2021-07-14 · Episode 25

Go Ask A Trader · Episode 25

12 chapters
1:25:32

The episode explores butterfly strategies, including symmetrical and broken wing variations, focusing on setup, cost, profit potential, and risk management. It discusses the impact of implied volatility skew and time premiums on pricing, along with position size, break evens, and P&L calculations. The broken wing butterfly is analyzed for its credit nature and how low implied volatility affects trade outcomes. The discussion transitions to situational awareness, time frames, and risk management in trading strategies, emphasizing position size, profit protection, and market position analysis. Risk management strategies are covered, including expiration proximity, time to expiration, strike increments, and flexibility in options trading. Trade review processes, daily routines, and position management are highlighted, along with error recognition and correction. The episode also addresses a trading mistake on June 7th, emphasizing delta considerations and the importance of delta in decision-making. Challenges faced by newer traders, including commission details and ticket fees, are discussed, alongside risk management strategies like gap risk calculations and adjustments for delta. Performance comparisons between trading strategies like M3 and M3.4U are made, highlighting the need for adaptability to market behavior. The trader acknowledges the need for position size reduction and emotional resilience, emphasizing risk assessment and psychological preparedness. The decision to stay or exit a trade is evaluated, considering profit targets and timing. Finally, the episode addresses unexpected market behavior, adjustments, and protective strategies like out-of-the-money puts to manage drawdowns and market movements.

01 0:00Introduction and Session Overview

The video begins with an introduction emphasizing that the content is for educational purposes only and not financial advice. It highlights the risks involved in trading and the simulated nature of the results. The host then introduces the session, mentioning questions to be addressed and the participation of Ron in a trade review. The session structure is outlined, with expectations about the time it might take.

DisclaimerEducational PurposeRisk WarningSimulated ResultsSession IntroductionTrade Review
02 1:22Butterfly Strategies and Risk Management

The video delves into butterfly strategies, discussing their setup, cost, and profit potential. It explores how implied volatility skew affects butterfly pricing and the impact of time premiums. The discussion also covers position size, risk management, and the effects of volatility shifts on trade outcomes. The video concludes with an explanation of how to calculate the cost of symmetrical and broken wing butterflies, including examples of lot sizes and margin requirements.

Butterfly StrategiesPrice AnalysisInterview ReferenceButterfly tradeRisk and rewardP&L calculation
03 14:30Broken Wing Butterfly and Low Implied Volatility

The speaker explains the broken wing butterfly trade, which provides a credit, and discusses how low implied volatility affects the butterfly trade, causing the graph to shift down.

Broken Wing ButterflyCreditCost of TradeLow Implied VolatilityGraph ShiftDelta
04 16:03Trading Strategies and Risk Management

The speaker transitions to discussing the importance of situational awareness, time frame, implied volatility, and risk management in trading strategies, including position size, profit protection, and market position analysis.

TransitionQuestionsTime FrameImplied VolatilityEducation StagePosition trading
05 29:28Risk Management and Options Trading Fundamentals

The chapter covers risk management strategies, including the importance of being far from expiration to avoid adverse market movements, the impact of time to expiration on risk, and the flexibility of using different expiration dates. It also touches on strike increments, exchange support, and the availability of strike increments in options trading.

Risk ManagementExpiration ProximityTime to ExpirationStrike incrementsOptions tradingFlexibility
06 35:09Trade Review, Execution, and Position Management

This chapter discusses trade logs, review processes, daily trading routines, and the importance of recording trade reviews. It also covers trade review timing, consistency in timing, position and capital management, gap adjustments, delta targets, and the adjustment process with a focus on error recognition and correction.

Trade LogReview ProcessDaily Trading RoutineTrade reviewsRecording practicesTime management
07 43:46June 7th Situation and Mistake Correction

The speaker discusses the situation on June 7th, including system issues and a trading mistake where they purchased calls instead of foot verticals. They address the mistake and discuss delta considerations, emphasizing the importance of delta in trading decisions.

June 7thSystem IssuesTrading DecisionMistake CorrectionDelta Considerations
08 46:02Challenges, Costs, and Risk Management

The speaker discusses challenges faced as a newer trader, including commission details and ticket fees. They reflect on historical ticket fees and their impact on cost management. The conversation then shifts to risk management, including gap risk calculations, adjustments for delta, and the importance of monitoring market movements and position size.

ChallengesCommission DetailsTicket feesCost managementStrikesGreeks
09 58:32Performance Comparison and Adaptation to Market Behavior

The speaker compares the performance of M3 and M3.4U, noting that M3 is less affected by back-and-forth movements, while M3.4U is more aggressive and volatile. They then discuss the importance of adapting to market behavior and letting the market dictate adjustments rather than strictly adhering to fixed parameters.

M3 vs M3.4UVolatilityPerformance ComparisonMarket BehaviorAdaptationFlexibility
10 1:01:24Trade Management, Risk Assessment, and Psychological Factors

The trader discusses their maximum loss, trade troubles, and position adjustments, acknowledging the need to reduce position size. They mention the 'three strikes and your out' rule, risk management strategies, and the importance of emotional resilience in trading. The speaker also emphasizes the need to manage trade risk, understand delta risk, and prepare for larger trades while maintaining psychological preparedness.

Maximum LossTrade TroublesPosition AdjustmentRisk ManagementTrading RulesFuture Plans
11 1:13:28Decision to Stay or Exit and Timing of the Trade

The trader discusses the decision to stay in a trade or exit, considering profit targets and risk management. They also evaluate the timing of the trade, suggesting waiting until the end of the day might have been more favorable.

Exit timingProfit targetsRisk managementMarket timingEnd-of-day tradingOpportunity cost
12 1:16:14Market Behavior, Adjustments, and Protective Strategies

The trader acknowledges unexpected market behavior leading to potential losses and discusses adjustments, resting, and market recovery. They also explore strategies for handling drawdowns, managing delta, and using protective strategies like out-of-the-money puts.

Market behaviorAdjustmentsLossesRestingMarket recoveryExpectations