The Vertical spread is an options trading strategy with which a trader makes a simultaneous purchase and sale of two options of the same type that have the same expiration dates but different strike prices. Profits in a vertical spread are determined by the widening or narrowing of the difference between the option premiums on the two positions.
Vertical spreads can be :
1) Credit spreads
2) Debit spreads
The main point to remember while determining whether the vertical spread is a debit or credit spread is to look at the legs that are sold and purchased. When the leg that is sold is closer to the money, the vertical spread becomes a credit spread and is generally a net credit representing only time value. A debit spread, on the other hand, always has the short option in the combination farther away from the money, so the debit spread is a net buying strategy.
Vertical spreads limit the risk involved in the options trade but at the same time they reduce the profit potential. They can be created with either all calls or all puts, and can be bullish or bearish.
Bull Vertical Spreads
Bull vertical spreads are employed when the option trader is bullish on the underlying security and hence, they are designed to profit from a rise in the price of the underlying asset. They can be constructed using calls or puts and are known as bull call spread and bull put spread respectively.
While they have similar risk/reward profiles, the bull call spread is entered on a debit while the bull put spread can be established on a credit. Hence, the bull call spread is also called a vertical debit spread while the bull put spread is sometimes referred to as a vertical credit spread.
Bear Vertical Spreads
Vertical spread option strategies are also available for the option trader who is bearish on the underlying security. Bear vertical spreads are designed to profit from a drop in the price of the underlying asset. They can be constructed using calls or puts and are known as bear call spread and bear put spread respectively.
While they have similar risk/reward profiles, the bear call spread is entered on a credit while the bear put spread can be established on a debit. Hence, the bear call spread is also called a vertical credit spread while the bear put spread is sometimes referred to as a vertical debit spread.