Some Information about Options Trading
The question is, what do you know about option trading?
To be honest, you're not alone if you don't know much about options trading because most of us would usually start by trading the usual way.
Trading options isn't something that should be taken lightly, you can make big profits; unfortunately, if things go against you your loss can be significant.
What's options trading?
Generally speaking, options trading is done by buying or selling options contracts. In doing so, investors gain the right, but not an obligation to eighter buy or sell a stock at a precalculated price within a predetermined period of time.
As I said previously, options trading can be complex as it requires you to know more about trading in order to be successful.
Some brokerages, for example, Robinhood, would allow you to trade options without any specific option account. However, many others would want you to have an options account in order to be allowed to trade options.
There are some important key terms you need to know to understand options:
Besides the "Call option and put option, there are:
Strike price which is the predetermined price that we mention above.
And there's the expiration date which is the date that your contract expires. Traders have until an option contract’s expiration date to exercise the option at its strike price.
How does options trading work?
Basically, there are two main ways to trade options.
You can trade through "Calls options" or you can do "Puts options."
With a call option, you're given the right to buy at least a lot of 100 shares from your stock of choice at a predetermined price, also known as the "Strike price."
On the other hand, with a Put you're given the right to sell your contract at a predetermined price.
I know it may sound confusing, but remember I told you it's a complex way of trading.
For example, let's say you're buying a contract of stock ABC at $0.50; in reality, it will cost you $50 because 1 contract is equivalent to 100 shares.
Options trading strategies
When you buy a contract you can exercise your contract at any point in time before the expiration.
If you make a profit and you want to close the contract you're free to do so before the end of the contract.
It's one of the mistakes many investors make, not taking their profits before it result in losses. From my experience, it's the most hurtful feeling.
Why trading options?
According to Investopedia, There are some advantages to trading options for those looking to make a directional bet in the market.
If you think the price of an asset will rise, you can buy a call option using less capital than the asset itself.
At the same time, if the price instead falls, your losses are limited to the premium paid for the options and no more.
In essence, if you're someone who does not have a lot of capital in your account to trade the usual way, options trading can be an avenue for you to invest.
However, it's more risky because you have a set predetermined period of time or an expiration date, in other words.
For instance, you may not have enough time to wait for your funds to recover as you would in a regular trade as in options.

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