IBKR Podcasts

Opposites Attract: the Inverse Relationship Between Implied Volatility and Gamma

Jan 9, 2025
Mat Cashman, Principal of Investor Education at the Options Clearing House and an expert in options trading, shares fascinating insights into the inverse relationship between implied volatility and gamma. He explains how fluctuations in implied volatility can significantly impact options pricing, especially during times of market distress. Using relatable metaphors, Mat demystifies complex concepts like delta and highlights the importance of understanding these dynamics for effective risk management. Expect eye-opening revelations that could reshape your trading strategies!
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INSIGHT

Gamma's Role

  • Gamma measures delta's rate of change, revealing how much delta shifts per $1 underlying move.
  • This second derivative adds nuance to options trading, impacting sensitivity to price changes.
INSIGHT

Delta and Gamma Analogy

  • Delta acts like a speedometer, indicating an option's price movement speed.
  • Gamma acts like acceleration, showing how quickly delta changes, similar to a car's acceleration.
INSIGHT

Implied Volatility's Impact

  • Implied volatility influences option pricing, making delta less price-sensitive as volatility rises.
  • Higher volatility implies wider price ranges, compressing deltas toward 50, resembling a coin flip.
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