Options Strategy Advisor

Options Strategy Advisor

Overview

This skill provides comprehensive options strategy analysis and education using theoretical pricing models. It helps traders understand, analyze, and simulate options strategies without requiring real-time market data subscriptions.

Core Capabilities:

• Black-Scholes Pricing: Theoretical option prices and Greeks calculation
• Strategy Simulation: P/L analysis for major options strategies
• Earnings Strategies: Pre-earnings volatility plays integrated with Earnings Calendar
• Risk Management: Position sizing, Greeks exposure, max loss/profit analysis
• Educational Focus: Detailed explanations of strategies and risk metrics

Data Sources:

• FMP API: Stock prices, historical volatility, dividends, earnings dates
• User Input: Implied volatility (IV), risk-free rate
• Theoretical Models: Black-Scholes for pricing and Greeks

Prerequisites

Required:

• Python 3.8+ with numpy, scipy, requests

Optional:

• FMP API key (for real-time stock prices and historical volatility)
• Set via FMP_API_KEY environment variable or --api-key argument
• Without API key: Use manual inputs for stock price and volatility

Installation:

pip install numpy scipy requests

Quick Start Examples:

# Basic call option pricing (no API key needed)
python3 scripts/black_scholes.py

# With FMP API key for real-time data
python3 scripts/black_scholes.py --ticker AAPL --api-key $FMP_API_KEY

# Custom option parameters
python3 scripts/black_scholes.py --stock-price 180 --strike 185 --days 30 --volatility 0.25

# Put option analysis
python3 scripts/black_scholes.py --stock-price 180 --strike 175 --days 30 --option-type put

When to Use This Skill

Use this skill when:

• User asks about options strategies ("What's a covered call?", "How does an iron condor work?")
• User wants to simulate strategy P/L ("What's my max profit on a bull call spread?")
• User needs Greeks analysis ("What's my delta exposure?")
• User asks about earnings strategies ("Should I buy a straddle before earnings?")
• User wants to compare strategies ("Covered call vs protective put?")
• User needs position sizing guidance ("How many contracts should I trade?")
• User asks about volatility ("Is IV high right now?")

Example requests:

• "Analyze a covered call on AAPL"
• "What's the P/L on a $100/$105 bull call spread on MSFT?"
• "Should I trade a straddle before NVDA earnings?"
• "Calculate Greeks for my iron condor position"
• "Compare protective put vs covered call for downside protection"

Supported Strategies

Income Strategies

1. Covered Call - Own stock, sell call (generate income, cap upside)
2. Cash-Secured Put - Sell put with cash backing (collect premium, willing to buy stock)
3. Poor Man's Covered Call - LEAPS call + short near-term call (capital efficient)

Protection Strategies

1. Protective Put - Own stock, buy put (insurance, limited downside)
2. Collar - Own stock, sell call + buy put (limited upside/downside)

Directional Strategies

1. Bull Call Spread - Buy lower strike call, sell higher strike call (limited risk/reward bullish)
2. Bull Put Spread - Sell higher strike put, buy lower strike put (credit spread, bullish)
3. Bear Call Spread - Sell lower strike call, buy higher strike call (credit spread, bearish)
4. Bear Put Spread - Buy higher strike put, sell lower strike put (limited risk/reward bearish)

Volatility Strategies

1. Long Straddle - Buy ATM call + ATM put (profit from big move either direction)
2. Long Strangle - Buy OTM call + OTM put (cheaper than straddle, bigger move needed)
3. Short Straddle - Sell ATM call + ATM put (profit from no movement, unlimited risk)
4. Short Strangle - Sell OTM call + OTM put (profit from no movement, wider range)

Range-Bound Strategies

1. Iron Condor - Bull put spread + bear call spread (profit from range-bound movement)
2. Iron Butterfly - Sell ATM straddle, buy OTM strangle (profit from tight range)

Advanced Strategies

1. Calendar Spread - Sell near-term option, buy longer-term option (profit from time decay)
2. Diagonal Spread - Calendar spread with different strikes (directional + time decay)
3. Ratio Spread - Unbalanced spread (more contracts on one leg)

Analysis Workflow

Step 1: Gather Input Data

Required from User:

• Ticker symbol
• Strategy type
• Strike prices
• Expiration date(s)
• Position size (number of contracts)

Optional from User:

• Implied Volatility (IV) - if not provided, use Historical Volatility (HV)
• Risk-free rate - default to current 3-month T-bill rate (~5.3% as of 2025)

Fetched from FMP API:

• Current stock price
• Historical prices (for HV calculation)
• Dividend yield
• Upcoming earnings date (for earnings strategies)

Example User Input:

Ticker: AAPL
Strategy: Bull Call Spread
Long Strike: $180
Short Strike: $185
Expiration: 30 days
Contracts: 10
IV: 25% (or use HV if not provided)

Step 2: Calculate Historical Volatility (if IV not provided)

Objective: Estimate volatility from historical price movements.

Method:

# Fetch 90 days of price data
prices = get_historical_prices("AAPL", days=90)

# Calculate daily returns
returns = np.log(prices / prices.shift(1))

# Annualized volatility
HV = returns.std() * np.sqrt(252)  # 252 trading days

Output:

• Historical Volatility (annualized percentage)
• Note to user: "HV = 24.5%, consider using current market IV for more accuracy"

User Can Override:

• Provide IV from broker platform (ThinkorSwim, TastyTrade, etc.)
• Script accepts --iv 28.0 parameter

Step 3: Price Options Using Black-Scholes

Black-Scholes Model:

For European-style options:

Call Price = S * N(d1) - K * e^(-r*T) * N(d2)
Put Price = K * e^(-r*T) * N(-d2) - S * N(-d1)

Where:
d1 = [ln(S/K) + (r + σ²/2) * T] / (σ * √T)
d2 = d1 - σ * √T

S = Current stock price
K = Strike price
r = Risk-free rate
T = Time to expiration (years)
σ = Volatility (IV or HV)
N() = Cumulative standard normal distribution

Adjustments:

• Subtract present value of dividends from S for calls
• American options: Use approximation or note "European pricing, may undervalue American options"

Python Implementation:

from scipy.stats import norm
import numpy as np

def black_scholes_call(S, K, T, r, sigma, q=0):
    """
    S: Stock price
    K: Strike price
    T: Time to expiration (years)
    r: Risk-free rate
    sigma: Volatility
    q: Dividend yield
    """
    d1 = (np.log(S/K) + (r - q + 0.5*sigma**2)*T) / (sigma*np.sqrt(T))
    d2 = d1 - sigma*np.sqrt(T)

    call_price = S*np.exp(-q*T)*norm.cdf(d1) - K*np.exp(-r*T)*norm.cdf(d2)
    return call_price

def black_scholes_put(S, K, T, r, sigma, q=0):
    d1 = (np.log(S/K) + (r - q + 0.5*sigma**2)*T) / (sigma*np.sqrt(T))
    d2 = d1 - sigma*np.sqrt(T)

    put_price = K*np.exp(-r*T)*norm.cdf(-d2) - S*np.exp(-q*T)*norm.cdf(-d1)
    return put_price

Output for Each Option Leg:

• Theoretical price
• Note: "Market price may differ due to bid-ask spread and American vs European pricing"

Step 4: Calculate Greeks

The Greeks measure option price sensitivity to various factors:

Delta (Δ): Change in option price per $1 change in stock price

def delta_call(S, K, T, r, sigma, q=0):
    d1 = (np.log(S/K) + (r - q + 0.5*sigma**2)*T) / (sigma*np.sqrt(T))
    return np.exp(-q*T) * norm.cdf(d1)

def delta_put(S, K, T, r, sigma, q=0):
    d1 = (np.log(S/K) + (r - q + 0.5*sigma**2)*T) / (sigma*np.sqrt(T))
    return np.exp(-q*T) * (norm.cdf(d1) - 1)

Gamma (Γ): Change in delta per $1 change in stock price

def gamma(S, K, T, r, sigma, q=0):
    d1 = (np.log(S/K) + (r - q + 0.5*sigma**2)*T) / (sigma*np.sqrt(T))
    return np.exp(-q*T) * norm.pdf(d1) / (S * sigma * np.sqrt(T))

Theta (Θ): Change in option price per day (time decay)

def theta_call(S, K, T, r, sigma, q=0):
    d1 = (np.log(S/K) + (r - q + 0.5*sigma**2)*T) / (sigma*np.sqrt(T))
    d2 = d1 - sigma*np.sqrt(T)

    theta = (-S*norm.pdf(d1)*sigma*np.exp(-q*T)/(2*np.sqrt(T))
             - r*K*np.exp(-r*T)*norm.cdf(d2)
             + q*S*norm.cdf(d1)*np.exp(-q*T))

    return theta / 365  # Per day

Vega (ν): Change in option price per 1% change in volatility

def vega(S, K, T, r, sigma, q=0):
    d1 = (np.log(S/K) + (r - q + 0.5*sigma**2)*T) / (sigma*np.sqrt(T))
    return S * np.exp(-q*T) * norm.pdf(d1) * np.sqrt(T) / 100  # Per 1%

Rho (ρ): Change in option price per 1% change in interest rate

def rho_call(S, K, T, r, sigma, q=0):
    d2 = (np.log(S/K) + (r - q + 0.5*sigma**2)*T) / (sigma*np.sqrt(T)) - sigma*np.sqrt(T)
    return K * T * np.exp(-r*T) * norm.cdf(d2) / 100  # Per 1%

Position Greeks:

For a strategy with multiple legs, sum Greeks across all legs:

# Example: Bull Call Spread
# Long 1x $180 call
# Short 1x $185 call

delta_position = (1 * delta_long) + (-1 * delta_short)
gamma_position = (1 * gamma_long) + (-1 * gamma_short)
theta_position = (1 * theta_long) + (-1 * theta_short)
vega_position = (1 * vega_long) + (-1 * vega_short)

Greeks Interpretation:

| Greek | Meaning | Example | |-------|---------|---------| | Delta | Directional exposure | Δ = 0.50 → $50 profit if stock +$1 | | Gamma | Delta acceleration | Γ = 0.05 → Delta increases by 0.05 if stock +$1 | | Theta | Daily time decay | Θ = -$5 → Lose $5/day from time passing | | Vega | Volatility sensitivity | ν = $10 → Gain $10 if IV increases 1% | | Rho | Interest rate sensitivity | ρ = $2 → Gain $2 if rates increase 1% |

Step 5: Simulate Strategy P/L

Objective: Calculate profit/loss at various stock prices at expiration.

Method:

Generate stock price range (e.g., ±30% from current price):

current_price = 180
price_range = np.linspace(current_price * 0.7, current_price * 1.3, 100)

For each price point, calculate P/L:

def calculate_pnl(strategy, stock_price_at_expiration):
    pnl = 0

    for leg in strategy.legs:
        if leg.type == 'call':
            intrinsic_value = max(0, stock_price_at_expiration - leg.strike)
        else:  # put
            intrinsic_value = max(0, leg.strike - stock_price_at_expiration)

        if leg.position == 'long':
            pnl += (intrinsic_value - leg.premium_paid) * 100  # Per contract
        else:  # short
            pnl += (leg.premium_received - intrinsic_value) * 100

    return pnl * num_contracts

Key Metrics:

• Max Profit: Highest possible P/L
• Max Loss: Worst possible P/L
• Breakeven Point(s): Stock price(s) where P/L = 0
• Profit Probability: Percentage of price range that's profitable (simplified)

Example Output:

Bull Call Spread: $180/$185 on AAPL (30 DTE, 10 contracts)

Current Price: $180.00
Net Debit: $2.50 per spread ($2,500 total)

Max Profit: $2,500 (at $185+)
Max Loss: -$2,500 (at $180-)
Breakeven: $182.50
Risk/Reward: 1:1

Probability Profit: ~55% (if stock stays above $182.50)

Step 6: Generate P/L Diagram (ASCII Art)

Visual representation of P/L across stock prices:

def generate_pnl_diagram(price_range, pnl_values, current_price, width=60, height=15):
    """Generate ASCII P/L diagram"""

    # Normalize to chart dimensions
    max_pnl = max(pnl_values)
    min_pnl = min(pnl_values)

    lines = []
    lines.append(f"\nP/L Diagram: {strategy_name}")
    lines.append("-" * width)

    # Y-axis levels
    levels = np.linspace(max_pnl, min_pnl, height)

    for level in levels:
        if abs(level)  0:
                    char = '█'  # Profit
                elif pnl  $185 at expiration, shares called away

When to Use:
- Neutral to slightly bullish
- Want income in sideways market
- Willing to sell stock at $185

Exit Plan:
- Buy back call if stock rallies strongly (preserve upside)
- Let expire if stock stays below $185
- Roll to next month if want to keep shares

Protective Put:

Insurance Strategy: Limit downside while keeping upside

Setup:
- Own 100 shares of AAPL @ $180
- Buy 1x $175 put (30 DTE) for $2.00

Max Profit: Unlimited (stock can rise infinitely)
Max Loss: -$7 per share = ($5 stock loss + $2 premium)
Breakeven: $182 (Cost basis + premium paid)

Greeks:
- Delta: +0.80 (stock delta 1.00 - put delta 0.20)
- Theta: -$6/day (time decay cost)

Protection: Guaranteed to sell at $175, no matter how far stock falls

When to Use:
- Own stock, worried about short-term drop
- Earnings coming up, want protection
- Alternative to stop-loss (can't be stopped out)

Cost: "Insurance premium" - typically 1-3% of stock value

Exit Plan:
- Let expire worthless if stock rises (cost of insurance)
- Exercise put if stock falls below $175
- Sell put if stock drops but want to keep shares

Iron Condor:

Range-Bound Strategy: Profit from low volatility

Setup (example on AAPL @ $180):
- Sell $175 put for $1.50
- Buy $170 put for $0.50
- Sell $185 call for $1.50
- Buy $190 call for $0.50

Net Credit: $2.00 ($200 per iron condor)

Max Profit: $200 (if stock stays between $175-$185)
Max Loss: $300 (if stock moves outside $170-$190)
Breakevens: $173 and $187
Profit Range: $175 to $185 (58% probability)

Greeks:
- Delta: ~0 (market neutral)
- Theta: +$15/day (time decay benefit)
- Vega: -$25 (short volatility)

When to Use:
- Expect low volatility, range-bound movement
- After big move, think consolidation
- High IV environment (sell expensive options)

Risk: Unlimited if one side tested
- Use stop loss at 2x credit received (exit at -$400)

Adjustments:
- If tested on one side, roll that side out in time
- Close early at 50% max profit to reduce tail risk

Step 8: Earnings Strategy Analysis

Integration with Earnings Calendar:

When user asks about earnings strategies, fetch earnings date:

from earnings_calendar import get_next_earnings_date

earnings_date = get_next_earnings_date("AAPL")
days_to_earnings = (earnings_date - today).days

Pre-Earnings Strategies:

Long Straddle/Strangle:

Setup (AAPL @ $180, earnings in 7 days):
- Buy $180 call for $5.00
- Buy $180 put for $4.50
- Total Cost: $9.50

Thesis: Expect big move (>5%) but unsure of direction

Breakevens: $170.50 and $189.50
Profit if: Stock moves >$9.50 in either direction

Greeks:
- Delta: ~0 (neutral)
- Vega: +$50 (long volatility)
- Theta: -$25/day (time decay hurts)

IV Crush Risk: ⚠️ CRITICAL
- Pre-earnings IV: 40% (elevated)
- Post-earnings IV: 25% (typical)
- IV drop: -15 points = -$750 loss even if stock doesn't move!

Analysis:
- Implied Move: √(DTE/365) × IV × Stock Price
  = √(7/365) × 0.40 × 180 = ±$10.50
- Breakeven Move Needed: ±$9.50
- Probability Profit: ~30-40% (implied move > breakeven move)

Recommendation:
✅ Consider if you expect >10% move (larger than implied)
❌ Avoid if expect normal ~5% earnings move (IV crush will hurt)

Alternative: Buy further OTM strikes to reduce cost
- $175/$185 strangle cost $4.00 (need >$8 move, but cheaper)

Short Iron Condor:

Setup (AAPL @ $180, earnings in 7 days):
- Sell $170/$175 put spread for $2.00
- Sell $185/$190 call spread for $2.00
- Net Credit: $4.00

Thesis: Expect stock to stay range-bound ($175-$185)

Profit Zone: $175 to $185
Max Profit: $400
Max Loss: $100

IV Crush Benefit: ✅
- Short high IV before earnings
- IV drops after earnings → profit on vega
- Even if stock moves slightly, IV drop helps

Greeks:
- Delta: ~0 (market neutral)
- Vega: -$40 (short volatility - good here!)
- Theta: +$20/day

Recommendation:
✅ Good if expect normal earnings reaction (10% move)

Exit Plan:
- Close next day if IV crushed (capture profit early)
- Use stop loss if one side tested (-2x credit)

Step 9: Risk Management Guidance

Position Sizing:

Account Size: $50,000
Risk Tolerance: 2% per trade = $1,000 ma

…

## Source & license

This open-source skill is cataloged on AgentStack and links to its original source — we do not rehost the code.

- **Author:** [xonevn-ai](https://github.com/xonevn-ai)
- **Source:** [xonevn-ai/xone-trading-skills](https://github.com/xonevn-ai/xone-trading-skills)
- **License:** MIT
- **Homepage:** https://xone.vn

Install and usage instructions live in the source repository linked above.