SPY Options Targets -IV Expected MoveWhat this indicator is?
This tool turns option implied volatility into two things:
1) Expected move levels on the SPY chart for a chosen time horizon
2) Estimated option premium targets if SPY reaches those levels
It is built to answer three trading questions:
1) How far can SPY reasonably move in my holding window
2) What SPY levels should I use for profit targets or invalidation
3) If SPY hits those levels, what option price is a realistic target
What the bands mean on the SPY chart
The bands are expected move levels on the underlying, recalculated each bar from the selected option’s implied volatility.
One sigma band
The teal band is the expected one standard deviation move over the next Horizon minutes. In practice, this is a normal move zone for that holding window.
Two sigma band
The orange band is the expected two standard deviation move over the next Horizon minutes. In practice, this is a large move zone for that holding window.
How to interpret value
If price is near the middle of the bands, the market is behaving normally for that window.
If price approaches the one sigma band, the move is extended for that window.
If price approaches the two sigma band, the move is unusually large for that window and you should expect either strong continuation or sharp mean reversion depending on market context.
What the table means and how to use it
IV
Implied volatility solved from the selected option price. Higher IV widens the bands and increases option targets.
DTE
Days to expiry of the selected option. Near expiry options can change faster and IV can shift quickly.
H move 1 sigma
The projected one sigma SPY move in dollars for the selected Horizon minutes. This is the key number for planning.
Opt at plus 1 sigma and minus 1 sigma
If SPY reaches the one sigma upper band or the one sigma lower band, the indicator estimates what your selected option should be worth at that moment, assuming implied volatility does not change.
Opt at plus 2 sigma and minus 2 sigma
Same idea for the two sigma bands.
Now opt px
Current option price for reference.
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How to trade using it?
Step 1 Pick the right option input
Choose the same expiry you plan to trade and pick a liquid contract, ideally at the money or near the money. This makes the IV reading more representative of the current tape.
Step 2 Set the horizon to your holding time
If you typically hold 15 to 30 minutes, set Horizon minutes to 15 or 30.
If you typically hold 60 to 120 minutes, set it accordingly.
This matters because the bands represent expected move for that exact window.
Step 3 Use the bands to define trade planning
For a long bias
Entry is your setup. The bands are used for targets and risk.
Target 1 is the one sigma upper band.
Target 2 is the two sigma upper band if momentum supports continuation.
Invalidation can be defined as losing the mid zone and failing to reclaim, or a clear level based stop. The indicator does not choose your stop. It gives your realistic upside distance.
For a short bias
Target 1 is the one sigma lower band.
Target 2 is the two sigma lower band if momentum supports continuation.
Invalidation can be defined similarly using your structure.
Step 4 Use the option targets as profit taking levels
Once you enter an option trade, ignore random premium swings and anchor to the table.
Common approach
Take partial profit when the option approaches the plus or minus one sigma target value.
Hold a smaller runner for the plus or minus two sigma target value.
If SPY hits the one sigma band but the option is far below the table target, it usually means implied volatility is dropping. Reduce expectations or exit earlier.
If SPY hits the one sigma band and the option is above the table target, it usually means implied volatility expanded. Consider taking profits sooner because this extra premium can mean revert.
Step 5 Use it to choose strikes
Before entering, check whether your desired option profit requires SPY to travel to the two sigma band within your horizon.
If yes, that is a lower probability trade for that window.
If your plan is achievable around the one sigma band, it is typically more realistic.
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Practical examples
Scalp example
Horizon 30 minutes.
If H move 1 sigma is about 1 dollar, then expecting a 3 dollar SPY move in 30 minutes is a two to three sigma expectation and should be treated as a low probability scalp unless a news event is active.
Intraday example
Horizon 120 minutes.
If H move 1 sigma is about 2 dollars, a 2 dollar move is a reasonable target and a 4 dollar move is the stretch target.
Important limitations
Implied volatility changes
The option target prices assume IV stays constant. In real markets IV can change during the move, especially on 0DTE, around news, or during sharp selloffs. Treat option targets as a baseline estimate.
Not a standalone signal
This indicator does not generate buy or sell signals. Combine it with your entry model, structure, or momentum confirmation.
Liquidity matters
Very wide bid ask spreads can distort the inferred IV. Use liquid contracts.
Suggested defaults for SPY
Use a liquid near the money option for the current expiry.
Horizon 30 for scalps, 60 for intraday, 120 for swings.
Keep expiry time at 16:00 New York.
Disclaimer
This script is for educational and informational purposes only and is not financial advice. Options involve risk and may not be suitable for all traders.
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