Option chain data is a single frame that contains all relevant information about option strikes for a specific stock or index. The strike price is centrally located in the option chain frame, and all information pertaining to calls and puts with the same strike are displayed side by side as shown in the below image.
The puts are typically on the right side of the option chain, and the calls generally are on the left. Along with price and volume information, the option chain also records more analytical information such as changes in open interest (OI), changes in implied volatility (IV), etc.
If you're an investor seeking to make a purchase on the National Stock Exchange, you should carefully analyse NSE option chain data. Before making investment decisions, as an investor, you should carefully consider any funds that you are about to invest in the stock market.
You must be completely familiar with the components of the option chain frame because the markets might move more quickly than you anticipate and quick decisions are necessary to avoid missing out on opportunities.
Options trading can be a lucrative way to invest in the stock market, but it requires a deep understanding of the underlying assets, market conditions, and the options themselves. Analyzing options chain data is a crucial aspect of options trading that can lead to better trading results.
In this blog, we will discuss some Techniques for Analyzing Options Chain Data that can help you make informed trading decisions.
What is an Option Chain?
An options chain is a list of all available options contracts for a particular underlying asset, organized by expiration date and strike price. It provides traders with important information, such as the bid and ask prices, open interest, and implied volatility for each contract. Traders can use this information to analyze the potential risk and rewards of an options trade and make informed trading decisions.
How To Read The Options Chain Chart?
Here are components of the options chart that will help you to read the options chain chart easily. Let’s look at the given below:
Options Type
Typically, options have two different types:
a. Call Option : Call option means a contract that extends the right to buy underlying at a specific price within a specified date
b. Put Option : Put option is also a contract that extends the right to sell underlying at a specific price within a specified date.
Strike Price
Strike price means a price at which both buyers and sellers of the Option agree to execute a contract. When the options price goes beyond the strike price, the options trade turns out to be profitable.
In-The-Money or ITM
In-the-Money ATM is considered when the call option’s strike price is a smaller amount compared to the present market value. Conversely, the put option is the In-The-Money ATM if the current market price is less than the stock price.
At-The-Money or ATM
At-The-Money or ATM defines a situation wherein the strike price of a put or a call option is equivalent to the current market price of an underlying asset.
Over-The-Money or OTM
Over-The-Money is considered when the strike price is more than the current market price of an underlying asset. Similarly, on the other hand, if the strike price is lower than the current market price of an underlying asset, then the put option is said to be at OTM.
Open Interest or OI
Open Interest means the interest of traders during a specific strike price. The higher the amount, the Interest will be among the traders for the actual strike price of an option. Since there’s more interest among traders, there will be high liquidity to trade your opinion.
Change in Open Interest
It shows all the significant changes taken place in the Open Interest before the expiration date. The significant difference in OI signifies that either contract is closed, exercised, or squared off.
Volume
The volume shows the trader's interest and the total number of contracts of an option for a specific price traded within the market. Volume is calculated daily and can even help understand the current Interest of several traders.
Implied Volatility or IV
Implied Volatility showed the price swing. High Implied volatility means there will be a high swing in prices, and low implied Volatility means there will be few or low swings in prices.
Last Traded Option or LTP
LTP means the last traded price of an option.
Bid Price
Bid Price means the actual value quoted within the last buy order. A price above the Last Traded Price (LTP) may indicate rising demand for options.
Bid Quantity
Bid Quantity is the total number of buy orders booked for a particular strike price. However, it tells you about the current demand for the strike price of an option.
Ask Quantity
Ask Quantity is the total number of open sell orders for a particular strike price. It indicates the availability of the options.
Ask Price
Ask Price is the value quote within the last sell order.
Techniques for analyzing options chain data
Identify the Greeks
One of the most important aspects of analyzing options chain data is understanding the Greeks. The Greeks are a set of variables that measure the sensitivity of an option's price to changes in various factors, such as the underlying asset price, time to expiration, and volatility.
The most common Greeks are Delta, Gamma, Theta, Vega, and Rho. Delta measures the change in an option's price for every one-point change in the underlying asset price, Gamma measures the change in Delta for every one-point change in the underlying asset price, Theta measures the change in an option's price for every one day that passes, Vega measures the change in an option's price for every one-point change in volatility, and Rho measures the change in an option's price for every one-point change in interest rates.
By analyzing the Greeks, traders can determine the risk and potential rewards of an options trade and adjust their strategy accordingly.
Look for High Open Interest
Open interest is the number of outstanding options contracts for a particular strike price and expiration date. High open interest indicates a lot of traders are interested in that option, which can create a more liquid market and potentially make it easier to buy or sell the option.
Traders can use high open interest as a signal for potential support or resistance levels, as well as to identify potential market trends or reversals.
Consider Implied Volatility
Implied volatility is a measure of the expected volatility of the underlying asset over the life of the option contract. It is calculated based on the current market price of the option and other factors, such as the current market price of the underlying asset, the strike price, and the time to expiration.
High implied volatility indicates that traders expect the underlying asset to experience significant price fluctuations, which can increase the value of the option. Conversely, low implied volatility indicates that traders expect the underlying asset to remain relatively stable, which can decrease the value of the option.
Traders can use implied volatility to determine the potential risk and reward of an options trade, as well as to identify potential market trends or reversals.
Analyze the Skew
The skew is a measure of the difference in implied volatility between options with different strike prices but the same expiration date. It can indicate the market's perception of potential risks or rewards for different strike prices.
If the skew is positive, it indicates that options with lower strike prices have higher implied volatility than options with higher strike prices. This can indicate that the market is more concerned about potential downside risk than potential upside potential.
Conversely, if the skew is negative, it indicates that options with higher strike prices have higher implied volatility than options with lower strike prices. This can indicate that the market is more concerned about potential upside potential than potential downside risk.
Traders can use the skew to identify potential market trends or reversals and adjust their options trading strategy accordingly.
Use Technical Analysis
Technical analysis is a method of analyzing securities based on historical price and volume data. Traders can use technical analysis to identify potential market trends, support and resistance levels, and other patterns that can help inform their options trading strategy.
For example, traders may use moving averages to identify potential support and resistance levels or use chart patterns like triangles or head and shoulders to identify potential trend reversals.
Conclusion
In conclusion, analyzing options chain data is a crucial part of options trading and can provide valuable insights for making informed trading decisions. By understanding the Greeks, looking for high open interest, considering implied volatility, analyzing the skew, and using technical analysis, traders can gain a deeper understanding of the potential risk and reward of an options trade and adjust their strategy accordingly.
It is important to remember that options trading carries significant risk and requires careful consideration and analysis before making any trades. By incorporating these techniques into their options trading strategy, traders can potentially improve their trading results and achieve greater success in the market.