Options trading
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An option is a contract to buy or sell a specific financial product known as the option’s underlying instrument or underlying interest. Option buyers are charged an amount called a “premium” by the sellers. Should market prices be unfavorable for option holders, they will let the option expire worthless, thus ensuring the losses are not higher than the premium. In contrast, option sellers (option writers) assume greater risk than the option buyers, which is why they demand this premium.
Options are available on numerous financial products, including equities, indices, and ETFs. Options are called 'derivatives' because the value of the option is 'derived' from the underlying asset.
Long vs. Short Options
Options trading is typically a “long”, meaning you are buying the option with the hope of the price going up (in which case you would buy a call option). However, even if you buy a put option (right to sell the security), you are still buying a long option. Shorting an option is selling that option, but the profits of the sale are limited to the premium of the option, and the risk is unlimited.
Calls vs. Puts
A Call option gives the contract owner/holder the right to buy the underlying stock at a specified price by the expiration date. Calls are usually purchased when you expect that the price of the underlying stock may go up.
A Put option gives the contract owner/holder the right to sell the underlying stock at a specified price by the expiration date. Puts are usually bought when you expect that the price of the underlying stock may go down.
Frequently Asked Questions
Get an answer
What is options trading?
Options trading is trading options and is typically done with securities on the stock or bond market (as well as ETFs and the like). When buying a call option, the strike price of an option on a stock will be determined based on the current price of that stock.
Why trade options?
By involving options into your strategy, you can get more ways to trade whether you’re a beginner, or neutral on the market. Options have the potential to:
- buy a stock in the future at a discount to its current price;
- lock in the price of a stock for a specified time period without commitment to buy the stock;
- generate income on existing stocks in your portfolio;
- protect a stock from a substantial price decline.
What are advantages and risks?
Majority of strategies used by options traders have limited risk but also limited profit potential. Options strategies aren’t those schemes that will make you rich fast.
How do I trade options?
- Discover how options work
- Choose a trading strategy
- Create an account
- Open your first position