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election week prep - hedges set, sizing cut, ready to watch

tuesday is election day.

everything is set.

current positioning
#

account: $510,180

hedges:

  • VIX 25 calls (2 contracts): $1,840 cost
  • SPY 505 puts (3 contracts): $1,420 cost
  • total hedge cost: $3,260 (0.64% of account)

position sizing: reduced 40%

open positions: 2 (both small, both OTM)

the plan
#

monday (nov 4): final review, no new trades

tuesday (nov 5): no trading. watching.

wednesday (nov 6): assess outcome

  • if clear winner: start adding positions
  • if contested: stay defensive

thursday-friday:

  • clear outcome: return to normal sizing
  • uncertain: maintain defensive posture through weekend

historical election patterns
#

2020:

  • VIX peaked 40 pre-election
  • clear winner took days (contested)
  • post-clarity rally +7% in 2 weeks

2016:

  • overnight futures limit down
  • next day: V-shaped reversal
  • market up 4% by friday

2012:

  • minimal volatility
  • market sold off on Obama win initially
  • recovered within 48 hours

pattern: uncertainty before, resolution rally after (usually)

what I’m watching
#

VIX: currently 22, expect 25-28 by tuesday

SPX: 5,700 level as support

sector rotation:

  • defensive sectors leading (XLU, XLP) = fear
  • cyclicals leading (XLI, XLF) = optimism

bitcoin: surprisingly stable at $73k

worst case scenarios
#

contested election:

  • stay hedged
  • no new positions until resolution
  • could last days/weeks

clear winner but market tanks:

  • hedges pay off
  • start scaling in after 5% drop

clear winner and rally:

  • hedges lose value (acceptable cost)
  • add positions into strength

tonight
#

hedges set. sizing cut. ready to watch.

whatever happens tuesday, I’m protected.


2:28am sunday. election week prep. hedges set ($3,260 in VIX calls + SPY puts). position sizing -40%. no trading tuesday. if clear winner: add wednesday. if contested: stay defensive. VIX at 22, expecting 25-28 by election. protected either way.

-AK

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