A bull call spread strategy is an options strategy that traders implement when they are “moderately” bullish on a stock or an index. In this strategy, traders buy ATM (at-the-money) call option and sell OTM (out-of-the-money) call option to reduce their cost.
Let’s see how this strategy works.
Background
Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Limited (ABFRL) is a leading player in the branded apparel market with major brands like Louis Philippe, Van Heusen & Allen Solly and the retail chain Pantaloons under its kitty.
Opening up of malls and workforce returning to offices are encouraging signs for the company's businesses.
With a focus on western wear, the retail major took a 51% stake in bridal couture brand Sabyasachi, realising the potential ethnic wear holds in the country.
Derivatives Build-up
After a sharp run up to almost ₹276 levels, the stock corrected to ₹242 levels in the recent market fall. It has now bounced back and is trading at ₹260 levels.
The November 300 strike price call option has a significant base suggesting that the stock can face resistance at this price.
This is about 15% higher than the current price of ₹260.
The lot size in the F&O contract is 2,600 shares per lot.
Action
Traders willing to take a moderately bullish position on it tend to initiate a Bull call spread strategy that involves buying an ATM (At-the-money) call option of 260 strike price (November series) at ₹20 and selling OTM (out-of-the-money) call options of 300 strike price (November series) at ₹7.
Now, closer to expiry, if the stock moves higher to say ₹300 levels, the trader will make a profit of ₹70,200 (Profit on long call: (20*2,600 = 52,000) + profit on short call option: (7*2,600 = 18,200)).
However, at the price of ₹300, the profit is capped at ₹70,200 because above this rate every one rupee increase in premium of the long call position will be offset by a one rupee increase in premium of the short call option position.
The break-even point of this strategy is calculated by adding the ATM (at-the-money) strike price (260) and the net premium paid (20 - 7 = 13) , which in this case is ₹273 (260 + 13). If the stock closes at ₹273 on expiry, the trader will have neither incurred a profit nor a loss.
In case the stock goes down, say below ₹260 levels, the trader's loss is limited to a net premium paid of ₹33,800 (13*2,600).
This strategy has a favourable profit to loss payoff of 2:1 which tends to work in the favour of the trader.
We hope this strategy was simple and easy to understand. You can try spotting it on the option chain and see if you are able to identify levels.
We’ll be coming with a lot of strategies which will help you to identify trade setups easily.
Until then, happy trading!
About the author: Kush Bohra is a SEBI-registered investment advisor and an F&O expert.
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Disclaimer:
Derivatives trading must be done only by traders who fully understand the risks associated with them and strictly apply risk mechanisms like stop-losses.
We do not recommend any particular stock. The stock names mentioned in this article are purely for showing how to do analysis. Take your own decision before investing.