Synthetic Long

bullish2 legs

Also known as: Synthetic Stock

Buy ATM call + sell ATM put. Replicates long stock with options.

Payoff shape at expiration (illustrative)

Shape illustration on a normalized underlying — open the Lab below to price it on a real option chain.

How it works

Buy an at-the-money call and sell an at-the-money put at the same strike. The combined payoff is a straight line — identical to owning 100 shares, usually for near-zero net premium.

When to use it

Stock-like exposure with less capital outlay than buying shares (margin applies). Also the building block for understanding put-call parity — every option position has a synthetic twin.

What can go wrong

Identical to owning 100 shares: the short put means a falling stock is fully your problem. This is leverage, not a hedge.

How it compares

vs. Long Combo (Risk Reversal)

Similar: Both replicate stock-like upside with options.

Different: Same strike = true synthetic; the combo (risk reversal) splits strikes, adding a no-profit zone between them.

New to options? Start with the free curriculum — or see which strategy fits your outlook.

Educational content — not investment advice. Options involve substantial risk and are not suitable for every investor. All trading on Opus Options Trading is simulated.