• Market: March 2007 Coffee (KCH7)
• Tick value: 1 point = $375
• Option Expiration: 02/09/07   
• Trade Description: Bull call ladder spread
• Max Risk: $750
• Max Profit: $3000
• Risk reward ratio:  4:1

Buy one March 2007 Coffee 130 call and at the same time, buy one March 2007 Coffee 155 call, while selling one March 2007 Coffee 140 call and sell one March 2007 Coffee 145 call for a combined cost and risk of 2 points ($750) or less to open a position.

Technical / Fundamental Explanation
Coffee has been pushing towards new highs for many weeks now. Technically coffee has recently broken out of a multi year consolidation which should open the door to a significant rally as we go forward. Brazil is reporting a sharp fall in production for the 2007-2008 crop and commodity funds continue to increase their long position, much like they did in December of 2004 just as the last major coffee rally was getting under way. You can clearly see these funds building a position by looking at the Commitment of Traders (COT) data on the chart below. The commodity funds are represented by the blue bars below the chart. If coffee can break out above 130 then we should see a fast move to 137 and then 145 as those a prior points of resistance. This trade give us the a ability to purchase an at the money call at a reduced cost and risk because of the spreads design. It also has a very attractive profit range of 31 point between 132 and 153.

Profit Goal
Max profit, assuming a 2 point fill, is 8 points ($3000) and occurs with Coffee trading between 140 and 145 at expiration. Break even points are 132 and 153 which means we have a band of 31 full points in which the trade can be profitable.

Risk Analysis
Max risk, before commissions and fees, and assuming a 2 point fill, is $750. This occurs at expiration with Coffee trading below 130 or above 155.

Derek Frey is Head Trader at Odom & Frey Futures & Options.

Risk Disclaimer 
Past performance is not indicative of future results. Trading futures and options is not suitable for everyone. There is a substantial risk of loss in trading futures and options.