What is Options Trading? This is a question many don’t know the answer to. It is a type of trading in which investors can purchase or sell contracts that grant them the right, but not the duty, to purchase or sell an underlying asset at a specific price, known as the striking price, before a specific expiration date. The main ideas and techniques in options Trading are broken down in the following manner:

Types of Options

Call options & put options are the two primary types of options. The holder of a call option has the option to purchase the underlying asset at a predetermined price, whereas the holder of a put option has the option to sell the asset at a price which is predetermined.

Option premium

The option premium is the sum that the buyer of an option contract, also referred to as the option writer, pays to the seller of the option contract. It shows the option’s value at a certain moment in time and is affected by a number of variables, including as the underlying asset’s price, the remaining time before expiration, and its volatility.

Strike price

The predefined price at which the underlying asset may be purchased or sold is known as the striking price. It is decided upon at the moment the option is written and is unchangeable for the duration of the option.

Date of expiration

The option’s expiration date determines whether it must be exercised or allowed to lapse. It is predetermined when the option is drafted and can last anywhere between a few days and several years.

Trading techniques

Here are some popular options Trading techniques:

Covered Call

In a covered call, an investor holds a long position in an asset while simultaneously selling call options on that same asset to make money. The investor is safeguarded if the asset’s price falls, but the possibility for profit is constrained if the asset’s price rises over the strike price.

Protective put

This is a strategy where an investor purchases put options on an asset they already own in order to reduce prospective losses. The investor is safeguarded if the asset’s price falls, but the possibility for profit is constrained if the asset’s price rises over the strike price.

Long Straddle

Buying both a call option as well as a put option on the same asset at the identical strike price and the expiration date is known as a long straddle strategy. If the asset’s price changes dramatically in either direction, this method makes money; but, if the asset’s price is quite stable, it loses money.

Short Straddle

In a short straddle, an investor sells call and put options on the same asset at the exact same strike price and expiration date. If the asset’s price is rather constant, this method makes money; nevertheless, if the asset price changes noticeably in either way, it loses money.

Iron condor

To reduce potential losses while still allowing for some potential profit, an investor will mix a short call spread and a short put spread.

Risks Involved

Options Trading can be dangerous, and only seasoned investors who fully understand the dangers should do so. The risk of loss is substantial and may be greater than the initial investment. Options Trading carries a number of potential risks, including:

• Volatility risk: The volatility of the underlying asset, which can be challenging to estimate, can have a significant impact on the value of an option.
• Time decay: As an option approaches its expiration date, time decay can cause a sharp decline in value that can reduce possible gains.
• Liquidity risk: It may be challenging to sell non-actively traded options, which may restrict your ability to get out of a position.
• Market risk: Shifts in market conditions have the potential to significantly affect an option’s value and result in unforeseen losses.

Conclusion

For seasoned investors trying to manage risk and produce revenue, options Trading may serve as a potent instrument. But it’s critical to be completely aware of the risks involved and to have a firm knowledge. To know more, head on to the 5paisa website!