Options Trading
Options trading refers to the buying and selling of options contracts on financial instruments such as stocks, indices, commodities, or currencies. Options give traders the right, but not the obligation, to buy or sell the underlying asset at a predetermined price within a specific time period.
Here are some common options trading strategies:
- Call Option: This gives the holder the right to buy the underlying asset at a specified price (strike price) before the option expires.
- Put Option: This gives the holder the right to sell the underlying asset at a specified price (strike price) before the option expires.
- Covered Call: In this strategy, an investor sells a call option on a stock they already own. If the stock price remains below the strike price, the investor keeps the premium received for selling the call option.
- Protective Put: This strategy involves buying a put option to protect against a decline in the value of an underlying asset. If the asset's price drops, the put option can offset the losses.
- Long Straddle: A long straddle involves buying both a call option and a put option with the same strike price and expiration date. This strategy profits from significant price movements in either direction.
- Iron Condor: This strategy combines a bear call spread and a bull put spread. It aims to profit from low volatility and limited price movement within a specific range.
It's important to note that options trading carries risks, and it's crucial to have a good understanding of the underlying assets and options strategies before engaging in trading. It's recommended to consult with a financial advisor or professional trader and educate yourself about options trading thoroughly before getting started.