By Don Fanstone, Member Kitchener/Waterloo User Group

Option Blog March 15, 2015:

DeltaIIOption Deltas:

Delta refers to the option’s rate of change.

To make profitable option trades consistently, buy Deep in the Money Call Options on securities you would consider purchasing.

Options are either:

. Deep in the Money,
. At the Money, or
. Out of the Money.

VectorVest suggests buying Deep in the Money Call Options with a delta of .80 or higher. Essentially, the option will go up in value by $0.80 when the underlying security goes up by $1.00. If you have the VV Options Analyser, this is found with a few clicks of the mouse. If you do not have the analyser, then you need to buy a Call Option that is 10 to 20% below the price of the underlying security.

On a $50 security, buy a Deep in the Money Call Option priced at a $45 Strike Price or $40.00 Strike Price.

You will only find Call Options with a delta of .80 or greater by buying Deep in the Money Call Options.

If a stock were trading at $50, and you purchased a “cheaper” Out of the Money $55.00 Call option, for a (approximate) price of $3.50; the underlying security would need to get to get to a value above $58.50 before realizing a profit. ($55 Strike plus $3.50 Option Premium). This is the primary reason many call option buyers lose money. It’s also the reason that those who Sell Call Options make money.

Option Trades since March 8th.

No trades in the past week.

*Note:  The search below is for illustration purposes only to show the functionality for options in UniSearch. 1. Instead of Return: Stocks, change to Return: ORR (Options Rate of Return). 2. You can manually change the Parameters at left. Be sure to click on Calls if you’re considering a long call or a covered call. 3. Change the Expiration date and change the Strike Price. 4. 2 strikes in the money as shown is generally Deep In the Money. Finally, 5. you can change the sort to Delta Descending if you wish to see the highest Deltas come to the top.

Delta ORRIII

I encourage all to read Lee Lowell’s book “Get Rich with Options”, go to VV University and watch the Video on Options, and read Dr. DiLiddo’s article in the Views Manager under Special Reports, and attend the VV Options Course.

Understand Options Before you begin to trade, there is much to learn.

DISCLAIMER: Options trading involves risk and is not suitable for everyone. The information contained in this Blog is for education and information purposes only. Example trades should not be considered as recommendations. Options training is strongly recommended before placing any trades. VectorVest offers a basic options course online and occasional intermediate options workshops in Canada each year.