Let's walk through some different strategies on how to make money with options in 2023. Simply put, options are financial derivatives that give the holder the right, but not the obligation, to buy or sell an underlying asset at a predetermined price and date. There are two types of options: call options and put options. Call options give the holder the right to buy the underlying asset, while put options give the holder the right to sell the underlying asset.
There are several ways to make money with options. One way is through the buying and selling of options. This can be done through a brokerage account, and involves buying options when the price is low and selling them when the price is high. Another way to make money with options is through the writing, or selling, of options. This involves collecting the option premium in exchange for taking on the risk of having to buy or sell the underlying asset if the option is exercised.
Options can also be used as a hedge against other investments. For example, if an investor owns a stock that they are concerned may decline in value, they can purchase a put option on that stock to protect against potential losses. Similarly, if an investor is bearish on a particular market or sector, they can sell call options to generate income while the market or sector is expected to decline.
Options can also be used to generate income through a strategy known as covered call writing. This involves owning the underlying asset and selling call options against it. If the options are not exercised, the investor gets to keep the option premium as income. If the options are exercised, the investor will sell the underlying asset at the predetermined strike price, potentially realizing a profit.
Options can also be combined in multi-leg strategies, such as spreads and straddles, to take advantage of market movements or to hedge against potential losses. Spreads involve the simultaneous buying and selling of options with different strike prices or expiration dates. Straddles involve the simultaneous buying or selling of a call option and a put option with the same strike price and expiration date.
It's important to note that options are complex financial instruments and carry inherent risks. It is essential for investors to understand these risks and to carefully evaluate their ability to bear the potential losses before trading options. It may also be helpful to consult with a financial advisor or a professional options trader to help understand and manage the risks involved with options trading.
Finally, it's always important to do thorough research and to have a solid understanding of the underlying asset and market conditions before engaging in any options trading strategy. This can help to increase the chances of success and to minimize potential losses. If you'd like to see our playbook of strategies that we deploy, take a look at our options course