How My Spread Trades Delivered Big Wins in March

Don Kaufman here.

Let's talk about March: a month where the market didn't just throw curveballs—it launched bazookas.

If you've been trading lately, you know what I mean.

Volatility is sky-high, stocks are zigging and zagging, and everyone's trying to figure out how to stay in the game without getting flattened.

Now, here's the good news: if you've been following my 3 Trades Per Week Service, you've seen firsthand how spreads can be your best weapon in a chaotic market.

This isn't theory—it's cold, hard results.

Today, I'm pulling back the curtain to show you exactly how I've been trading this market, breaking down real trades, real percentages, and real strategies.

So, grab your coffee, and let's dive into some of the highlights from March.

Why Spreads Are the MVP of Volatile Markets

If you've been in the market lately, you've probably noticed something: the options premiums are juiced.

Why? Volatility.

When the market starts doing its best rollercoaster impression, traders pile into options, driving up implied volatility and, with it, the price of options.

This is where spreads come in. Instead of buying a naked call or put (and overpaying for all that juicy volatility), you buy a call or put and sell another one against it.

This not only caps your risk but also reduces the cost of the trade.

In a market like this, spreads let you play the game without risking it all.

Still skeptical? Let's look at the numbers.

The GS Put Vertical – 55% Return in 14 Days

This was the headliner trade from March, and it's a perfect example of why spreads work so well.

Trade Details:
- Entry Date: 3/17/2025
- Exit Date: 3/31/2025
- Days Held: 14
- Entry Cost: $2.14
- Exit Price: $3.32
- Profit: $1.18
- % Return: 55.1%

Let's break it down: I entered this put vertical on Goldman Sachs (GS) when the financial sector was showing cracks.

The market was volatile, so instead of outright buying puts and exposing myself to massive volatility risk, I used a vertical spread—buying one put and selling another at a lower strike.

The result?

A clean 55% return in just two weeks.

That's the power of spreading your risk while still capitalizing on big moves.

The META Put Vertical – Quick 29% in a Single Day

Not all trades need to be long-term plays. Sometimes, the market hands you a gift, and you take it.

Trade Details:
- Entry Date: 3/26/2025
- Exit Date: 3/27/2025
- Days Held: 1
- Entry Cost: $2.33
- Exit Price: $3.00
- Profit: $0.67
- % Return: 28.8%

This META put vertical was a quick hit. It was one of those stocks still clinging on, despite the weakness in tech, making it an easy short target.

With volatility already high, I used a vertical spread to keep my risk defined. The trade worked like clockwork, delivering almost 29% in a single day.

Other Notable Trades – Consistent Wins

Here's a quick look at a few more trades from March:

TSLA Call Vertical:
- Dates Held: 3/10–3/12/2025
- % Return: 39.2%
- Tesla's volatility made this a textbook spread trade—capturing nearly 40% in just two days.
EEM Put Vertical:
- Dates Held: 3/5–3/10/2025
- % Return: 33.0%
- Emerging markets are another great place to play spreads when volatility spikes.
XLV Put Vertical:
- Dates Held: 3/3–3/6/2025
- % Return: 31.9%
- The healthcare sector was ripe for a pullback, and this spread took full advantage.

Lessons Learned from March's Trades

Volatility Is Opportunity: When the market's on edge, options premiums spike. This creates opportunities for well-structured trades.
Spreads Reduce Risk: By using spreads, you can limit your exposure to volatility while still capturing significant returns.
Patience Pays: Not every trade needs to be a home run. Consistent, smaller wins add up over time.
Diversify Your Plays: Don't just stick to one sector. March's trades spanned financials, tech, bonds, and emerging markets.