Options Corner: Want to Buy NVIDIA Stock at a Discount or Protect Your Position? Check Out These Two Super Simple Strategies
NVIDIA Corporation NVDA | 175.75 | +0.77% |
NVDA 281125 P 185 |
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NVDA 281125 C 220 |
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Direxion Daily NVDA Bear 1X ETF NVDD | 39.88 | -0.89% |
GraniteShares 2x Long NVDA Daily ETF NVDL | 73.73 | +1.60% |
Hey everyone, let's dive into what's been happening with NVIDIA Corporation(NVDA.US) recently. It's always a hot topic in the market, and the recent price rollercoaster has everyone talking.
On October 29th, NVIDIA's market cap hit a new high, surpassing $5 trillion. This made it about 8.5% of the S&P 500 index, surpassing the combined total of the 240 smallest companies in the index. But then, the stock took a turn, and by last Friday, its market cap had shrunk to $4.57 trillion. On November 10th, with some positive news from the U.S. government shutdown negotiations, NVIDIA saw a nearly 6% jump in a single day. However, yesterday it dropped 2.96% after SoftBank reportedly sold off its NVIDIA shares.
So, what's the best options strategy right now to seize opportunities and manage risks? Let's break it down with two examples:
1. [Not Holding Stocks + Selling Put Strategy]
- When to Use: You think NVIDIA's stock won't drop much in the near term and want to buy it at a relatively low price (with enough cash to do so), but you're okay if the stock doesn't hit the option's strike price.
- How It Works: Sell an out-of-the-money Put. Choose a strike price where you're willing to buy. Near-term expiry means more risk of having to buy, but you pocket the premium faster. Long-term expiry is the opposite. If you really want to buy, consider a closer expiry.
Is now the right time? Ideally, you want the stock to hit a support level and have high implied volatility (IV), but these conditions rarely align perfectly. You might act when one is at an extreme, like IV spiking on earnings day. NVIDIA reports on November 19th.
Example: Sell one Put expiring on 251128 with a strike price of $185 (NVDA 281125 P 185), using November 11th data. You start with $537.5 in net income.

1) If the stock stays above $185 until November 28th, your profit (excluding fees) is $537.5.
2) If the stock dips below $185 before expiry, it might not be exercised due to liquidity. You'll see a paper loss, but remember, it's not real until closed. If the stock rises significantly, consider taking profits early.
3) If the stock is below $185 on November 28th, you'll likely be exercised and buy 100 shares at $185, needing around $18,500. Your effective cost, minus the premium, is about $179.625 per share.
4) Remember to manage risk and keep your position size in check. Don't overcommit your funds, and ensure you can cover the potential purchase.
Risk Warning: Options trading is risky. You might lose the premium paid for options, and selling options can lead to significant losses. This information is for reference only and not investment advice. Make decisions based on your risk tolerance.
2. [Holding Stocks + Selling Call Strategy]
When to Use: You own NVIDIA stock but worry about downside risk and can accept losing potential upside if the stock hits the Call's strike price.
How It Works: Sell an out-of-the-money Call while holding stock. Pick a strike price you think won't be breached. Choose an expiry during high-risk periods.
Is now the right time? Best when the stock hits resistance and can't break through, with high IV. These conditions rarely align, so act when one is extreme, like high IV on earnings day.
Example: Sell one Call expiring on 251128 with a strike price of $220 (NVDA 281125 C 220), using November 11th data. You start with $152.5 in net income. If you own 100 shares, you don't need extra margin.

1) If the stock stays below $220 until November 28th, your profit (excluding fees) is $152.5, offsetting some potential stock losses.
2) If the stock exceeds $220 before expiry, it might not be exercised due to liquidity. You'll see a paper loss, but remember, it's not real until closed. If the stock drops significantly, consider taking profits early.
3) If the stock is above $220 on November 28th, you'll likely be exercised and sell your 100 shares at $220. Any further price increase won't affect you.
4) Manage risk carefully. Ensure the number of Calls sold matches the shares you own.
Risk Warning: Options trading is risky. You might lose the premium paid for options, and selling options can lead to significant losses. This information is for reference only and not investment advice. Make decisions based on your risk tolerance.
That's it for today. Good luck out there!
