Quote from rallymode:
I'd venture a guess that there is a negative correlation between the magnitude of put selling and account values. Even more negative now that niederhoffer is out of the market.
OP -> IB raised margins on vix derivs 10 fold in August so 150% is nothing in this environment. Stop abusing span and trade within regt notionals. If you cant afford to sell the SPX put, dont sell the ES one.
i would also venture to guess that excessive futures trading, lack of experience, and undercapitalization , has a negative correlation on account values.
let's face it, because of the public blow outs of people such as vic and other lesser knowns, it is too easy to make pot shots at vol sellers. you guys are like sheep who do such. why can't you all see that all traders blow up consistently?
what makes your vix time spreads any different than vanilla hedged option writing, whether they are straddles, spreads, or naked? you went from spx spreads to vix only recently, you know there are dangers ahead. don't get me wrong, if you opened a restaurant or any type of business, the same blow up rate is there. i spend every day doing vAR, building my book with hopefully well placed offsets.
you can lose on an incorrect model play. i would be willing to bet because of ib's 10 fold vix margin increase, you adjusted your size; thus possibly keeping you from blowing up also. i am certain, the margin increases will benefit us in keeping others from going overboard. lastly, we must all remember as options traders, the increased vol also pays more, so size can decrease or as my handle alludes to...go even further otm!