Whenever a covered call trade results in a maximum return, it is a successful trade…period…end of story. To most, this statement appears nonsensical and self-evident. But I’m here to tell you that there are a lot of covered call writers that question that success. In late December 2017, Paul shared with me a series of […]
Understanding the Impact Implied Volatility has on Delta
For covered call writers and put-sellers, the option Greeks play a major role in our understanding of the risks and value of our option premiums. We know our option premiums consist of intrinsic value (for in-the-money strikes) + time value. Our initial time value returns reflect the time to expiration + the volatility of the […]
Generating 2% – 4% in Bull Markets: How to Take Advantage of Out-Of-The-Money Strikes
The 3 required skills for covered call writing and selling cash-secured puts are stock selection, option selection and position management. This article will use real-life examples highlighting the first 2 of these skill sets in a bull market environment. Article assumptions and guidelines Portfolio is set up in a bull market environment Target goals […]
Rolling Out-And-Up: Explaining the “Bought-Up” Value of our Stocks
One of our covered call writing exit strategies is rolling out-and-up. This involves buying back (buy-to-close) the current in-the-money option and selling the later-date higher strike price. For example, we may buy back the October $50.00 call option and then sell the November $55.00 call option. We would consider such action if the expiring strike […]
In-The-Money Call Strikes: Intrinsic Value Protects Time Value
Strike price selection is one of the 3 required skills for covered call writing and put-selling. When we sell in-the-money call options we are protecting our positions to the downside while still generating the time value initial profits we have established in our strategy goals. In return, we are relinquishing any opportunity to generate additional […]
Selecting Deep In-The-Money Strikes: A Real-Life Example
Option selection is the second required skill when selling call and put options. On 9/26/2017, George shared with me a trade he executed with Biogen, Inc. (BIIB). An in-the-money strike was sold and share price immediately accelerated. George was inquiring about how deep in-the-money (ITM) the strike prices should be set. George’s initial trade […]
Managing Winning Trades for High Implied Volatility Stocks
Covered call writing and cash-secured put-selling are conservative strategies geared to retail investors who have capital preservative as a key strategy requirement. When we use high implied volatility underlying securities the strategy will have a broader range of risk-reward exposure. This article was inspired by Randy P. who had outstanding results using Applied Optoelectronics Inc. […]
Why Option Buyers Pay More for In-The-Money Strikes
When we sell an in-the-money covered call, we are taking a defensive posture and using the intrinsic value component of the premium to protect the time value initial profit. As an example, let’s look at New Oriental Education (NYSE: EDU) on April 7, 2017: EDU priced at $61.50 $60.00 (ITM) call priced at $3.55 Expiration […]
Rolling Out-and-Up After Understanding the Math
Elite covered call writers understand the importance of position management in maximizing returns. As a result, I receive a significant number of inquiries regarding exit strategy execution. This article will highlight one such question I received from John which has two components to it. The main item relates to rolling-out-and-up, a frequently-used exit strategy in […]
Calculation Rules: Making Sense Of A Trade That Makes No Sense
Understanding option calculations is a necessary skill to become an elite covered call writer. The Ellman Calculator will do all the legwork but accurate and meaningful results are dependent on appropriate inputs. To highlight this point, let’s look at a real-life trade sent to me by Catherine who trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange: […]
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Establishing Our Option-Selling Goals: Total Portfolio Versus Individual Stock Perspectives
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Buying Low and Selling High Also Applies to Option-Selling
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Ask Alan #150: Comparing Index Options and Stock Options
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Compounding Our Option-Selling Profits To The Highest Levels
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Rolling Out-And-Up And Then Stock Price Declines
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The New Stock Market- Algorithmic and High Speed Trading
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Options That Expire Weekly and Conventional Expiration Cycles
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Why the 3% Guideline Applies to Puts but Not to Call Options
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Earnings Pre-Announcements Explained and Categorized
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Tax Implications of Writing Covered Calls against Long-Term Holdings
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Hoyt T Mario, Yes, Underlyings price changes have impa
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MarioG Trading Experiences Hoyt, Thanks for the c
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Roni Thanks Mario
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