Bearish strategies in options trading are employed when the options trader expects the underlying stock price to move downwards. It is necessary to assess how low the stock price can go and the timeframe in which the decline will happen in order to select the optimum trading strategy.
Very Bearish
The most bearish of options trading strategies is the simple put buying strategy utilized by most novice options traders.
Moderately Bearish
In most cases, stock price seldom make steep downward moves. Moderately bearish options traders usually set a target price for the expected decline and utilise Bear Spreads to reduce risk. While maximum profit is capped for these strategies, they usually cost less to employ.
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Mildly Bearish
Mildly bearish trading strategies are options strategies that make money as long as the underlying stock price does not go up on options expiration date. These strategies usually provide a small upside protection as well. A good example of such a strategy is to write Out-Of-The-Money Naked Calls.
Advanced Strategy Variations
Build on the core strategies with these less common structures. Match the option legs and expirations when comparing names.
