After a volatile stretch last week, I entered this week focused on risk control.
The plan was simple: let theta do its job, but don’t overstay any position with the FOMC meeting approaching mid-week.
I came into Monday holding a 9/23 Double Calendar from Friday, carried over the weekend for potential theta decay.
SPX opened higher on positive news, giving a quick opportunity to lock in a small profit.
Right after that, the system triggered a new 9/23 setup — but with the Fed on deck, I preferred to take modest gains instead of exposing the account to headline volatility.
The final trade of the day was a short-term 2/7 DTE Double Calendar, closed near the close for another controlled win.
💼 Trade Summary
| # | Strategy | Lot | P/L | Return | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 9/23 DTE Double Calendar (Weekend Carry) | 3 | +$118 | +0.8 % | Closed early Monday after SPX gap-up on positive news. |
| 2 | 9/23 DTE Double Calendar (Automation) | 3 | +$253 | +1.8 % | Closed intraday before FOMC-related volatility. |
| 3 | 2/7 DTE Double Calendar | 7 | +$626 | +2.2 % | Calm intraday win; booked before close. |
✅ Total P/L: +$997 (+4.8 %)
📈 Tone: Steady, low-stress, and fully rule-based.
🔢 Detailed Trade Logs
Trade 1 — 9/23 DC (Weekend Carry)
- Opened: Fri Oct 24 @ 12:54 PM
- Closed: Mon Oct 27 @ 12:15 PM
- Underlying: SPX @ 6803
- Debit: 51.55 Credit: 52.00 P/L: +$118 (+0.8 %)
- Comment: Closed when Monday’s early rally lifted premiums; no reason to hold through new 9/23 signal.
| Expiry | Strike | Type | Action | Qty | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 3 | 6700 | P | STO | 3 | 24.64 cr |
| Nov 3 | 6890 | C | STO | 3 | 16.93 cr |
| Nov 17 | 6700 | P | BTO | 3 | 50.30 db |
| Nov 17 | 6900 | C | BTO | 3 | 42.82 db |
Trade 2 — Automated 9/23 DC
- Opened: Mon Oct 27 @ 9:36 AM
- Closed: Mon Oct 27 @ 10:42 AM
- Underlying: SPX @ 6845
- Debit: 46.90 Credit: 47.80 P/L: +$253 (+1.8 %)
- Comment: Quick intraday exit — no reason to carry new 9/23 exposure with FOMC looming.
| Expiry | Strike | Type | Action | Qty | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 5 | 6750 | P | STO | 3 | 23.93 cr |
| Nov 5 | 6930 | C | STO | 3 | 17.78 cr |
| Nov 19 | 6750 | P | BTO | 3 | 49.76 db |
| Nov 19 | 6950 | C | BTO | 3 | 38.85 db |
Trade 3 — 2/7 DTE DC (Intraday Theta Harvest)
- Opened: Mon Oct 27 @ 3:01 PM
- Closed: Mon Oct 27 @ 4:11 PM
- Underlying: SPX @ 6863
- Debit: 40.85 Credit: 41.80 P/L: +$626 (+2.2 %)
- Comment: No major market move, but late-day decay provided a solid exit window.
| Expiry | Strike | Type | Action | Qty | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 29 | 6820 | P | STO | 7 | 9.94 cr |
| Oct 29 | 6900 | C | STO | 7 | 7.69 cr |
| Nov 3 | 6820 | P | BTO | 7 | 28.84 db |
| Nov 3 | 6900 | C | BTO | 7 | 29.64 db |
💭 Reflection
The keyword today was restraint.
I could’ve left trades open for extra theta, but with FOMC risk, protecting capital mattered more than squeezing a few extra dollars.
Each position followed its plan — opened methodically, closed intentionally.
It feels good to see the strategy’s rhythm returning after a few uneven weeks.
“In trading, survival is a skill — not luck.”
⚠️ Disclaimer
The information presented in this blog post is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as financial or investment advice. I am not a licensed financial advisor. All trading strategies discussed reflect my personal experience and are not recommendations to buy or sell any security or derivative.
Trading financial instruments such as options, futures, or stocks involves significant risk and may not be suitable for all investors. You should conduct your own research, consider your financial situation, and consult with a licensed financial advisor before making any investment decisions.
Past performance is not indicative of future results. Use of this information is at your own risk.