One of the more complex options strategies is the so-called "iron condor" portfolio, using a combinations

of long and short positions, call and put options, and four different strike prices. In this question we will

consider what would motivate traders to construct such a portfolio and the structure of the payoffs that they

receive from it. Suppose that stock in Hieroglyph Inc. is currently priced at St = 150 per share, with prices of

various options written on this stock given below.

Strike Call Price Put Price

120 35 5

140 20 10

160 10 20

180 5 35

(a) (10) Suppose that you are convinced that this stock is not as volatile as the market believes it to be,

but are unsure of the direction of future price movements. Construct a suitable portfolio to match your

beliefs, and plot the payoff diagram (you may assume a zero risk-free rate).

(b) (10) Now suppose that, while you still believe that extreme price movements in either direction are

unlikely, you wish to limit your downside risk just in case. Modify your portfolio to achieve this, and plot

the payoff diagram.