Dec 23, 2017 | Exit Strategies, Investment Basics, Option Trading Basics, Options Calculations, Put-selling, Stock Option Strategies
In part I of this arbitrage series we defined arbitrage as the simultaneous purchase and sale of an asset to profit from a difference in the price. It is a trade that profits by exploiting the price differences of identical or similar financial instruments on...
Nov 18, 2017 | Investment Basics, Option Trading Basics, Options Calculations, Options Trade Execution, Stock Option Strategies
Covered call writers and put-sellers must set goals regarding targeted premium returns before entering trades. These objectives are based on personal risk tolerance, market assessment and chart technicals. One of the most flagrant mistakes made by option sellers is to...
Nov 11, 2017 | Covered Call Exit Strategies, Exit Strategies, Fundamental Analysis, Investment Basics, Option Trading Basics, Options Calculations, paper trading, Stock Option Strategies
A critical BCI rule for covered call writing is never to sell an option if there is an upcoming earnings report prior to contract expiration. Earnings reports are risky events we want to avoid. From time-to-time a company will pre-announce earnings especially if there...
Nov 4, 2017 | Covered Call Exit Strategies, Exit Strategies, Investment Basics, Option Trading Basics, Options Calculations, Stock Option Strategies
Early assignment of our covered call positions is rare but possible. When it does occur, it is frequently related to an ex-dividend date. These are dates that we must own the shares in order to be eligible to receive the dividend on the distribution date. Premium...
Oct 28, 2017 | Covered Call Exit Strategies, Exit Strategies, Investment Basics, Option Trading Basics, Options Calculations, Stock Option Strategies
Portfolio overwriting is a covered call writing-like strategy where we sell call options against long-term buy-and-hold securities. Generally, these are low-cost basis stocks that are dividend-bearing and trading in non-sheltered accounts. We want to leverage these...
Oct 21, 2017 | Covered Call Exit Strategies, Exit Strategies, Option Trading Basics, Options Calculations, Stock Investing, Stock Option Strategies
Every investment strategy, including covered call writing and selling cash-secured puts, has advantages and disadvantages. When we decide to implement a plan, it is with the understanding that we accept and embrace these pros and cons. It is not productive to look...