Short Volatility

Options Advanced NIFTY BANKNIFTY FINNIFTY Stock Options

Expecting range-bound market, or IV decrease

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Quick Reference

Strategy Type Volatility - Short Gamma and Vega
Market Outlook Expecting range-bound market, or IV decrease
Risk Profile UNLIMITED on both sides - requires strict risk management
Reward Profile Limited to premium received
Time Horizon Typically 21-45 days, weekly for experienced
Capital Requirement SPAN margin Rs.50,000-80,000 per lot, plus buffer
Best Used When After events when IV elevated (IV Rank > 50%), range-bound market, proper risk management in place

When to Use This Strategy

After events when IV elevated (IV Rank > 50%), range-bound market, proper risk management in place

India-Specific Notes

Nse Considerations

Trading Hours 9:15 AM - 3:30 PM IST
Weekly Expiry Thursday (NIFTY, BANKNIFTY, FINNIFTY)
Monthly Expiry Last Thursday of the month

Margin Framework

Type SPAN + Exposure Margin
Naked Straddle Margin ₹1,50,000 - ₹2,50,000 per lot for NIFTY
Iron Condor Margin ₹40,000 - ₹80,000 per lot (defined risk)
Peak Margin Rule Must maintain margin throughout day
Margin Benefit Spreads receive significant margin reduction

Taxation

Stt On Premium 0.05% on sell side (options)
Stt On Exercise 0.125% on intrinsic value if ITM at expiry
Income Classification Business income for frequent traders
Gst On Brokerage 18% on brokerage charges

Liquidity Notes

Best Instruments NIFTY and BANKNIFTY ATM and near OTM options
Optimal Strikes ATM for straddles, 1-2 strikes OTM for strangles
Bid Ask Spread Expect 1-2 points on liquid strikes
Exit Liquidity Critical - ensure you can exit positions quickly

Volatility Indicators

India Vix Primary volatility gauge
High Vix Entry Above 18-20 for short vol entry
Vix Mean Reversion VIX tends to revert to 14-16
Event Avoidance Close positions before major events

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