I recently laid out a trade on JPMorgan Chase that takes advantage of potential downturn in the economy and elevated implied volatility of its options. Despite beating earnings expectations, JPM continues to exhibit technical weakness, combined with cautious forward guidance amid economic uncertainty, suggests further downside risk of this bellwether banking stock. CEO Jamie Dimon highlighted risks such as geopolitical tensions, trade wars and persistent inflation, which could pressure future earnings. With implied volatility (IV) at elevated levels, selling premium offers an attractive risk/reward setup to capitalize on this bearish outlook. Trade timing The timing for adding bearish exposure to JPM is optimal, as the stock recently broke below the lower end of its trading range at $240 and rallied back to this resistance level and failed. This indicates weakening momentum and potential for further downside, especially with the economic risks flagged by the CEO. Fundamentals JPM appears significantly overvalued compared to industry averages, despite weaker growth metrics, making it vulnerable to a correction in a deteriorating economic environment. Price-to-Book Ratio: 2.04x vs. Industry Median 1.29x Expected EPS Growth: 5.14% vs. Industry Average 7.71% Expected Revenue Growth: 3.43% vs. Industry Average 3.76% Net Margins: 34.51% vs. Industry Average 24.93% Bearish thesis Technical weakness: JPM’s failure to break prior highs, coupled with a pattern of lower highs and lower lows, supports a downside target of $200, reflecting significant further decline. Cautious guidance: CEO Jamie Dimon’s warnings about geopolitical tensions, trade wars and inflation, alongside forward guidance leaving room for downside (net interest income of $90 billion, adjusted expenses of $95 billion), signal potential earnings pressure. Valuation risk: With a valuation is that 60% higher than its peers and weaker growth metrics, JPM’s valuation has increasing downside risk. Options trade To capitalize on JPM’s potential downside, I’m selling a May 30 $235/250 Call Vertical @ $5.88 Credit. This entails: Selling the May 30 $235 call @ $9.23 Buying the May 30 $250 call @ $3.35 The maximum reward is $588 if JPM is below $235 at expiration. The maximum risk is $912 if JPM is above $250 at expiration. The breakeven point for this trade is $240.88. View this Trade with Updated Prices at OptionsPlay . This strategy positions you to benefit from a bearish outlook on JPM, leveraging its technical weakness, rich valuation, and high IV to profit from selling premium with defined risk. With economic risks looming, this call vertical offers a compelling opportunity to capitalize on JPM’s downside potential. Get Your Ticket to Pro LIVE Join us at the New York Stock Exchange! Uncertain markets? Gain an edge with CNBC Pro LIVE , an exclusive, inaugural event at the historic New York Stock Exchange. In today’s dynamic financial landscape, access to expert insights is paramount. As a CNBC Pro subscriber, we invite you to join us for our first exclusive, in-person CNBC Pro LIVE event at the iconic NYSE on Thursday, June 12. Join interactive Pro clinics led by our Pros Carter Worth, Dan Niles, and Dan Ives, with a special edition of Pro Talks with Tom Lee. You’ll also get the opportunity to network with CNBC experts, talent and other Pro subscribers during an exciting cocktail hour on the legendary trading floor. Tickets are limited! DISCLOSURES: None. All opinions expressed by the CNBC Pro contributors are solely their opinions and do not reflect the opinions of CNBC, NBC UNIVERSAL, their parent company or affiliates, and may have been previously disseminated by them on television, radio, internet or another medium. THE ABOVE CONTENT IS SUBJECT TO OUR TERMS AND CONDITIONS AND PRIVACY POLICY . THIS CONTENT IS PROVIDED FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND DOES NOT CONSITUTE FINANCIAL, INVESTMENT, TAX OR LEGAL ADVICE OR A RECOMMENDATION TO BUY ANY SECURITY OR OTHER FINANCIAL ASSET. THE CONTENT IS GENERAL IN NATURE AND DOES NOT REFLECT ANY INDIVIDUAL’S UNIQUE PERSONAL CIRCUMSTANCES. THE ABOVE CONTENT MIGHT NOT BE SUITABLE FOR YOUR PARTICULAR CIRCUMSTANCES. BEFORE MAKING ANY FINANCIAL DECISIONS, YOU SHOULD STRONGLY CONSIDER SEEKING ADVICE FROM YOUR OWN FINANCIAL OR INVESTMENT ADVISOR. Click here for the full disclaimer.
