The objective of the Option Sleuth is educate the investor on how a managed option strategy as part of a diversified portfolio can generate additional income and boost returns.
There are two basic types of options: the call and the put.
A call is an option contract that gives the holder the right to buy the underlying security at a specified price for a certain, fixed period of time.
A put is an option contract that gives the holder the right to sell the underlying security at a specified price for a certain, fixed period of time.
Option contracts may be opened as a buy (long positions) or a write (short positions).
The following common option strategies are defined in terms of a net long position, however each strategy may also be opened as a net short position.
• Buy a call
Outlook on the underlying equity: Positive
Potential gain: Unlimited
Potential loss: Limited to price paid for call
• Buy a put
Outlook on the underlying equity: Negative
Potential gain: Limited to the value of the equity
Potential loss: Limited to price paid for put
• Buy a call spread (buy a call and sell a higher strike call)
Outlook on the underlying equity: Positive
Potential gain: Limited to spread value less price paid
Potential loss: Limited to price paid for spread
• Buy a put spread (buy a put and sell a lower strike put)
Outlook on the underlying equity: Negative
Potential gain: Limited to spread value less price paid
Potential loss: Limited to price paid for spread
• Covered call (buy equity, sell higher strike call)
Outlook on the underlying equity: Positive
Potential gain: Varies
Potential loss: Limited to value of equity less price received for call
This week's featured book on options trading:
The Smart Investor's Money Machine: Methods and Strategies to Create Regular Income
by Bill Kraft
Wiley (May 2009)
From the publisher: Practical trading strategies that any investor can use to achieve consistent long-term returns
Bill Kraft shows readers at all stages of life how to generate multiple income streams through a variety of investment strategies. Rather than look at trading as a means to make a big score, Kraft advocates strategies that provide regular income streams.
In easy-to-understand language, he discusses how strategies involving covered calls, LEAPS, REITs, closed-end funds, options spreads, selling naked puts, bonds, annuities, master limited partnerships, and even reverse mortgages can be utilized to consistently generate cash flow. He includes strategies that limit risk, are easy to implement, and are relatively stress free. Throughout the book, Kraft intersperses personal stories about his own experiences with various proven, money-making investment strategies.
Also available: The Smart Investor's Money Machine (Kindle edition). Learn more about the Amazon Kindle, a wireless reading device.
Financial Resources
0 comments:
Post a Comment