SPX Put Credit Spread Position Entered Thursday, August 8, 7 days prior to expiration. The Option Code for this cycle is SPXW130817, expiring August 16. Because this is the regular monthly cycle, the last day to trade this position is Thursday, August 15.

SPX August 3 Credit Spread shortly after entry

Time of entry: 10:45 am Eastern. SPX price: 1,689.69 at entry; VIX at 13.02

Trade Details:

SOLD August 1655 Put. Delta -.15 at time of entry

BOUGHT August 1645 Put

Credit received: $.90

Maximum margin/risk is $910. Maximum risk is the width of the spread ($1,000 less credit received $90).

Target Gain: $67.50 (75% of credit received). This gain represents a 7.4% gain on actual margin.

Maximum Loss: $90

I recommend that a "good to cancel" order be entered to close the position for either target gain or max loss. This can be done using an OCO (one-cancels-other) order on most broker's platforms. Each broker is a bit different; I suggest that you contact your broker for the proper setup of the OCO. Having this in place removes the emotions that can sometimes cloud a trader's judgement, and reduces the amount of time needed to be at your computer monitoring the position.

For those unfamiliar with this trade, the guidelines were published on May 12, 2013. The article can be found here: Link to Articles

The original guidelines call for a Tuesday entry, however, but I have found that sufficient credit is often available for an entry as late as Friday.

Trade updates will be posted as appropriate.

As always, stay keen on your risk management and trade carefully.

Dot Hazlin