Derivatives

Strategies for Gaining from a Bear Call Spread on FedEx Corporation (FDX)

Published January 5, 2024

An intriguing options trading strategy that traders can consider during a bear market is the bear call spread. This strategy can be particularly effective if applied to stocks like FedEx Corporation, ticker symbol FDX, which has shown certain bearish signals or has the potential for a downtrend. By adopting a bear call spread, investors can potentially earn a premium from the option positions they establish.

Understanding the Bear Call Spread

A bear call spread is an options trading strategy that involves selling a call option at a certain strike price while simultaneously buying a call option at a higher strike price. Both options typically have the same expiration date. The goal of this approach is to benefit from the premium received for the sold call option, which is generally higher than the cost of the call option purchased. As long as the FDX stock remains below the lower strike price, the trader can retain the full premium, often resulting in a net profit.

Executing the Bear Call Spread on FDX

To implement a bear call spread on FDX, a trader must initially evaluate FedEx's current stock performance and market conditions. It involves choosing an appropriate lower strike price for the call option they intend to sell, which should typically correspond to a level of resistance in the stock price. Additionally, a higher strike price must be selected for the call option to be bought, which acts as a hedge against excessive loss should the stock rally unexpectedly.

Considering FedEx's status as a large multinational delivery services company with its headquarters in Memphis, Tennessee, changes in the economy, mail and package delivery demand, and other business sector factors can have a substantial influence on its stock price. Monitoring these dynamics is crucial for picking strike prices that reflect a realistic expectation of the FDX stock's movement.

Should the FDX share price decline or remain below the lower strike price up to the expiration date, the bear call spread will result in gaining the initial premium minus any difference in premiums between the two call options—in other words, a profit. If FDX unexpectedly surges above the higher strike price, the losses are capped to the difference between the strike prices minus the net premium received.

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