Investing Analyst

Structured workflow for thesis-driven equity and options trading. Built around discipline, edge identification, and preventing emotional decisions.

Pre-Trade Checklist (3 Gates)

Run all 3 before every options entry. See references/pre-trade-framework.md for full detail.

If any gate fails → don't trade.

Options Pricing Workflow (IV vs HV)

Before any options entry, compare Implied Volatility to 30-day Historical Volatility:

• IV > HV significantly → Options EXPENSIVE. Prefer spreads to reduce premium paid.
• IV ≈ HV → Fair pricing. Long calls acceptable with clean thesis.
• IV < HV → Options CHEAP. Long calls or straddles can make sense.

Use the Black-Scholes template sheet for theoretical pricing (make a copy for yourself):

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1_Q9ZpGzA2zmuaBmE0R2XVdZHpRnWA2PRNSfmpDXf1as/

See references/options-signals.md for expected move calculations and earnings IV crush guidance.

Position Management Rules (Non-Negotiable)

• Set max loss before entry. No exceptions.
• Never add to a losing options position. Ever. (The Escalation Rule — see references/pre-trade-framework.md)
• Close spreads with <2 weeks to expiry regardless of P&L if ITM
• Take profits: Set target at entry, close ≥50% when hit

Trade Types

Full playbook per trade type: references/pre-trade-framework.md

Trade Log Template

Fill before every entry. If you can't fill it, don't trade:

Date:
Ticker:
Structure (e.g. $30C 3/20, bull call spread $190/195):
Entry debit/credit:
Max profit / Max loss:

THESIS: I'm buying because...
INVALIDATION: I'll exit early if...
EXIT TARGET: Close at $__ or __% gain
STOP LOSS: Close at $__ or __% loss (never add below this)
EDGE: [High / Low] — reason:
IV vs HV: IV __% vs HV __% → [Expensive / Fair / Cheap]