Oct 2019: GOOG $1180 – $1200 Bull Call Spread
Stock
GOOG
Trade Structure
$1180-$1200 Bull Call Spread
Trade Date
10/02/2019
Expiration Days
10/15/2019
Trade Rationale
GOOG suddenly dropped on no "real news". And is now touching the lower bollinger bands. Following a limited universe of stocks allows me to know instinctively that this is a clear candidate for a mean reversion trade. The indicators I use haven't caught up yet. Let us see how this trade plays out. We have only 2 weeks for this trade to play out.
NOTE: Someone asked me in the comments below why did I do a short trade of 2 weeks instead of the usual 30 days. In this case, GOOG earnings were fast approaching on 10/28 and I didn't want my trade going into the last week of earnings. However, the opportunity was staring at my face and I still wanted to take a stab at it.
Trade Selection Criteria
Overall market movement
The overall market had a big down day today. However, there is no fundamental reason supporting the sudden pullback.
No Earnings or Significant News
Earnings are behind us and the next earnings will be after our expiration cycle.
Bollinger Bands outside Keltner Channels
Bollinger Bands are way outside Keltner Channels. We love these scenarios. These are perfect opportunities for mean reversion trades.
RSI Analysis
RSI is clearly in oversold territory. But is not giving a clear indication of a trend reversal.
ADX Analysis
ADX is flat and low confirming that this sudden drop in price is not sustainable.
Trade Analysis
The stock immediately went in our direction allowing us to bag a nice profit of $896 in 2 weeks. Notice why I keep harping in my book about following a limited set of stocks. This allows you to develop a gut feel which gives you opportunities even when the indicators haven't caught up yet.
Trade Outcome
Winner
Profit/Loss
$896
Beginning Account Balance
$9,400
Ending Account Balance
$15,500
how come some trade you put in two weeks and some you put on 30 days?
Great question. I usually do trades lasting 30+ days. In this case GOOG earnings were fast approaching on 10/28 and I wanted to avoid any trades going into the last week before earnings. However, the opportunity was staring in my face and I wanted to take a chance on it, so the only option I had left was to do a shorter trade.