Options Traders get Set for Fiscal Cliff, Close Vote

(Reuters) – Options traders in the U.S. stock market are getting their bets in place in case the U.S. economy tumbles down the “fiscal cliff,” or worse, if the U.S. presidential election is so close that the result is disputed.

The stock market has been relatively calm in recent weeks in the face of uncertainty over the November 6 election and concerns that the economy could be pitched into a new recession because of substantial tax rises and government spending cuts – the so-called fiscal cliff – due to hit early next year unless Congress agrees to cancel or delay them.

Some option traders already are starting to build up protective positions on these big risks. In an environment of subdued volatility, the cost of doing so is relatively low, making it advantageous to take out insurance in case Washington remains gridlocked for an extended period after the election and the markets are roiled.

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