Using Options Instead of Stops, Part 2

Articles From: Interactive Brokers
Website: Interactive Brokers

By:

Chief Strategist

Interactive Brokers

Yesterday I posted a video suggesting that traders consider using options instead of stops when trying to hedge overnight exposures.  The rationale is that there is considerable movement in the overnight future that leads to gap openings when the US markets open for trading.  Gap openings make it very risky for those who utilize stop and stop limit orders when hedging positions that are held overnight.   Options, however, typically retain their protective features under those same circumstances.

The following is a chart of ES futures trading excluding the hours of 9:30am – 4:00pm Eastern time.  There are a number of sessions that saw significant movement in one direction or another that resulted in gap openings when regular trading began:

ES Futures June 19'20

Source: IBKR Trader Workstation

Remember that stop and stop limit orders are triggered when a stock or commodity’s price crosses a specified level.  Those triggers are usually active during normal trading hours and those order types work reasonably well when price moves are relatively continuous.  They work very poorly, however, when there are gaps in pricing. 

Here is an example, let’s say a trader is long an actively traded, liquid stock that is trading at $28.50 and enters a sell stop order at $28.  During normal trading hours and under normal circumstances it is reasonable to expect that the stock will trade at a range of prices before and after the stock trades at $28.  Once that price is touched, triggering the stop order, the trader should expect an execution slightly below $28.  Remember that a stop order becomes a market order once triggered, so the execution quality is not assured.  If the trader opts for a stop limit order of $27.90 with a $28 trigger, there is also a reasonable likelihood that the trader would be filled within his parameters as long as there is sufficient liquidity in the stock.

Let us now assume that the trader was long those same shares overnight and placed the stop order with a longer-term time in force (GTC or GTD).  If the stock opens above $28, the stop order is still helpful.  If it opens below $28, the order is triggered by the opening price and becomes a market sell order at whatever that prevailing price may be.  The trader can hope that the price is near his desired stop loss, but there are no guarantees.  The stop or stop limit order is unlikely to provide the desired protection in the face of that gap opening,

If the trader hedged his long position by purchasing put options with a $28 strike price instead, those options would be likely to appreciate in value at a level commensurate with the stock’s move and the option’s delta.  There are many variables that influence options pricing, but a properly hedged trader could see his stock losses offset by an options gain.

That said, options are not a panacea.  Options cost money, and many traders would not find it beneficial to increase the total cost of their position.  Options also decay over time, meaning their cost is less likely to be recouped the longer they are held.  Stop and stop limit orders, however, cost nothing to enter.  They are subject to standard commissions if they result in a trade, as would any execution that closes the stock position.

In a sense, it’s another example of “you get what you pay for.”  The free solution, stop and stop limit orders, have limited value in protecting overnight positions.  The paid solution, option purchases, offer the potential complete protection but can be a drag on returns.  Risk management always involves a set of choices, including how much risk one is willing to take in exchange for a desired return.  There is no single solution that works all the time for every trader, but it is important that every trader be able to properly assess which tools suit him best in a given situation.

Glossary:

Stop order: A Stop order becomes a market order to buy or sell securities or commodities once the specified stop price is attained or penetrated. A Stop order is not guaranteed a specific execution price.

Stope limit order: A Stop Limit order is similar to a stop order in that a stop price will activate the order. However, unlike the stop order, which is submitted as a market order when elected, the stop limit order is submitted as a limit order. 

Referenced video:

Using Options Instead of Stops

Disclosure: Interactive Brokers

The analysis in this material is provided for information only and is not and should not be construed as an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any security. To the extent that this material discusses general market activity, industry or sector trends or other broad-based economic or political conditions, it should not be construed as research or investment advice. To the extent that it includes references to specific securities, commodities, currencies, or other instruments, those references do not constitute a recommendation by IBKR to buy, sell or hold such investments. 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.

The views and opinions expressed herein are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Interactive Brokers, its affiliates, or its employees.

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

Disclosure: Futures Trading

Futures are not suitable for all investors. The amount you may lose may be greater than your initial investment. Before trading futures, please read the CFTC Risk Disclosure. A copy and additional information are available at ibkr.com.