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Swing Trading GOOG: Is the Deep ITM Call Worth It?

Breaking Down the Setup


The first thing that stands out is that this option is more of a synthetic stock position than a typical swing trade. Here’s why:
 

  • Intrinsic Value – The option is worth at least $94.58 right now ($184.58 - $90).
  • Time Decay (Theta) – Since it’s deep ITM, time decay isn’t a major concern compared to at-the-money or out-of-the-money options.
  • Delta Close to 1 – This means the option moves nearly point-for-point with GOOG stock, making it behave similarly to a leveraged long position.
  • Liquidity Check – Deep ITM calls sometimes have wider bid-ask spreads, which can make getting in and out of the position trickier.


Does This Fit a Swing Trader’s Style?


As a swing trader, I typically look for momentum-based setups that play out over a few weeks to a few months. This trade is more of a longer-term play, so the real question is:


➡️ Are we expecting a strong uptrend in GOOG that justifies this call over a traditional swing trade?


Right now, GOOG is showing resilience despite broader market volatility. If the stock continues trending upward and remains above key support levels like $180, this call will gain value. But at this price level, the return potential may be somewhat capped compared to buying a higher strike option with more leverage.


Alternative Swing Plays on GOOG


If you’re looking for a more swing-friendly setup, here are some alternatives:
 

  1. At-the-Money (ATM) Calls (e.g., $185-$190 strikes)

    • Offers a balance of intrinsic value and time value.
    • Still benefits from upside but costs significantly less than a deep ITM call.
  2. Bull Call Spread (e.g., $180/$200 strikes)

    • Reduces cost and risk while still capturing upside.
    • Works well if GOOG continues to trend higher but doesn’t explode upward.
  3. Shorter-Term Calls (May or June Expirations)

    • Captures swing trades within earnings or major news cycles.
    • Less capital tied up long-term.


Final Take: Is This a Good Trade?


If your goal is to mimic stock ownership with lower capital and you’re holding for months, this deep ITM call is a solid choice. But if you’re a swing trader looking for shorter-term momentum, a higher strike or shorter expiration call might give you more flexibility and potential return.
 

📌 My move? I’d personally lean toward an ATM call or a spread to keep capital efficiency high while still taking advantage of GOOG’s trend. But if you believe GOOG will run well past $200 by September, this deep ITM call will pay off handsomely.


Find the rhythm, ride the wave. 🎢

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GOOG   

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