Call
Ratio Backspread
When
to use
Normally
entered when market is near B and shows signs of increasing activity,
with greater probability to upside (for example, if last major move
was down, followed by stagnation).
Profit
Characteristics
Profit limited on downside (to net credit taken
in when position was set up in call-vs. call version) but open-
ended in rallying market.
Loss
Characteristics
Maximum loss, in amount of B - A - initial credit,
is realized if market is at B at expiration. This loss is less than
for equivalent long straddle, the trade-off for sacrificing profit
potential on the downside.
Decay
Characteristics
If market is at B, loss from decay will accelerate
the most rapidly Therefore, you may want to exit early if market
is near B as you enter last month. At A, you have the greatest rate
of profit accrual by decay of short option.
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