A bearish butterfly is an advanced options trading strategy designed to profit from a moderate decline in the underlying asset's price. It involves:
1. **Selling one In-the-Money (ITM) call option.** 2. **Buying two At-the-Money (ATM) call options.** 3. **Selling one Out-of-the-Money (OTM) call option.**
Key Points
- **Net Debit:** Typically results in a net debit, meaning an upfront cost to enter the trade. - **Profit Potential:** Maximum profit occurs if the stock price closes at the strike price of the ITM call at expiration. - **Risk:** Maximum loss is capped and known in advance. - **Complexity:** More complex than basic options strategies, requiring careful planning.
Advantages - Limited risk with defined maximum loss. - Designed to profit from a moderate decline in the underlying asset's price. - Clearly defined profit and loss outcomes.
Disadvantages - Requires an initial debit, which can be significant. - Limited profit potential. - More complex and suitable for experienced traders.
In summary, the bearish butterfly strategy is suitable for experienced traders expecting a moderate decline in the underlying asset, offering limited risk and predictable outcomes.