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Long Calendar Spreads

Lesson 7 of 12
Duration 4:57
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This strategy combines a longer-term bullish outlook with a near-term neutral/bearish outlook.

Contributed By: The Options Industry Council (OIC)

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2 thoughts on “Long Calendar Spreads”

  • Hi, can I create a calandar spread from an already open position?
    I am long long-dated calls on xyz and would lile to sell short dated calls on xyz. How can I attach the short short-dated call to my open position?

    • Hello, thank you for reaching out. To create a calendar spread using existing positions:

      Open the Strategy Builder window in TWS. This can be accessed from the New Window dropdown.
      Click the “Calls and Puts” tab at the top to switch to the chain view.
      Click the bid or ask price of the options you already own to add them as legs of the spread. Make sure to add both the long and short legs.
      Define the order parameters like quantity and price in the Order Entry section.
      Review the order details and click Submit Order. This will create the calendar spread using your existing positions.

      The key things to note are:
      Add both the long and short legs to the Strategy Builder
      Make sure the quantities match your existing positions
      Use the Order Entry section to define the spread specifics
      Please reach back out with any more questions. We are here to help!

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Information posted on IBKR Campus that is provided by third-parties does NOT constitute a recommendation that you should contract for the services of that third party. Third-party participants who contribute to IBKR Campus are independent of Interactive Brokers and Interactive Brokers does not make any representations or warranties concerning the services offered, their past or future performance, or the accuracy of the information provided by the third party. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

This material is from The Options Industry Council (OIC) and is being posted with its permission. The views expressed in this material are solely those of the author and/or The Options Industry Council (OIC) and Interactive Brokers is not endorsing or recommending any investment or trading discussed in the material. This material is not and should not be construed as an offer to buy or sell any security. It should not be construed as research or investment advice or a recommendation to buy, sell or hold any security or commodity. This material does not and is not intended to take into account the particular financial conditions, investment objectives or requirements of individual customers. Before acting on this material, you should consider whether it is suitable for your particular circumstances and, as necessary, seek professional advice.

Disclosure: Multiple Leg Strategies

Multiple leg strategies, including spreads and straddles, will incur multiple commission charges.

Disclosure: Options Trading

Options involve risk and are not suitable for all investors. Multiple leg strategies, including spreads, will incur multiple commission charges. For more information read the "Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options" also known as the options disclosure document (ODD) or visit ibkr.com/occ

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