But are they. In my experience, it is not as straight forward as that. Well if you have a clear directional view of an imminent move, then sure, buy a call or a put, or the directional spread of your choice.
The first thing about low volatilities, is that they can stay low for a LONG time, or even go lower. This is generally not a good thing if you are long options. An option trade is also a volatility bet to a greater or lesser degree, depending on the strategy. When we buy options, we are long "vega" which means we preferably want volatility to increase, or at least we want the underlying to start trending. If not, we get chopped to pieces by theta (time decay). If volatility decreases, we lose again.
Lets have a look at the volatility picture of Gold (Copper is quite similar):
IVs are basically a third of what they were a year ago and as yo can see they have been even lower. If the unceasingly bullish Gold Bugs are correct, gold will skyrocket as this credit bubble unravels. Not only will gold fly, but gold IVs will also go berserk. Equally though, I have read credible articles that say go will go the same way as housing, into the pits. Who knows?The big question is if gold makes a big move, when will it be? Well I have no freakin' idea, but let me show you Silver IVs over th last 2 years:
A similar picture to gold, but with an interesting lift in IV on the back of last weeks dumpage.Whether this means anything or represents an opportunity, I am pleading the 5th, but I say it's interesting enough for a post on my blog and something to definitely follow.
Stay tuned.
