Are you interested in learning about how to get started with option trading? In this blog post from TradeUP, we are going to discuss what option trading is, how it works, the benefits, as well as more complex subjects such as call options vs put options. Read on to learn more, and when you’re ready to get started with the best mobile trading platform for investors, sign up for an account with TradeUP.

What Is Option Trading?

Option trading is a unique and challenging form of trading. It involves the purchase or sale of an option, which is a contract that gives the trader the right to buy or sell an underlying asset at a specified price by a specified day.

Options: Explained

An option is a contract that gives the trader the right, but not the obligation, to buy or sell an underlying asset at a specified price by a specified day. The price of the option is called the premium.

Options are a type of derivative, which means their value is derived from the value of an underlying asset. The most common underlying assets are stocks, indices, and currencies. Options can be used to speculate on the direction of the underlying asset’s price or to hedge against losses in the underlying asset.

Options are traded on exchanges or over-the-counter (OTC). Exchanges are regulated by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and options traded on exchanges must meet certain requirements. OTC options are not regulated by the SEC, but they must meet certain requirements set by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC).

Options are a complex financial instrument and are not suitable for all investors. Before trading options, you should carefully consider your investment objectives, level of experience, and risk appetite. You should also be aware of the risks associated with options trading, and seek advice from an independent financial advisor if you have any doubts.

Call Options vs Put Options

Options are classified as either call options or put options. A call option gives the trader the right to buy the underlying asset at the strike price on or before the expiration date. A put option gives the trader the right to sell the underlying asset at the strike price on or before the expiration date. In this article, we are going to discuss buying call options and put options in more depth.

  • Buy Call Options: A call option gives the trader the right to buy the underlying asset at the strike price on or before the expiration date. If the trader believes the underlying asset’s price will rise, they will buy a call option. If the underlying asset’s price does indeed rise, the trader can make a profit. If the underlying asset’s price does not rise, the trader will lose the premium they paid for the option.
  • Buy Put Options: A put option gives the trader the right to sell the underlying asset at the strike price on or before the expiration date. If the trader believes the underlying asset’s price will fall, they will buy a put option. If the underlying asset’s price does indeed fall, the trader can make a profit. If the underlying asset’s price does not fall, the trader will lose the premium they paid for the option.

The Risk Potential of Option Trading

Options can be high-risk or low-risk, depending on the type of option and the underlying asset. When you buy options, you risk losing the entire premium paid on the contract; when you sell (write) options, you could potentially lose an unlimited amount of money. It is important to understand the risks you are undertaking with each option strategy before you trade.

The Benefits of Trading Options

Some of the key benefits of trading options include:

  • The potential to profit from a wide range of market outcomes
  • The ability to speculate on the direction of the underlying asset’s price
  • The ability to hedge against losses in the underlying asset

The Process of Trading Options

As a beginner, it’s important to understand each step of the option trading process. Below, we’ve included a breakdown of this process in easy-to-understand phases to help you determine if option trading is the right investment option for you.

  1. Decide what underlying asset you want to trade: Options can be traded on a wide variety of underlying assets, including stocks, indexes, currencies, and commodities. To begin, you’ll want to decide which of these assets you’d like to trade.
  2. Select the type of option you want to trade: There are two main types of options: call options and put options. You’ll want to make sure you are thoroughly educated on each type of option, as well as their potential risks and benefits, before you select the type you’d like to trade.
  3. Choose the expiration date: Next you’ll choose the expiration date, which is the date when the option contract expires and the option is no longer valid.
  4. Enter the strike price: You’ll then enter the strike price, which is the price at which the underlying asset can be bought or sold.
  5. Place your order with a broker: Next, you’ll want to work with a stock broker or investing platform like TradeUP to place your order.
  6. Monitor the market and your position: After you’ve bought your desired option, you should monitor the market and your position regularly to decide how you want to proceed with the contract, whether it be closing it out, exercising the option, or letting the option expire.

How to Find an Online Trading Platform

There are a number of online trading platforms available. When choosing a platform, you should consider your investment objectives, level of experience, and risk appetite. You should also be aware of the fees charged by the platform and the risks associated with online trading.

Here are some things to look for when choosing an online trading platform:

  • Regulation: The platform should be regulated by a reputable authority such as the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) or the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC).
  • Platform fees: The platform should charge reasonable fees.
  • Risk management: The platform should have tools to help you manage your risk, such as stop-loss orders.
  • Customer service: The platform should have good customer service to help you with any problems you may have.
  • Trading tools: The platform should have trading tools to help you make informed trading decisions.

TradeUP – The Best Mobile Trading Platform

When you’re looking for the best mobile trading platform for beginners, you want to make sure the platform you choose has all of the tools and features you need to make informed decisions about option trading. TradeUP is a cutting-edge, intuitive trading platform that allows you to trade from anywhere. With our mobile trading platform, you’ll have access to powerful tools and features, including integrated real-time charts, advanced quotes, and a suite of professional tools to help you analyze the market.

If you’re a beginner just entering the world of trading and investing, TradeUP is the perfect mobile trading platform for you. Learn more about our platform and pricing and open an account today to get started!