Long Straddle Long Straddle

Long Straddle

Components

Buy one call option and buy one put option at the same strike price.

Risk / Reward

Maximum Loss: Limited to the total premium paid for the call and put options.

Maximum Gain: Unlimited as the market moves in either direction.

Characteristics

When to use: When you are bullish on volatility but are unsure of market direction.

A long straddle is an excellent strategy to use when you think the market is going to move but don't know which way. A long straddle is like placing an each-way bet on price action: you make money if the market goes up or down.

But, the market must move enough in either direction to cover the cost of buying both options.

Buying straddles is best when implied volatility is low or you expect the market to make a substantial move before the expiration date - for example, before an earnings announcement.