| Advantages of this strategy: |
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If the stock remains between both strike prices at expiration, both of the options will expire worthless and the investor will keep the entire Net Credit (maximum profit) |
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If the stock remains below the put strike price but above the lower break even the investor will still realize a profit. |
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If the stock remains above the call strike price but below the upper break even the investor will still realize a profit. |
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An initial net credit is received on the transaction so the investor does not have to put up any money to enter the position. |
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Since the investor is using two different OTM strike prices, the stock can move in a wider range than in the Short Straddle position and still be profitable. |
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No stock is actually owned. (uncovered position). |
| Cautions with this strategy: |
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The investor can take a loss if the stock swings quickly in one direction or the other due to unforeseen events. |
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The risk/max loss can be almost infinite because of the obligation to buy or sell shares that are not owned. |
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Because of this risk, the margin requirements for this strategy are fairly high. Your broker may require you to cover both options as if they were two Naked Options, or they may require a cash value of the Option Strike Price plus the highest bid of the call or the put. |
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Because the investor is selling two OTM options, there is a lower net credit than with a Short Straddle position, but the stock has more space to move before the position is a loss. |
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Action must be taken if either option expires ITM. |