7 Minute Read

Tackle Today: Time Decay & Theta

April 3, 2023

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The third dimension

Traders,

Today we dive into the final dimension of options: time.

Unlike direction and volatility, banking on time involves no ambiguity or uncertainty. Indeed, the predictability of time passing makes theta trading extremely popular.

Options lose value as time passes, and the pace of loss accelerates as you head into expiration. When you sell options, you capitalize on this phenomenon.

Theta is the Greek that measures the loss rate due to time decay.

When you sell options, you get positive theta and profit as time passes.

When you buy options, you get negative theta and lose money as time passes.

Positive theta trades are known as cash flow trades and include covered calls, naked puts, credit spreads, and iron condors.


Chart of the Day: Crude Oil Futures (/CL)

Crude oil is jumping 5.6% this morning following news of an OPEC+ production cut.



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