The iShares Biotechnology ETF (IBB) tracks the performance of the Nasdaq Biotechnology Index, providing exposure to U.S.-listed biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies. It is one of the most popular ETFs for investors looking to access the biotech sector, which focuses on cutting-edge advancements in medical research, drug development, and genetic engineering. In this article, I analyze a bullish set-up for the ETF using classic support and resistance principles. IBB has long-term support around the $138 price area, which was breached on November 15. Since then, this level has acted as resistance, a common technical behavior where broken support flips into resistance. IBB has been testing this level but continues to struggle to break above it, suggesting a key area to watch for potential bullish confirmation. I am currently in a wait-and-watch mode for IBB. Once IBB successfully breaks above the $138 resistance, a $1 wide bull call spread can be initiated to capitalize on the anticipated upward momentum. Why $1 wide bull call spreads? Low Cost : Each spread costs only $50 per trade, making it an affordable way to learn options without risking too much capital. Manageable Risk : The defined risk-reward structure ensures limited downside. You can never lose more than the amount paid for the debit spread. And every winner has the potential of doubling your money. Scalability : Scaling up is simple—just add more contracts as confidence builds. These setups are detailed extensively in my book, Mean Reversion Trading. The Trade Setup : To take a bullish trade on IBB, I’m using a trade structure called a “bull call spread.” With IBB trading at $137.25, I would buy a $137 call and sell a $138 call as a single unit. If prefer to wait for IBB to break resistance, I can adjust the strikes to envelop the current price. For example, if IBB goes up to $139, I can buy a $139-$140 call spread instead. The mechanics of the trade remain the same regardless of where I place the strikes. Here is my exact trade setup: Buy $137 call, Dec 10th expiry Sell $138 call, Dec 10th expiry Cost: $50 Potential Profit: $50 If IBB trades at or above the short strike (i.e. $138 in this example) by the expiration date, this trade could yield a return of 100% on the amount risked. With 10 contracts, this equates to risking $500 to potentially gain $500. DISCLOSURES: (None) All opinions expressed by the CNBC Pro contributors are solely their opinions and do not reflect the opinions of CNBC, NBC UNIVERSAL, their parent company or affiliates, and may have been previously disseminated by them on television, radio, internet or another medium. THE ABOVE CONTENT IS SUBJECT TO OUR TERMS AND CONDITIONS AND PRIVACY POLICY . THIS CONTENT IS PROVIDED FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND DOES NOT CONSITUTE FINANCIAL, INVESTMENT, TAX OR LEGAL ADVICE OR A RECOMMENDATION TO BUY ANY SECURITY OR OTHER FINANCIAL ASSET. THE CONTENT IS GENERAL IN NATURE AND DOES NOT REFLECT ANY INDIVIDUAL’S UNIQUE PERSONAL CIRCUMSTANCES. THE ABOVE CONTENT MIGHT NOT BE SUITABLE FOR YOUR PARTICULAR CIRCUMSTANCES. BEFORE MAKING ANY FINANCIAL DECISIONS, YOU SHOULD STRONGLY CONSIDER SEEKING ADVICE FROM YOUR OWN FINANCIAL OR INVESTMENT ADVISOR. Click here for the full disclaimer.
