If you’ve taken statistics or advanced mathematics, you know that delta refers to a change or “difference in” value of some sort. In options, delta is one of a handful of “Greeks” that can help guide your trading.
Options delta explained
It is simply the amount an option will move with a one dollar move in the stock (up or down).
There are time decay considerations of course, so the delta of an option is just an approximation. What it really tells us is how much leverage options have over stocks.
For example, let’s say a September “at the money” strike of 157.5 closed on August 24 at 2.56 (midpoint of the range). The stock is trading at 157.51. The current delta is .51. So, theoretically if the stock moves up one dollar, this option will jump up 51 cents to 3.07. That is an astonishing 20% move in options price (from 2.56 to 3.07) vs the stock price gain of less than 1%.
The option price is also affected by other Greeks like theta and gamma; both tug at the option price as the stock price stalls or moves slowly.
For all intents and purposes, the options delta will help you figure out the potential gain you can expect as it relates to a move in the stock price.Understanding this provides you, with some great leverage.
How to use delta to understand your odds
I look at the options delta as a probability tool. What are the odds the stock will finish at a strike by expiration? I like to know if a play is low or high probability and if I’m going to be paid based on the risk I’m willing to take. If I’m comfortable taking a low probability play, then that is my reference point.
Some option players like low-probability, high-risk trades. Delta helps you determine these probabilities.
It’s very simple to assess the odds. Using the example above, there is a 51% chance to stay in the money. It is currently right there, so why wouldn’t it be 100%? We have to factor in the time consideration and the potential for the stock to move lower. If the stock had zero implied volatility (aka, no volatility is expected) the delta would be 1. That is never the case, though.
Instead, I look at the implied odds of a 50% move up and the price of the option, and then I assess my risk. Is this in my wheelhouse for risk-taking? Without considering the chart/technicals, I can determine my risk based on the delta of the option.
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Delta symbols courtesy of Quora.
