Group 1 - The article discusses the author's journey into investing, starting in high school in 2011, focusing on REITs, preferred stocks, and high-yield bonds, indicating a long-standing interest in markets and the economy [1] - The author has recently adopted a strategy that combines long stock positions with covered calls and cash secured puts, emphasizing a fundamental long-term investment approach [1] - The author primarily covers REITs and financials on Seeking Alpha, with occasional articles on ETFs and other stocks influenced by macro trade ideas [1]

Group 1 - The article expresses skepticism about the sustainability of covered calls as income-generating vehicles, highlighting structural issues that work against options [1] - The author has over 20 years of experience in quantitative research, financial modeling, and risk management, focusing on equity valuation and market trends [1] - The author previously held a Vice President position at Barclays, leading teams in model validation and stress testing, which contributed to a deep expertise in both fundamental and technical analysis [1] Group 2 - The research approach combines rigorous risk management with a long-term perspective on value creation, emphasizing macroeconomic trends and corporate earnings [1] - The author collaborates with a research partner to deliver high-quality, data-driven insights aimed at providing actionable ideas for investors [1]

Group 1 - The article discusses the author's journey into investing, starting in high school in 2011, focusing on REITs, preferred stocks, and high-yield bonds, indicating a long-standing interest in markets and the economy [1] - The author has recently adopted a strategy that combines long stock positions with covered calls and cash secured puts, emphasizing a fundamental long-term investment approach [1] - The author primarily covers REITs and financials on Seeking Alpha, with occasional articles on ETFs and other stocks influenced by macro trade ideas [1]

Market Volatility & Hedging Strategy - The market exhibits complacency with the VIX around 17%, presenting an opportunity for investors to hedge downside risk relatively inexpensively using out-of-the-money options [2][3] - Buying a 610 put on SPY or 6100 on SPX expiring in August would cost approximately 1% of the portfolio's value, offering significant downside protection [3][6] - Investors can offset the cost of downside protection by selling covered calls, potentially collecting close to 05% of the portfolio's value in the next 30 days [6][7] Trade War Scenarios & Options Plays - In a scenario where the EU and India don't make a deal and retaliate with tariffs, buying out-of-the-money put options is a simple way to hedge against this worst-case scenario [4][5] - If the trade deal deadline is extended, investors can roll out their options to September, continuously harvesting premium by selling upside calls and using the proceeds to buy downside put protection [8][9][10] - If countries capitulate and make a deal, the market is likely to react positively, and investors could consider selling downside puts and using the proceeds to fund buying upside calls for upside participation [11][12][13]

Group 1 - The article discusses the author's long-term investment approach, focusing on REITs, preferred stocks, and high-yield bonds, which began in high school in 2011 [1] - The author has recently combined long stock positions with covered calls and cash secured puts, indicating a strategy that balances risk and return [1] - The primary focus of the author's coverage on Seeking Alpha includes REITs and financials, with occasional insights on ETFs and macro-driven stock ideas [1]