Trailing Stop Question

Posted by Harpster on April 02, 2012 (05:27PM)

For those of you using trailing stops on options,
Do you base the stop on the option price or the underlying stock price?
and reasoning...

Thanks in advance..

Posted by Bayou Steve on May 14, 2012 (10:33AM)

Don't like trailing stops on Options, especially if I am relying on volatility of the underlying. 

Posted by Bayou Steve on May 14, 2012 (10:34AM)

Don't like trailing stops on Options, especially if I am relying on volatility of the underlying. 

Posted by SimpleTrades on May 14, 2012 (07:13PM)

Here is a video about trailing stops:

https://www.tradeking.com/education/videos/using-trailing-stop-orders

you might also want to check out this video about contingent orders:

https://www.tradeking.com/education/videos/using-contingent-orders

Posted by doougle on May 15, 2012 (07:37AM)

Here's the problem with trailing stops on options;  Once the stop is triggered, you will be selling your option with a market order.  Depending on the bid ask spread of your underlying, you might get a very bad price.

Stocks normally have a narrow spread, so a market order will be within a couple cents of the price you'd expect.  Option spreads can sometimes be measured in dollars, depending on the liquidity.

Stop limit could add protection, but limit could be run through.  It's best to set a price alert, then manage your trade manually.

You must Log In to post to this forum.

Not a member? Register Now to …

  • See what other traders are doing
  • Make your own trades public
  • Share your thoughts on a trade
  • Join or start a group
  • Connect with like-minded traders