Monday, November 24, 2008

The Basics Of Stock Option Trading

By Walter Fox

The investing world of stocks and markets can be extremely confusing to some new to the industry. Usually someone will only master the art by means of experience and by having a good mentor. In particular, options trading systems grow more complicated than the standard buying and selling you might be accustomed to.

Keeping in mind that options trading has an added complexity, it is the intent of this article to explain the concept to you. After reading this article, you should be abile to decide if they want to pursue this further.

To begin with, there are two categories for options trading. These are similar in concept to buying and selling stocks except that they are far more intricate. The two categories of options trading are called call options and put options.

Buying a call option gives you the ability to purchase one hundred stocks at a predetermined price, known as the strike price. However, keep in mind that you do not have to exercise the option if it is not in your favour.

Once you have purchased a call option, you then can decide if and when you want to exercise your right to buy. You have a specific deadline in which to buy. If you decide to purchase the stocks, they are bought at the predetermined price.

Next, we will look at put options. Put options give you the right to sell one hundred stocks at a predetermined price. This concept may seem a little backwards since it is the opposite of what you might know about standard trading.

Put options are usually used when you think that the price of the stock is about to fall. This allows you to sell your stocks at a higher price than market value and make a profit. This method is a great way to manage your risk in the stock market.

So, consider your options (no pun intended) when you look at the difference between things like futures and options trading. If you know how to do it correctly, options trading systems can be well worth the money and effort put into it.

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