Should I adjust position size before Personal Spending MoM?

Before Personal Spending MoM, reduce your iron condor position size by 40-60 percent. This release often triggers sharp VIX spikes even when the number is in line with expectations, because it feeds directly into PCE and Fed rate expectations.

At current VIX levels above 18, the ALVH methodology already calls for tighter wing widths of 25-30 points on the SPX. Combining that with an event that historically moves implied volatility 1.5-2 points in either direction makes full-size condors too risky. Smaller size keeps your defined risk aligned with the elevated short-term volatility while still allowing the condor to benefit from the typical post-release mean reversion.

If VIX is trading above 20 ahead of the print, drop size even further or simply sit out. After the number prints and VIX settles, you can reload to normal size with fresh wings. Position sizing is the easiest and most effective way to manage wing-width risk when the ALVH signals are flashing caution.