Using Rally to Go Long Volatility
Target: Volatility Index(VXX) trading @ $15.42
Commit Criteria: This is a new trade on VXX. We are doubling down on this big shift.
The market surged Friday on news of a eurozone deal and VXX dropped significantly. We still feel like VXX is not very unlikely to drop below 15, especially given the current chaotic market conditions. VXX implied volatility is overpriced relative to its forecast volatility of 15.87% over the trade period.
We are looking for possible price movement but for it to stay above $14.66 until the exit of this trade. Note: we are breakeven or better as long as the VXX stays above $14.66.
Tactic: Opening 50 VXX July 2012 bull put spreads (strikes 14/15) for a $0.44 credit.
Tactical employment of bull put spread:
Mid-Course Guidance: We will be watching for a price movement below the short 15 strike. We are actually safe on this trade down to $14.66 but if the short strike is threatened we will adjust the bull put spread as necessary.
Profitability Target: We will wait for this bull put spread to expire worthless taking the $2,200.00 credit as profit. If the VXX surges up in the near term we may choose to close this trade early, taking a smaller, but faster profit.
Exit Tactic: We will wait for this bull put spread to expire worthless, adjusting as necessary.
We are sellers of this short squeeze.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel will have to sell this new plan at home and the German people will not like it. Finally, the math simply doesn't work out. The eurozone will implode . . . not a matter of if, but when.
This article is commentary by an independent contributor, separate from TheStreet's regular news coverage.