Charta is on Google Play: practise on the go. Get the app
Charta

Explain the steps in carrying out a delta hedge

CFA® Level II · Derivatives and Risk Management · Valuation of Contingent Claims · L2.DE.2.l

The idea

A delta hedge adds enough of a hedging instrument that the position's deltas sum to zero, so small moves in the underlying do not change its value. The number of hedging units needed is N = −(portfolio delta) ÷ (delta of the hedging instrument). A dealer short calls buys shares equal to calls × delta; a shareholder buys puts numbering shares ÷ |put delta|. Because delta changes as the price moves and as time passes, the hedge holds only for small moves and must be rebalanced, buying more shares after a rise when short calls. The trap is multiplying by the put delta instead of dividing, or selling when the hedge requires buying.

In the app: 2 practice questions on this outcome, a narrated walkthrough with diagrams, spaced review that brings it back before you forget it.

Take the free diagnostic →

More in Valuation of Contingent Claims