When trading options, there are a variety of different spreads that can be used when trading with Saxo. In this article, we will compare vertical spreads and credit spreads. Which spread is best for you? Let’s find out.
What do vertical spreads involve?
A vertical spread is a type of options trade that involves buying and selling options of the same type with different strike prices. The most common type of vertical spread is a bull put spread, used when the trader believes the underlying asset will rise in value.
To create a bull put spread, the trader buys a put option with a lower strike price and sells a put option with a higher strike price. The trader will profit from the difference between the two strike prices if the underlying asset increases in value.
Traders can also use vertical spreads to bet on a decline in the underlying asset’s price through bear call spreads. In general, vertical spreads offer limited risk and potential for profits, making them popular among options traders.
What do credit spreads involve?
When engaging in credit spreads, investors are essentially buying and selling options of the same type but with different expiration dates.
The strategy is often used when an investor believes that the underlying asset will experience little price movement shortly. By buying and selling options with different expiration dates, the investor can generate income from the premium differential while protecting against potential price movements.
There are two main credit spread types: vertical and calendar. Vertical spreads involve options with the same underlying asset but different strike prices, while calendar spreads involve options with different underlying assets but similar strike prices.
Wall Street investors often use credit spreads to hedge their portfolios against market volatility.
When are vertical spreads used?
Vertical spreads are typically used when traders expect a small move in the underlying security. For instance, if a trader forecasts the stock to move up $2, they might buy a call option with a strike price of $50 and sell a call option with a strike price of $52.
If the stock price indeed goes up to $2, the trader will make a profit. However, the trader will incur a loss if the stock price moves more than $2. Vertical spreads can be used with calls or puts and can be either bullish or bearish.
When are credit spreads used?
A credit spread is used when the trader expects a significant move in the underlying security but is unsure which direction the move will take.
The trader can profit from an increase or decrease in the underlying security price by purchasing and reselling options with different strike prices.
However, the max profit for this trade is limited to the difference between the strike prices of the two options minus the initial cost of establishing the trade. If you’re a beginner, it is best to get advice from your broker before using this strategy as it can be quite complex.
The maximum profit for a vertical spread vs credit spread
A vertical spread is an options trading strategy that involves buying and selling options with different strike prices but with the same expiration date.
The maximum profit for a vertical spread is limited to the difference between the two strike prices. A credit spread is an options trading strategy that involves buying and selling options with different expiration dates. The maximum profit for a credit spread is unlimited.
The maximum loss for a vertical spread vs credit spread
With a vertical spread, the maximum loss is limited to the difference between the strike prices of the two options minus the premium paid for the spread. However, with a credit spread, the maximum loss is effectively unlimited. This is because a credit spread involves selling an option with a higher strike price and buying an option with a lower strike price.
If the underlying security rallies sharply, the losses on the short option will far outweigh the gains on the long option, resulting in an unlimited loss potential. For this reason, credit spreads are generally only suitable for experienced traders comfortable managing large amounts of risk.
The final say
You must understand vertical spread and credit spread options trading strategies before choosing which is best for your investment portfolio. We hope this article helped you choose whether vertical or credit spreads suit you and your investment portfolio.