Basics

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Basics

Time Value and Greeks

Option price = intrinsic value + time value. Time value decays into expiration.

Price logic

What is inside the price

The option price = intrinsic value + time value. Time value gets smaller as the option approaches expiration. That is reflected by theta.

Premium 8 EUR, spot 105, strike 100: 5 EUR intrinsic value and 3 EUR time value.

Greeks

The four key Greeks

  • Delta Reaction to the price move
  • Theta How much time value does the option lose per day?

    Time decay depends strongly on moneyness: ATM options often decay fastest near expiration, ITM options tend to decay more evenly, and OTM options consist only of time value that falls to zero by expiration.

  • Gamma Change in delta
  • Vega Reaction to IV
  • Example Delta 0.45 means: +1 EUR in the underlying = roughly +0.45 EUR in the option.