Retail to Institutional: How David Sun Scaled His ODTE Options Strategies

Retail to Institutional: How David Sun Scaled His ODTE Options Strategies

Author: RCM Alternatives November 7, 2024 Duration: 1:07:18

In this episode, Jeff Malec sits down with David Sun, an entrepreneur, trader, and fund manager with a unique journey into the world of options trading and alternative investments. David shares his unconventional path, starting as a retail trader experimenting with options strategies, particularly selling puts, before transitioning to professional fund management. He discusses the challenges and lessons learned as he navigated various market regimes, including the 2018 and 2020 downturns. The conversation delves into David's systematic approach to options trading, focusing on risk management techniques like stop losses and hedging strategies. He explains his evolution from primarily selling options to incorporating more option buying, as well as his exploration of zero days to expiration (zero DTE) options and the unique risks and considerations involved. David also shares insights into the role of behavioral biases in the markets and how he leverages data-driven research to develop robust trading strategies. He reflects on the increasing accessibility of trading tools and resources, and the valuable contributions of the retail trading community.


Chapters:

00:00-02:08=Intro 02:09-09:21= Engineer to Retail trader to Fund manager – an unconventional path

09:22-18:21= Don’t quit your day job & Option-based fund management

18:22-26:09= Mitigating gamma risk in short-dated options & Focusing on the win rate

26:10-35:47= Exploring behavioral biases and combining systematic & discretionary styles

35:48-45:39= Democratizing trading: Hedging, Volatility, Trend, and Broken butterflies

45:40-57:11= Sharing knowledge and resources: The Trade Busters podcast & bridging the gap

57:12-01:07:18= Naïve to Trends, momentum, edge? & the human behavioral bias


From the episode:

Fooled by Randomness (Book)

The Derivative episode: WTF?! Will 0DTE Cause Gammageddon? With Mike Green and Craig Peterson

Smartless podcast

 

Follow Along:

Follow along with David on Twitter @TheTradeBuster and also be sure to check out The Trade Busters podcast


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Disclaimer: This podcast is provided for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as legal, business, or tax advice. All opinions expressed by podcast participants are solely their own opinions and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of RCM Alternatives, their affiliates, or companies featured. Due to industry regulations, participants on this podcast are instructed not to make specific trade recommendations, nor reference past or potential profits. And listeners are reminded that managed futures, commodity trading, and other alternative investments are complex and carry a risk of substantial losses. As such, they are not suitable for all investors. For more information, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.rcmalternatives.com/disclaimer⁠


For investors looking beyond the traditional stock and bond markets, The Derivative offers a deep and practical exploration of the alternative investment landscape. Hosted by RCM Managing Partner Jeff Malec, this podcast demystifies complex strategies and brings listeners directly into conversations with the hedge fund managers and specialized investors who navigate these unique asset classes. Each episode breaks down the mechanics, risks, and opportunities behind non-traditional investments, from managed futures and private equity to niche market strategies. The discussions are grounded in real-world analysis, moving beyond theory to examine what actually drives performance and strategy in this dynamic corner of finance. By focusing on the people and ideas shaping the field, The Derivative provides an insider's perspective that is both educational and actionable. Listeners gain a clearer understanding of portfolio diversification and the tactical approaches used by professional fund managers. This podcast serves as a valuable resource for anyone seeking to comprehend the broader, often opaque world of alternatives, delivered through straightforward dialogue and expert commentary. Tune in for a focused and insightful ride through the strategies that define alternative investing.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

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