May 13, 2017 | Investment Basics, Option Trading Basics, Options Calculations, Stock Option Strategies
Many assume that covered call writing is a zero sum game because we have traders executing equal but opposite trades using the same underlying security. As a covered call writer, we may sell 5 contracts of AAPL which means there is a buyer out there who just bought...
May 6, 2017 | Investment Basics, Option Trading Basics, Options Calculations, Put-selling, Stock Option Strategies
Many consider covered call writing and selling cash-secured puts the same strategy with the same risk-reward profiles. To me, they are similar with slight differences that must be understood to make a decision as to which strategy to favor. In the end, it will be like...
Apr 29, 2017 | Covered Call Exit Strategies, Exit Strategies, Investment Basics, Option Trading Basics, Options Calculations, Stock Option Strategies
Never write a covered call or sell a cash-secured put if there is an earnings announcement due prior to contract expiration. This is such an important rule in the BCI methodology. However, we all know that life is not perfect and sometimes we are thrown the proverbial...
Apr 22, 2017 | Investment Basics, Option Trading Basics, Stock Option Strategies
Covered call writers must factor in dividends into our investment strategies. More specifically, ex-dividend dates for these are the dates shareholders must own the shares to benefit from the dividend distribution. Call buyers must exercise the option prior to the...
Apr 8, 2017 | Investment Basics, Option Trading Basics, Stock Investing, Stock Option Strategies
Whether we are selling covered calls or cash-secured puts we frequently look to our broker platforms for ways of enhancing our trading success. As these platforms become more sophisticated and competitive, there are a myriad of software analytical programs offered...
Apr 1, 2017 | Investment Basics, Option Trading Basics, Options Calculations, Stock Option Strategies
Standard covered call writing contracts consists of 100 shares deliverable. When we sell one standard covered call contract we are agreeing to sell (deliver) 100 shares. Since many retail investors lack the capital to first buy 100 shares of expensive underlying...