Do you make decisions based on the number of contracts or a specific dollar amount to invest ?

My original question was how do you determine 5% risk on a naked option. Not on a spread.

Like you said, a naked option has theoretically unlimited loss potential on a gap. You can place a stop loss to limit risk, but if it gaps, you're boned.

A stop loss or a spread are both designed to mitigate risk. I'd say with a spread you are at least still in the trade if it recovers.

I am not an expert but I can't think of a way to properly limit your risk on a naked option besides...not making it naked.
 
Like you said, a naked option has theoretically unlimited loss potential on a gap. You can place a stop loss to limit risk, but if it gaps, you're boned.

A stop loss or a spread are both designed to mitigate risk. I'd say with a spread you are at least still in the trade if it recovers.

I am not an expert but I can't think of a way to properly limit your risk on a naked option besides...not making it naked.

Sure. But it was more a rethorical question than anything else.
 
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