OptionMetrics
OptionMetrics, founded in 1999, specializes in providing comprehensive options data and analytics to institutional investors, hedge funds, and academic researchers.
Profile
OptionMetrics provides historical options data and analytics for institutional investors and researchers.
OptionMetrics, founded in 1999, specializes in providing comprehensive options data and analytics to institutional investors, hedge funds, and academic researchers. The company’s flagship product, IvyDB, offers historical options data, including implied volatility, Greeks, and other key metrics, which are essential for quantitative research and risk management. OptionMetrics has carved out a niche in the financial data market by focusing on the granularity and accuracy of its datasets, which are widely used for backtesting trading strategies and conducting academic research.
The company has maintained a steady growth trajectory, supported by a loyal customer base that includes some of the largest asset managers and hedge funds globally. In recent years, OptionMetrics has expanded its product offerings to include tools like IvyDB Beta, which leverages implied beta from options markets to provide forward-looking risk assessments. The company’s research team, led by Garrett DeSimone, PhD, frequently publishes insights on advanced trading strategies, such as dynamic covered calls, which have gained traction among sophisticated investors.
Despite its strong market position, OptionMetrics faces competition from larger financial data providers like Bloomberg and Refinitiv, which offer broader datasets and integrated platforms. The company’s focus on niche, high-quality data has allowed it to maintain a competitive edge, but it must continue to innovate to keep pace with evolving market demands.
Who buys this
- Institutional investors
- Hedge funds
- Quantitative researchers
- Academic institutions
- Asset managers
Strengths and what to watch
Strengths
- High-quality, granular options data essential for quantitative research
- Strong focus on niche markets with specialized tools like IvyDB Beta
- Active research team that publishes advanced trading strategies
Watch for
- Increasing competition from larger financial data providers
- Dependence on a niche market that may limit growth opportunities
- Potential challenges in scaling data offerings to meet broader market needs
Key Information
- Founded
- 1999
Frequently Asked Questions
What is OptionMetrics?
OptionMetrics is a financial data firm founded in 1999 that specializes in historical options data and analytics. It serves institutional investors, hedge funds, and researchers with products like IvyDB, which provides implied volatility, Greeks, and other metrics for quantitative analysis and risk management.
What data does OptionMetrics' IvyDB provide?
IvyDB delivers comprehensive historical options data including implied volatility, Greeks (delta, gamma, etc.), and pricing metrics. This granular dataset enables backtesting trading strategies, academic research, and risk analysis. The platform is widely used by quantitative analysts and institutional investors for its accuracy and depth.
Who uses OptionMetrics data?
Primary users include institutional investors, hedge funds, asset managers, and academic researchers. These clients rely on OptionMetrics for high-quality options data to develop trading strategies, conduct quantitative research, and manage portfolio risk. The company serves sophisticated financial professionals needing precise historical options analytics.
How does OptionMetrics compare to Bloomberg for options data?
OptionMetrics specializes in niche, granular options data while Bloomberg offers broader financial datasets. IvyDB provides deeper options-specific analytics favored by quants, whereas Bloomberg integrates options data within a wider terminal platform. OptionMetrics competes on data quality rather than breadth of offerings.
What is IvyDB Beta used for?
IvyDB Beta analyzes implied beta from options markets to generate forward-looking risk assessments. This tool helps investors measure relative volatility and correlation risks between securities. It's part of OptionMetrics' specialized analytics for sophisticated portfolio management and strategy development.
Does OptionMetrics publish trading research?
Yes, OptionMetrics' research team led by Garrett DeSimone publishes advanced strategy papers, like dynamic covered call approaches. These white papers demonstrate practical applications of their data for institutional investors, blending academic rigor with actionable trading insights. Research reinforces their thought leadership in options analytics.
Sources
- optionmetrics.com — Details on OptionMetrics' research and product offerings
- optionmetrics.com — General information about OptionMetrics
- optionmetrics.com — Overview of OptionMetrics' products and services
- www.reuters.com — Mentions of OptionMetrics' role in the options market