CandleFocus Glossary Editor
A bear put spread can be used in a number of different strategies for an investor seeking to speculate on the price of an underlying asset.
The key to a bear put spread strategy is the purchase of a put with a strike price at or close to the current trading price of the underlying asset, while creating a short position in another put with a lower strike price and therefore a larger premium. This way, the investor can receive a net premium while still creating a bearish position on the underlying asset. This strategy is often used when the investor is expecting a downside movement in the underlying asset but is uncertain as to the magnitude of the move. A bearish investor may use the bear put spread to limit his downside risk.
The investor will limit profits if the price of the underlying asset does not move as expected. By buying and selling puts at different strike prices, the investor may limit the risk of loss to the differences between the strike prices, minus the premium received. For example, if the investor purchases a put with a strike price of $50 and sells a put with a strike price of $45 and collects a $2 premium, the investor is protected against any losses greater than $7.
The downside risk of a bear put spread is usually lower than a simple long put, but the maximum potential profit is also limited. However, when the investor is uncertain of the extent of the potential price move, a bear put spread can provide more certainty and a more measured approach to the position.
Despite its limitations, a bear put spread is a useful tool for investors wishing to take a bearish view on an underlying asset. It is an attractive strategy when trading in a volatile market, when the investor wants to gain exposure to the downside of a stock but is not sure of the extent of the movement.
The key to a bear put spread strategy is the purchase of a put with a strike price at or close to the current trading price of the underlying asset, while creating a short position in another put with a lower strike price and therefore a larger premium. This way, the investor can receive a net premium while still creating a bearish position on the underlying asset. This strategy is often used when the investor is expecting a downside movement in the underlying asset but is uncertain as to the magnitude of the move. A bearish investor may use the bear put spread to limit his downside risk.
The investor will limit profits if the price of the underlying asset does not move as expected. By buying and selling puts at different strike prices, the investor may limit the risk of loss to the differences between the strike prices, minus the premium received. For example, if the investor purchases a put with a strike price of $50 and sells a put with a strike price of $45 and collects a $2 premium, the investor is protected against any losses greater than $7.
The downside risk of a bear put spread is usually lower than a simple long put, but the maximum potential profit is also limited. However, when the investor is uncertain of the extent of the potential price move, a bear put spread can provide more certainty and a more measured approach to the position.
Despite its limitations, a bear put spread is a useful tool for investors wishing to take a bearish view on an underlying asset. It is an attractive strategy when trading in a volatile market, when the investor wants to gain exposure to the downside of a stock but is not sure of the extent of the movement.