Box Spread

Article byDheeraj Vaidya, CFA, FRM

What Is A Box Spread?

Box spread is a type of strategy used in arbitrage where there is a combination of two spreads and four trades, i.e., buying bull call spread in a combination of a corresponding bear put spread. Both the spreads have the same strike price and also the same date of expiry.

Box-Spread

You are free to use this image o your website, templates, etc, Please provide us with an attribution linkHow to Provide Attribution?Article Link to be Hyperlinked
For eg:
Source: Box Spread (wallstreetmojo.com)

These box spread options are used by market makers and also the electronic communication networks, or ECNs. However, it is not a recommended strategy for a retail investor as it involves commission incentives. When plotted against a graph, this spread strategy forms a box as indicated by the box spread graph/image above. The best thing about this means of trading is that it offers a guaranteed position to traders.

Key Takeaways

  • A Box Spread is an options trading strategy combining four options contracts with the same expiration date but different strike prices.
  • The Box Spread involves buying a bull call spread and a bear put space simultaneously.
  • The strategy aims to lock in a riskless profit by exploiting differences in the premiums between the four options. The gain is realized when the net compensation received from selling the bull call spread is higher than the net premium paid for the bear put spread.
  • sophisticated options traders or market makers typically use Box Spreads to take advantage of pricing inefficiencies.

Box Spread Explained

Box spread, also called the long box strategy, is an arbitrage technique where traders take four using a combination of two corresponding spreads, i.e., bull call spreadBull Call SpreadA bull call spread refers to a trading strategy where the trader speculates a limited price appraisal of the stock. Here, the trader bets on the same stock via two call options for the upper and lower strike price range.read more and bear put spread. The profit/loss here is calculated as a net of a single trade only. The total cost of the box remains constant irrespective of the deviation of prices of underlying securities. The expiration is here calculated by the difference in prices of the strike of the options considered in the trade. There are primarily two types of strategy, which are known as long box strategy and short box strategy.

It is an arbitrage technique where four trades are involved in a combination of two spreads, i.e., bull call spreadBull Call SpreadA bull call spread refers to a trading strategy where the trader speculates a limited price appraisal of the stock. Here, the trader bets on the same stock via two call options for the upper and lower strike price range.read more and bear put spread. The profit/loss here is calculated as a net of a single trade only. The total cost of the box remains constant irrespective of the deviation of prices of underlying securities.

When they opt for a call spread, they buy a lower strike price for profits, while when they choose to go for a put spread, they buy at a higher strike price. It is known as a box spread for a reason. Let us find out the same.

In the process, the traders involve in two corresponding bull call and bear put spreads. For example, if a trader purchases a 30-50 call spread. In this scenario. The trader buys 30 call spread and sells 50 put spread when the price is down. On the other hand, they purchase 30-50 put spread, they buy 50 put spread and sell 30 put spread for a price down again. These corresponding trades when plotted against a graph, it forms a box. Hence, called box spread.

This is generally used when the spreads are a lot below their prices when compared to their value on expiry. The prime aim of this trade is to derive a limited risk-free profit. The buying and selling continue by the arbitrager as long as the price of the box is reasonably below the combined expiry value of the box. Thus in this way, a riskless profit can be booked.

The expiration value of the box is defined as the difference between a strike priceStrike PriceExercise price or strike price refers to the price at which the underlying stock is purchased or sold by the persons trading in the options of calls & puts available in the derivative trading. Thus, the exercise price is a term used in the derivative market.read more and a lower strike price. The risk-free profit can be calculated as the difference between the expiration value of the box and the net premium paid. The short box strategy is applicable when the components of the spread are under-priced. When the box itself is overpriced, we can attain profit by selling the box, and this type of strategy is termed as a short box strategy.

Example

Let us consider the following instances to understand the concept better and also check how the box spread calculator might work when they have the figures with them:

You can download this Box Spread Excel Template here – Box Spread Excel Template

Let us assume a stock that is currently trading at a price of $50 for December. The available option contractsOption ContractsAn option contract provides the option holder the right to buy or sell the underlying asset on a specific date at a prespecified price. In contrast, the seller or writer of the option has no choice but obligated to deliver or buy the underlying asset if the option is exercised.read more for this stock are made available at a premium price as below:

Given:

Buy Jan 55 Call: $8

Sell Jan 60 Call: $2

Sell Jan 55 Put: $2.50

Buy Jan 60 Put: $8

Lot Size (Shares): 100

Solution:

First, we will calculate Bull Call Spread

Bond future 1-2
  • = Buy Jan 55 call – Sell Jan 60 call
  • = (8*100) – (2*100)
  • = $600 

Now taking the Buy Bear Put Spread,

Bond future 1-3
  • = Buy Jan 60 put – Sell Jan 55 put
  • = (8*100) – (2.5*100)
  • =$550

Total Spread Cost

Bond future 1-4
  • Buy Bull Call Spread + Buy Bear Put Spread
  • = $600 + $550
  • = $1150

Expiration Value

  • = (60-55) *100
  • = $500

Since the value is greater than the expiration value, we can use the small box strategy to attain the profit.

In case if the box spread is less than the expiration value, then we can calculate the profit by using a long box strategy.

Profit

= 1150 – 500

= $650

The net profit is calculated by excluding the brokerage and taxes from the profit obtained.

When To Use?

Box spread is a useful arbitrage strategy provided the trader is willing to take a minimum risk and also make a minimum profit. Here the experience level required pulling such strategies and gaining benefit out of it is also a matter of concern. Generally, experienced traders will be applying such strategies and make a profit out of it. The timing required to utilize such a strategy is the key to making money out of it.

Considering the example above, we can see how the box plot strategy changes depending on the expiration value and the box spread value. When the expiration value is higher than the box spread value, we use a long box strategy, and similarly, if it is the other way round, we use the short box strategy.

Advantages

Box spread is a strategy that helps traders involve in trades that are risk-free or have limited risks involved. They are beneficial for them in many ways.

Some of the advantages of these strategies include the following:

  • The prime advantage of this spread is that very low risk is associated with it since it is used to earn a minimal profit.
  • It is the best strategy when the expiration value is more than the spread value.

Disadvantages

Besides the benefits that this strategy offers, there are limitations too that restrict traders involving in a box spread option. Let us have a look at some of the demerits of these strategies:

Box Spread vs Iron Condor

Box spread and iron condor are two strategies used to identify and engage in a risk-free trade. However, they two differ in various aspects.

Let us check out the difference between box spread and iron condor in detail:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the risk involved in a Box Spread?

When executed correctly, a Box Spread is designed to be risk-free, as it involves offsetting positions. The profit or loss is locked in when entering the trade. However, there may be execution risks, such as the inability to find suitable options contracts at the desired prices, which can impact the profitability of the trade.

Can Box Spreads be executed in any market conditions?

Box Spreads are primarily used in markets with low volatility and when there are pricing inefficiencies. These conditions can create temporary mispricings that make the strategy profitable.

Can a Box Spread be adjusted or closed before expiration?

Yes, by purchasing the short options back and selling the extended options, a Box Spread may be modified or closed before expiration. Therefore, if the spread has hit its goal, this can be done to realize profits or to contain losses if the trade is not performing as anticipated.

Recommended Articles

This has been a guide to what is Box Spread. Here, we explain it with an example, scenarios when to use it, vs iron condor, advantages, and disadvantages. You can learn more about derivatives trading from the following articles –

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *