strong) Starting at 5700: We encounter another robust PUT support zone. This area is reinforced by previous lows, previous highs, and the 4/8 grid boundary from our indicator. Even if nowhere else, many expect at least a local rebound to occur within these levels. Putting it all together, it’s clear that the weekly trading range is shaping up to be roughly between 5680 and 5965, expecting big & volatile moves. Remember, CPI and PPI data are coming out on Tuesday and Wednesday, which could trigger additional volatility. When looking at SPX, SPY, or /ES futures, my opinion is that the rapidly spiking implied volatility (IV) during a market drop, along with a PUT pricing skew, can present favorable opportunities for options traders. The distance to the strongest lower support zone is around 100–150 points, so you could: Trade directionally for the short term—hoping to be either right or wrong quickly, or Try to profit from the market situation in a more strategic way (which is what I typically do). Personally, I prefer the second approach: I’ll open short-term (a few days) credit put ratio spreads for a small credit, which gives me a wide breakeven range and a big “tent” on the downside.
SP:SPX
by TanukiTrade
11/18 Volatility Zones: Gamma Squeeze, Chop, and Support LevelsWeekly GEX Levels for SPX: The SPX analysis from last week’s free newsletter seems to have played out well. If you recall, based on the weekly GEX levels, there were no significant gamma levels below 5950. As soon as the price dropped below that, we saw the anticipated red gap-down to 5850 by Friday. With Friday's move, SPX shifted from a positive NETGEX range to a negative one: Let’s not forget: a negative gamma range means that market makers move in the same direction as retail traders, increasing the likelihood of stronger price movements, regardless of the market’s direction. Until the 5900 HVL level is reclaimed, I don’t expect this to change. As we saw today, there was a nice bounce off this level with a rejection, making it a tough resistance to break. If it does manage to break through, there’s currently a call gamma wall at 5925. Clearing this level could open the door to higher ranges again. While the week is still long, if the market fails to regain stability by Friday, breaking below the major 5850 PUT gamma wall could lead to another rapid move down, similar to last Friday, targeting the 5810–5800 range. Gamma Squeeze Zones for SP:SPX & AMEX:SPY this week: Above 5925: Gamma squeeze zone, where upward momentum can accelerate. Chop Zone: Between 5900 and 5930: Sideways movement expected, with the market consolidating in this range. High Volatility Zone: Below 5900: High volatility zone, indicating increased intensity in market movements. Market Makers Hedging Behavior Shift Zone: Around 5900: A critical zone where market makers may adjust their hedging strategies. Call Resistance: Below 5940: Reduced volatility expected as call resistance limits upward movement. Put Support Levels: Around 5850: Highest negative NETGEX/PUT support level. Between 5810 and 5800: Additional put support levels acting as key supports; if 5850 broken, turbulence is expected. IV and Skew Data: IVR: 16.9 increasing IV Average: 14.9 increasing PUT pricing skew: 31.5%
SP:SPX
by TanukiTrade
2
GEX levels of SPX for Weekly Option TradersAlthough the SPX is currently trading within a relatively neutral positive gamma range, it’s worth taking a closer look at what the week might hold. This week, SPX is moving between critical resistance and support levels, which are showing significant options activity. The 5900 level is the key CALL resistance, acting as the gamma wall for the next 7 days (7DTE) . This suggests that as long as the price remains below this level, it will face strong resistance in moving higher. If the market breaks through this level, it could signal a bullish breakout, leading to increased turbulence. 🟨 DETAILED VIEW: In case of a breakout, keep an eye on the second weaker CALL wall at 5925 and the third weaker CALL wall at 5940, which are the next potential resistance levels once the market moves past the 5900 gamma wall. These levels could play a pivotal role in the price’s upward movement and indicate further buying pressure. 🔶 HVL Level and Gamma Environment: 5830 The 5830 level represents the High Volatility Level (HVL), which determines whether we are in a positive or negative gamma environment. If SPX closes below this level, we enter the negative gamma zone, which could lead to increased market volatility. This could result in sharper price movements during the week if this level does not hold. In that case, the PUT supports come into focus. The 5750 level marks the strongest PUT support, providing substantial downward support for the market. However, before reaching this level, it’s important to consider the emerging PUT wall at 5765, which may stop the price from falling lower. This could act as an intermediate support, slowing or even halting a decline before the 5750 level comes into play. 🔶 Implied Volatility and Time-Based Strategic Opportunities NOW The decrease in implied volatility, as shown by the IV and IVx indicators, signals a calmer market environment. Based on IV rank and average IV levels, volatility is running lower, which presents good opportunities for various spread strategies, especially time spreads that can be optimized between the 11/01 and 11/04 time frame. Key levels above could fuel further market movement throughout the week if a breakout occurs. CALL/PUT gamma levels on the options chain strongly outline the potential resistance and support levels, but these levels can change dynamically, especially if SPX breaks through the 5900 level. 🔶 SPX Key Levels This Week: 5900 CALL resistance – Main gamma wall, strong resistance. 5925 and 5940 – Second and third weaker CALL walls, offering additional resistance if broken. 5830 HVL – Key level determining the gamma environment. 5765 PUT wall – Emerging intermediate PUT support, which could slow a decline. 5750 PUT support – Strongest PUT gamma wall and support. Keep these levels in mind throughout the week, as they will likely influence market movements and the volatility environment. By applying the right options strategies, this information can help you structure profitable positions.
SP:SPX
by TanukiTrade
7
11/04 Weekly SPX Market Analysis with seamless GEX levelsThe U.S. presidential election is on November 5, and this week we can expect increased volatility due to the uncertainty. For options traders, one thing is certain: volatility will likely rise leading up to the election, peak around the results, and then gradually subside as the “fireworks” end. It’s essential to consider this in every trading decision. While the current Implied Volatility (IVx) isn’t extremely high, the IV Rank (IVR) is quite strong at 41, and this is likely to remain due to the increasing uncertainty. Based on the blue OTM (Out of The Money) delta curves, the market is currently pricing in a strong downward movement for the week, aligning with the negative gamma zone and negative gamma profile. For a bullish shift, we would need a strong push above 5845 to enter positive gamma territory (HVL level is the battleneck). ⏩ The 5700 level is a key PUT support across multiple timeframes. If this level breaks, turbulence is expected, with increased downward movement likely to follow, first to 5650 and potentially down to 5600, where larger PUT gamma walls are located. ⏩ According to the 16-delta OTM curve, a close above the previous all-time high is less likely. If there’s a strong breakout to the upside, the positive gamma threshold stands at 5850, and above this, buyer pressure could extend up to 5925. ⏩ I consider the 5700-5845 range as a “chop zone,” where high volatility is expected this week. In this zone, bears and bulls will be in constant battle, and I do not expect a clear trend. I focused on Friday’s expiration in this analysis, as market outlooks remain highly uncertain ahead of the election. The strong PUT pricing skew is a natural phenomenon and is expected to increase, especially since we are in a negative gamma zone. For December expirations, PUT options cost nearly twice as much as CALL options, as shown by our oscillator for 12/20 expiry. There’s already ~6% IV backwardation between the 11/08 and 11/11 expirations, making this ideal for time spreads. However, caution is warranted—front-month PUT calendar and diagonal spreads can easily turn negative if front IV rises more than back IV. Remember! It’s not mandatory to trade during highly uncertain periods! Staying out of the market is also a position, and sitting in cash is actually the safest choice, especially in a volatile week like this. ⏩ You can check my previous week's analysis, every one was accurate, I hope this one will useful too. 10/28 SPX 10/21 SPX 10/14 SPX 10/28 QQQ 10/14 QQQ
SP:SPX
by TanukiTrade
2
Weekly GEX levels of QQQNASDAQ:QQQ began the week in positive territory at Monday’s open, with the current gamma profile projecting positive momentum through Friday as the price is positioned above the HVL level (496). Notably, below this HVL level is a substantial "vacuum" area, so if the High Volatility Level (496) fails to hold, we could quickly see a drop to 485, where Gamma Walls provide PUT resistance at 485, 482.5, and 480. Key levels to note are: Highest Call Wall / Call Resistance (500): This level, with the highest positive Net GEX value, may act as a significant resistance. Price momentum may slow upon reaching this level, as positive gamma stabilizes the movement. However, if it breaks through, 505 and then 510 could come into play. 2nd Highest Call Wall (510) and 3rd Highest Call Wall (505): These additional resistance levels could present further obstacles as QQQ’s price moves up, both showing high positive gamma activity that may limit upward momentum. PUT Gamma Wall / Put Support (480): This is the most important support level, where negative gamma presence may buffer price drops. However, if this level is breached downward, declines could accelerate. 2nd Put Wall (485) and 3rd Put Wall (482) : These levels may serve as additional support points, providing buffers in case of further price declines.
NASDAQ:QQQ
by TanukiTrade
Weekly GEX of SPX | Option Chain Analysis for Option TradersI’d like to share my thoughts below after analyzing the SPX option chain. In this analysis, I focus exclusively on the weekly time range, examining the SPX option chain and the changes in top-tier options metrics. 🔶 Breakout and Bullish Outlook Last Friday's price action saw the SPX break through the 5800 call gamma wall, generating strong bullish momentum . This breakout opens the door for further upward movement throughout the week, especially if buying pressure persists. Breaking through a call gamma wall often leads to a rapid price increase, as these levels act as resistance, but once broken, they support further upward moves. However, caution is advised, as additional call gamma levels (around 5850 and 5875) could act as resistance, where the price may stall. These levels can reverse roles and, if the price falters, could act as significant resistance, potentially leading to a pullback toward the 5800 level. 🔴 Put Skew and IVx Changes The put pricing skew on the Options Oscillator shows a declining trend, meaning that while put options are still more expensive than calls at equivalent strikes, this trend is softening when looking at the November expiration. This indicates a weakening of put options relative to calls, which could be another bullish signal as demand for puts may be declining. The five-day IVx average declining , indicating a decrease in market volatility = VIX is melting down. 🟨 Backwardation and Diagonal/Calendar Strategy Opportunities It's also worth noting the 10.5% backwardation based on the IV skew for the expirations between 10/18 and 10/21 (4/7DTE). This backwardation (downward sloping volatility curve) could benefit calendar and diagonal spread strategies, as options with different expirations have varying volatility conditions. 🔶 GEX Wall Levels: Where Is Support and Resistance? 🔹Gamma Exposure (GEX) levels continue to play a crucial role in the market’s movements: 🔹On the upside, the largest call gamma wall for the next 7 days is at 5850, while the 5875 level may also act as significant resistance. The 5875 is a more likely a realistic bullish target, supported by the Options Overlay’s blue OTM delta 16 probability curve. 🔹On the downside, the 5750 put support level currently offers strong support, with sellers forming a barrier here. The 5800 level is also interesting because it was the largest call gamma level last week, meaning there could be significant volatility as bulls and bears battle around this point. (NOTE: GEX levels is not part of the TanukiTrade Options Overlay indicator yet. The automatic GEX levels will be available by the end of October.) 🟨 How Delta 16 Curves Define My Rational Price Range in Options Trading The blue OTM Delta 16 curves from the Options Overlay define the rational probability range for me based on a lognormal distribution. This is important because there’s a 68% chance the price will stay within this range by expiration. These values are also visible in the Overlay Expiry table. This represents the 68% probability range defined by OTM 16 delta PUTs and OTM 16 delta CALLs, showing a clear directional expected move value. It provides an insightful view of the expected price movement’s directional range, often used by delta-neutral strangle traders like those at TastyTrade. ⅀ SPX Summary The SPX options chain is showing a bullish direction with the breakout above 5800, but it will be key to watch the gamma levels where the market might stall this week. The rising IV and declining put skew trend could provide further signals that the bull market might continue, but the possibility of resistance or a pullback remains. For those considering diagonal strategies, the backwardation may offer interesting opportunities to capitalize on. (NOTE: GEX levels is not part of the TanukiTrade Options Overlay indicator yet. The automatic GEX levels will be available soon, by the end of October!)
SP:SPXLong
by TanukiTrade
Options Blueprint Series [Advanced]: Reverse Time Iron Condors1. Introduction In today’s advanced options trading discussion, we introduce a unique structure—"Reverse Time Iron Condors"—using Corn Futures Options (ZCH2025). This sophisticated strategy leverages options with different expiration dates, allowing traders to position themselves for a potential market move in the mid-term. The Corn market has recently shown signs of slowing momentum, as indicated by technical indicators such as ADX (Average Directional Index) and RSI (Relative Strength Index) applied to ADX. Our analysis shows that RSI applied to ADX is oversold, and RSI is approaching a key crossover signal that could confirm an increase in volatility. Given this setup, the Reverse Diagonal Iron Condor (a.k.a. Reverse Time Iron Condor) structure aligns well with the market’s current conditions over two expiration cycles. CME Product Specs (Corn Futures ZCH2025) Contract Size: 5,000 bushels per contract. Tick Size: 1/4 cent per bushel (0.0025), or $12.50 per tick. Required Margin: USD $1,200 per contract at the time of producing this article. 2. Market Setup & Analysis To understand why the Reverse Time Iron Condor is suitable for Corn Futures right now, let’s delve into the technical picture: ADX Analysis: Corn Futures’ Daily ADX has been dropping, indicating weakening momentum. This signals a period of consolidation, where price volatility remains low. RSI of ADX: By applying the RSI to the ADX values, we notice that ADX is now oversold, suggesting that momentum could soon pick up. RSI Crossover: The RSI is nearing a crossover above its moving average, confirming that a new impulse in momentum would be in the process of potentially occur. This technical picture suggests the market could stay in a low-volatility phase for now but break out in the near future. Based on this technical setup, the strategy we present is to capitalize on the short-term consolidation while preparing for a potential breakout, using the Reverse Diagonal Iron Condor structure. 3. Strategy Breakdown: Reverse Diagonal Iron Condor The Reverse Diagonal Iron Condor is a unique options structure where you sell longer-term options and buy shorter-term options. This setup generates a negative theta position, meaning time decay works slightly against the trader. However, the strategy compensates for this through positive gamma, which accelerates the delta as the underlying market moves, especially during a breakout. This combination allows the position to profit from a sharp move in either direction, with relatively limited cost. For this trade on Corn Futures (ZCH2025), the structure is as follows: Sell 450 Call (21 Feb 2025), Buy 455 Call (27 Dec 2024): This creates a short diagonal call spread, where the February short call decays slowly due to the longer expiration, and the December long call acts as a short-term hedge against an early rise in prices. Sell 410 Put (21 Feb 2025), Buy 405 Put (27 Dec 2024): Similarly, this forms a short diagonal put spread. The February short put is subject to less time decay, while the December long put protects against a sharp downward move before its expiration. Key Mechanics: Time Decay (Theta): Although the trade has negative theta, the impact of time decay is relatively small because the February options decay slowly due to their longer-term expiration. Gamma and Delta: The positive gamma in this position means that if a breakout occurs before the December expiration, the delta will increase significantly, making the trade more sensitive to price changes. This could more than offset the negative theta, allowing the trade to capture large gains from a significant price move. Objective: The goal is for Corn prices to experience an impulsive move (either up or down) before the December 2024 expiration of the long legs, allowing the positive gamma to boost the position’s delta. If this breakout occurs, the potential profits from the price move will likely surpass the small losses due to time decay. The structure is ideal for markets in consolidation that may be on the verge of a volatility surge, as the falling ADX and oversold RSI suggest. This strategy is particularly well-suited for Corn Futures (ZCH2025), given the current technical setup, where a near-term consolidation phase might be followed by an explosive move in either direction. The success of this trade relies on a timely breakout occurring before the December expiration, after which the position may need adjustment to manage risk. 4. Risk Profile at Initial Setup The initial risk profile for this trade reminds us of an Iron Condor risk profile, with the best case being a range-bound corn market between 410 and 450. Important Consideration: This risk profile does not reflect the final outcome because the trade spans two different options cycles. The December options will expire first, which means adjustments may be necessary after that expiration to maintain protection. Note on Options Simulation Tool: It's important to mention that the options simulation tool provided by TradingView is currently still in its beta stage. While it offers useful insights for analyzing and visualizing options strategies, traders should be aware that certain features may be limited, and results might not always reflect all real-world conditions. For a more comprehensive analysis, it is recommended to complement the simulation with other tools such as the Options Strategy Simulator available in the CME Group website. 5. Optional Trade Management After December Expiration Once the December 2024 long options expire, you will face two possible scenarios. In both cases, managing the February 2025 short options is crucial: o Scenario 1: Corn Prices Remain Range-Bound: If Corn futures continue to trade within the 450-410 range, the December long options will expire worthless. In this case, the strategy shifts to managing the February short options, which will benefit from time decay. Monitor the market closely and consider whether to buy new protection for the remaining February short options. o Scenario 2: Corn Prices Break Out: If Corn futures break above 450 or below 410 prior to the December expiration, the February short options could expose the position to significant risk if we allow them to expire. One potential action is to purchase new long options within the range (for example, buy the 445 call and the 415 put using 21 February 2025 expiration). While many other actions could be valid, a common and probably the simplest approach could be to close all legs in time for a likely profit at this moment. 6. Risk Management Effective risk management is essential in any options strategy, especially one as advanced as a Reverse Diagonal Iron Condor. Below are key points to ensure this trade stays within your risk tolerance: o Position Sizing: Given the complexity of this trade, ensure that the size of your position fits within your overall risk management plan. Avoid over-leveraging, as unexpected price movements can lead to significant losses once the December long options expire. o Monitor Key Levels: Keep an eye on the 450 strike (resistance) and 410 strike (support). If Corn breaks these levels early in the trade, consider closing the position or making adjustments. o Volatility Management: The success of this trade hinges on an increase in market momentum. 7. Conclusion The Reverse Diagonal Iron Condor is an advanced options strategy where the long positions have a shorter expiration than the short positions, creating a negative theta position. Instead of benefiting from time decay as in a traditional Iron Condor, this strategy is designed to take advantage of expected volatility increases over time. By selling longer-term options and buying shorter-term options, traders are positioning themselves for a volatility breakout or significant price movement before the near-term options expire. In this setup, time decay has a limited negative impact on the position, but the key advantage lies in the positive gamma. This means that if a breakout occurs, the position’s delta will accelerate, potentially outpacing the slight negative effect of theta. Traders should closely monitor the December expiration, as the success of the trade hinges on the anticipated large move happening before this date. This structure is particularly well-suited for Corn Futures (ZCH2025), given the falling ADX and RSI, which suggest a potential momentum shift. The strategy is designed to benefit from a significant price move with limited cost, assuming the breakout occurs within the timeframe of the December long options. 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 - 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.
CBOT:ZCH2025Education
by traddictiv
Demand on OilOil is presenting to us clear (marked with green rectangle) demand zone presented on chart. Yesterday there were multiple strong demand signals there identified real-time by Scanner. This zone becomes still valid, especially as it's placed within today's Balance Zone (between Gamma +0.25 and Gamma -0.25). Following price structure, it is supposed to retest demand zone from top and continue up move. Alternative scenario would expect to observe on chart consolidation in demand zone, as it's marked by market as fair price area.
NYMEX:CL1!
by skyline-trader
SPX 30min Chart with GEX Levels & Major Piviot pointsAnalyzing the major pivots in a top-down approach in the context of trading volatility, and aligning them with TradingVolatility's calculated cumulative gamma levels, particularly focusing on the highest three expiration strikes, offers valuable insights into market dynamics and risk management. 1.Top-Down Approach: The top-down approach involves starting with a broad view of the market and then drilling down into specific details. In the context of trading, this might mean beginning with a macroeconomic analysis, industry analysis, or a broad market overview before delving into individual securities or specific trading strategies. This approach helps traders gain a comprehensive understanding of the overall market conditions. 2. Major Pivots: Major pivots refer to critical points or levels in the market that often act as turning points for price action. These could include support and resistance levels, trendlines, or significant historical price points. Traders use these pivots to make decisions regarding entry and exit points in their trading strategies. 3. TradingVolatility's Calculated Cumulative Gamma Levels: TradingVolatility appears to be a tool or platform that provides data and insights related to options trading, including the calculation of cumulative gamma levels. Gamma represents the rate of change in an option's delta concerning a change in the underlying asset's price. Cumulative gamma levels can indicate the overall sensitivity of a portfolio to changes in the underlying asset's price. Traders use this data to assess risk exposure and to make informed decisions. 4. Highest Three Expiration Strikes: Options have various expiration dates and strike prices. The highest three expiration strikes refer to the options contracts with the most significant open interest or trading activity. These are often the ones that have the most influence on market dynamics and can be crucial in managing options portfolios. Now, let's put these elements together: By employing a top-down approach, traders start with a macro-level analysis of the market. They then identify major pivots, which could be key support and resistance levels, trendlines, or important historical price levels. This step helps traders establish the broader context for their trading decisions. Next, traders use TradingVolatility's calculated cumulative gamma levels. These levels offer insights into the sensitivity of their options portfolios to changes in the underlying asset's price. By aligning these gamma levels with the highest three expiration strikes, traders can gain a clearer picture of their risk exposure and the potential impact of major market movements on their portfolios. For instance, if the cumulative gamma levels are high near these critical pivots, it suggests that options traders have substantial exposure to potential price swings in the underlying asset. This information can guide traders in making decisions about risk management, such as adjusting their positions, implementing hedges, or selecting strategies that align with their risk tolerance. In summary, a top-down approach, combined with a focus on major pivots and cumulative gamma levels of the highest three expiration strikes, provides traders with a well-rounded perspective on market conditions and risk exposure, helping them make more informed trading decisions and manage their portfolios effectively.
AMEX:SPY
by thebearfib
3