Jump to content

Welcome to the new Traders Laboratory! Please bear with us as we finish the migration over the next few days. If you find any issues, want to leave feedback, get in touch with us, or offer suggestions please post to the Support forum here.

  • Welcome Guests

    Welcome. You are currently viewing the forum as a guest which does not give you access to all the great features at Traders Laboratory such as interacting with members, access to all forums, downloading attachments, and eligibility to win free giveaways. Registration is fast, simple and absolutely free. Create a FREE Traders Laboratory account here.

jim2000

Greeks

Recommended Posts

My brokers option chains don't include the Greeks.

 

Does anyone know if there is anyplace where I can go to look at option chains with Greeks included?

 

You can add the puts and calls yourself and get a price for any combination. You're always going to pay the premiums anyway. Some brokers will give you a discount if you buy a straddle but I don't think any are going to give you a break on a condor or other exotic combination.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I'm not sure I understand. Maybe I didn't phrase my question right.

 

I have seen option chains that have included, for example, a column for Delta. Showing delta for each strike. The option chain I get through my broker doesn't have this and I was wondering if there was a site where I could view option chains with the greeks for each strike price?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
I'm not sure I understand. Maybe I didn't phrase my question right.

 

I have seen option chains that have included, for example, a column for Delta. Showing delta for each strike. The option chain I get through my broker doesn't have this and I was wondering if there was a site where I could view option chains with the greeks for each strike price?

 

Sorry, your question was fine, my answer was poor. See my other post for places to go.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Excuse my ignorance, but how important are the Greeks when you're doing a short term play?

 

For example, let's say I wanted to utilize options for a swing play instead of an ES contract I could setup an options play using SPY or the options backing the ES. Would it really be crucial to look at all the Greeks?

 

I'm not saying I shouldn't learn them, I have been doing that but I am just curious about how relevant they are for such a short term play (like 3 days).

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
Excuse my ignorance, but how important are the Greeks when you're doing a short term play?

 

For example, let's say I wanted to utilize options for a swing play instead of an ES contract I could setup an options play using SPY or the options backing the ES. Would it really be crucial to look at all the Greeks?

 

I'm not saying I shouldn't learn them, I have been doing that but I am just curious about how relevant they are for such a short term play (like 3 days).

 

I don't play the index options other than as portfolio protection, so the greeks are not important to me. I don't see how they would be particularly relevant in your swing.

 

If your using options to protect a stock position they're of limited importance at best. If your using an options only strategy (combinations, long and short etc) they are more important in determining strategy (which combination makes the best bet), price and time variables, and entry and exit points. If you are buying options in lieu of stock positions (buy a call or put) to make use of leverage, the value in the greeks is to help determine which strike has the best premium value. And if you want to arbitrage the difference between premiums the greeks are of value. IMHO

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

great post aiki14.

James, you should just get Natenburgs book. If your just going to straight out buy options, as aiki said, without the greeks you don't really know what is the better value on the chain. If the underlying is at 65 and your betting it will go to 70, it still might make more sense to buy the ATM 65 calls as opposed to the OTM 70 calls depending on the greeks.

You might want to get into option station for TS, i've never read much on that though. http://www.optionvue.com/ looks pretty sick too.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I agree with aiki14. The greeks aren't going to be as important to you if you're doing a 3-5 day swing. When I put on spreads that last for 30-50 days...then they're important to me. I'm still learning how to utilize the greeks for adjustment purposes rather than just using price alone, though...I don't know if that's really a necessary thing for how I trade. It might be later on down the line.

 

As for who to use...I use thinkorswim. OptionVue is cool, but pricey and you can get tons of the same stuff on ToS for free. ToS is a realllllly awesome company that constantly makes improvements to their software, so definitely check them out.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Thanks guys, I'm still learning about Greeks because I think they can be a very valuable tool for some of my investments. For example over the summer I had several oil stocks that were making great money, but days that oil fell those stocks fell hard. It would have been great if I had a protective put to add some insurance, but I would have had no idea what I was doing.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Delta tells you how much the price of the option will move in relation to the underlying security. e.g. if delta is .98, and the stock moves up $1.00, then the option should move up Approx. $0.98.

 

If using options to buy stock cheaper with more leverage, stick with high delta strikes. i.e. above .90

 

Also, in general stick with in-the-money options. The out-of-the-money options are cheaper but they typically have lower deltas and less chance to appreciate.

 

As an example, for fun and pure speculation I bought some OTM MSFT NOV 40calls for cheap. MSFT went up today $1/share however my calls stayed the same, went nowhere. Now if microsoft were to rally big in the next couple weeks, that would be great, but it was a cheap gamble.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Buying the NOV 40 calls is purely time premium at this point in the cycle and you've got no intrinsic value in those options. Even if MSFT were to move much higher but remain below 40, you're not going to see that option move. Remember, the last 20 days your time decay is impacting the option price the most dramatically.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
Buying the NOV 40 calls is purely time premium at this point in the cycle and you've got no intrinsic value in those options. Even if MSFT were to move much higher but remain below 40, you're not going to see that option move. Remember, the last 20 days your time decay is impacting the option price the most dramatically.

 

I did unload these today for 100%. However, with commission and fees I didn't net much cash. Bought at .04 sold at .08.

 

I might try TradeKing for their low rates.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

That's why he flies a helicopter...

 

Look into ThinkorSwim. They'll chart like 2 or 3 bucks a side, but if you tell them you REALLLLLLLLY want to trade through them but you need a bit better commission structure...say 1.50 a side...see what they say.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
That's why he flies a helicopter...

 

Look into ThinkorSwim. They'll chart like 2 or 3 bucks a side, but if you tell them you REALLLLLLLLY want to trade through them but you need a bit better commission structure...say 1.50 a side...see what they say.

 

Thats a lot better than E*Trade or Merrill. Thanks

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Yea, ToS is all about teaching you what the more complex strategies are and letting you trade them without having to go through the crap of different "levels". They have great education to back up everything they offer.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
Yea, ToS is all about teaching you what the more complex strategies are and letting you trade them without having to go through the crap of different "levels". They have great education to back up everything they offer.

 

I downloaded the TOS trading platform and like it.

 

Have you TinGull or anyone traded futures on TOS? I see from their website that futures trading is available.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.


  • Topics

  • Posts

    • Date: 11th July 2025.   Demand For Gold Rises As Trump Announces Tariffs!   Gold prices rose significantly throughout the week as investors took advantage of the 2.50% lower entry level. Investors also return to the safe-haven asset as the US trade policy continues to escalate. As a result, investors are taking a more dovish tone. The ‘risk-off’ appetite is also something which can be seen within the stock market. The NASDAQ on Thursday took a 0.90% dive within only 30 minutes.   Trade Tensions Escalate President Trump has been teasing with new tariffs throughout the week. However, the tariffs were confirmed on Thursday. A 35% tariff on Canadian imports starting August 1st, along with 50% tariffs on copper and goods from Brazil. Some experts are advising that Brazil has been specifically targeted due to its association with the BRICS.   However, the President has not directly associated the tariffs with BRICS yet. According to President Trump, Brazil is targeting US technology companies and carrying out a ‘witch hunt’against former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, a close ally who is currently facing prosecution for allegedly attempting to overturn the 2022 Brazilian election.   Although Brazil is one of the largest and fastest-growing economies in the Americas, it is not the main concern for investors. Investors are more concerned about Tariffs on Canada. The White House said it will impose a 35% tariff on Canadian imports, effective August 1st, raised from the earlier 25% rate. This covers most goods, with exceptions under USMCA and exemptions for Canadian companies producing within the US.   It is also vital for investors to note that Canada is among the US;’s top 3 trading partners. The increase was justified by Trump citing issues like the trade deficit, Canada’s handling of fentanyl trafficking, and perceived unfair trade practices.   The President is also threatening new measures against the EU. These moves caused US and European stock futures to fall nearly 1%, while the Dollar rose and commodity prices saw small gains. However, the main benefactor was Silver and Gold, which are the two best-performing metals of the day.   How Will The Fed Impact Gold? The FOMC indicated that the number of members warming up to the idea of interest rate cuts is increasing. If the Fed takes a dovish tone, the price of Gold may further rise. In the meantime, the President pushing for a 3% rate cut sparked talk of a more dovish Fed nominee next year and raised worries about future inflation.   Meanwhile, jobless claims dropped for the fourth straight week, coming in better than expected and supporting the view that the labour market remains strong after last week’s solid payroll report. Markets still expect two rate cuts this year, but rate futures show most investors see no change at the next Fed meeting. Gold is expected to finish the week mostly flat.       Gold 15-Minute Chart     If the price of Gold increases above $3,337.50, buy signals are likely to materialise again. However, the price is currently retracing, meaning traders are likely to wait for regained momentum before entering further buy trades. According to HSBC, they expect an average price of $3,215 in 2025 (up from $3,015) and $3,125 in 2026, with projections showing a volatile range between $3,100 and $3,600   Key Takeaway Points: Gold Rises on Safe-Haven Demand. Gold gained as investors reacted to rising trade tensions and market volatility. Canada Tariffs Spark Concern. A 35% tariff on Canadian imports drew attention due to Canada’s key trade role. Fed Dovish Shift Supports Gold. Growing expectations of rate cuts and Trump’s push for a 3% cut boosted the gold outlook. Gold Eyes Breakout Above $3,337.5. Price is consolidating; a move above $3,337.50 could trigger new buy signals. Always trade with strict risk management. Your capital is the single most important aspect of your trading business.   Please note that times displayed based on local time zone and are from time of writing this report.   Click HERE to access the full HFM Economic calendar.   Want to learn to trade and analyse the markets? Join our webinars and get analysis and trading ideas combined with better understanding of how markets work. Click HERE to register for FREE!   Click HERE to READ more Market news.   Michalis Efthymiou HFMarkets   Disclaimer: This material is provided as a general marketing communication for information purposes only and does not constitute an independent investment research. Nothing in this communication contains, or should be considered as containing, an investment advice or an investment recommendation or a solicitation for the purpose of buying or selling of any financial instrument. All information provided is gathered from reputable sources and any information containing an indication of past performance is not a guarantee or reliable indicator of future performance. Users acknowledge that any investment in Leveraged Products is characterized by a certain degree of uncertainty and that any investment of this nature involves a high level of risk for which the users are solely responsible and liable. We assume no liability for any loss arising from any investment made based on the information provided in this communication. This communication must not be reproduced or further distributed without our prior written permission.
    • Back in the early 2000s, Netflix mailed DVDs to subscribers.   It wasn’t sexy—but it was smart. No late fees. No driving to Blockbuster.   People subscribed because they were lazy. Investors bought the stock because they realized everyone else is lazy too.   Those who saw the future in that red envelope? They could’ve caught a 10,000%+ move.   Another story…   Back in the mid-2000s, Amazon launched Prime.   It wasn’t flashy—but it was fast.   Free two-day shipping. No minimums. No hassle.   People subscribed because they were impatient. Investors bought the stock because they realized everyone hates waiting.   Those who saw the future in that speedy little yellow button? They could’ve caught another 10,000%+ move.   Finally…   Back in 2011, Bitcoin was trading under $10.   It wasn’t regulated—but it worked.   No bank. No middleman. Just wallet to wallet.   People used it to send money. Investors bought it because they saw the potential.   Those who saw something glimmering in that strange orange coin? They could’ve caught a 100,000%+ move.   The people who made those calls weren’t fortune tellers. They just noticed something simple before others did.   A better way. A quiet shift. A small edge. An asymmetric bet.   The red envelope fixed late fees. The yellow button fixed waiting. The orange coin gave billions a choice.   Of course, these types of gains are rare. And they happen only once in a blue moon. That’s exactly why it’s important to notice when the conditions start to look familiar.   Not after the move. Not once it's on CNBC. But in the quiet build-up— before the surface breaks.   Enter the Blue Button Please read more here: https://altucherconfidential.com/posts/netflix-amazon-bitcoin-blue  Profits from free accurate cryptos signals: https://www.predictmag.com/ 
    • What These Attacks Look Like There are several ways you could get hacked. And the threats compound by the day.   Here’s a quick rundown:   Phishing: Fake emails from your “bank.” Click the link, give your password—game over.   Ransomware: Malware that locks your files and demands crypto. Pay up, or it’s gone.   DDoS: Overwhelm a website with traffic until it crashes. Like 10,000 bots blocking the door. Often used by nations.   Man-in-the-Middle: Hackers intercept your messages on public WiFi and read or change them.   Social Engineering: Hackers pose as IT or drop infected USB drives labeled “Payroll.”   You don’t need to be “important” to be a target.   You just need to be online.   What You Can Do (Without Buying a Bunker) You don’t have to be tech-savvy.   You just need to stop being low-hanging fruit.   Here’s how:   Use a YubiKey (physical passkey device) or Authenticator app – Ditch text message 2FA. SIM swaps are real. Hackers often have people on the inside at telecom companies.   Use a password manager (with Yubikey) – One unique password per account. Stop using your dog’s name.   Update your devices – Those annoying updates patch real security holes. Use them.   Back up your files – If ransomware hits, you don’t want your important documents held hostage.   Avoid public WiFi for sensitive stuff – Or use a VPN.   Think before you click – Emails that feel “urgent” are often fake. Go to the websites manually for confirmation.   Consider Starlink in case the internet goes down – I think it’s time for me to make the leap. Don’t Panic. Prepare. (Then Invest.)   I spent an hour in that basement bar reading about cyberattacks—and watching real-world systems fall apart like dominos.   The internet going down used to be an inconvenience. Now, it’s a warning.   Cyberwar isn’t coming. It’s here.   And the next time your internet goes out, it might not just be your router.   Don’t panic. Prepare.   And maybe keep a backup plan in your back pocket. Like a local basement bar with good bourbon—and working WiFi.   As usual, we’re on the lookout for more opportunities in cybersecurity. Stay tuned.   Author: Chris Campbell (AltucherConfidential) Profits from free accurate cryptos signals: https://www.predictmag.com/   
    • DUMBSHELL:  re the automation of corruption ---  200,000 "Science Papers" in academic journal database PubMed may have been AI-generated with errors, hallucinations and false sourcing 
    • Does any crypto exchanges get banned in your country? How's about other as Bybit, Kraken, MEXC, OKX?
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

By using this site, you agree to our Terms of Use.