I understand it is never optimal to exercise an American call option early. [1] [2] However, here are my two contradictory thoughts about selling an American call option early.
Assumptions
- I can only buy or sell a call option, never exercise it.
- I am continuously bullish on the underlying stock.
Contradictory thoughts
- The probability of touching is twice the probability of expiring in the money. [3] This implies that the call option is twice as likely to meet a profit target prior to expiration than at expiration. Thus, it is more profitable to sell early.
- On the other hand, because I am continuously bullish on the underlying stock, it would make sense to wait for the stock to appreciate. Thus, it is more profitable to sell the call at the last minute.
Thus, is it ever optimal to sell an American call option early?