MD, While I have no interest in having Keith lose a new client, I'm pretty sure Optionsxpress is not margining you correctly, at least with...
Keith, Sorry, I didn't respond earlier, but I was out of pocket all day today. Thanks much for the detailed info. It does sound very intriguing...
Keith, Since others don't seem to mind, I'm happy to continue this discussion here. I have no secrets :) As I've said, I really have very...
Keith, Yeah, it's a regular ol' Reg T account. So I've no doubt the margin requirement is greater than what you describe. As such, I'm...
Praetorian, Since it's a 10-point spread, the 4.5 credit requires 5.5 margin per spread. Yes, that's just for November (I only put these on...
Keith, An Iron Albatross is simply an Iron Condor but without equidistant strikes between the short options. For example, I currently have one...
Keith, I recommended that earlier in this thread to some derision due to some claims that buying the wings would eliminate the "edge" of the...
Deus Ex Machina, Very helpful info. One question, however. Have you considered that the reason you have made money with this strategy since...
Since I assume you're using front month options, 80-100 points OTM per side seems excessive. Why not bring your short strikes in to say 40-60...
Nitro, You're the first person on either this or the Optionetics board to get my somewhat obscure reference. Kudos! Regards, HD
While that's correct, the new VIX, which has been pointed out is calculated differently and is based on the SPX rather than the OEX, actually...
Don, No problem and I appreciate the reply. Though it seems I haven't been at the game as long as you and, though I've made enough to pay the...
While vol has stayed low for a lot longer than many of us thought, this is still a dangerous market to be short vega. Thus, to offset my core vega...
Sorry, but if anything's "simplistic", it's Mr. Bright's last post. No discussion of the Greeks or volatility make me question his understanding...
I've used them for years. It can be a great strategy with a high probability of profit. Just be careful and make sure you're highly disciplined in...
Basically (very basically), while there are various permutations, its an arbitrage strategy that involves selling volatility on the broad market...
Calendars, in my opinion, are not the best way to play directional moves. However, I do agree with GATrader that your assumptions are somewhat...
Actually, I just found the answer. Today the CBOE started applying the same methodology to the VXN that they are using to calculate the new VIX....
Can anyone explain the extremely odd situation with the VXN today? Unlike the VIX (the old and new varieties), the VXN is DOWN 1.75 (or 5.9%)...
trade-ya, I must say that I share some of your skepticism regarding whether an edge can be derived from daytrading. I attribute that opinion...
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