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Options trading can be a complex topic for novice traders, but with some basics, anyone can learn the fundamentals of options. Options are a type of derivative security that provides the right, but not the obligation, to buy or sell an underlying asset at a predetermined price within a specific time frame. Here are the basics of options that every trader should know:

Types of options:

There are two types of options: Call options and Put options. A call option provides the buyer with the right, but not the obligation, to buy the underlying asset at a predetermined price within a specific time frame. A put option provides the buyer with the right, but not the obligation, to sell the underlying asset at a predetermined price within a specific time frame.

Strike Price:

The strike price is the predetermined price at which the buyer of an option can buy or sell the underlying asset. It is also known as the exercise price.

Expiration Date:

The expiration date is the date when the option contract expires. After the expiration date, the option becomes worthless. Options can have expiration dates ranging from a few days to several years.

Premium:

The premium is the price paid by the buyer of an option to the seller of the option. The premium is the cost of buying the right to buy or sell the underlying asset. The premium is determined by several factors, including the strike price, the expiration date, the current price of the underlying asset, and the volatility of the underlying asset.

Intrinsic Value:

The intrinsic value of an option is the difference between the strike price and the current market price of the underlying asset. For example, if the strike price of a call option is $50, and the current market price of the underlying asset is $60, the intrinsic value of the option is $10.

Time Value:

The time value of an option is the value that an option buyer pays for the potential to profit from the option before its expiration date. The time value is based on several factors, including the volatility of the underlying asset, the expiration date, and the current market price of the underlying asset.

Options Trading Strategies:

There are many different options trading strategies that traders can use, depending on their trading goals, risk tolerance, and market outlook. Here are some common options trading strategies:

Covered Call Strategy:

This strategy involves owning the underlying asset and selling a call option on that asset. The trader receives the premium for selling the call option and can earn additional income if the option expires out of the money.

Protective Put Strategy:

This strategy involves buying a put option on an underlying asset that the trader already owns. If the price of the asset drops, the put option will provide protection by allowing the trader to sell the asset at the strike price.

Straddle Strategy:

This strategy involves buying both a call option and a put option on the same underlying asset with the same strike price and expiration date. The trader profits if the price of the asset moves significantly in either direction.

Strangle Strategy:

This strategy is similar to the straddle strategy but involves buying a call option and a put option with different strike prices.

Conclusion:

Options trading can be a lucrative way to invest in the financial markets, but it requires a solid understanding of the basics. Traders should familiarize themselves with the different types of options, strike prices, expiration dates, premiums, and trading strategies before investing in options. It is also important to have a risk management plan in place to minimize potential losses. With a sound knowledge of the basics of options trading, traders can make informed decisions and potentially earn profits in the financial markets.
 

Options positions attempt to profit from an opinion the investor holds about where the price of an underlying security will move by the expiration date of the contract. An option contract exists between two investors, where one is paid a premium for the right to hold the contract, and one party has the right to buy or sell the underlying security at a specific price, called the strike price, and the other is obligated to buy or sell it at that price when and if the other exercises his or her rights in the contract.

Options prices are updated constantly and are available online. The price of options contracts available on a given security is detailed in an option chain. In this section, we hope to give you a working knowledge of options and some common strategies.