Equity Derivatives and Volatility Specialist, Clifton Derivatives

John Ley

Equity Derivatives and Volatility Specialist

Clifton Derivatives

Independent derivative and volatility research firm focusing on events/catalysts, earnings, relative value and cross asset volatility strategies.

Equity Derivatives

The S&P/ASX 200 measures the performance of the 200 largest index-eligible stocks listed on the ASX by float-adjusted market capitalization. Representative liquid and tradable, it is widely considered Australia's preeminent benchmark index. The index is float-adjusted. The index was launched in April 2000.

<ul>
<li>Last week’s upside break failed quickly pulling AS51 back into the narrow range that it had been confined to.</li>
<li>Market participation weakened meaningfully, with fewer stocks advancing and losses outweighing gains beneath the surface.</li>
<li>We introduce new analysis comparing average single stock implied vol with AS51 index vol, highlighting a significant disconnect.</li>
</ul>


Last week’s upside break failed quickly pulling AS51 back into the narrow range that it had been confined to.
Market participation weakened meaningfully, with fewer stocks advancing and losses outweighing gains beneath the surface.
We introduce new analysis comparing average single stock implied vol with AS51 index vol, highlighting a significant disconnect.


Australia Single Stock Options (Dec 15 – 19): Rejected Rally and Rising Volatility Dispersion

The Hang Seng Index is a free-float capitalization-weighted index of a selection of companies from the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong. The components of the index are divided into four subindices: Commerce and Industry, Finance, Utilities, and Properties. The index was developed with a base level of 100 as of July 31, 1964.

<ul>
<li>Stocks were broadly lower, giving back last Friday’s rally with breadth continuing weak.</li>
<li>We present new data showing average single stock implied vols.</li>
<li>Average Single stock implied vols are reaching levels last seen before a major decline.</li>
</ul>


Stocks were broadly lower, giving back last Friday’s rally with breadth continuing weak.
We present new data showing average single stock implied vols.
Average Single stock implied vols are reaching levels last seen before a major decline.


Hong Kong Single Stock Options Weekly (Dec 15–19): Fragile Internals Meet Depressed Impiled Vols

Quantitative Analysis

<ul>
<li>Buy the Dip is everywhere in market commentary and is widely used as shorthand for price action, often without a clear or consistent definition.</li>
<li>We examine possible definitions and return metrics from acting on those definitions across major markets.</li>
<li>Surprising and distinct trends emerge from the data and help explain the prevalence of Buy the Dip themed commentary.</li>
</ul>


Buy the Dip is everywhere in market commentary and is widely used as shorthand for price action, often without a clear or consistent definition.
We examine possible definitions and return metrics from acting on those definitions across major markets.
Surprising and distinct trends emerge from the data and help explain the prevalence of Buy the Dip themed commentary.


Buying the Dip: What It Means and How It Has Played Out Across Macro Markets

<ul>
<li>AS51 broke out of a tight multi day range Friday with one of the strongest moves of the year.</li>
<li>Relative performance versus SPX has begun to improve, hinting at a potential shift after prolonged underperformance.</li>
<li>SPASX200 1-month implied vol remains pinned near historic lows which could provide an interesting setup into year end.</li>
</ul>


AS51 broke out of a tight multi day range Friday with one of the strongest moves of the year.
Relative performance versus SPX has begun to improve, hinting at a potential shift after prolonged underperformance.
SPASX200 1-month implied vol remains pinned near historic lows which could provide an interesting setup into year end.


Australia Single Stock Options (Dec 08–12): AS51 Escapes Range as Relative Performance Vs SPX Turns

<ul>
<li>Early weakness gave way to a late rebound, leaving HSI modestly lower on the week after a choppy but contained trading pattern.</li>
<li>Breadth continued to deteriorate, with fewer than one third of optionable names finishing higher for a second consecutive week. Option volumes continue lower trend.</li>
<li>Pop Mart stood out with a large increase in option volume after heavy selling to start the week.</li>
</ul>


Early weakness gave way to a late rebound, leaving HSI modestly lower on the week after a choppy but contained trading pattern.
Breadth continued to deteriorate, with fewer than one third of optionable names finishing higher for a second consecutive week. Option volumes continue lower trend.
Pop Mart stood out with a large increase in option volume after heavy selling to start the week.


Hong Kong Single Stock Options Weekly (Dec 08–12): Late Support Emerges as Breadth and Volumes Slide

Ex-Portfolio Manager with over 25 years of derivatives experience across products and geographies. Specializing in all things Vol - Relative Value volatility trading, Cross-Asset volatility strategies and event handicapping and trading. Develops own proprietary trading tools and analysis.  
Previously: Options Specialist and Market Maker at BMO, Managing Director Global Equity Derivatives at TDS. Most recently, Portfolio Manager of volatility portfolio at Polar Aset Management Partners (> $USD 7 billion multi-strategy hedge fund) focusing on cross-asset relative value volatility and derivative fund overlays.