Core Viewpoint - Options are a unique derivative instrument with a price that should have a certain correlation with the underlying asset's price, and the expiration mechanism creates an "invisible gravity" that pulls the option price back to its theoretical price based on the underlying asset's price [1] Group 1: Principles of Exercise Arbitrage - Exercise arbitrage is a special type of arbitrage that occurs when options are nearing expiration, as their prices become closer to the actual price of the underlying asset [2] - Basis refers to the price difference between synthetic futures and spot prices, where synthetic futures can be created using a combination of call and put options [3] Group 2: Opportunities for Exercise Arbitrage - In the case of undervalued in-the-money call options, the option's strike price is lower than the underlying asset's price, creating an opportunity to buy the call option and sell a higher strike put option to construct a synthetic futures long position [5] - Conversely, in the case of overvalued in-the-money put options, the option's strike price is higher than the underlying asset's price, allowing for the purchase of a high strike call option and the sale of the put option to create a synthetic futures long position [5] Group 3: Operation Process of Exercise Arbitrage - When a significant basis exists, the process begins by going long on synthetic futures through the purchase of call options and the sale of put options [6] - Simultaneously, short selling the underlying asset (e.g., ETF) locks in the risk of price fluctuations during the exercise period [7] - Upon exercise, if the synthetic futures have a low strike price, the bought call option is exercised; if it has a high strike price, the sold put option is exercised [8] - After the exercise concludes, the trader receives the underlying asset to cover the short position [9] Group 4: Key Considerations for Exercise Arbitrage - The key to exercise arbitrage is to observe the basis, as a larger synthetic futures discount increases potential arbitrage profits [10] - Risk management is crucial, achieved by short selling the underlying asset to lock in risks during the exercise period [10] - Patience is required until the exercise concludes before closing positions to realize profits [11]