A Short Call Condor consists of the following options:
- Short 1 ITM (In-The-Money) Call Option (Lower Strike)
- Long 1 ITM Call Option (Lower Middle)
- Long 1 OTM (Out-Of-The-Money) Call Option (Higher Middle)
- Short 1 OTM Call Option (Higher Strike)
Similar to a short butterfly strategy, a Short Call Condor varies by having two middle bought options with different strikes. This strategy is suitable for a volatile market.
The Short Call Condor entails selling 1 ITM Call (lower strike), buying 1 ITM Call (lower middle), buying 1 OTM Call (higher middle), and selling 1 OTM Call (higher strike). The resulting position becomes profitable if the stock or index experiences very high volatility, resulting in a significant move. Maximum profits occur if the stock or index finishes on either side of the upper or lower strike prices at expiration.