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L.4 · ADVANCED · 2 MIN

The Greeks in Practice: Gamma, Vega, and Rho

Options-101 covered delta and theta. Three more Greeks complete the picture: Gamma (delta’s rate of change), Vega (volatility sensitivity), and Rho (interest rate sensitivity).

Quiz · 5 questions ↓
§ 01
GreekMeasuresHighest WhenCritical For
Gamma (Γ)How fast delta changes per $1 moveATM, near expirationShort options sellers (risk of rapid delta shifts)
Vega (ν)$ change per 1% IV changeATM, far from expirationEvent traders (earnings, FDA decisions)
Rho (ρ)$ change per 1% rate changeITM, long-dated optionsLEAPS and long-duration positions
§ 02

Gamma is the ‘Greek that kills.’ Near expiration, ATM options have explosive gamma — delta can swing from 0.20 to 0.80 on a small stock move. This is why the last week before expiration is the most dangerous time to be short options.

§ 03
Compare the gamma of an ATM option with 30 days vs. 3 days to expiration. The difference illustrates why ‘gamma risk’ concentrates near expiry.
§ 04
You sold an ATM call with 2 days to expiration. Gamma is 0.15. If the stock moves $3, how much does delta change?
§ 05

Professional options traders obsess over gamma more than any other Greek. Positive gamma (long options) means your position improves as the stock moves. Negative gamma (short options) means it deteriorates — and the deterioration accelerates.

§ 06
Gamma, vega, rho — rank their importance to a LONG ATM call holder, 30 days to expiry.
Five questions · AI feedback

Sit with the ideas.

You sold ATM call options with 2 days to expiration. The stock is hovering right at the strike price. Your gamma is extremely high. What is your primary risk?

Why:
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