How to Trade Options in Bear Market

A bear market is defined as a drop of 20% or more in a market average over a one-year period, measured from the closing low to the closing high. Generally, these market types occur during economic recessions or depressions, when pessimism prevails .Bear markets reflect slowing economic growth and corporate financial problems. Fearful traders panic and dump their holdings at a loss, which pushes stock prices down further and ignites a fresh round of selling. Investors can use several bear-option strategies to profit from a market-wide selling frenzy

Step 1

Buying put options is a straightforward bear strategy with low risk/high reward potential. The goal is for the stock price to drop below the put option strike price so the option is in the money prior to expiration. The amount of risk is limited to the option price plus the commission.

Step 2

Trading bear put spreads limits your loss while providing a good return. The trade works by buying an in-the-money put and simultaneously selling an out-of-the-money put. The maximum profit is reached when the stock closes below the out-of-the-money put prior to expiration.

Step 3

Collect money upfront by trading a low-risk bear call spread. The profit is the premium paid by selling out-of-the-money calls while simultaneously buying in-the-money calls. The out-of-the-money calls act as insurance in case the market moves against you and limits your loss to the difference between the strike prices less commission