debit spread

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.

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

  • Breakeven for call spreads = lower strike + net premium
  • Breakeven for put spreads = higher strike - net premium

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

References

  • {{cite book

| last = McMillan| first = Lawrence G.

| title = Options as a Strategic Investment

| edition = 4th

| publisher = New York : New York Institute of Finance

| year = 2002

| isbn = 0-7352-0197-8

}}

{{Derivatives market}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Debit Spread}}

Category:Options (finance)

Category:Derivatives (finance)

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