Should I adjust position size before Imports YoY?

Yes adjust your position size before Imports YoY if current VIX is above 16 or the expected move in SPX exceeds 0.65 percent. High-impact data like Imports can spike implied volatility and widen bid-ask spreads, increasing the risk of early gamma exposure on your iron condor.

Under the ALVH methodology reduce size by 30-50 percent when VIX sits in the 17-20 zone ahead of this release. Keep wing width at least 45-50 points on the SPX to maintain adequate buffer against a 1-standard-deviation move. If VIX is below 14 and the chart shows clear mean-reversion behavior you can run normal size but still tighten your profit target to 40 percent of credit received to lock in gains faster.

Monitor the 10-minute post-release reaction. If SPX moves more than 0.4 percent in the first 15 minutes, exit half the position immediately regardless of P&L. This disciplined sizing rule protects your account from the volatility expansion that frequently follows macro data surprises while still allowing the iron condor to collect theta in the expected low-volatility drift that follows most releases.