Retrieve and Analyze Option Chain Data with fn_00983

The fn_00983 (internally implemented as qm_getoptionchainactive) function lets you retrieve and analyze current option chain quotes directly in Excel with MarketXLS. It pulls real-time or near real-time data (including Greeks) for a specified symbol and prints the results in your worksheet. Whether you are doing quick checks on implied volatility or planning more comprehensive options strategies, this function puts live data at your fingertips.

Why Use This Function?

• Quickly fetch a complete option chain from within Excel without manual data entry.
• Access optional advanced Greeks (Delta, Gamma, Theta, Rho, and Vega) and implied volatility when needed.
• Automatically arrange data in a comprehensive tabular format, making it easy to filter, sort, or analyze.
• Save time and eliminate the need to switch between multiple data sources or websites.
• Ideal for building dynamic dashboards, reports, or more advanced options analytics.

Scenarios where fn_00983 shines:

• Assessing real-time contract volume, bid-ask spread, or open interest before placing an options trade.
• Quickly scanning multiple option symbols for potential trading strategies.
• Creating Excel-based options valuations and risk assessments using advanced Greeks.

How to Use in Excel

=fn_00983("Symbol")

• Ensure that your desired symbol is passed as the function’s main argument.
• The function automatically places the returned data in Excel cells below your active cell.
• If you need greeks data, the implementation handles it by setting "greeks" to "True" internally.
• Including "structured" as an argument triggers a special formatted layout for the returned option chain.

Note: If you pass additional parameters like "inclExpired" or "inclZeroVol" within the function’s argument list, fn_00983 adapts the retrieved data accordingly.

Parameters Explained

Although the function’s internal logic accepts even more parameters, these are the most commonly used and most relevant to standard option chain retrieval.

Example Usage

Basic Examples

1. Retrieve Standard Option Chain for AAPL

   1. Select an empty cell in Excel.
   2. Type:
      =fn_00983("AAPL")
   3. Press Enter. The function provides AAPL’s option chain data, including last price, bid, ask, volume, and more, directly under the active cell.

2. Include Greeks for TSLA

   1. In an empty cell, enter:
      =fn_00983("TSLA")
   2. Because the function is internally set to “greeks=True,” your returned data will include columns for Delta, Gamma, Theta, Rho, Vega, and implied volatility.

Advanced Scenarios

• Retrieving a Formatted Option Chain

• Use the "structured" argument to present the data in a formatted layout combining call and put columns side-by-side. You might do something like:
  =fn_00983("AAPL")
  And ensure that the function’s parameter list includes "structured" internally to invoke getFormattedOptionChain.

• Scanning Only In-the-Money or Out-of-the-Money Contracts

• If you incorporate "money" => "ITM" or "OTM" into the parameter chain, you can filter results for certain strategies. For example, to show only in-the-money contracts, you might specify "money","ITM" within the function’s internal arguments (handled by the MarketXLS UI or advanced formula customizations).

• Handling Multiple Symbols

• Usually, you retrieve data for one symbol per call to fn_00983. For scanning multiple tickers, simply place the function in multiple cells, each with a different symbol.

Common Questions and Troubleshooting

1. “No Data Retrieved” Error

   • This indicates either an invalid symbol, lack of data for the specified parameters, or a configuration issue with MarketXLS. Check your symbol spelling or if the option chain truly exists.

2. Columns Appear in the Wrong Order

   • The function automatically reorders columns for standard or advanced option chain reading. If you see unexpected column positions, confirm whether “structured” was included or whether you toggled optional arguments like “greeks” or “inclExpired.”

3. Data Overwriting Cells

   • Remember that this function writes data in your spreadsheet. It can overwrite cells beneath your active cell. Plan your worksheet layout or place the function where it has sufficient space.

4. Blank Cells or #NULL!

   • The function replaces empty or missing data with an Excel null error. This ensures the cell is explicitly marked as empty data, which helps in detecting missing values.

5. License or Configuration Warnings

   • Make sure your MarketXLS subscription is valid and configured. If you see a licensing error, open Settings > Data Subscriptions in MarketXLS to fix.

6. Expired Contracts When “inclExpired” = True

   • If you allow expired options, you’ll see older contracts. This is useful for historical analysis but might clutter your current watchlist if not intended.

Remember:

• Be sure to specify the correct symbol.
• Passing different parameter combinations, such as "inclExpired" or "structured", changes the output.
• The function specializes in options data—ideal for real-world US market scenarios.
• The layout of columns can differ slightly if Greeks are returned or if structured format is used.

Leverage fn_00983 to seamlessly integrate live option chain data with your Excel workflows, enabling quick checks on implied volatility, open interest, and more. The function’s flexibility and the wide range of optional parameters allow both basic and advanced users to tailor data to their exact needs, making it a must-have for any serious options trader working in Excel.