A Strangle is a slight modification to the Straddle to make it cheaper to execute. This strategy involves the simultaneous buying of a slightly out-of-the-money (OTM) put and a slightly out-of-the-money (OTM) call of the same underlying stock / index and expiration date. Here again the investor is directional neutral but is looking for an increased volatility in the stock / index and the prices moving significantly in either direction. Since OTM options are purchased for both Calls and Puts it makes the cost of executing a Strangle cheaper as compared to a Straddle, where generally ATM strikes are purchased. Since the initial cost of a Strangle is cheaper than a Straddle, the returns could potentially be higher. However, for a Strangle to make money, it would require greater movement on the upside or downside for the stock / index than it would for a Straddle. As with a Straddle, the strategy has a limited downside (i.e. the Call and the Put premium) and unlimited upside potential.

When to Use: The investor thinks that the underlying stock / index will experience very high levels of volatility in the near term.

Risk: Limited to the initial premium paid

Reward: Unlimited

Breakeven:

· Upper Breakeven Point = Strike Price of Long Call + Net Premium Paid

· Lower Breakeven Point = Strike Price of Long Put – Net Premium Paid

Example Suppose Nifty is at 4500 in May. An investor, Mr. A, executes a Long Strangle by buying a Rs. 4300 Nifty Put for a premium of Rs. 23 and a Rs 4700 Nifty Call for Rs 43. The net debit taken to enter the trade is Rs. 66, which is also his maxi mum possible loss.