The Iron Condor strategy is a options trading strategy that involves selling a call option and a put option at a certain strike price, while also buying a call option and a put option at a higher and lower strike price, respectively. The goal of this strategy is to profit from a neutral or non-volatile market, as the trader collects premium from selling the options while the options they purchased act as a hedge in case of a large movement in the underlying asset's price. The strategy gets its name from the shape of the profit and loss graph, which looks like a condor bird.
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The goal of this strategy is to generate income through the sale of the options while also limiting the potential loss if the underlying asset makes a large move in either direction.
The Condor strategy is a limited risk strategy because the most you can lose is the difference between the strike prices of the options sold and bought, minus the premium received. The profit potential is also limited, as the most you can make is the premium received.
It is important to note that this strategy is considered to be advanced and requires a good understanding of options trading and volatility. It's also important to consider the risk involved and to use proper risk management techniques. Also, it's important to note that the condor strategy is typically used when the market is expected to remain range-bound or at least not to make a large move in either direction.
Different type of Condor strategy
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Bull Put Spread Condor: In this strategy, the investor sells a put option at a certain strike price and buys a put option at a lower strike price. They also sell a call option at a higher strike price and buy a call option at an even higher strike price. This strategy is used when the investor expects the underlying asset's price to rise.
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Bear Call Spread Condor: In this strategy, the investor sells a call option at a certain strike price and buys a call option at a higher strike price. They also sell a put option at a lower strike price and buy a put option at an even lower strike price. This strategy is used when the investor expects the underlying asset's price to fall.
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Double Iron Condor: This strategy involves selling two call options and two put options at different strike prices and then buying a call option and a put option at a higher and lower strike price respectively. This strategy is used when the investor expects the underlying asset's price to remain within a narrow range.
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Broken Wing Iron Condor: This strategy involves selling a call option and a put option at a certain strike price, buying a call option and a put option at different strike prices. This strategy is used when the investor expects the underlying asset's price to remain within a narrow range but is willing to accept more risk for a greater potential reward.
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Reverse Iron Condor: This strategy involves buying a call option and a put option at a certain strike price, selling a call option and a put option at different strike prices. This strategy is used when the investor expects the underlying asset's price to remain within a narrow range but is willing to accept more risk for a greater potential reward.
How to apply Condor strategy
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Choose an underlying asset to trade: This can be a stock, index, or ETF.
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Select the strike prices for the options: The investor would sell a call option and a put option at a certain strike price, and then buy a call option and a put option at a higher and lower strike price. The difference between the strike prices is known as the "wingspan."
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Determine the expiration date: The options should be set to expire at the same time.
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Place the trade: The investor would place a "short" options trade by selling the call and put options, and a "long" options trade by buying the call and put options.
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Monitor the trade: The investor should keep an eye on the underlying asset's price, volatility, and the time remaining until expiration. If the underlying asset's price moves too far in one direction, the investor may need to close the trade to avoid significant losses.
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Close the trade: The trade can be closed by buying back the sold options, or by letting them expire if the underlying asset's price is within the "sweet spot" of the options' strike prices.
Trader mosly use Strategy builder for such type of trading. You can use Sensibull, Opstra or any othet strategy builder your like.
It's important to note that Iron Condor strategy is a advanced option strategy, and it carries risk of loss, so before applying it, it's important to have a good understanding of options trading and risk management.