Gamma

Gamma is a Greek alphabet used in the investing world to reflect the change in the rate of an options price about an underlying asset. It is a measurement tool for price changes explicitly used for options. It is the second derivative of an options price, the first being its’ Delta.  A positive Gamma is an indication that an option traders’ trading position is also favourable. Usually, the Gamma value change is more significant than the Delta value change resulting from an upward or downward movement in an underlying assets’ price. While Delta is the speed of change in the price of an asset concerning its underlying’s price, Gamma talks about the acceleration, i.e., the rate of change in price movement. In other words, Gamma measures movement (upward/ downward) risk. The gamma value, which is related to whether the option is long or short in the market, likewise ranges from 0 to 1. A long position on a call or put option gives a positive gamma. On the other hand, a short position on a call or put option gives negative Gamma. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)-  

How is gamma calculated?

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Often organisations use either spreadsheets or software for computing Gamma, as it is a bit complex. But its manual computation considers the following values- asset dividend yield in case of dividend-paying stocks, spot and strike price of the underlying stock, its’ standard deviation, the option’s time to expiry, the risk-free rate of return is also considered.

Gamma value is derived using the following steps:

• Firstly, the spot price of the underlying asset is taken then, the strike price of the underlying asset is taken from the details of the option.
• Next, we can check whether any dividend is paid on the stock.
• After this, the maturity of the option or time left till expiration is also considered.
• Then the standard deviation of the underlying asset is measured, and the risk-free rate is taken, usually the return of government bonds.
• Finally, all these values are put in the formula to derive the Gamma value.

The formula of Gamma-

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What is the importance of gamma?

• Traders can use gamma to correct issues related to convexity involved in hedging strategies.
• Portfolios of considerable value require additional precision when engaging in hedging.
• Gamma value is used to maintaining the gamma- hedging of a portfolio.
• Gamma positions, use a risk graph to know when a trader is in danger of losing too much money.
• Gamma can help one estimate the price and reduce risks and gain profits.

What impacts the value of gamma?

The value of gamma is dynamic and keeps changing over time. Two key factors impact the value of the gamma over some time, viz. time to expiry and the volatility of the underlying assets price. The gamma curve is usually flat in case of high volatility and shows very sharp movements in case of low volatility. When the volatility is high, a reasonable degree of time value is already priced into the options. It limits the scope for changes in Delta, making the gamma curve much flatter in times of high volatility. Thus, gamma is affected by these two factors only.

What is gamma squeeze?

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Though not often, stock prices do experience rapid shifts, such conditions bring in a squeeze. A gamma squeeze takes place when there’s extensive buying of short-dated call options of a specific stock. It creates an upward spiral triggering higher stock price. It then results in further call buying and even higher prices. When investors make assumptions about a stock’s price and assume that the stock will rise, they tend to buy short-dated call options on the stock on a large scale. This leads to a rise in the call option’s value with increase in price of the underlying. It thus results in a gamma squeeze.

But certain conditions are needed to be met for a condition to be termed as a gamma squeeze in the market. It starts with investors’ assumption about a stock’s price. Next, it leads to huge buying of short-dated call options in the stock. It finally moves up a call option’s value. Meanwhile, institutional investors sell the options or are in a short position. If this pattern continues, the gamma squeeze happens within a short period. But certain conditions are needed to be met for a condition to be termed as a gamma squeeze in the market. It starts with investors’ assumption about a stock’s price. It leads to huge buying of short-dated call options in the stock. It finally moves up a call option’s value. Meanwhile, institutional investors sell the options or are in a short position. If this pattern continues the gamma squeeze happens within a short period.

Investors who buy call options and sell when stock prices are high often reap sizable profits. Still, sometimes those who cover short positions might see significant losses. Gamma squeezes are, therefore, only a result of large-scale speculation on an underlying asset’s price movement.

What do gamma squeezes mean for investors?

A gamma squeeze can be an opportunity for investors but a risky one. Depending on what is the factor driving the squeeze, it can last for weeks or end quickly. Thus, timing plays a critical role in determining whether a gamma squeeze is profitable or loss-making for an investment portfolio.

After reaching a peak of the gamma squeeze, price reversals happen quickly, and there is often a steep fall in stock prices. It is the reason why options trading is called a risky affair and is not suitable for everyone. If handled well, its traders benefit from a sizable payoff, while there always remains a possibility of facing steep losses.