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Credit spread

In options trading, a long butterfly (sometimes simply butterfly) is a name given to a combination trade that results in the following net position:

  • Long 1 call at (X − a) strike
  • Short 2 calls at X strike
  • Long 1 call at (X + a) strike

Expiration Date of Butterfly options

They are all having the same expiration date. At expiration if the underlying is below X−a or above X+a then the position will be worth zero, and it will be worth a positive amount between these two values. The shape of a payoff function is just like an upside-down V, and the maximum payoff occurs at X. iron-butterfly option

The price of a butterfly is always non-negative since the payoff is sometimes zero, sometimes positive.

Other ways of Creating Butterfly Options

A butterfly can also be created as follows:

  • Long 1 put at (X − a) strike
  • Short 2 puts at X strike
  • Long 1 put at (X + a) strike

and this is equivalent to the call version since the traders are able to verify it via put–call parity.

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In finance, If there is an involvement of a purchase of one option and a sale of another option in the same class and expiration but different strike prices then it is referred to as a credit spread, or net credit spread. For entering the position investors receive a net credit, and they want the spreads to narrow or expire for profit. On the contrary, to enter a debit spread an investor would have to pay.

Credit Spread Options

A credit spread is used by a trader as a conservative strategy which is designed to earn modest income for the trader while also having losses strictly limited. Simultaneously buying and selling of (writing) options on the same security/index in the same month, but at different strike prices are involved in it. (This is also a vertical spread)creditspreads2

If the trader is BEARISH (expects prices to fall), then you have to use a bearish call spread. This name is given to it due to the reason that you’re buying and selling a call and taking a bearish position.

Let us consider the following.

Trader James expects XYZ to fall from its current price of $35 a share.

Write 10 January 36 calls at 1.10 $1100
Buy 10 January 37 calls at .75 ($ 750)

                      net credit          $350

Now you should consider the following scenarios:

There is a fall in the stock or it remains below $36 by expiration. In this case all the options expire worthless and the trader has got the net credit of $350 minus commissions (probably about $20 on this transaction) netting approx profit of $330.

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