Explanation
In convertible bond arbitrage:
- The manager buys a convertible bond (long position)
- Takes a short position in the underlying stock
Delta Analysis:
- Convertible bonds have positive delta (they increase in value when the underlying stock price increases)
- Short stock position has negative delta (it loses value when the stock price increases)
As stock price increases:
- The convertible bond's delta decreases because the bond becomes less equity-like and more bond-like
- The short stock position's delta remains constant at -1 (for each share shorted)
Net effect: The overall position delta decreases because:
- The convertible bond's positive delta decreases
- The short stock's negative delta remains constant
- The net positive delta becomes smaller
This is characteristic of convertible bond arbitrage strategies where managers aim to maintain delta-neutral positions, and as stock prices move, they need to rebalance their positions to maintain neutrality.