Hedge Rebalancing
Hedge rebalancing is the periodic adjustment of a portfolio's positions to maintain a desired risk profile, such as a delta neutral state. As the price of the underlying asset changes, the delta of the individual components of a hedge may shift, causing the portfolio to drift away from neutrality.
Rebalancing involves buying or selling the necessary amount of the asset to restore the original hedge ratio. This process involves transaction costs and slippage, which must be factored into the overall strategy profitability.
Automated rebalancing algorithms are often used to ensure this happens with minimal human intervention and maximum efficiency. Consistent rebalancing is vital to preventing unwanted directional exposure that could lead to unexpected losses.
It is a cornerstone of disciplined risk management in professional derivatives trading.