Gamma scalping is a trading strategy experienced investors use to potentially capitalize on price fluctuation in options. It involves buying and selling options to profit off small changes in the market. This strategy requires patience, knowledge of the markets, and an understanding of technical analysis tools.

The gamma scalping technique takes advantage of the nonlinear nature of options prices. An option’s delta value (the amount an option’s price will move for each one-point move in its underlying asset) can be positive or negative, and it will depend if it is a call or put option, respectively. Theoretically, you can profit from the price movement if you buy call options when their deltas are low (closer to 0) and sell them when they become higher (closer to 1).

Gamma scalping is an effective strategy for experienced traders because it relies on precise timing and technical analysis tools. Traders use gamma scalping when options are overpriced, meaning they are trading at a premium compared to their theoretical value. It usually happens when volatility in the underlying asset has increased, but the option’s delta hasn’t had time to adjust. By trading call or put options, traders can take advantage of this discrepancy and turn a profit.

Traders who successfully use gamma scalping must remain vigilant about market conditions to avoid missing out on profitable opportunities, and to do this, traders in Singapore must be familiar with various technical analysis tools, including charting and statistical indicators. Traders also need to monitor the option’s implied volatility, which indicates how much price movement investors expect in the underlying asset. Finally, they must watch for signs that the market is changing direction or reaching its natural limit.

What are the risks?

Gamma scalping can be a lucrative trading strategy but carries many risks. It requires traders to time their trades perfectly, as any deviation from optimal timing could result in losses. Additionally, this strategy involves frequent buying and selling, increasing transaction costs, and exposing investors to greater liquidity risk.

For these reasons, gamma scalping should only be undertaken by experienced Singaporean traders who understand the risks and have the time to monitor their trades. Beginner traders are also advised to use an experienced and reputable broker like Saxotrader before using these options trading strategies.

Other strategies used by options traders in Singapore

Options trading is a popular strategy used by investors in Singapore. Options allow investors in Singapore to leverage their capital and speculate on the price of an underlying asset without taking direct ownership of it. Investors in Singapore typically focus on spread strategies like credit spreads, straddles, and iron condors.

Credit spreads

Credit spreads involve buying and selling options with different strike prices and expiration dates but from the same underlying asset. It allows traders to collect a premium when they open the position if the underlying asset remains near or between the two strike prices at expiration.

Straddles

Straddles involve simultaneously buying both a call and put option on an underlying asset with the same expiration date but different strike prices, allowing investors to profit no matter which direction the market moves. However, they must pay more for this protection. Iron condors involve selling one.

Covered calls

Another popular strategy for options traders in Singapore is called covered calls. Covered calls are when an investor buys shares of stock and then sells call options against them. It allows investors to benefit from price appreciation without paying the total cost of buying the underlying stock. Additionally, if the underlying stock declines, the investor can keep any profits from selling their call option while limiting losses on their position.

Spread trading

Spread trading involves simultaneously buying and selling different options contracts with different prices and expiration dates. It allows investors to simultaneously capitalize on market volatility and profit from rising and falling prices. It also offers less risk than other strategies since it requires an initial outlay that is smaller compared to other strategies, such as long or short positions in stocks or options alone.

Butterfly spreads

There are also a variety of complex strategies that are available only to experienced options traders in Singapore. For example, butterfly spreads involve combining four different options contracts with three different strike prices into one position; these can be used to take advantage of changing trends in highly volatile markets.

Collar trades

Collar trades are used to call and put options together with a long position in the stock as insurance against downside risk; these trades are often used by investors who want more protection than traditional long-only investing provides but without giving up all potential upside gains from rising markets.

Conclusion

Gamma scalping is an advanced trading strategy experienced investors use to capitalize on small price fluctuations in options. Due to its complexity, this strategy requires patience and a thorough knowledge of technical analysis tools. Although gamma scalping can be lucrative, it is risky and should only be undertaken by those who understand the potential consequences.