Dr. Alan Ellman | Feb 21, 2016 01:25AM ET
The Putwrite Index (“PUT”) is an index created by the CBOE (Chicago Board options Exchange) which acts as a benchmark index that measures the performance of a hypothetical portfolio that sells S&P 500 Index (SPX) put options against collateralized cash reserves held in a money market account. It is similar to the “BXM” which tracks the performance of a hypothetical S&P 500 covered call strategy.
Comparison to our traditional strategy of selling cash-secured puts
When we sell cash-secured puts, we place an adequate amount of cash into our brokerage account to pay for a possible future stock transaction (buy the shares) if the put option is exercised. In the PutWrite Index, an added element of buying one- and three-month Treasuries in a specific rotation is added to the strategy. Here’s how it works:
Long-term results
The PutWrite Index generates returns slightly higher than the S&P 500 with less portfolio volatility and higher risk-adjusted returns. The index performs particularly well in bear markets where put premiums are highest as volatility tends to be elevated and puts are being purchased to hedge portfolio risk. Here is a comparison chart of PUT vs. SPX from February, 2015 through February, 2016:
“PUT” vs. SPX: 1-Year Chart
Why retail investors can do so much better
So far, this strategy doesn’t seem so bad but we can absolutely out-perform this index as we can any computer-generated strategy where one size fits all and every situation is handled in a robotic fashion no matter what extenuating circumstances exist at the time. Cases in point:
Discussion
The CBOE S&P 500 PutWrite Index (PUT) is an outstanding tool that demonstrates the value of the put-selling strategy. However, like all computer-generated blueprints, it has its limitations. Practical application of the three required skills for option-selling (stock selection, option selection and position management) will allow the retail investor to far exceed the above-average historical returns of this index as well as the covered call writing index (BXM).
Market tone
Stock markets around the world rebounded modestly this week. The Chicago Board Options Exchange Volatility Index (VIX) dipped to 20.53 from 27.5 last week, a positive for conservative investors. This weeks reports and other international news of import:
For the week, the S&P 500 increased by 2.84% for a year-to-date return of – 6.17%. After three consecutive bullish days (Friday, Tuesday and Wednesday), Thursday and Friday resulted in modest selling on light volume, very encouraging.
Summary
IBD: Market in confirmed uptrend
GMI: 1/6- Sell signal since market close of December 10, 2015
BCI: I have been in 1/3 cash in the stock portion of my portfolio the past several weeks due to the market turmoil. For the March contracts, I am putting that cash back to work…vacation over. However, I will remain focused primarily in defensive positions, selling out-of-the-money puts and in-the-money calls in a ratio of 3-to-1 over more aggressive positions.
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