What is Max Pain?

In options trading, "max pain" refers to the stock price at which the largest number of options contracts expire worthless, resulting in significant financial losses for traders. This concept is also known as the max pain price or point. Max pain occurs when options are out of the money (OTM) at expiration, rendering them worthless. It is believed that market makers and institutional investors may influence the asset's price to align with this maximum pain point as the expiration date approaches, thereby maximizing their profits. Let us understand more about what max pain in options trading is in detail and how you trade it. 

Understanding Max Pain

"Max Pain" options trading is a term used to describe the price point at which most options contracts would end up being worthless. This theoretical concept implies that the underlying asset's price tends to move towards this point. Major players in the options market, including market makers, are believed to position themselves to benefit from this situation carefully. Hence, you should be aware of what is option max pain and how it works.

Trade like a pro in NSE F&O with Zero Brokerage*

Start Trading

* By signing up you agree to our Terms and Conditions

Options Trading and Some Associated Terms

Options are contracts that give you the choice to buy or sell an asset, like stocks or ETFs, at a fixed price before the contract ends. They don’t make it compulsory for you to buy or sell; you just have the option to do so.
 

• Call Options: A call option gives you the right to buy an asset at a specific price on or before a certain date. You don’t have to buy it; you just have the option to do so if you want.
   
• Put Options: A put option works in the opposite way. It gives you the right to sell an asset at a set price on or before a certain date. You’re not obligated to sell, but you can if you choose.
   
• Strike Price: This is the price at which you can buy or sell the asset according to the option contract. It’s the fixed price agreed upon when you buy the option.
   
• In-The-Money (ITM) Option: This happens when the current price of the asset is higher than the strike price for a call option or lower for a put option. In other words, it means the option has value.
   
• Spot Price: This is the current market price of the asset connected to the option contract. It shows how much the asset is worth right now.

What is Max Pain in Options?

Max Pain is a concept in options trading that refers to the strike price where the maximum number of options contracts expire worthless. It suggests that market makers and institutions may manipulate the price of an underlying asset towards this point as the options expiration date approaches to maximize their profit by minimizing outstanding options contracts' value. Understanding Max Pain helps traders anticipate potential price movements and manage their options positions accordingly, making informed investment decisions. The theory suggests that the price of an underlying asset gravitates toward this point as the options expiration date approaches.

Calculation of the Max Pain Point

After understanding what is max pain in the stock market, we will know how to calculate max pain options. Calculating Max Pain takes time, but it's a simple process. It involves adding up the values of all in-the-money calls and put options at each strike price. Below is the calculation shown for the max pain point. 

Calculate the difference between the underlying asset's price and the strike price of the contract.

• Divide the difference by the open interest at the strike price in question.
• Subtract the rupee value of the call and put options at the specified strike price.
• Repeat the previous steps for each strike price of the contracts.
• After repeating the process for each strike price, the Max Pain point will be the strike price with the greatest value.
• Read more about how to use open interest for intraday trading

Example of Max Pain

Let us consider the options for stock ABC with different strike prices, such as 48, 51, and 52. If there is a lot of open interest at strike prices 51 and 52, the stock price might end up close to these levels by the options expiration date.

How Accurate is Maximum Pain?

The maximum pain hypothesis is a theory that is not always accurate. It suggests a point where most options contracts will expire without any value, causing the most loss to options traders. This theory helps traders get an idea of where the market thinks prices will be when the options expire. However, it is important to remember that this theory is based on the assumption that market conditions are normal. It doesn't account for unexpected events or big market changes, so it shouldn't be the only tool traders use when making decisions.

How Do You Trade Options Using Max Pain?

To trade options using the Max Pain method, one must believe in the movement of a stock's basic price before the options expiry. The following is a general approach to trade options using Max Pain: 

• Analyze the Max Pain Point: For the expiration date you’ve to select, calculate, or analyze the Max Pain point. 
• Understand the market conditions: Understand the factors that can affect the price of stock as these factors can help you evaluate the stock price movement.
• Develop a Trading Strategy: Based on your understanding of the stock price movement, you need to develop a trading strategy. 
• Complete the Trade: Complete your trades since this can involve buying or selling options contracts with strike prices near the maximum pain point, depending on whether you expect the stock price to move towards or away from that level.
• Manage Risks: Protect your capital by controlling the risk-causing factors. Monitor the stock’s price movement that can lead to expiry and make adjustments accordingly. 

The Maximum Pain Theory

Larry McMillan introduced the "maximum pain theory" in the 1980s. This theory says that market makers and other big traders might change an asset's price to reach the "Max Pain" point. This way, they can make more money when most options expire worthless because they keep the money paid for these options.

The Pros and Cons of Max Pain

To understand the pros and cons of Max Pain, it's important to think about how it affects both traders and investors.
 

Conclusion

Understanding what max pain in options is important for options traders to operate the complexities of the market. By understanding it, one can benefit from better risk management, easily identifying trading opportunities, and effective position management. In addition to providing valuable insights into market sentiment, Max Pain in options should be well known for its theoretical nature and limits. Traders' abilities are enhanced when Max Pain analysis is incorporated into risk management.  To improve your trading experience, consider using the user-friendly BlinkX trading app as it provides comprehensive features to navigate the complexities of options trading and improve your overall performance.