Bear Put Spread
Quick Definition
A bearish options strategy that involves buying a higher-strike put and selling a lower-strike put on the same underlying with the same expiration.
What Is Bear Put Spread?
A bear put spread (also called a put debit spread) is a vertical spread strategy used when a trader expects a moderate decline in the underlying asset. The strategy involves buying a put option at a higher strike price and simultaneously selling a put option at a lower strike price, both with the same expiration date. The net cost (debit) is the maximum potential loss, while the maximum profit is the difference between the strike prices minus the premium paid. This strategy limits both risk and reward compared to buying a put outright. It reduces the cost of the position by collecting premium from the short put, but also caps the potential gain at the lower strike price.
Bear Put Spread Example
- 1With stock at $50 and expecting a drop, you buy the $50 put for $3 and sell the $45 put for $1. Max loss is $2 (net debit), max profit is $3 ($5 spread minus $2 cost)
- 2A bear put spread on SPY with 30 days to expiration: buy the $450 put, sell the $440 put, paying $4 net for a $10-wide spread with max profit of $6
Related Terms
Bull Call Spread
A bullish options strategy that involves buying a lower-strike call and selling a higher-strike call on the same underlying with the same expiration.
Put Option
A contract giving the holder the right, but not the obligation, to sell an underlying asset at a specified price within a specified time period.
Vertical Spread
An options strategy involving buying and selling options of the same type and expiration but at different strike prices.
Strike Price
The predetermined price at which the holder of an option can buy (call) or sell (put) the underlying asset upon exercise.
Options Premium
The price paid by the option buyer to the seller for the rights conveyed by the contract, determined by intrinsic value, time value, and volatility.
Call Option
A contract giving the holder the right, but not the obligation, to buy an underlying asset at a specified price within a specified time period.
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