Debit spread

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In finance, a debit spread, a.k.a. net debit spread, results when an investor simultaneously buys an option with a higher premium and sells an option with a lower premium. The investor is said to be a net buyer and expects the premiums of the two options (the options spread) to widen.

Finance academic discipline studying businesses and investments

Finance is a field that is concerned with the allocation (investment) of assets and liabilities over space and time, often under conditions of risk or uncertainty. Finance can also be defined as the art of money management. Participants in the market aim to price assets based on their risk level, fundamental value, and their expected rate of return. Finance can be split into three sub-categories: public finance, corporate finance and personal finance.

Option (finance) right to to buy or sell a certain thing at a later date at an agreed price

In finance, an option is a contract which gives the buyer the right, but not the obligation, to buy or sell an underlying asset or instrument at a specified strike price prior to or on a specified date, depending on the form of the option. The strike price may be set by reference to the spot price of the underlying security or commodity on the day an option is taken out, or it may be fixed at a discount or at a premium. The seller has the corresponding obligation to fulfill the transaction – to sell or buy – if the buyer (owner) "exercises" the option. An option that conveys to the owner the right to buy at a specific price is referred to as a call; an option that conveys the right of the owner to sell at a specific price is referred to as a put. Both are commonly traded, but the call option is more frequently discussed.

Contents

Bullish & Bearish Debit Spreads

Investors want debit spreads to widen for profit.

A bullish debit spread can be constructed using calls. See bull call spread.

A bearish debit spread can be constructed using puts. See bear put spread.

A bull-bear phase spread can be constructed using near month call & put.

Breakeven Point

Maximum Potential

The maximum gain and loss potential are the same for call and put debit spreads. Note that net debit = difference in premiums.

Maximum Gain

Maximum gain = difference in strike prices - net debit, realized when both options are in-the-money.

Maximum Loss

Maximum loss = net debit, realized when both options expire worthless.

See also

Related Research Articles

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References

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