Russell Mcbride 
Are you looking to maximize your stock trading performance? Have you ever considered using options as an investment vehicle in addition to traditional stocks and bonds? Options are a powerful tool that investors can use to increase their return on investments while also reducing the risk associated with stock trading.
In this article, we’ll explore why using options is beneficial when it comes to increasing your stock trading performance, plus strategies you can use today to make the most out of this greater degree of control. So if you’re ready to learn how to optimize your portfolio for long-term success, read on.
What are options, and how do they work
Options are a powerful and unique investment tool; they allow investors to buy or sell underlying assets, like stocks, at predetermined prices. Options allow traders to bet on the future movement of an asset by giving them the right to purchase—but not the obligation—to buy in future. All options contracts come with expiration dates, so buyers must act quickly before that date passes.
Options trading can be risky, but when you enter into a position with a good understanding of what you are doing and practice proper risk management, it is possible to maximize your returns from a trade. Whether you’re looking for extra income through options speculation or protection against unpredictable price movements, options can provide you with flexibility and diversified strategies for investing.
How to use options to your advantage when trading stocks
When trading stocks, investors can use options to hedge the risk of adverse price movements. Options allow traders to purchase a contract that locks in their desired purchase price and expiration date. It means that even if the stock unexpectedly drops in value, you will still be able to buy it at the predetermined lower price. Doing this protects you from market volatility, ensuring your investments are safe even if the stock drops.
In addition to hedging against downside risk, investors can use options strategies such as writing covered calls or buying protective puts to generate additional income. Writing a covered call allows you to collect premiums for agreeing to sell shares of a stock at a specific price if the stock moves higher. On the other hand, buying protective puts gives you the right to sell shares of a stock at your desired price should it drop significantly in value.
Finally, investors can use options as an investment vehicle by buying or selling call and put options. By doing so, traders can speculate on future price movements and profit from their predictions.
The benefits of using options for stock traders
The flexibility and control options make them an ideal investment vehicle for stock traders. Here are some of the main benefits that make options so attractive:
The main benefit of options trading is reducing your overall risk. Options allow you to lock in predetermined prices, giving you greater control over your investments and reducing the possibility of significant losses due to unpredictable price movements.
Options also allow traders to generate additional income by writing covered calls or buying protective puts. Its added source of income can help you grow your portfolio faster while diversifying your investments. Lastly, options can be used as an investment vehicle, allowing you to speculate on future price movements and profit from them.
Tips for beginners on how to trade stocks with options
Options trading can be intimidating for beginners, but it doesn’t have to be. Here are some tips that can help you get started:
The main tip for beginners is to practice risk management. Options trading can be risky, so it’s essential to manage your positions carefully and limit your exposure to potential loss.
Another tip for those just starting with options trading is to familiarize yourself with the different types of options available. There are a variety of option strategies that traders can use depending on their goals and risk tolerance. Make sure you understand the options available and choose one that best fits your needs.
Finally, remember that options come with expiration dates, so buyers must act quickly before that date passes. It means you’ll want to be prepared to manage your positions actively to make the most of your trades.
Examples of successful option trades
Options trading can be highly profitable, but it takes skill and knowledge to know when and how to use them. Here are a few examples of successful options trades that demonstrate the potential of this investment strategy:
One example of a successful option trade is when an investor bought put options for Intel Corporation shares before the company’s earnings announcement in January 2018. The investor was able to capitalize on Intel’s earnings miss and the subsequent drop in share price.
Another example of a successful option trade is when an investor bought call options for Apple shares before the company’s iPhone release in September 2017. The investor was able to take advantage of Apple’s surged share prices following its product launch.
