- Definition: An option is a financial derivative that gives the buyer the right, but not the obligation, to buy or sell an asset (often stocks) at a specified price (the strike price) on or before a specific date (expiration date).
- Types of Options: There are two options – “call” and “put”. A call option gives the buyer the right to buy the asset, while a put option gives the buyer the right to sell the asset.
- Buying Options: If you buy a call option, you expect the underlying asset’s price to increase. If you believe in a put option, you anticipate decreasing the cost.
- Selling/Writing Options: When you sell/write an option, you must sell (if it’s a call) or buy (if it’s a put) the asset if the buyer chooses to exercise the option.
- Premium: The buyer of the option pays a cost, known as a premium, to the seller. The bonus is determined by factors such as the strike price, time until expiration, volatility of the underlying asset, and market conditions.
- Exercising Options: If, at expiry, the option is ‘in-the-money’ (i.e., it would be profitable to exercise), the buyer can choose to exercise the option. For a call option, this means that the asset’s market price is higher than the strike price. A put option is when the market price is lower than the strike price.
- Trading Options: Options can be bought and sold on options exchanges, similar to stock exchanges. Many traders use options for speculation, betting on the price direction of the underlying asset. Others use options for hedging, mitigating potential losses in other investments.
Remember, trading options involve substantial risk and aren’t suitable for every investor. Always conduct thorough research or consult a financial advisor before trading options.