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Short Put Option Trading Strategy Explained

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📑 Table of Contents

📉What is a Short Put Option Strategy?

A Short Put Option strategy is a bullish trading approach where the trader sells a Put Option, expecting the underlying asset not to fall below a specific price level. The profit is limited to the premium received, while the risk is theoretically unlimited.

✅ Strategy Overview

Strategy TypeBullish
Instruments UsedPut Options
Number of PositionsSingle
Maximum ProfitLimited to Premium Received
Maximum LossPotentially Unlimited
Breakeven PointStrike Price – Premium

🔍 When to Use the Short Put Strategy?

You can apply a Short Put strategy when:  

  • You are bullish to neutral on the stock/index.
  • You believe the underlying will stay above a certain price.
  • You want to earn income through time decay (theta).

📊 Real-World Example 1: Bank Nifty

Bank Nifty Spot Price: ₹58,900 
Strike Price Sold: ₹58,800 
Premium Received: ₹400 
Lot Size: 35

📌Break-Even Point: ₹58,800 - ₹400 = ₹58,400

🔽 Payoff Table

Bank Nifty on ExpiryPremium ReceivedLoss/Gain on OptionNet Payoff
₹58,000₹14,000-₹28,000-₹14,000
₹58,200₹14,000-₹21,000-₹7,000
₹58,400₹14,000-₹14,000₹0
₹58,600₹14,000-₹7,000₹7,000
₹58,800₹14,000₹0₹14,000
₹59,000₹14,000₹0₹14,000

Long Put Option Payoff Graph showing net profit and loss at expiry across different stock prices. Bnf 
 

📊 Real-World Example 2: NIFTY Options

NIFTY Spot Price: ₹25,500 
Strike Price Sold: ₹25,400 
Premium Received: ₹225 
Lot Size: 75 
Premium Total: ₹16,875

📌Break-Even Point: ₹25,400 – ₹225 = ₹25,175

NIFTY on ExpiryNet Payoff (₹)
₹24,700-₹35,625
₹24,900-₹20,625
₹25,100-₹5,625
₹25,175₹0
₹25,400₹16,875
₹25,600₹16,875
₹25,800₹16,875

Note: Maximum gain is capped at the premium received: ₹16,875  

NIFTY Long Put Option Payoff Graph showing net profit and loss at expiry across different stock prices. 
 

📌 Key Takeaways

🎯 Actions

  • Sell a Put Option at a strike price below the current spot price.
  • Collect the premium upfront, which becomes your max profit.

📈 Market View

  • Use this when expecting the price to remain stable or rise slightly.

⚠️ Risk Profile

  • Unlimited Loss Potential if the price falls sharply.
  • You are obliged to buy the asset at the strike price, even if the market value is much lower.

💰 Reward Profile

  • Limited to Premium Received
  • Profitable if the option expires worthless (i.e., underlying stays above strike).

👍 Pros & 👎 Cons

👍Pros

  • Generates income from time decay (theta).
  • Simple execution, no spreads required.
  • Effective in sideways/bullish markets.

👎Cons

  • Unlimited loss if the price falls sharply.
  • High margin requirement.
  • Requires active monitoring.

🔚 How to Exit?

  • Buy back the Put Option to book profit or cut loss.
  • Or let it expire worthless if the price stays above the strike.

📌 Final Thoughts

The Short Put Option Strategy is ideal for earning steady premiums in stable or rising markets. However, due to unlimited risk, it's best suited for experienced traders with a solid risk management system.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is a Short Put Option Strategy?

A strategy where you sell a Put Option to earn the premium when expecting the asset to stay above a certain level.

Q2. Is a Short Put strategy risky?

Yes, it involves unlimited risk if the asset price drops below the strike significantly.

Q3. When should I use a Short Put?

When you're confident the price will stay above a certain level, bullish or neutral market view.

Q4. What’s the maximum profit?

Limited to the premium you received when selling the option.

Q5. Can I exit early?

Yes, by buying back the Put Option before expiry.

John Smith

Miss, this here ought to be.

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