OPTIONS COMBINATIONS

A combination is an option trading strategy that involves the purchase and/or sale of both call and put options on the same underlying asset.

Call & Put Buying Combinations

Straddle

The straddle is an unlimited profit, limited risk option trading strategy that is employed when the options trader believes that the price of the underlying asset will make a strong move in either direction in the near future. It can be constructed by buying an equal number of money call and put options with the same expiration date.

Strangle

Like the straddle, the strangle is also a strategy that has limited risk and unlimited profit potential. The difference between the two strategies is that out-of-the-money options are purchased to construct the strangle, lowering the cost to establish the position but at the same time, a much larger move in the price of the underlying is required for the strategy to be profitable.

Strip

The strip is a modified, more bearish version of the common straddle. Construction is similar to the straddle except that the ratio of puts to calls purchased is 2 to 1.

Strap

The strap is a more bullish variant of the straddle. Twice the numbers of call options are purchased to modify the straddle into a strap.

Synthetic Underlying

Combinations can be used to create options positions that have the same payoff pattern as the underlying. These positions are known as synthetic underlying positions. Using equity options as an example, a synthetic long stock position can be created by buying at-the-money call and selling an equal number of at-the-money put options.