2019-08-14 · Episode 2

Go Ask A Trader · Episode 2

14 chapters
1:35:57

The speaker discusses various trading strategies, including the use of software tools, the impact of implied and actualized volatility on trade performance, market conditions in 2016, price cycles, and the performance of specific trades like the M3.4U trade. They also touch on the importance of judgment in uncertain situations and the variability in software results.

01 0:00Introduction, Disclaimer, and Session Setup

The session begins with an introduction and disclaimer, emphasizing the educational nature of the presentation and the risks involved in trading. The speaker prepares to address questions and explains how participants can correct or rephrase their questions for clarity.

IntroductionDisclaimerSession SetupQuestion Handling
02 0:56Trading Strategies, Volatility, and Market Analysis

The speaker discusses various trading strategies, including the use of software tools, the impact of implied and actualized volatility on trade performance, market conditions in 2016, price cycles, and the performance of specific trades like the M3.4U trade. They also touch on the importance of judgment in uncertain situations and the variability in software results.

ClarificationQuestion CorrectionDelta criteriaOptionNet ExplorerOption ViewThink or Swim
03 14:52Market Behavior and Strategy Performance

The video discusses market behavior near expiration and its impact on strategies like M3 and M3.3.4U. It highlights the effectiveness of the M3.3.4U strategy in trending environments and the challenges faced by strategies in choppy, range-bound markets. The discussion also covers butterfly strategies, including their cost, profit potential, and the importance of market conditions and volatility.

Market behaviorStrategy weaknessesStrategy strengthsTrending environmentsMarket conditionsAdjustment criteria
04 18:50Butterfly Strategy Analysis and Market Transition

The video continues with a detailed analysis of the $6 and $14 butterflies, comparing their risks, rewards, and range. It discusses the pricing of SPX butterflies and the variance between SPX and Russell indices. The speaker also outlines future scenarios for SPX and Russell, suggesting the use of historical data for index comparison. The discussion transitions to market filters, bull trade strategies, and risk management, concluding with a shift to a question-and-answer segment.

CostProfit potentialRiskRewardRangeSPX butterfly
05 29:27Understanding Butterfly Pricing and Market Conditions

The chapter explores how butterfly pricing is influenced by market conditions, fear, and market maker behavior. It discusses valuation methods, back testing, and the importance of monitoring market variances and price changes. The speaker also addresses the risks of overvaluation and the decision-making process for buying butterflies.

Butterfly pricingMarket conditionsMarket variancePrice changesOvervaluationMarket analysis
06 33:07Market Signals, News Impact, and Trading Strategies

This chapter covers market signals and price volatility, emphasizing the impact of market news on butterfly prices. It discusses market maker behavior, price adjustment strategies, and the importance of adapting trading strategies based on market movements. The speaker also touches on cost analysis, credit outcomes, and personal best interests in trading decisions.

Market signalsPrice volatilityMarket newsPrice adjustmentMarket maker behaviorTrading strategy
07 44:14Position Management and Modeling

The speaker discusses position management, selling strategies, and profit analysis, highlighting the importance of modeling positions using tools like Think or Swim and Interactive Brokers. They also explore the impact of selling at different prices and the use of analytical software for scenario modeling.

Position managementSelling strategyProfit analysisLoss analysisProfit calculationModeling scenarios
08 45:22Risk Management and Trade Adjustments

The speaker focuses on risk limitation, trade cycle management, and the impact of time premium on positions. They discuss rolling positions, gamma adjustments, and the importance of monitoring positions. The conversation also covers backtesting, volatility risks, and the role of delta levels in assessing market fear and making informed trade adjustments.

Risk managementTrade cycleOptions strategiesTime PremiumPosition ImpactExpiration Distance
09 59:02Data Discrepancies and Live Trading Challenges

The speaker discusses discrepancies in data and the instability of delta values, questioning the accuracy of the data obtained. They highlight the challenges of live trading due to these data inconsistencies.

Data discrepanciesDelta accuracyData stabilityData instabilityLive trading challenges
10 59:42Delta in BackTrader and Trading Strategies

The speaker discusses the delta value in BackTrader and its constancy, highlighting discrepancies between BackTrader and Option View. They emphasize the importance of verifying numbers for backtesting strategies and the limitations of historical data. The session timing and preparation are also mentioned.

Delta in BackTraderConstant deltaBack TestingOptionNet ExplorerCalculation DifferencesAdjustment
11 1:13:42Volatility, Position Management, and Market Behavior

The trader discusses adjusting theta and position benefits in relation to market stalls and volatility. They explore how expiration proximity affects downside protection and position life span. The conversation covers volatility sensitivity, market stability, and the impact of volatility relief on profit and loss. It also includes the negative effects of increasing volatility on trade scenarios and the importance of factors like price moves, delta, gamma, and implied volatility in determining trade outcomes. The discussion extends to how implied volatility affects position value and how volatility shifts can lead to unexpected changes in position value. The trader also talks about market stalls, implied volatility drops, and the benefits of not rolling back positions during market stalls for profit loss recovery.

Theta adjustmentVolatility impactPosition benefitsExpiration proximityDownside protectionLife span
12 1:22:33Trading Strategies, Delta Limits, and Profit Targets

The trader discusses how market outcomes depend on aligning expectations with actual market behavior. They emphasize the importance of modifying delta limits based on expectations to improve trading performance, noting that different delta limits can perform better in choppy or trending markets. The conversation also covers choosing delta limits based on past performance and market conditions, as well as adapting to extreme market conditions by changing strategies or delta limits. The discussion concludes with the importance of profit targets in trading, including the impact of setting profit targets too low on average returns and the risk-reward ratio in trading strategies.

Market expectationsTrading outcomesMarket behaviorDelta limitsTrading performanceMarket conditions
13 1:28:32Average Win vs. Average Loss and Long-Term Viability

The speaker discusses the importance of understanding average win versus average loss in trading and how it affects long-term viability. They also cover exit strategies, risk management, additional risks, drawdowns, and the financial and mental resilience required to withstand losses.

Average WinAverage LossLong-Term ViabilityExit StrategyRisk ManagementMaximum Loss Number
14 1:31:28Entry Pricing, Market Conditions, and Trade Organization

The speaker emphasizes the importance of entry pricing and position spreading, while cautioning about opportunity cost. They discuss being an educated trader, understanding market conditions, and the risks of diversification. The conversation also covers long-term consistency, trade management, and the organization of trades using trade IDs and the R column.

Entry pricingPosition spreadingOpportunity costEducated tradingMarket conditionsTentative entries