Skewness
Skewness is a statistical measure that describes the asymmetry of a probability distribution around its mean. A distribution is skewed if one tail is longer or fatter than the other, indicating that extreme outcomes are more likely on one side.
In the context of options, skewness is reflected in the volatility smile, where puts often have higher implied volatility than calls. This indicates that the market is more concerned about a sharp downward move than a sharp upward move.
For crypto assets, negative skewness is very common, reflecting the market fear of sudden price crashes. Traders analyze skewness to gauge the overall market sentiment and to adjust their directional bets.
It provides insight into the potential for asymmetric risk and reward. Understanding skewness is essential for interpreting the information hidden within option prices.
It is a key metric for evaluating the true risk profile of a portfolio.