The Volatility Index (VIX), a measure of options traders’ view on risks in the market, may have dropped in the past few days, but another indicator in the options segment suggests the fear of downsides still persists. The volatility skew, which is a gauge of an options value vis--vis others, has been getting steeper, with traders purchasing more put options and selling call options. This indicates options traders are still betting on the possibility of a further fall and limited upsides.
Market participants follow volatility skew to keep track of where options traders are putting money. These traders aim to sell options at a higher premium (or higher implied volatility) to pocket the best possible premium and buy options at a cheaper premium (lower implied volatility) for higher upsides.
“The demand for at-the-money (current price) and out-of-the money puts (below current market price) combined with selling in at-the-money and out-of-the-money calls (above current market price) suggests that traders are being sceptical about the rise in the Nifty from current levels significantly.
This means, if the Nifty is at 5000, traders are buying puts at 5100 or above and selling calls at 4900 and below. Market participants said traders have been selling Nifty June 5100 calls and buying the index’s June puts of strikes between 4300-4700.