Iron Condors

What It Is

An iron condor is an options strategy that profits from low volatility by selling both a call spread and a put spread around the current price.

Why It Matters

It generates income when the underlying asset trades within a defined range.

How It Works

  • Sell an out‑of‑the‑money call spread
  • Sell an out‑of‑the‑money put spread
  • Collect premiums from both spreads
  • Maximum profit occurs if price stays between the short strikes

Key Components

  • Defined risk
  • Range‑bound expectation
  • Four‑leg structure
  • Premium collection

Example

If a stock trades at $100, an iron condor might involve selling a $105/110 call spread and a $95/90 put spread.

Key Takeaways

  • Profits from low volatility.
  • Risk and reward are capped.
  • Ideal for stable, sideways markets.