The choice between trading SPX or SPY options can have significant impacts on trading costs, tax implications, and profitability. Deciding between these options depends on several factors, including budget, trading strategy, risk tolerance, and long-term financial goals. Let’s take a detailed look at each aspect to help traders understand the pros and cons of SPY vs. SPX options and make an informed decision.

Understanding the Basics: SPX vs. SPY Options

Before diving into the nuances, it’s essential to understand what SPX and SPY represent. The SPX is an index that tracks the S&P 500, one of the largest U.S. equity benchmarks, representing a basket of 500 of the largest U.S. companies. SPY, on the other hand, is an exchange-traded fund (ETF) that tracks the S&P 500 index, meaning it represents actual shares of stock. Options on SPX are based on the index itself and are cash-settled, while SPY options are based on the ETF and are physically settled.

Cost Differences Between SPX and SPY Options

SPY Options
SPY options tend to be more affordable and thus can be more accessible for traders with smaller accounts. SPY options are typically 1/10th the size of SPX options, making them cheaper to trade. This means traders can commit less capital per trade, which is advantageous for those managing risk or experimenting with trading strategies on a smaller scale.

However, because SPY options are smaller, trading the same dollar amount as SPX requires purchasing more SPY contracts. This can lead to increased commission costs, as many brokers charge based on the number of contracts traded. Consequently, trading a high volume of SPY contracts may erode profits due to commission costs.

SPX Options
SPX options are more expensive per contract due to their larger size and value. Although this can make SPX options more challenging for smaller accounts, it can lead to lower commission costs for larger trades, as fewer contracts are needed to represent a significant dollar amount. Additionally, SPX options tend to involve lower overall commission costs because fewer contracts are needed to achieve similar exposure compared to SPY options.

Liquidity and Spread Considerations

SPY Options
SPY options are known for high liquidity and narrow bid-ask spreads. Liquidity refers to how easily an asset can be bought or sold in the market without affecting its price. High liquidity in SPY options results in tighter bid-ask spreads, meaning less slippage and more favorable fill prices. This liquidity can be beneficial for active traders, as smaller spreads reduce trading costs and make it easier to enter and exit positions quickly.

SPX Options
While SPX options also enjoy decent liquidity, their bid-ask spreads are often wider than those of SPY options. This is mainly because SPX options are larger in size and appeal to different types of traders, including institutional investors. A wider spread can impact profitability, as it may lead to slightly less favorable fills, especially for those trading frequently. Despite these larger spreads, SPX options still remain attractive for many traders due to other advantages, such as tax benefits.

Settlement Types and Implications

Cash Settlement with SPX Options
One of the most notable differences between SPX and SPY options is how they are settled. SPX options are cash-settled, which means that at expiration, any profit or loss is settled in cash rather than resulting in physical ownership of shares. This feature can reduce the complexity for traders who do not want to manage physical stock positions, especially when options expire in-the-money.

For example, if an SPX option expires in-the-money, traders do not have to worry about receiving a large number of shares in their account, which could tie up a substantial amount of capital. Instead, they simply receive the cash equivalent based on the difference between the strike price and the settlement price.

Physical Settlement with SPY Options
SPY options, however, are physically settled, meaning that if the option expires in-the-money, the trader will receive (or be required to deliver) SPY shares equivalent to the position. This can complicate matters for some traders, especially those with smaller accounts who may not have sufficient capital to handle a sudden influx of shares. Additionally, some brokers may automatically close in-the-money SPY positions close to expiration to prevent the physical delivery of shares.

At SPX Option Trader, there are occasions when we hold our positions until late in the trading day. On expiration day, however, this approach can create challenges with SPY options. It’s recommended to check with your broker regarding their specific policies on in-the-money options near expiration, as these policies can vary and may affect trading results.

Tax Implications 

Taxation is another key factor that could influence the decision between trading SPY and SPX options.

SPX Options Tax Treatment
SPX options are categorized as “1256 contracts” under U.S. tax law, which offers favorable tax treatment to traders. Gains on 1256 contracts are taxed using a “60/40 rule,” meaning that 60% of the gains are taxed at long-term capital gains rates, and the remaining 40% at short-term capital gains rates, regardless of how long the position is held. This can significantly reduce tax liability compared to the taxation of short-term trades as ordinary income.

Furthermore, SPX options are not subject to the wash sale rule, which is a regulation that prevents traders from claiming a tax deduction on losses if they repurchase the same security within 30 days. This provides more flexibility to actively trade SPX options without the risk of triggering wash sale adjustments.

SPY Options Tax Treatment
SPY options do not qualify for 1256 contract treatment. Profits from SPY options are taxed at the short-term capital gains rate if held for less than a year, and at the long-term capital gains rate if held longer. For active traders, this generally results in a higher tax liability, as short-term gains are taxed at a higher rate than the blended rate used for SPX options. Additionally, SPY options are subject to the wash sale rule, which can complicate tax reporting and impact potential deductions from trading losses.

It’s essential to consult a tax professional to understand how these differences may impact your unique situation, as taxation can vary based on individual factors and trading frequency.

Trading Goals and Personal Preference

Deciding whether SPX or SPY options are better for trading ultimately depends on your goals and preferences. Here are a few considerations that can help guide your choice:

  • Smaller Account Holders: SPY options are typically more accessible due to their lower price, making them suitable for traders with smaller accounts. The lower contract size and tighter spreads also allow for more granular control over position sizes, which is ideal for beginners or those with limited capital.
  • Tax-Aware Traders: For those prioritizing tax efficiency, SPX options may be more advantageous due to the favorable 1256 contract treatment. This makes them especially appealing to traders with larger portfolios who seek to maximize after-tax returns.

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

Both SPX and SPY options have unique characteristics that cater to different types of traders. At SPX Option Trader, we provide insights and resources tailored to both options to help traders make informed decisions that align with their goals. We have several strategies that  offer guidance for both SPX and SPY options, helping traders navigate daily market trends, identify potential trade setups, and optimize their trading strategies.

Key Takeaways:

  • SPY options offer high liquidity, smaller spreads, and affordability, making them ideal for smaller accounts.
  • SPX options provide tax advantages and cash settlement, appealing to traders focused on after-tax returns or who prefer not to deal with stock delivery.
  • Trading goals should guide your choice, as both options have advantages depending on your financial situation and strategy.

In the end, the decision between SPY and SPX options is not one-size-fits-all; it requires evaluating your trading style, financial goals, and tax considerations. Each option offers benefits that can be leveraged for effective, profitable trading.