It’s FOMC day, and that means one thing: uncertainty.
Markets move erratically before the announcement, and both implied volatility (IV) and gamma risk can spike unexpectedly.
Today, I decided to enter a small 9/23 Double Calendar setup early in the morning — but with the clear intention of closing quickly before any wild swings.
The trade turned positive within the first 30 minutes, and I didn’t hesitate to book the profit.
It’s not about maximizing every opportunity this week — it’s about capital preservation and emotional control.
💼 Trade Summary
| Strategy | Lot | P/L | Return | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9/23 DTE Double Calendar | 2 | +$339 | +2.8% | Closed quickly before FOMC announcement to avoid IV crush and news-driven moves. |
🔢 Detailed Trade Log
Underlying: SPX @ 6912
Opened: Wed, Oct 29, 2025 @ 9:36 AM
Closed: Wed, Oct 29, 2025 @ 10:04 AM
Net Debit: 60.25 Credit: 62.00
P/L: +$339 (+2.8%)
| Expiration | Strike | Type | Action | Qty | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 7 | 6800 | P | STO | 2 | 26.62 cr |
| Nov 7 | 7015 | C | STO | 2 | 22.08 cr |
| Nov 21 | 6800 | P | BTO | 2 | 55.17 db |
| Nov 21 | 7015 | C | BTO | 2 | 53.78 db |
💭 Reflection
This week’s focus has been simple: protect the account.
It’s tempting to hold trades through FOMC events, but that usually means gambling on unpredictable post-announcement reactions.
For Double Calendars, even if price stays flat, volatility collapse can destroy value in minutes.
So rather than risking a sharp IV crush, I locked in a small profit and stayed flat through the meeting.
“Sometimes, staying out of the storm is the smartest trade of the week.”
As the market settles after FOMC, I’ll reassess the environment before resuming normal automation next week.
⚠️ 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.