Quote from sle:
This is bullshit, as atticus pointed out.
(a) The only reason why this strategy (like any term structure trade) could have any profit potential is if you are locking in implied vol differential at good levels. It would be interesting to hear what parmeters you look at when evaluating these trades?
(b) When you are saying "but far strikes will save me", you do realize that by that time your account (assuming decent leverage) would be showing a substantial loss.
(c) I know you don't like math (and it kinda shows). However, it's important to realize that you are (a) selling realized volatility, (b) buying autocorrelation and (c) buying forward implied volatility. If you do not evaluate all three in some shape or form, you are an idiot and will blowup sooner or later.
Josh, before you blow a gasket, Stu is stating that you're forecasting (with confidence) the forward vol through an implicit +correlation on vol. As though you simply shift time and the payout is perfected.