Free Guide To Options Trading For Beginners 2024

trading (1)

Welcome to the world of options trading! This guide is designed to provide a comprehensive introduction to options trading for beginners. Options trading is a type of trading that allows investors to profit from changes in the strike price of underlying stock options without actually owning the asset. It involves the buying and selling of options contracts, which give options traders the right but not the obligation to buy or sell an underlying asset at a specified price and time(strike price).

While options trading can be a powerful tool for generating income, managing risk, and maximizing profits, it can also be complex and risky, especially for beginners. However, with the right knowledge and investment strategies, an options trading agreement can be a lucrative and rewarding experience.

In this guide, we will cover the basics of options trading, including the terminology and mechanics of options trading, as well as some options strategies for using options in your trading portfolio. We will also provide some tips for beginners to help them get started on the right foot. By the end of this guide, you should have a better understanding of options trading and be ready to jump into the options trading bandwagon.

What is Options Trading?

Options trading is a type of trading in which options traders buy or sell contracts that give them the right, but not the obligation, to buy or sell an underlying stock at a specified price and time. The underlying stock can be a particular stock, index, commodity, or currency. Options contracts come with an expiration date, which is when the option must be exercised, or the contract expires.

How Does Options Trading Work?

In options trading, options traders can buy a call option if they believe the strike price of the underlying asset will go up or a put option if they believe the current market price will go down. When a trader buys a trade options contract, they pay a premium to the seller. If the price of the underlying asset moves in the desired direction, the trader can sell the options contract to another trader for a profit.

Definition of Strike Price

The strike price is the predetermined price at which the underlying stock can be bought or sold when exercising an options contract. The strike price is set at the time the option contract is created and does not change during the life of the contract.

The Role of Strike Price in Options Trading

The strike price is an important factor in options trading because it determines the profit or loss that can be made when exercising the options contract. If the strike price is below the current stock market price for either a call option or strike selling, the trader can buy the underlying stock at a lower price, which can lead to a profit. On the other hand, if the strike price is above the current stock market price for a call option, the trader will not exercise the option, and it will expire worthless.

How Options Trading Works

Options trading works by providing traders with a way to profit from changes in the price of an underlying asset without actually owning the asset. Traders can buy or sell options contracts, which give them the right, but not the obligation, to buy or sell the underlying stock at a predetermined price and time.

The price of the options contract is determined by various factors, including the price of the underlying asset, the strike price, and the time remaining until expiration. Traders can make a profit by buying an options contract at a lower price and selling it at a higher price or by exercising the options contract to buy or sell the underlying stock at a profit.

Advantages & Disadvantages of Option Trading

While options trading is great, it’s important to remember that it comes with its own set of risks and rewards. Before getting into the details of options trading, let’s take a look at some reasons how and why trade options can benefit you.

Advantages

  • Flexibility: Options trading offers a lot of flexibility in terms of options trading strategies and positions that can be taken. Traders can buy options contracts as a hedge against potential losses or sell options to generate income.
  • Limited risk: One of the biggest advantages of options trading is that traders have limited risk. The most a trader can lose is the premium paid for the option.
  • Leverage: Options trading allows traders to leverage their investments, which means they can control a large amount of underlying security with a relatively small amount of capital.
  • Higher potential returns: Because options trading allows for leverage, it also offers the potential for higher returns compared to traditional stock trading.

Disadvantages

  • Complexity: Options trading can be complex and difficult to understand, especially for beginners. There are many different investment strategies and factors to consider when trading options.
  • Time-sensitive: Options contracts have expiration dates, which means traders have a limited amount of time to realize profits. This time-sensitive nature can increase the level of risk and add complexity to trading.
  • Volatility: Options trading is highly influenced by market volatility. Sudden market movements can cause options prices to fluctuate rapidly, which can result in significant losses.
  • Limited liquidity: Some options contracts may have limited liquidity, which means traders may have difficulty buying or selling options at a favorable price. This can increase the level of risk and make it difficult to exit positions.

Different Types of Options Trading

Options trading involves buying and selling contracts that give the owner the right, but not the obligation, to buy or sell an underlying security at a specified price and time. Here are some of the different types of options trading:

Calls Options Trading

A call option gives the owner the right to buy the underlying asset’s price (strike price) by a certain time (expiration date). A call option is used when the investor believes the price of the underlying stock will rise.

Buying Calls (Long Calls)

Buying a call option gives the owner the right to buy the underlying asset at the strike price by the expiration date. The buyer pays a premium for this option. If the price of the underlying asset increases, the buyer can exercise the call option and make a profit.

Covered Calls

A covered call investment strategy is when an investor holds a long position in an asset and sells a call option on the same asset. A covered call strategy can be used to generate income from the premium paid by the buyer of the call option. Basically, covered calls work if the underlying stock’s price remains below the strike price, the option expires, and the seller keeps the premium. If the price of the particular stock rises above the strike price, the seller must sell the asset at the strike price but still keeps the premium.

Puts Options Trading

Put options give the owner the right to sell the underlying security at a specific price (strike price) by a certain time (expiration date). Put options are used when the investor believes the underlying stock’s price will fall.

Buying Puts (Long Puts)

Buying a put option gives the owner the right to sell the underlying asset at the strike price by the expiration date. The buyer pays a premium for this option. If the option’s premium decreases, the buyer can exercise the option and make a profit.

Protective Puts

A protective put is an investment strategy in which an investor holds a long position in an asset and buys a put option on the same asset. This can be used to protect the investor against a price decline in the asset. If the option’s premium falls, the put option increases in value, offsetting the losses on the asset.

Long Straddles

A long straddle is a strategy in which an investor buys a call option and a put option on the same asset with the same strike price and expiration date. This can be used to take advantage of a potential price move in either direction. If the price of the asset moves significantly in either direction, the investor can exercise the corresponding option to make a profit.

Distinction Between American & European Options

trading (2)

If you’re looking to invest in options, there are two main types from which you can choose: American and European. The distinction between them is the time frame in which they can be exercised.

American Options

An American option is an option contract that allows the holder to exercise the option at any time before the expiration date. In other words, the holder has the right to buy or sell the underlying asset at any time between the purchase date and the expiration date. The option holder can choose to exercise the option if it becomes profitable to do so, which provides greater flexibility and control over the investment.

The valuation of American options is more complex than that of European call options due to the potential for early exercise. A number of mathematical models have been developed to calculate the fair value of American call options, including the binomial options pricing model and the Black-Scholes model with an extension to allow for early exercise.

European Options

A European option is an option contract that can only be exercised at the expiration date. In other words, the holder has no control over when the option is exercised and must wait until the expiration date to buy or sell the underlying asset. This feature provides less flexibility and control over the investment, but it also simplifies the valuation of the option.

The valuation of European options is relatively straightforward and can be calculated using the Black-Scholes model. This model assumes that the underlying asset follows a log-normal distribution and that the option can only be exercised at the expiration date. The model takes into account several factors, including the current price of the underlying asset, the exercise price, the time to expiration, the risk-free interest rate, and the volatility of the underlying asset.

Best Options Strategy

There is no single best options strategy that works for everyone, as it depends on the individual’s financial goals, risk, and market conditions. However, some popular options strategies include the Married Strategy, Protective Collar Strategy, Long Strangle Strategy, and Vertical Spreads Strategy.

Married Put Strategy

The Married Put Strategy involves buying a stock and buying a put option on the same stock. The put option acts as insurance against the stock position falling. This strategy is suitable for investors who want to protect their stock portfolio from a potential downturn but still want to benefit from any potential upside.

Protective Collar Strategy

The Protective Collar Strategy involves buying a stock and simultaneously buying a put option and selling a call option on the same stock. The put option acts as insurance against the stock’s price falling, while the call option provides an income if the stock price rises. This strategy is suitable for investors who want to protect their stock portfolio from a potential downturn but also want to generate some income.

Long Strangle Strategy

The Long Strangle Strategy involves buying a call option and a put option on the same stock with different strike prices. This strategy is suitable for investors who believe that the stock’s price will move significantly but are unsure about the direction of the price movement.

Vertical Spreads Strategy

The Vertical Spreads Strategy involves buying and selling options with the same expiration date but different strike prices. This strategy is suitable for investors who want to limit their risk and generate income.

How to Start Trading Options in 5 Steps

To start trading options, you need to have a brokerage account and an understanding of how options work. Here are the general steps to start options trading explained:

Choose a Reliable Options Trading Platform

Research and compare options trading platforms to find one that suits your needs and offers low fees, a user-friendly interface, and educational resources.

Pick Options to Buy/Sell Based on Stock Price

Choose the options you want to trade based on the stock price and the expiration date.

Predict the Strike Price of the Option

Determine the strike price at which you want to buy or sell the option based on your market analysis and risk tolerance.

Place Your Options Trade

Place your order to buy or sell the options on the trading platform.

Track Your Order

Monitor your options trade and adjust your strategy if necessary based on the falling prices and rising prices of your options.

It’s essential to research and understands the risks associated with options trading before investing your money. You may also consider consulting a wealth management advisor for personalized investment advice before making any investment decisions.

The Top 2 Options Trading Platforms

FirstradeTradeStation
AwardBest OverallMost Affordable
DetailRead Review Read Review
Link

Visit Website

Visit Website

Firstrade

Firstrade‘s commission-free options trading is one of the platform’s most beneficial features, allowing traders to maximize their profits without having to worry about additional costs. The user interface is convenient and straightforward, offering an easy way for newcomers to find the information they need in regard to options trading. To further help users familiarize themselves with this type of trading, Firstrade provides a variety of educational resources like webinars and articles.

Unfortunately, experienced traders may not be as impressed by Firstrade due to its lack of advanced tools and features they require. Additionally, there have been issues reported concerning slow loading times that could make some traders feel frustrated. All in all, Firstrade is an ideal platform for those just starting out with options trading or casual traders who want to reduce their fees.

TradeStation

TradeStation offers a wide range of markets and instruments to trade, including stocks, options, futures, and forex. The pricing structure is competitive, with multiple pricing options available based on the trader’s needs. However, the high minimum initial deposit requirement of $2,000 per contract may be a deterrent for some traders.

While TradeStation offers a wide range of advanced trading tools, the learning curve can be steep for less experienced traders. The platform may also be overwhelming for some, and there are limited research and education resources available compared to some competitors.

Overall, TradeStation is an excellent choice for experienced traders who require a wide range of advanced trading tools and customization options. While beginners may find the learning curve steep, the robust features and technology available make it a standout option for experienced traders.

Final Thoughts

Trading options can be a powerful tool for investors looking to manage their risk and potentially increase their returns. By providing the ability to buy or sell the right to buy or sell an underlying asset at a specific stock price (strike price), options can be used to hedge against market volatility or generate income from premium sales. However, it is important to understand the risks involved and to have a solid understanding of the underlying market, the asset being traded, and tax considerations. You can also seek personalized investment advice from wealth management experts.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What Are the Levels of Options Trading?

Options trading levels are a system that brokerage firms use to determine what types of trading basic strategies a trader can use based on their experience and financial situation. The levels range from 1 to 5, with level 1 being the most basic and level 5 being the most advanced. Each level has different requirements that must be met before a trader can be approved for that level. The higher the level, the more complex the options trading strategies that are available to the trader.

Can You Trade Options for Free?

Some brokerage firms offer commission-free options trading, but there are usually still fees associated with trading options, such as regulatory fees, exchange fees, and clearing fees. Additionally, some brokers may charge extra fees for certain options trading strategies, such as spreads or straddles. It’s important to research different brokers and their fee structures before choosing one for options trading.

Where Do Options Trade?

Options can be traded on options exchanges, such as the Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE) or the International Securities Exchange (ISE). These exchanges provide a marketplace where buyers and sellers can trade options contracts. Options can also be traded over the counter (OTC), which means they are traded directly between two parties without going through an exchange.

How Do You Determine the Value of an Option?

The intrinsic value of an option is determined by a combination of factors, including the underlying asset’s price, the strike price minus the time until expiration, the volatility of the underlying asset, and the risk-free interest rate. The most commonly used model for determining option value is the Black-Scholes model, which takes into account these factors to calculate an option’s theoretical intrinsic value. However, it’s important to note that the actual stock price of an option can be influenced by market conditions and supply and demand factors.

What is Implied Volatility in Options Trading?

Implied volatility is a measure of the expected future volatility of underlying securities, as implied by the prices of its options contracts. It is one of the factors that determine the intrinsic value of an option. High implied volatility generally indicates that the market expects the underlying stock to experience large stock position swings in the future, while low implied volatility suggests that the market expects the asset to be relatively stable. Implied volatility can be calculated using various mathematical models, such as the Black-Scholes model, and can also be visualized on an options volatility chart.

Share:
Share

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Noah Edis
Noah Edis, BA
Business & Binary Advisor
linkedin
Noah Edis is a writer and entrepreneur with a wealth of experience in online businesses and marketing. When he's not working on his latest project, you can find him playing competitive dodgeball or pursuing his personal interest in business process automation.

ABOUT THE REVIEWER

Kristina Knight-1
Kristina Knight, Journalist , BA
Content Writer & Editor
linkedin
Kristina Knight is a freelance writer with more than 15 years of experience writing on varied topics. Kristina’s focus for the past 10 years has been the small business, online marketing, and banking sectors, however, she keeps things interesting by writing about her experiences as an adoptive mom, parenting, and education issues. Kristina’s work has appeared with BizReport.com, NBC News, Soaps.com, DisasterNewsNetwork, and many more publications.

+ 4 sources

Bizreport Advisor adheres to strict editorial integrity standards avoids using tertiary references. We have strict sourcing guidelines and rely on peer-reviewed studies, academic research. To ensure the accuracy of articles in Bizreport, you can read more about the editorial process here.

  1. SEC.gov | Options Trading. www.sec.gov. Accessed March 16, 2023. https://www.sec.gov/fast-answers/answersoptions
  2. Investor.gov. Stocks | Investor.gov. www.investor.gov. Published 2022. Accessed March 16, 2023. https://www.investor.gov/introduction-investing/investing-basics/investment-products/stocks
  3. Asset | Investor.gov. www.investor.gov. Accessed March 16, 2023. https://www.investor.gov/introduction-investing/investing-basics/glossary/asset
  4. Strengthening Practices for Preventing and Detecting Illegal Options Trading Used to Reset Reg SHO Close-out Obligations.; 2013. https://www.sec.gov/about/offices/ocie/options-trading-risk-alert.pdf

     

Feedback

Help us rate this article

Thank you for your feedback

Keep in touch to see our improvement