Newsletter Performance

Since 2007 Option Alpha has consistently out-performed the market. We are in the business of generating Alpha (excess returns) with simple option strategies. Below find all the monthly return and income figures for our portfolio as compared to the S&P 500 Total Return Index (yes, this includes dividends).

2012 Performance

2012 Performance

2011 Performance

2011 Option Alpha Performance

2010 Performance

2009 Performance

2008 Performance

2007 Performance

Our track record and reporting is unique…
  • We only report results for trades that were actually filled – not hypothetical trades in paper accounts. It’s the fair and honest way to conduct business in our opinion. After all, getting filled is what counts when you trade with real money don’t you think.
  • We report results based on the suggested ‘limit price’. We do realize that some of you are agile investors and may get filled at a better price than suggested. We choose to report results based on the ‘limit price’ which reflects the worst case scenario for our members. Many other publications base their results on hypothetical or unrealistic prices, such as best possible price or average price, which is typically not filled on a given trade.
  • In the member’s section we show EVERY result of EVERY trade. We do not just make a selection of results from the best trades we have ever suggested. We show the good – the bad – and the rare ugly if it ever occurs. We feel this type of openness and honest transparency is what keeps people coming back each month.
  • Special note regarding Credit Spreads and Iron Condors. You may have noticed that we do not have performance figures for these strategies before 2011. This is because these strategies where both launched in November of 2010 – and the first month of performance was December 2010. The income report for the Credit Spreads and Iron Condors can be found by following the links. From here on, we will report all 3 strategies as you see above.
Model portfolio allocation calculations…

First, you have to understand that this is a “model” and you should always make your own decisions regarding portfolio allocation and risk after consulting with a financial advisor. We started using this model at the beginning of 2011 when we added additional strategies to our services.We use a general portfolio value of $10,000 to start each year.

The monthly income figures for each strategy are therefore adjusted based on this value by the monthly return percentage. We assume the following number of positions per strategy each month:

  • Credit Spreads – 3 Positions per month (31% per trade, 7% cash reserve)
  • Iron Condors – 1 Position per month (90% per trade, 10% cash reserve)
  • Naked Puts/Calls – 4 Positions per month (23% per trade, 7% cash reserve)

This of course is a “model” and is simply used to calculate performance. We may of course enter more/less positions on a rolling basis and depending on market conditions. If for example we enter 4 positions for the Credit Spreads (instead of 3) then the allocation would be 23% per trade with the same 7% cash reserve.

Each month our performance is based on individual portfolios of each strategy and we do not combine any of the three strategies. And as always, you are completely free to invest more/less per trade based on your own investing horizon and risk tolerance.

We put ourselves at a disadvantage…

We are one of the very few publications that reports historical performance results in this fashion. Again, we believe reporting honestly and accurately is the best way to measure one’s results – and keep our clients happy for years to come.

The risk is obviously that our calculation method does, however, put us at a disadvantage when someone new tries to compare our performance to other services. Because we are more open with our losing trades (which WILL happen under EVERY investing system) some investors will decide not to subscribe to our service.

We are okay with this, a little sad, but still okay. We have been around this long for a reason and our testimonials section speaks for itself. As always if you have any questions about our performance please contact us.

Start your membership risk-free today and you’ll get access to everything including…

Less is more when it comes to investing. We only focused on the best tools and education you need and through out everything you don’t need to profit.


  • Real-time trading alerts – Detailed trading alerts will be sent right to your email inbox as soon as we make a trade. You’ll never be left in the dark and you’ll always be alerted when we adjust or close a position!

  • How-to video blueprints – Covering everything from strategy selection, how to make trade adjustments, volatility skew, how much to allocate per trade, and more. Not to mention you’ll have access to all archived and future tutorials moving forward.

  • Direct support access – Have a question about a new options strategy you are trying out or need help understanding a difficult trading concept? As a member you’ll have direct access to Kirk for all your needs.

  • Weekly portfolio video analysis – Get updated with frequent market analysis and research that will help take you to the next level in your trading as we cover weekly sentiment, fundamental and technical parameters. In addition, you’ll get instant access to members only video updates and commentary on new trades, market strategies, and our portfolio!

  • Charts/indicators/tools/scans – Live quotes and charts plus all of the most important technical indicators, market sentiment readings, analysis tools and custom market scans are now at your fingertips. We have an ever growing list of the top resources that help you quickly analyze the market before making the next trade.

  • Free auto-trading capability - Have all our trades automatically executed in your favorite brokerage account. All new recommendations as well as subsequent adjustments and closing recommendations will automatically be executed in your account. All you have to do is sit back, watch how we trade, and learn from real world experience!

  • And so much more - We have hardly scratched the surface of the benefits available within Option Alpha. As a member, there’s so much more on the inside. It really is an essential community for any trader who is serious about building monthly income!

You’ll absolutely love your Option Alpha membership, or we’ll pay you 6% next month.

Sign up today for a membership and get our 106% guarantee for 30 days. If you don’t completely love Option Alpha we’ll refund every penny – with interest.

For less than the cost of coffee each day you can learn how to trade options for income.


“I decided to give Option Alpha a try based on the huge value I already found reading the blog every week. I can now say that Option Alpha lives up to the praise found around the web. In the last 3 weeks I’ve learn more as a member than I ever could have on my own!” - Patrick Wallace, Texas



Can I really cancel at anytime and earn 6% interest?

Yes, you can cancel your account at anytime – we promise. If you choose to cancel with the 30-day refund period we’ll send you $50 (the monthly membership fee plus 6% interest).

Pretty sweet deal huh? We think so. . .

Why offer this incredible deal? What’s in it for you?

First, because I know if you like the dashboard we built you’ll probably want to stay on as a member for a long time. I’m in this for the long term and only want to prosper if you have prospered first.

And second, because I am an option trader just like you and I wanted to build a platform that became a community for like-minded investors. If you’re happy with your membership, then I’d like to continue helping you learn more about options trading with my personal coaching program.

How much money do I need to get started?

Technically you don’t need any money to start learning and paper trading (which we highly suggest). If you would like to take advantage of our trading alerts I suggest you start with at least $1,000 or more in a trading account that you can invest. The more you start with the more you can make each month.

$47 – Is it really worth the cost?

Absolutely! Making just 1 more profitable trade this month could pay for your membership (and then some). Plus, your receiving live streaming charts and indicators, hours of video tutorials and weekly commentary as bonuses.

Can non-US residents sign up?

Of course and we already have had members from all over the world. However, you’ll always have to check with your broker to make sure you have the right documents filed to be able to trade US options.

Will I have losing trades occasionally?

Yes – losing trades do happen. Nobody can ever guarantee that you won’t lose money trading options. If you thought that you wouldn’t lose money please close this window now and leave. We don’t want members who think this is a get rich quick scheme.

After joining, how soon do I receive access?

Instantly! As soon as you complete the easy 3-step checkout you’ll be taken directly to the main membership area where you can start to navigate through all the awesome tools we put together.

How do I receive the trading alerts?

We send all live trading alerts via email as well as posting market commentary inside the membership area. Should you ever change your email, please let us know right away so you always get the alerts on time!

Can I trade options in an IRA or retirement account?

Depending on the strategies that you choose – yes you can trade options in your IRA. At Option Alpha we do offer trading alerts on credit spreads which are allowed in most brokers accounts. As always, check with your broker if you have any specific questions.

Who are you? Why should I trust you?

For those of you who don’t know me, I live in Virginia and my name is Kirk Du Plessis. I love coffee way too much and hate staying up past 9pm. For the last 7 years I’ve worked with hundreds of traders from around the world providing them the education and tools they need to take their trading to the next level. Learn more about me here.

I have more questions. Who do I ask?

Check out our support page or email me directly at kirkndup[at]gmail[dot]com. I’ll always respond just as soon as I can to help answer any questions you might have.