Range-Bound Options Trading Strategies Explained!

In a range-bound market, the price of a stock bounces back and forth. It creates identical, or nearly identical, highs and lows, establishing a lower support level and an upper resistance level.

The upside potential of trading in a range-bound market may not be exciting for a trader looking to ride on a trend. But the relative predictability of these highs and lows indicates the opportunity of earning money, though in smaller quantities.

What is a range-bound market?

When an index or stock trades between a support level and resistance level, it is known as range-bound. Support level refers to a price level from which an asset does not fall below over a period. Resistance level refers to the price at which an asset meets pressure while rising. It is short-lived and caused by an increasing number of sellers desiring to sell the security at that price.

The price movement in a range-bound market is not strong in any direction. The prices move close to the old highs and then drop to prior lows. The range-bound movement trend breaks when a significant move has ended the existing support and resistance level. At this time, the bears and the bulls try to dominate the direction of the next movement.

How to Identify a Range-bound market?

To identify a range-bound market, you can utilize the technical or FNO indicators. Indicators like ADX, Bollinger Bands or PCR etc. can be used to identify the range-bound market.

1. ADX indicator:

When the ADX is below 25, the market is said to be ranging. As the ADX value rises to cross 25, it indicates that the market is ready to step into a trend phase - bullish or bearish.

2. Bollinger Bands indicator:

Volatility is low when the bands (14 periods with Standard Deviation 1) are thin and contracted. The price does not move a lot in one direction. But with expansion in bands, volatility increases, and there are chances of the price moving fast in one direction.

3. Index PCR OI:

It is a period of the range-bound market when the PCR OI ranges between 0.95 and 1.05.

Additional Read: Options Module

The best option strategy for the range-bound market

Iron Condor strategy

For establishing an iron condor, a trader would sell both an out-of-the-money (OTM) put and call, and at the same time, buy a further OTM put and call. The maximum profit in this strategy is limited to the net premium received. The maximum loss could be the difference between the two call or put options strike price minus the net premium received.

Short Strangle or Straddle

In Straddle, the trader shorts an ATM call and put option.

If traders expect a broader range, they can short OTM call and put options. In both strategies, profit is limited to the premium received, while a loss could be unlimited.

Conclusion

A phase of price consolidation is known as a range-bound market in which the price of a stock undergoes sideways movement. There are many indicators to help you identify a range-bound market. Iron Condor and a Straddle or a Strangle could be good strategies for a range bound market. Investors and traders must apply an option strategy in the market only after understanding their risk.

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