FUTURES AND OPTIONS STRATEGY GUIDE

Introduction

Using futures and options, whether separately or in combination,
can offer countless trading opportunities. The 21 strategies in this
publication are not intended to provide a complete guide to every
possible trading strategy, but rather a starting point. Whether the
contents will prove to be the best strategies and follow-up steps for
you will depend on your knowledge of the market, your risk-carrying
ability and your trading objectives.
Interested in learning more about futures? The Chicago Mercantile
Exchange® (CME®) Education Department offers a full range of
courses and seminars designed to meet your needs, whether you’re
still learning the basics or looking for advanced instruction in options
strategies or technical analysis. Courses are offered in classrooms at the
Exchange as well as online. Please visit the Education section of the
CME Web site, www.cme.com, to see current educational offerings and
upcoming class schedules. You may also call the Education Department
at 312-930-6937or e-mail us at edu@cme.com.
ii Chicago Mercantile Exchange www.cme.com
How to Use This Guide
iii
This publication was designed, not as a complete guide to every
possible scenario, but rather as an easy-to-use manual that suggests
possible trading strategies. One way to use it effectively is to follow
these simple steps:
1. Determine Your Market Outlook.
Are you generally bullish, bearish, or undecided on future market moves?
2. Determine Your Volatility Outlook.
Do you feel that volatility will rise, fall, or are you undecided?
3. Look Up the Corresponding Strategy on the Appropriate Table.
Whether you are initiating a position or trying to follow up a current position, line up the correct row
and column on the proper table to find a strategy that will help you make the most of your outlook.
4. Determine the “Best” Strike Price.
By analyzing your market and volatility outlook further you should be able to select the option strike
that provides the best opportunity. The Guide does not go into detail on selecting the best strikes.
You can do this by calculating a few “What-If ” scenarios.
Some Things You Should Be Aware Of:
• In addition to breaking down market analysis into two main questions (“What is your market
outlook?” and “What is your volatility outlook?”), you must also consider margin requirements,
commission costs, taxes and execution costs, as well as other possible factors.
• The follow-up strategies in this Guide are usually “One Trade” changes. In other words, we asked:
“How can a trader transform a position into a more desirable position with just one trade?” We
did, however, bend this rule a little when one trade produced no acceptable strategy.
• Although you may be able to transform a trade with just one transaction, the resulting position
can contain options at strikes that may or may not be appropriate for your new outlook.
• The ratio spreads and ratio backspreads are strategies that do not fit neatly into one of the nine
scenarios. Therefore, a trader MUST analyze these strategies in greater depth. The strikes chosen
bear greatly on the resulting profit/loss. Do several “What-If ” scenarios before using these strategies.
• There are many other strategies, such as: calendar spreads, condors, Christmas trees, and option
strips that are not addressed here. While they are all valid strategies, they do not fit neatly into this
approach.
• The suggested strategies on the following pages are just that—suggestions. Because of limited
space, the strategies suggested may or may not the “best” ones for your trading plan.
iv Chicago Mercantile Exchange www.cme.com
How to Use the Tables
On the next page is a table suggesting strategies to use when “Initiating a Market Position.”
Let’s go through an example: A trader has been watching a major increase in the value of
the S&P 500® futures contract and feels the market is poised for a minor downward move.
A small market drop with volatility dropping and futures leveling off is this trader’s outlook.
The market scenario is bearish.
The trader looks across the top of the page and finds “BEARISH.”
The volatility scenario is down.
The trader looks down the left of the page and finds “VOLATILITY FALLING.”
The trader lines up the BEARISH colum with the VOLATILITY FALLING row and finds two
possible suggested market scenarios:
Number 6, SHORT CALL, and Number 18, RATIO PUT SPREAD.
The trader now does a number of “What-If ” scenarios to determine the best strike, the
profit objective and loss tolerance before making any trading decisions.
Initiating a Market Position
All ratio spreads and ratio backspreads need more analysis. These strategies do not fit neatly into any of the nine
market scenarios. Define your market expectation more closely and work out examples with different market
scenarios before choosing these strategies. Also, ratio strategies are sometimes done at ratios other than one by two.
5
LONG
CALL
19*
CALL RATIO
BACKSPREAD
17*
RATIO CALL
SPREAD
18*
RATIO PUT
SPREAD
20*
PUT RATIO
BACKSPREAD
VOLATILITY
RISING
VOLATILITY
FALLING
BULLISH BEARISH
VOLATILITY
UNDECIDED
UNDECIDED
8
SHORT
PUT
1
LONG
FUTURES
9
BULL
SPREAD
7
LONG
PUT
6
SHORT
CALL
13
LONG
STRADDLE
15
LONG
STRANGLE
16
SHORT
STRANGLE
14
SHORT
STRADDLE
2
SHORT
FUTURES
21
BOX/
CONVERSION
10
BEAR
SPREAD
Buy a call
Sell a put
Buy a futures
Buy a call and
sell a call at a
higher strike OR
buy a put and
sell a put at a higher strike
Buy a put
Sell a call
Buy a call and
buy a put at
same strike
Sell a call and
buy two higher
strike calls
Buy a call and
sell two higher
strike calls
Buy a put and
sell two lower
strike puts
Sell a call and
sell a put at
different strikes
Sell a put and
buy two lower
strike puts
Buy a call and
buy a put at
different strikes
Sell a call and
sell a put at
same strike
Sell a futures
Buy a put and
sell a put at a
lower strike OR
buy a call and
sell a call at a lower strike
Use one of the
many combina-
tions of futures
and options that take
advantage of mispricing
to lock in a profit.
*
1
68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78
April Live Cattle Futures
– 5.0
– 4.0
– 3.0
– 2.0
– 1.0
0.0
1.0
2.0
3.0
4.0
5.0
Profit / Loss
(1 Long April Live Cattle Futures)
Scenario:
This trader feels that Live Cattle futures are poised for a rally. The implied volatility of the options is
relatively high, but the trader does not expect it to come down soon. Therefore, he decides to buy one
futures contract.
Specifics:
Underlying Futures Contract: April Live Cattle
Futures Price Level: 73.00
Days to Futures Expiration: 75
Days to Options Expiration: 55
Option Implied Volatility: 16.2%
Position: Long 1 Futures
At Expiration:
Breakeven: 73.00 (original futures price)
Loss Risk: Unlimited; losses increase as futures fall.
Potential Gain: Unlimited; profits increase as futures rise.
Things to Watch:
Changes in implied volatility have no effect on this position. If the trader has an opinion on volatility,
he may consider another strategy. Another strategy may increase potential profits and/or reduce potential
losses. Check the next page for suggested follow-up strategies.
1 Long Futures
2 Chicago Mercantile Exchange www.cme.com
Follow-up Strategies
All ratio spreads and ratio backspreads need more analysis. These strategies do not fit neatly into any of the nine
market scenarios. Define your market expectation more closely and work out examples with different market
scenarios before choosing these strategies. Also, ratio strategies are sometimes done at ratios other than one by two.
5
LONG
CALL
18*
RATIO PUT
SPREAD
20*
PUT RATIO
BACKSPREAD
VOLATILITY
RISING
VOLATILITY
FALLING
BULLISH BEARISH
VOLATILITY
UNDECIDED
UNDECIDED
8
SHORT
PUT
1
LONG
FUTURES
7
LONG
PUT
6
SHORT
CALL
13
LONG
STRADDLE
14
SHORT
STRADDLE
2
SHORT
FUTURES
Buy a put
Sell a call
Hold on
Liquidate futures
and buy a put
Liquidate
futures and
sell a call
Buy two puts
Sell two calls
and buy a call at
a higher strike
Sell a call and
buy two puts
at a lower strike
Sell two calls
Sell two futures
(one liquidates
original position)
Liquidate position
*
3
.96 .97 .98 .99 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06
September Euro FX Futures
– 5.0
– 4.0
– 3.0
– 2.0
– 1.0
0.0
1.0
2.0
3.0
4.0
5.0
Profit / Loss
(1 Short September Euro FX Futures)
Scenario:
This trader is a technician. He sees a major turnaround in the price of Euro FX Futures. He points out
that chart patterns suggest a big downward move, the short-term moving average crossed under the longterm
moving average, even the fundamentals look bearish. He has looked at the options market, but feels
that a short futures position would be the best.
Specifics:
Underlying Futures Contract: September Euro FX
Futures Price Level: 1.0100
Days to Futures Expiration: 65
Days to Options Expiration: 55
Option Implied Volatility: 14.9%
Position: Short 1 Futures
At Expiration:
Breakeven: 1.0100 (original futures price)
Loss Risk: Unlimited; losses increase as futures rise.
Potential Gain: Unlimited; profits increase as futures fall.
Things to Watch:
Implied volatility has no effect on this position. If the trader has an opinion on volatility, he may consider
another strategy. Other strategies may increase the reward and/or reduce the risk. Check the following
page for follow-up strategies.
2 Short Futures
4 Chicago Mercantile Exchange www.cme.com
Follow-up Strategies
All ratio spreads and ratio backspreads need more analysis. These strategies do not fit neatly into any of the nine
market scenarios. Define your market expectation more closely and work out examples with different market
scenarios before choosing these strategies. Also, ratio strategies are sometimes done at ratios other than one by two.
5
LONG
CALL
19*
CALL RATIO
BACKSPREAD
17*
RATIO CALL
SPREAD
VOLATILITY
RISING
VOLATILITY
FALLING
BULLISH BEARISH
VOLATILITY
UNDECIDED
UNDECIDED
8
SHORT
PUT
1
LONG
FUTURES
7
LONG
PUT
6
SHORT
CALL
13
LONG
STRADDLE
14
SHORT
STRADDLE
2
SHORT
FUTURES
Liquidate futures
and buy a call
Liquidate futures
and sell a put
Buy two futures
(one liquidates
original position)
Buy a call
Sell a put
Buy two calls
Sell a put and
buy two calls at
a higher strike
Sell two puts
and buy a put
at a lower strike
Sell two puts
Hold on
Liquidate position

*
5
61.5 62 62.5 63 63.5 64 64.5 65 65.5 66 66.5
March Canadian Dollar Futures
– 2.0
– 1.5
– 1.0
– 0.5
0
0.5
1.0
1.5
2.0
Profit / Loss
(1 Long Mar CD Call @ .6450; 1 Shor t Put @ .6350)
(Dashed Line = Current; Solid Line = Expiration)
Scenario:
Normally a trader enters into this position only as a follow-up strategy. Suppose the trader had a short
strangle that he wanted to convert to a long futures. He can buy 2 calls (one liquidates the original short
call). This nearly creates a synthetic long futures (long call, short put); however, it does so at different
strike prices. The only difference in the risk/reward profile is the flat area between strikes—where little
is gained or lost (depending upon the premiums and the exact strikes chosen).
Specifics:
Underlying Futures Contract: March Canadian Dollar
Futures Price Level: .6400
Days to Futures Expiration: 30
Days to Options Expiration: 20
Option Implied Volatility: 5.0%
Option Position: Long 1 Mar .6450 Call – .0020 ($200)
Short 1 Mar .6350 Put + .0019 ($190)
– .0001 ($ 10)
At Expiration:
Breakeven: .6451 (.6450 strike + 0.0001 debit)
Loss Risk: Unlimited; losses mount as futures fall past .6350 strike.
Potential Gain: Unlimited; profits increase as futures rise past .6451 breakeven.
Things to Watch:
This position is not normally affected by changes in implied volatility. It is nearly the same as a long
futures position except for the flat area between strikes. The flat area below the current futures price
allows for some downside movement without loss. However, the trader gives away a little upside
potential. Check the next page for follow-up strategies.
Synthetic Long Futures
(Split Strike)
3
6 Chicago Mercantile Exchange www.cme.com
Follow-up Strategies
5
LONG
VOLATILITY CALL
RISING
VOLATILITY
FALLING
BULLISH BEARISH
VOLATILITY
UNDECIDED
UNDECIDED
8
SHORT
PUT
3
SYNTHETIC
LONG
FUTURES
(SPLIT
STRIKE)
7
LONG
PUT
6
SHORT
CALL
15
LONG
STRANGLE
16
SHORT
STRANGLE
10
BEAR
SPREAD
Liquidate
short put
Liquidate
long call
Hold on
Buy two puts
(one liquidates
original short
put) and liquidate
long call
Sell two calls
(one liquidates
original long
call) and liquidate
short put
Sell two calls
(one liquidates
original
long call)
Buy two puts
(one liquidates
original short
put)
Sell a futures


Liquidate position
7
91.5 91.75 92 92.25 92.5 92.75 93 93.25 93.5 93.75 94
March Eurodollar Futures
– 1.2
– 1.0
– 0.6
– 0.4
– 0.8
– 0.2
0
0.4
0.2
0.6
1.0
0.8
1.2
Profit / Loss
(1 Long Mar ED Put @ 92.50; 1 Shor t Call @ 92.75)
(Dashed Line = Current; Solid Line = Expiration)
Scenario:
This trader feels that Eurodollar prices are going to drop (interest rates to rise). He has no opinion on
volatility. He considers a straight short futures, but decides that there is a slight chance that EuroDollar
futures will rise a little. He therefore decides to try a split-strike synthetic short futures position.
Specifics:
Underlying Futures Contract: March Eurodollar futures
Futures Price Level: 92.70
Days to Futures Expiration: 59
Days to Options Expiration: 40
Option Implied Volatility: 23.2%
Option Position: Long 1 Mar 92.50 Put – 0.14 ($ 350)
Short 1 Mar 92.75 Call + 0.20 ($ 500)
+ 0.06 ($ 150)
At Expiration:
Breakeven: 92.81 (92.75 strike + 0.06 credit)
Loss Risk: Unlimited; losses mount above 92.81 breakeven.
Potential Gain: Unlimited; profits increase as futures fall past 92.50 strike.
Things to Watch:
Implied volatility changing normally has no effect on this strategy. Therefore, if the trader has an
opinion on volatility, he may find another strategy with a better risk/reward profile. Watch this position
carefully; just like a short futures, this position has unlimited risk. Check the next page for follow-up
strategies.
Synthetic Short Futures
(Split-Strike)
4
8 Chicago Mercantile Exchange www.cme.com
Follow-up Strategies
5
LONG
VOLATILITY CALL
RISING
VOLATILITY
FALLING
BULLISH BEARISH
VOLATILITY
UNDECIDED
UNDECIDED
8
SHORT
PUT
4
SYNTHETIC
SHORT
FUTURES
(SPLIT
STRIKE)
7
LONG
PUT
6
SHORT
CALL
15
LONG
STRANGLE
16
SHORT
STRANGLE
Buy two calls
(one liquidates
original short
call) and liquidate
long put
Sell two puts
(one liquidates
original long
put) and liquidate
short call
Hold on
Liquidate
short call
Liquidate
long put
Sell two puts
(one liquidates
original long put)
Buy two calls
(one liquidates
original short
call)


Liquidate position
9
BULL
SPREAD
Buy a futures
9
875 880 885 890 895 900 905 910 915 920 925
December S&P 500 Futures
– 20
– 15
– 10
– 5
0
5
10
15
20
Profit / Loss
(1 Long Dec S&P 500 Call @ 905)
(Dashed Line = Current; Solid Line = Expiration)
Scenario:
A trader projects that stock market futures are poised for a large upward move in a short period of time.
An increase in the underlying futures to 1315.00 or greater, and an increase in implied volatility by 4
percentage points, also seem likely. Consequently, the trader decides to buy a call.
Specifics:
Underlying Futures Contract: December S&P 500
Futures Price Level: 900
Days to Futures Expiration: 45
Days to Options Expiration: 45
Option Implied Volatility: 18.1%
Option Position: Long 1 Dec 905 Call – 5.40 ($1350)
At Expiration:
Breakeven: 910.40 (905 strike + 5.40 premium)
Loss Risk: Below 910.40; with maximum loss, at 905 or below, of 5.40.
Potential Gain: Unlimited; profits continue to increase as futures rise above 910.40.
Things to Watch:
The trader will lose the volatility effect if this position is held to expiration. As soon as implied volatility
rises to the expected level the trader may consider liquidating or transforming this position. Check the
next page for appropriate follow-up strategies.
5 Long Call
10 Chicago Mercantile Exchange www.cme.com
Follow-up Strategies
All ratio spreads and ratio backspreads need more analysis. These strategies do not fit neatly into any of the nine
market scenarios. Define your market expectation more closely and work out examples with different market
scenarios before choosing these strategies. Also, ratio strategies are sometimes done at ratios other than one by two.
5
LONG
CALL
17*
RATIO CALL
SPREAD
VOLATILITY
RISING
VOLATILITY
FALLING
BULLISH BEARISH
VOLATILITY
UNDECIDED
UNDECIDED
8
SHORT
PUT
1
LONG
FUTURES
9
BULL
SPREAD
7
LONG
PUT
6
SHORT
CALL
13
LONG
STRADDLE
15
LONG
STRANGLE
16
SHORT
STRANGLE
14
SHORT
STRADDLE
10
BEAR
SPREAD
Hold on
Liquidate
long call and
sell a put
Sell a put at
same strike
Sell a higher
strike call
Sell a futures
Sell a call
Buy a put at
same strike
Sell two higher
strike calls
Sell two calls
(one liquidates
original long
call) and sell a put at different strike
Buy a put at a
different strike
Sell two calls
(one liquidates
original long
call) and sell a put at same strike
Sell a lower
strike call





Liquidate position
*
11
90.75 91 91.25 91.5 91.75 92 92.25 92.5 92.75 93 93.25
June Eurodollar Futures
– 1.0
– 0.8
– 0.6
– 0.4
– 0.2
0.0
0.2
0.4
0.6
0.8
1.0
Profit / Loss
(1 Short Jun Eurodollar Call @ 92.00)
(Dashed Line = Current; Solid Line = Expiration)
Scenario:
After a large increase this trader now believes the Eurodollar market is in for a consolidation and a mild
downward fall. Implied volatility is approaching all-time highs. Premiums, therefore, are relatively large.
The trader wants to capture the inflated premium through the sale of one 92.00 call.
Specifics:
Underlying Futures Contract: June Eurodollar
Futures Price Level: 91.97
Days to Futures Expiration: 30
Days to Options Expiration: 30
Option Implied Volatility: 34.4%
Option Position: Short 1 Jun 92.00 Call + 0.30 ($750)
At Expiration:
Breakeven: 92.30 (92.00 strike + 0.30 premium)
Loss Risk: Unlimited; losses continue to increase as futures rise above 92.30
breakeven.
Potential Gain: Limited to the premium received. Maximum profit below 92.00 strike.
Things to Watch:
Although the trader is highly compensated for the risk assumed (with implied volatility high), the trader
must watch this (and all) unlimited risk positions closely. Consider another strategy if the futures and/or
volatility continue to rise. A review of the trade should occur at some predetermined place.
6 Short Call
12 Chicago Mercantile Exchange www.cme.com
Follow-up Strategies
All ratio spreads and ratio backspreads need more analysis. These strategies do not fit neatly into any of the nine
market scenarios. Define your market expectation more closely and work out examples with different market
scenarios before choosing these strategies. Also, ratio strategies are sometimes done at ratios other than one by two.
5
LONG
VOLATILITY CALL
RISING
VOLATILITY
FALLING
BULLISH BEARISH
VOLATILITY
UNDECIDED
UNDECIDED
8
SHORT
PUT
9
BULL
SPREAD
7
LONG
PUT
6
SHORT
CALL
13
LONG
STRADDLE
15
LONG
STRANGLE
16
SHORT
STRANGLE
14
SHORT
STRADDLE
10
BEAR
SPREAD
Buy two calls
(one liquidates
original short
call)
Buy a futures
Buy a call at
a lower strike
Liquidate
short call and
buy a put
Hold on
Buy two calls
(one liquidates
original short
call) and buy a put at same strike
Sell a put at a
different strike
Buy two calls
(one liquidates
original short
call) and buy a put
at a different strike
Sell a put at
same strike
Buy a call at
a higher strike




19*
CALL RATIO
BACKSPREAD
20*
PUT RATIO
BACKSPREAD
Buy two higher
strike calls
Buy a futures
and buy two
puts at a lower
strike
2
SHORT
FUTURES
Buy a put at
same strike
Liquidate position
*
13
60 64 68 72 76 80 84 88 92 96 100
February Pork Belly Futures
– 20
– 15
– 10
– 5
0
5
10
15
20
Profit / Loss
(1 Long Feb Pork Belly Put @ 76.00)
(Dashed Line = Current; Solid Line = Expiration)
Scenario:
Pork Bellies have been trading at contract highs of between 75 and 85 cents per pound. The trader feels
that a major decline is very likely. However, the trader is not sure when it will come. He decides to buy a
long-term put option. By doing this he initially has very little time decay. He can ride out a temporary
upward move and still be in for the big break.
Specifics:
Underlying Futures Contract: February Pork Bellies
Futures Price Level: 80.15
Days to Futures Expiration: 210
Days to Options Expiration: 180
Option Implied Volatility: 33.2%
Option Position: Long 1 Feb 76 Put – 5.10 ($2040)
At Expiration:
Breakeven: 70.90 (76.00 strike – 5.10 premium)
Loss Risk: Limited to the premium paid. Loss above 70.90 with maximum
loss of 5.10 above 76.00.
Potential Gain: Unlimited, with profits increasing as the futures fall further and further
past 70.90 breakeven.
Things to Watch:
This trader must be very bearish, with volatility increasing, to make this trade profitable. If held to
expiration, the futures would have to fall more than 10% by expiration just to break even. Check the
follow-up strategies if the futures fall or volatility rises to the levels expected before expiration.
7 Long Put
14 Chicago Mercantile Exchange www.cme.com
Follow-up Strategies
All ratio spreads and ratio backspreads need more analysis. These strategies do not fit neatly into any of the nine
market scenarios. Define your market expectation more closely and work out examples with different market
scenarios before choosing these strategies. Also, ratio strategies are sometimes done at ratios other than one by two.
5
LONG
VOLATILITY CALL
RISING
VOLATILITY
FALLING
BULLISH BEARISH
VOLATILITY
UNDECIDED
UNDECIDED
8
SHORT
PUT
9
BULL
SPREAD
7
LONG
PUT
6
SHORT
CALL
13
LONG
STRADDLE
15
LONG
STRANGLE
16
SHORT
STRANGLE
14
SHORT
STRADDLE
10
BEAR
SPREAD
Buy a futures
Sell two puts
(one liquidates
original
long put)
Sell a put at
a higher strike
Hold on
Liquidate
long put and
sell a call
Buy a call
at same strike
Sell two puts
(one liquidates
original long
put) and sell a call at different strike
Buy a call at
different strike
Sell two puts
(one liquidates
original long
put), and sell a call at same strike
Sell a put at
a lower strike




2
SHORT
FUTURES
Sell a call at
same strike
Liquidate position
18*
RATIO PUT
SPREAD
Sell two puts at
a lower strike
*
15
50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60
March Australian Dollar Futures
– 5.0
– 4.0
– 3.0
– 2.0
– 1.0
0.0
1.0
2.0
3.0
4.0
5.0
Profit / Loss
(1 Short Mar Australian Dollar Put @ 0.5500)
(Dashed Line = Current; Solid Line = Expiration)
Scenario:
This trader feels very strongly that Australian Dollar futures will not fall. He thinks, though, that the
market has an equal chance of going up or leveling out. He also expects implied volatility to fall about
11%. The trader decides to sell a put option.
Specifics:
Underlying Futures Contract: March Australian Dollar
Futures Price Level: 0.5500
Days to Futures Expiration: 50
Days to Options Expiration: 40
Option Implied Volatility: 14.1%
Option Position: Short 1 Mar 0.5500 Put + .0111 ($1110)
At Expiration:
Breakeven: 0.5389 (0.5500 strike – 0.0111 credit)
Loss Risk: Unlimited; with losses increasing as futures fall past 0.5389 breakeven.
Potential Gain: Limited to the premium received 0.0111 ($1110). This occurs when
futures is above 0.5500 strike at option expiration.
Things to Watch:
As with all unlimited risk situations, the trader must watch this position carefully. Special consideration
must be give to foreign currency trading, due to foreign and domestic central bank policy changes. The
worst scenario is to be in this position with volatility rising and futures falling. Always re-evaluate this
position at some predetermined point.
8 Short Put
16 Chicago Mercantile Exchange www.cme.com
Follow-up Strategies
All ratio spreads and ratio backspreads need more analysis. These strategies do not fit neatly into any of the nine
market scenarios. Define your market expectation more closely and work out examples with different market
scenarios before choosing these strategies. Also, ratio strategies are sometimes done at ratios other than one by two.
5
LONG
VOLATILITY CALL
RISING
VOLATILITY
FALLING
BULLISH BEARISH
VOLATILITY
UNDECIDED
UNDECIDED
8
SHORT
PUT
1
LONG
FUTURES
9
BULL
SPREAD
7
LONG
PUT
6
SHORT
CALL
13
LONG
STRADDLE
15
LONG
STRANGLE
16
SHORT
STRANGLE
14
SHORT
STRADDLE
10
BEAR
SPREAD
Liquidate
short put and
buy a call
Hold on
Buy a call at
same strike
Buy a put at
a lower strike
Buy two puts
(one liquidates
original
short put)
Sell a futures
Buy two puts
(one liquidates
original short
put) and buy a call at same strike
Sell a call at
different strike
Buy two puts
(one liquidates
original short
put and buy call at a different strike
Sell a call
at same strike
Buy at put at
a higher strike




Liquidate position
19*
CALL RATIO
BACKSPREAD
20*
PUT RATIO
BACKSPREAD
Sell a futures
and buy two
calls at a higher
strike
Buy two puts
at a lower strike
*
17
170 175 180 185 190 195 200 205 210 215 220
November Lumber Futures
– 10.0
– 8.0
– 6.0
– 4.0
– 2.0
0.0
2.0
4.0
6.0
8.0
10.0
Profit / Loss
(1 Long Nov Lumber Call@200; 1 Short Call@210 )
(Dashed Line = Current; Solid Line = Expiration)
Scenario:
The trader feels bullish on Lumber, but volatility is in question. He could try futures as an alternative,
but wants the comfort of a limited loss position. He decides on a bull spread with the higher strike
written at the top of his expected trading range of 210.
Specifics:
Underlying Futures Contract: November Lumber
Futures Price Level: 193.00
Days to Futures Expiration: 60
Days to Options Expiration: 40
Option Implied Volatility: 18.6%
Option Position: Long 1 Nov 200 Call – 2.10 ($315)
Short 1 Nov 210 Call + 0.50 ($ 75)
– 1.60 ($240)
At Expiration:
Breakeven: 201.60 (200.00 strike + 1.60 debit)
Loss Risk: Limited to premium paid. Losses increase below 201.60
to a maximum loss below 200.00 of 1.60 ($240).
Potential Gain: Limited to difference between strikes less debit paid (10.00 – 1.60) 8.40
($12,600). Gains mount above 201.60 with maximum profit at 210.00.
Things to Watch:
Volatility changes affect this spread very little. Therefore, if the trader has an opinion on volatility, one of
the other strategies may work better. Check the next page for follow-up strategies.
9 Bull Spread
18 Chicago Mercantile Exchange www.cme.com
Follow-up Strategies
5
LONG
VOLATILITY CALL
RISING
VOLATILITY
FALLING
BULLISH BEARISH
VOLATILITY
UNDECIDED
UNDECIDED
8
SHORT
PUT
9
BULL
SPREAD
7
LONG
PUT
6
SHORT
CALL
12
SHORT
BUTTERFLY
11
LONG
BUTTERFLY
If bull spread is
constructed
with calls then
liquidate short call; if bull spread
is constructed with puts then
liquidate short put and buy futures
If bull spread
is constructed
with puts then
liquidate long put; if bull spread
is constructed with calls then
liquidate long call and buy futures
Hold on
If a bull spread
is constructed
with puts then
liquidate short put; if bull spread
is constructed with calls then
liquidate short call and sell futures
If bull spread
is constructed
with calls then
liquidate long call; if bull spread
is constructed with puts then
liquidate long put and sell futures
Add a bear
spread at
lower strikes
Add a bear
spread at
higher strikes


4 Liquidate position
SYNTHETIC
SHORT
FUTURES
(SPLIT
STRIKE)
Sell a futures
19
1.48 1.50 1.52 1.54 1.56 1.58 1.60 1.62 1.64 1.66 1.68
June British Pound Futures
– 0.0300
– 0.0200
– 0.0100
0.0000
0.0100
0.0200
0.0300
Profit / Loss
(1 Long June BP Put @ 1.5800; 1 Shor t Put @ 1.5600)
(Dashed Line = Current; Solid Line = Expiration)
Scenario:
This trader is convinced the British Pound market is going to fall. The trader does not expect a sharp
drop, just a gradual decline to about 1.5600 US$/pound. He decides on a bear spread with the written
put at the target price.
Specifics:
Underlying Futures Contract: June British Pound
Futures Price Level: 1.5850
Days to Futures Expiration: 80
Days to Options Expiration: 70
Option Implied Volatility: 12.0%
Option Position: Long 1 Jun 1.5800 Put – .0320 ($2000.00)
Short 1 Jun 1.5600 Put + .0210 ($1312.50)
– .0110 ($ 687.50)
At Expiration:
Breakeven: 1.5690 (1.5800 strike – .0110 debit)
Loss Risk: Losses start above 1.5690, but limited to the debit paid.
Maximum loss above 1.5800.
Potential Gain: Gains mount as futures fall below 1.5690. Maximum profit of
.0090 ($562.50) at or below 1.5600 (the difference between strikes
.0200 – debit .0110).
Things to Watch:
If the trader had a target price in mind, this would be an effective strategy. Why should the trader pay
for an option with unlimited potential when he thinks the move is limited? Selling an option at the
target price will reduce the cost of an outright long option.
10 Bear Spread
20 Chicago Mercantile Exchange www.cme.com
Follow-up Strategies
5
LONG
VOLATILITY CALL
RISING
VOLATILITY
FALLING
BULLISH BEARISH
VOLATILITY
UNDECIDED
UNDECIDED
8
SHORT
PUT
7
LONG
PUT
6
SHORT
CALL
12
SHORT
BUTTERFLY
11
LONG
BUTTERFLY
If bear spread is
constructed
with calls then
liquidate short call; if bear spread
is constructed with puts then
liquidate short put and buy futures
If bear spread
is constructed
with puts then
liquidate long put; if bear spread
is constructed with calls then
liquidate long call and buy futures
If a bear spread
is constructed
with puts then
liquidate short put; if bear spread
is constructed with calls then
liquidate short call and sell futures
If bear spread
is constructed
with calls then
liquidate long call; if bear spread
is constructed with puts then
liquidate long put and sell futures
Add a bull
spread at
higher strikes
Add a bull
spread at
lower strikes

Liquidate position
3
SYNTHETIC
LONG
FUTURES
(SPLIT
STRIKE)
10
BEAR
SPREAD
Buy a futures
Hold on
21
49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59
December Lean Hog Futures
– 3
– 2
– 1
0
1
2
3
Profit / Loss
(1 Long LHZ Call@52; 2 Short Calls@54; 1 Long Call@56)
(Dashed Line = Current; Solid Line = Expiration)
Scenario:
The trader currently has a #17 Ratio Call Spread. He thinks this is still a good position. However, he is
worried that the futures may increase dramatically on the upside, leaving him with a substantial loss. He
adds a long call and converts the position into a long butterfly.
Specifics:
Underlying Futures Contract: December Lean Hogs
Futures Price Level: 52.50
Days to Futures Expiration: 74
Days to Option Expiration: 45
Option Implied Volatility: 21.5%
Option Position: Long 1 Dec 52.00 Call – 1.825 ($547.50)
Short 2 Dec 54.00 Calls + 0.950 ($285.00)
Long 1 Dec 56.00 Call – 0.450 ($135.00)
– 0.375 ($112.50)
At Expiration:
Breakeven: Downside: 52.375 (52.00 strike + 0.375 debit).
Upside: 55.625 (56.00 strike – 0.375 debit).
Loss Risk: Losses start above 55.625, or below 52.375, but limited to the
debit paid. Maximum loss above 56.00 strike or below 52.00 strike.
Potential Gain: Gains peak at strike of written calls. Maximum profit of
1.625 ($487.50).
Things to Watch:
There is not much risk in this position. Volatility has little effect. Avoid follow-up strategies unless you
are quite certain of a particular move. Nearly every follow-up to this strategy requires more than one
trade—possibly incurring large transaction costs.
11 Long Butterfly
22 Chicago Mercantile Exchange www.cme.com
Follow-up Strategies†
It is very difficult to convert a butterfly into another strategy with one or even two transactions. Normally,
for off-floor-traders, this trade would not be entered into as transaction costs can be substantial. Also, follow-up
trades can add to commission costs, making it very difficult to realize a profit.
5
LONG
VOLATILITY CALL
RISING
VOLATILITY
FALLING
BULLISH BEARISH
VOLATILITY
UNDECIDED
UNDECIDED
8
SHORT
PUT
7
LONG
PUT
6
SHORT
CALL
11
LONG
BUTTERFLY
If the long
butterfly is
constructed
with calls, then liquidate all
options but one long call
If the long
butterfly is
constructed
with puts, then liquidate all
options but one short put
If the long
butterfly is
constructed
with puts, then liquidate all
options but one long put
If the long
butterfly is
constructed
with calls, then liquidate all
options but one short call
Hold on

Liquidate position
10
BEAR
SPREAD
Liquidate a
bull spread
9
BULL
SPREAD
Liquidate a
bear spread
15
LONG
STRANGLE
If the long
butterfly is
constructed with two calls and
two puts, then liquidate the
short call and the short put


†
23
.675 .68 .685 .69 .695 .70 .705 .71 .715 .72 .725
June Swiss Franc Futures
– 0.0200
– 0.0100
0.0000
0.0100
0.0200
Profit / Loss
(1 Short SFM Call@.69; 2 Long Calls @.70; 1 Short Call @.71)
(Dashed Line = Current; Solid Line = Expiration)
Scenario:
This trader currently has a #19 Call Ratio Backspread, but now feels that the underlying futures will not
explode on the upside. Instead, the trader feels that the market has an equal chance of going up or down,
and thus converts the position into a short butterfly.
Specifics:
Underlying Futures Contract: June Swiss Franc
Futures Price Level: 0.7000
Days to Futures Expiration: 30
Days to Option Expiration: 20
Option Implied Volatility: 12.2%
Option Position: Short 1 Jun 0.6900 Call + 0.0129 ($1612.50)
Long 2 Jun 0.7000 Calls – 0.0068 ($ 850.00) x 2
Short 1 Jun 0.7100 Call + 0.0031 ($ 387.50)
+ 0.0024 ($ 300.00)
At Expiration:
Breakeven: Downside: 0.6924 (0.6900 strike + 0.0024 credit).
Upside: 0.7076 (0.7100 strike – 0.0024 credit).
Loss Risk: Losses bottom at 0.7000 strike. Maximum loss of 0.0076 ($950).
Potential Gain: Gains top out at original net credit of 0.0024 ($300). This occurs
when futures rise above 0.7100 strike, or fall below 0.6900 strike.
Things to Watch:
There is not much risk in this position. Volatility has little effect. You should avoid follow-up strategies
unless you are quite certain of a particular move. Nearly every follow-up to this strategy requires more
than one trade—possibly incurring large transaction costs.
12 Short Butterfly
24 Chicago Mercantile Exchange www.cme.com
Follow-up Strategies†
It is very difficult to convert a butterfly into another strategy with one or even two transactions. Normally,
for off-floor-traders, this trade would not be entered into as transaction costs can be substantial. Also, follow-up
trades can add to commission costs, making it very difficult to realize a profit.
5
LONG
VOLATILITY CALL
RISING
VOLATILITY
FALLING
BULLISH BEARISH
VOLATILITY
UNDECIDED
UNDECIDED
8
SHORT
PUT
7
LONG
PUT
6
SHORT
CALL
If the short
butterfly is
constructed
with calls, then liquidate all
options but one long call
If the short
butterfly is
constructed
with puts, then liquidate all
options but one short put
If the short
butterfly is
constructed
with puts, then liquidate all
options but one long put
If the short
butterfly is
constructed
with calls, then liquidate all
options but one short call
Liquidate position
10
BEAR
SPREAD
Liquidate a
bull spread
9
BULL
SPREAD
Liquidate a
bear spread
12
SHORT
BUTTERFLY
Hold on
16
SHORT
STRANGLE
If the short
butterfly is
constructed
with two calls and two puts,
then liquidate the long call
and the long put
†
25
77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87
May Feeder Cattle Futures
— 5
— 4
— 3
— 2
— 1
0
1
2
3
4
5
Profit / Loss
(1 Long May Feeder Cattle Call @ 82; 1 Long Put @ 82)
(Dashed Line = Current; Solid Line = Expiration)
Scenario:
This trader looks at the low implied volatility and feels that options are relatively inexpensive. The
expectation here is that this market is poised for a big move. However, the trader is not sure which
way it will be. So a decision is made to buy both a call and a put.
Specifics:
Underlying Futures Contract: May Feeder Cattle
Futures Price Level: 81.00
Days to Futures Expiration: 20
Days to Options Expiration: 20
Option Implied Volatility: 8.4%
Option Position: Long 1 May 82.00 Call – 0.25 ($110.00)
Long 1 May 82.00 Put – 1.25 ($550.00)
– 1.50 ($660.00)
At Expiration:
Breakeven: Downside: 80.50 (82.00 strike – 1.50 debit).
Upside: 83.50 (82.00 strike + 1.50 debit).
Loss Risk: Losses bottom out at 82.00 strike with a maximum loss of
1.50 ($660).
Potential Gain: Unlimited; gains begin below 80.50 breakeven and increase as
futures fall. Also, gains increase as futures rise past 83.50 breakeven.
Things to Watch:
This is primarily a volatility play. A trader enters into this position with no clear idea of market direction,
but a forecast of greater movement (risk) in the underlying futures.
13 Long Straddle
26 Chicago Mercantile Exchange www.cme.com
Follow-up Strategies
5
LONG
VOLATILITY CALL
RISING
VOLATILITY
FALLING
BULLISH BEARISH
VOLATILITY
UNDECIDED
UNDECIDED
8
SHORT
PUT
1
LONG
FUTURES
7
LONG
PUT
6
SHORT
CALL
13
LONG
STRADDLE
14
SHORT
STRADDLE
2
SHORT
FUTURES
Liquidate the
long put
Liquidate long
call and sell
two puts
(one liquidates original long put)
Sell two puts
(one liquidates
original
long put)
Liquidate the
long call
Liquidate long
put and sell
two calls
(one liquidates original long call)
Hold on
Sell two calls
(one liquidates
original long call)
and sell two puts (one liquidates
original long put)
Sell two calls
(one liquidates
original
long call)
Liquidate position
27
.81 .82 .83 .84 .85 .86 .87 .88 .89 .90 .91
September Japanese Yen
– 0.0500
– 0.0400
– 0.0300
– 0.0200
– 0.0100
0.0000
0.0100
0.0200
0.0300
0.0400
0.0500
Profit / Loss
(1 Short Sep JY Call @ 0.8600; 1 Short Put @ 0.8600)
(Dashed Line = Current; Solid Line = Expiration)
Scenario:
This trader finds a market with relatively high implied volatility. The current feeling is the market will
stabilize after having had a long run to its present level. To take advantage of time decay and dropping
volatility this trader sells both a call and a put at the same strike price.
Specifics:
Underlying Futures Contract: September Japanese Yen
Futures Price Level: 0.8600
Days to Futures Expiration: 40
Days to Options Expiration: 30
Option Implied Volatility: 12.6%
Option Position: Short 1 Sep 0.8600 Call + 0.0100 ($1250.00)
Short 1 Sep 0.8600 Put + 0.0100 ($1250.00)
+ 0.0200 ($2500.00)
At Expiration:
Breakeven: Downside: 0.8400 (0.8600 strike – 0.0200 credit).
Upside: 0.8800 (0.8600 strike + 0.0200 credit).
Loss Risk: Unlimited; losses increase as futures fall below 0.8400 breakeven
or rise above 0.8800 breakeven.
Potential Gain: Limited to credit received; maximum profit of 0.0200 ($2500)
achieved as position is held to expiration and futures close exactly
0.8600 strike.
Things to Watch:
This is primarily a volatility play. A trader enters into this position with no clear idea of market direction
but a forecast of less movement (risk) in the underlying futures. Be aware of early exercise. Assignment of
a futures position transforms this strategy into a synthetic short call or synthetic short put.
14 Short Straddle
28 Chicago Mercantile Exchange www.cme.com
Follow-up Strategies
5
LONG
VOLATILITY CALL
RISING
VOLATILITY
FALLING
BULLISH BEARISH
VOLATILITY
UNDECIDED
UNDECIDED
8
SHORT
PUT
1
LONG
FUTURES
7
LONG
PUT
6
SHORT
CALL
13
LONG
STRADDLE
14
SHORT
STRADDLE
2
SHORT
FUTURES
Buy two calls
(one liquidates
original short
call) and liquidate short put
Liquidate
short call
Buy two calls
(one liquidates
original
short call)
Buy two puts
(one liquidates
original short
put) and liquidate short call
Liquidate
short put
Buy two calls
(one liquidates
original short
call) and buy two puts
(one liquidates original short put)
Hold on
Buy two puts
(one liquidates
original
short put)
Liquidate position

29
.96 .97 .98 .99 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06
December Euro FX Futures
– 0.0500
– 0.0400
– 0.0300
– 0.0200
– 0.0100
0.0000
0.0100
0.0200
0.0300
0.0400
0.0500
Profit / Loss
(1 Long Dec EC Call @ 1.0200; 1 Long Put @ 1.0000)
(Dashed Line = Current; Solid Line = Expiration)
Scenario:
This trader looks at the low implied volatility and feels that options are relatively cheap. The thinking
here is that this market will have a very big move. However, the trader is not sure which way it will be,
so he decides to buy both a call and a put. The trader saves on premiums by buying both options out-ofthe-
money. However, the trader must get an even larger move than a long straddle to make this strategy
profitable by expiration.
Specifics:
Underlying Futures Contract: December Euro FX
Futures Price Level: 1.0100
Days to Futures Expiration: 65
Days to Option Expiration: 55
Option Implied Volatility: 11.3%
Option Position: Long 1 Dec 1.0200 Call – 0.0500 ($ 625.00)
Long 1 Dec 1.0000 Put – 0.0048 ($ 600.00)
– 0.0098 ($1225.00)
At Expiration:
Breakeven: Downside: 0.5002 (1.0000 strike – 0.0098 debit).
Upside: 1.0298 (1.0200 strike + 0.0098 debit).
Loss Risk: Losses bottom at 0.0098 with a maximum loss between
1.0200 and 1.0000 strikes.
Potential Gain: Unlimited; gains begin below .9902 and increase as futures fall.
Also, gains increase as futures rise past 1.0298.
Things to Watch:
This is primarily a volatility play. A trader enters into this position with no clear idea of market direction
but a forecast of greater movement in the underlying futures.
15 Long Strangle
30 Chicago Mercantile Exchange www.cme.com
Follow-up Strategies
5
LONG
VOLATILITY CALL
RISING
VOLATILITY
FALLING
BULLISH BEARISH
VOLATILITY
UNDECIDED
UNDECIDED
8
SHORT
PUT
3
SYNTHETIC
LONG
FUTURES
(SPLIT
STRIKE)
7
LONG
PUT
6
SHORT
CALL
15
LONG
STRANGLE
16
SHORT
STRANGLE
Liquidate
long put
Sell two puts
(one liquidates
original long
put) and liquidate
the long call
Sell two puts (one liquidates
original long put)
Liquidate
long call
Sell two calls
(one liquidates
original long
call) and liquidate
the long put
Sell two calls
(one liquidates
original long
call) and sell two puts
(one liquidates original long put)
Hold on


Liquidate position
4
SYNTHETIC
SHORT
FUTURES
(SPLIT
STRIKE)
Sell two calls (one liquidates
original long call)
31
160 165 170 175 180 185 190 195 200 205 210
March Lumber Futures
– 10
– 8
– 6
– 4
– 2
0
2
4
6
8
10
Profit / Loss
(1 Short Mar LB Call @ 200; 1 Shor t Put @ 170)
(Dashed Line = Current; Solid Line = Expiration)
Scenario:
This trader finds current implied volatility at relatively high levels. The expectation now is for a very
lackluster trading month with no trend, and reduced volatility. The trader could sell a straddle, but feels
more comfortable with the wider range of maximum profit of the short strangle.
Specifics:
Underlying Futures Contract: March Lumber
Futures Price Level: 185.00
Days to Futures Expiration: 65
Days to Option Expiration: 45
Option Implied Volatility: 19.4%
Option Position: Short 1 Mar 200.00 Call + 0.80 ($120.00)
Long 1 Dec 1.0000 Put Short 1 Mar 170.00 Put + 0.60 ($ 90.00)
+ 1.40 ($210.00)
At Expiration:
Breakeven: Downside: 168.60 (170.00 strike – 1.40 credit).
Upside: 201.40 (200.00 strike + 1.40 credit).
Loss Risk: Unlimited; losses continue to mount as futures fall below 168.60
breakeven or rise above 201.40 breakeven.
Potential Gain: Maximum gains occur between strikes (a 30.00 range of
maximum profit).
Things to Watch:
There is a high probability that futures will expire in this range, thereby yielding the maximum profit.
However, the profit received is relatively small for the amount that could be at risk if futures were to rally
or drop sharply. Assignment of a futures position transforms this strategy into a synthetic short call or
synthetic short put.
16 Short Strangle
32 Chicago Mercantile Exchange www.cme.com
Follow-up Strategies
5
LONG
VOLATILITY CALL
RISING
VOLATILITY
FALLING
BULLISH BEARISH
VOLATILITY
UNDECIDED
UNDECIDED
8
SHORT
PUT
3
SYNTHETIC
LONG
FUTURES
(SPLIT
STRIKE)
7
LONG
PUT
6
SHORT
CALL
15
LONG
STRANGLE
16
SHORT
STRANGLE
Buy two calls
(one liquidates
original short call) and
liquidate short put
Liquidate
short call
Buy two calls (one liquidates
original short call)
Buy two puts
(one liquidates
original short put) and
liquidate short call
Liquidate
short put Hold on
Buy two calls
(one liquidates
original short call) and buy two puts
(one liquidates original short put)


Liquidate position
4
SYNTHETIC
SHORT
FUTURES
(SPLIT
STRIKE)
Buy two puts (one liquidates
original short put)
33
1.53 1.54 1.55 1.56 1.57 1.58 1.59 1.60 1.61 1.62 1.63
June British Pound Futures
– 0.0400
– 0.0300
– 0.0200
– 0.0100
0.0000
0.0100
0.0200
0.0300
0.0400
Profit / Loss
(1 Long June BP Call @ 1.58; 2 Short Calls @ 1.60 )
(Dashed Line = Current; Solid Line = Expiration)
Scenario:
This trader finds current implied volatility at relatively high levels. Analysis of this market leads this
trader to conclude that British Pound futures will trend very slowly up to about $1.60/pound. Also,
there is a small chance that the pound may fall dramatically. The trader, therefore, likes the risk/reward
profile of the ratio call spread with this outlook.
Specifics:
Underlying Futures Contract: June British Pound
Futures Price Level: 1.5800
Days to Futures Expiration: 35
Days to Option Expiration: 25
Option Implied Volatility: 14.1%
Option Position: Long 1 Jun 1.5800 Call – 0.0232 ($1450.00)
Short 2 Jun 1.6000 Calls + 0.0146 ($ 912.50) x 2
+ 0.0060 ($ 375.00)
At Expiration:
Breakeven: 1.6260 (1.6000 strike + 0.02 difference between
strikes + 0.0060 credit).
Loss Risk: Unlimited; losses continue to mount as futures rise above 1.6260.
Potential Gain: Maximum gain of 0.0260 ($1625.00) peaks at 1.6000 strike.
Things to Watch:
Do not enter into this position when there is a chance of an explosive upward move. In this particular
situation, a profit is realized if futures fall. However, depending on the strikes chosen, a small loss may
also occur.
17 Ratio Call Spread
34 Chicago Mercantile Exchange www.cme.com
Follow-up Strategies
All ratio spreads and ratio backspreads need more analysis. These strategies do not fit neatly into any of the nine
market scenarios. Define your market expectation more closely and work out examples with different market
scenarios before choosing these strategies. Also, ratio strategies are sometimes done at ratios other than one by two.
5
LONG
VOLATILITY CALL
RISING
VOLATILITY
FALLING
BULLISH BEARISH
VOLATILITY
UNDECIDED
UNDECIDED
7
LONG
PUT
6
SHORT
CALL
13
LONG
STRADDLE
14
SHORT
STRADDLE
Liquidate the
two short calls
Liquidate the
two short calls
and sell futures
Liquidate
long call and
liquidate one
short call
Liquidate the
two short calls
and buy a put at
same strike as original long call
Sell a put at
same strike as
original long call
Liquidate position
17*
RATIO CALL
SPREAD
Hold on
9
BULL
SPREAD
Liquidate one
short call
4
SYNTHETIC
SHORT
FUTURES
(SPLIT
STRIKE)
Liquidate one short call
and sell futures
11
LONG
BUTTERFLY
Buy a call at
an even higher
strike than the
original position
*
35
57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67
February Live Cattle Futures
– 3
– 2
– 1
0
1
2
3
Profit / Loss
(1 Long Feb LC Put @ 62; 2 Short Puts @ 60)
(Dashed Line = Current; Solid Line = Expiration)
Scenario:
This trader feels that current implied volatility is at relatively high levels. The thinking here is that
the market should consolidate after its big drop. The trader now believes reduced volatility and a slow
downward drifting of price are likely. Consequently, an order to execute a ratio put spread is placed
with the broker.
Specifics:
Underlying Futures Contract: February Live Cattle
Futures Price Level: 62.50
Days to Futures Expiration: 30
Days to Option Expiration: 20
Option Implied Volatility: 15.5%
Option Position: Long 1 Feb 62.00 Put – 0.675 ($270.00)
Long 1 Dec 1.0000 Put Short 2 Feb 60.00 Puts + 0.150 ($ 60.00) x 2
– 0.375 ($150.00)
At Expiration:
Breakeven: 58.375 (60.00 strike – difference between strikes + 0.375 debit).
Loss Risk: Unlimited; losses continue to mount as futures fall below 58.375.
Potential Gain: Maximum gain of 1.625 ($650) peaks at 60.00 strike.
Things to Watch:
Be very sure that prices will not go into a sharp decline. But, if a slow drop is anticipated this may be a
good strategy. A rally will produce a small gain or loss depending on the strikes chosen.
18 Ratio Put Spread
36 Chicago Mercantile Exchange www.cme.com
Follow-up Strategies
All ratio spreads and ratio backspreads need more analysis. These strategies do not fit neatly into any of the nine
market scenarios. Define your market expectation more closely and work out examples with different market
scenarios before choosing these strategies. Also, ratio strategies are sometimes done at ratios other than one by two.
5
LONG
VOLATILITY CALL
RISING
VOLATILITY
FALLING
BULLISH BEARISH
VOLATILITY
UNDECIDED
UNDECIDED
7
LONG
PUT
13
LONG
STRADDLE
14
SHORT
STRADDLE
Liquidate the
two short puts
and buy futures
Liquidate the
two short puts
Liquidate the
two short puts
and buy a call at
same strike as original long put
Sell a call
at strike of
original long put
Liquidate position
11
LONG
BUTTERFLY
Buy a put
at an even lower
strike than the
original positon
3
SYNTHETIC
LONG
FUTURES
(SPLIT
STRIKE)
10
BEAR
SPREAD
Liquidate one short put and
buy a futures
Liquidate one
short put
8
SHORT
PUT
Liquidate one
short put and
liquidate
long put

18*
RATIO PUT
SPREAD
Hold on
*
37
(1 Short Mar ED Call @ 90.00; 2 Long Calls @ 90.25)
(Dashed Line = Current; Solid Line = Expiration)
88.75 89 89.25 89.50 89.75 90 90.25 90.50 90.75 91 91.25
March Eurodollar Futures
– 1.0
– 0.8
– 0.6
– 0.4
– 0.2
0.0
0.2
0.4
0.6
0.8
1.0
Profit / Loss
Scenario:
This trader notices the low implied volatility of the options. The expectation now is for the Eurodollar
market to rally. But, the trader does not want to lose money if the market moves the other way. A strategy
that fits this outlook fairly well is the call ratio backspread.
Specifics:
Underlying Futures Contract: March Eurodollar
Futures Price Level: 90.00
Days to Futures Expiration: 60
Days to Option Expiration: 40
Option Implied Volatility: 14.6%
Option Position: Short 1 Mar 90.00 Call + 0.19 ($475.00)
Long 1 Dec 1.0000 Put Long 2 Mar 90.25 Calls – 0.09 ($225.00) x 2
+ 0.01 ($ 25.00)
At Expiration:
Breakeven: 90.49 (90.25 strike + 0.25 difference between strikes – 0.01 credit).
Loss Risk: Limited to 0.24 ($600); occurs only at 90.25 strike.
Potential Gain: Unlimited; gains mount as futures rise above the 90.49
breakeven point.
Things to Watch:
The worst situation would be a slow drifting of the price up toward the strike of purchased calls.
Increased volatility helps this position, so the trader wants large upward price moves.
19 Call Ratio Backspread
38 Chicago Mercantile Exchange www.cme.com
Follow-up Strategies
All ratio spreads and ratio backspreads need more analysis. These strategies do not fit neatly into any of the nine
market scenarios. Define your market expectation more closely and work out examples with different market
scenarios before choosing these strategies. Also, ratio strategies are sometimes done at ratios other than one by two.
19*
CALL RATIO
BACKSPREAD
20*
PUT RATIO
VOLATILITY BACKSPREAD
RISING
VOLATILITY
FALLING
BULLISH BEARISH
VOLATILITY
UNDECIDED
UNDECIDED
8
SHORT
PUT
6
SHORT
CALL
13
LONG
STRADDLE
16
SHORT
STRANGLE
14
SHORT
STRADDLE
10
BEAR
SPREAD
Liquidate two
long calls and
buy futures
Liquidate the
two long calls
Buy a put at
strike of original
Hold on short call
Liquidate two
long calls and
sell a put at
different strike than
the original short call
Buy a put at
same strike as
the short call
and sell a call at an even higher
strike than the original position
Liquidate two
long calls and
sell a put at
same strike as original short call
Liquidate
one long call
Liquidate position
12
SHORT
BUTTERFLY
Sell a call at an
even higher
strike than
original position
3
SYNTHETIC
LONG
FUTURES
(SPLIT
STRIKE)
Liquidate one long call and
buy a futures
*
39
895 900 905 910 915 920 925 930 935 940 945
December S&P 500 Futures
– 20
– 15
– 10
– 5
0
5
10
15
20
Profit / Loss
(1 Short Dec S&P 500 Put @ 930; 2 Long Puts @ 920)
(Dashed Line = Current; Solid Line = Expiration)
®
Scenario:
The trader is getting very nervous about the stock market. He is sure that the market is overvalued, but
not sure when the break will occur. Also, the trader does not want to stand in front of a runaway bull
market. This trader is will to NOT participate in upside gains to be certain that the position will be held
when the market drops dramatically. He consequently enters into a put ratio backspread.
Specifics:
Underlying Futures Contract: December S&P 500
Futures Price Level: 940
Days to Futures Expiration: 105
Days to Option Expiration: 105
Option Implied Volatility: 16.2%
Option Position: Short 1 Dec 930 Put + 7.10 ($1775.00)
Long 1 Dec 1.0000 Put Long 2 Dec 920 Puts – 4.00 ($1000.00) x 2
– 0.90 ($ 225.00)
At Expiration:
Breakeven: 909.10 (920.00 strike –10.00 difference between strikes – 0.90 debit).
Loss Risk: Limited; losses bottom out at strike of long puts. At 920.00 the
maximum loss of 10.90 ($2725.00) occurs.
Potential Gain: Unlimited; gains mount as futures fall past 909.10 breakeven.
Things to Watch:
Depending on the exact strikes chosen, a trader could come away with a small gain or loss if futures
continued their rally. The worst scenario is to have a mild bear market with volatility dropping.
20 Put Ratio Backspread
40 Chicago Mercantile Exchange www.cme.com
Follow-up Strategies
All ratio spreads and ratio backspreads need more analysis. These strategies do not fit neatly into any of the nine
market scenarios. Define your market expectation more closely and work out examples with different market
scenarios before choosing these strategies. Also, ratio strategies are sometimes done at ratios other than one by two.
19*
CALL RATIO
BACKSPREAD
20*
PUT RATIO
VOLATILITY BACKSPREAD
RISING
VOLATILITY
FALLING
BULLISH BEARISH
VOLATILITY
UNDECIDED
UNDECIDED
8
SHORT
PUT
6
SHORT
CALL
13
LONG
STRADDLE
16
SHORT
STRANGLE
14
SHORT
STRADDLE
Liquidate two
long puts
Liquidate two
long puts and
sell futures
Buy a call at
same strike as
original short put
Buy a call at
same strike as
the short put
and buy a put at an even lower
strike than original position
Liquidate two
long puts and
sell a call at
different strike than
the original short put
Hold on
Liquidate two
long puts and
sell a call at
same strike as original short put
Liquidate position
12
SHORT
BUTTERFLY
Sell a put at
an even lower
strike than
original position
9
BULL
SPREAD
Liquidate one
long put
4
SYNTHETIC
SHORT
FUTURES
(SPLIT
STRIKE)
Liquidate one long put
and sell futures
*
41
63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73
February Pork Belly Futures
– 2
– 1
0
1
2
Profit / Loss
(1 Short Feb PB Futures; 1 Long Call @ 68; 1 Shor t Put@ 68)
(Dashed Line = Current; Solid Line = Expiration)
Scenario:
This trader wants to take advantage of mis-pricing between futures and options. There are many ways
that combinations of futures and/or options can generate a locked-in profit from mis-pricing. In this
case, though, the synthetic long futures (long call + short put at same strike) is cheaper than the underlying
futures. This trader can buy the synthetic futures and sell the actual futures to lock in a profit equal
to the mis-pricing.
Specifics:
Underlying Futures Contract: February Pork Bellies
Futures Price Level: 68.30
Days to Futures Expiration: 35
Days to Option Expiration: 10
Option Implied Volatility: Call = 34%; Put 37.5%
Option Position: Long 1 Feb 68 Call – 1.675 ($670.00)
Short 1 Feb 68 Put + 1.550 ($620.00)
– 0.125 ($ 50.00)
Long: Synthetic Futures 68.125
Short 1 Feb Futures 68.300
Locked-In Profit +0.175 ($ 70.00)
At Expiration:
Profit is “locked in” with amount received equal to the 0.175 ($70) less commission costs.
Things to Watch:
Rarely will the mis-pricing be great enough for off-floor traders to capitalize on it. Unwinding the position
can create problems if all of the positions are not liquidated at exactly the same time. Also, be aware of
the possible forced early assignment of the short option.
21 Box or Conversion / Reversal
42 Chicago Mercantile Exchange www.cme.com
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