Ultimate Options Trading Strategies

The binary option involves two possible outcomes, which are determined by whether the contract expires in the money. To profit from a binary option, a trader needs to be on the desired side. Exercise is automatic for these products, so that a profit or loss is added to or taken from the trading account immediately upon expiration.

By Michael C. Thomsett, Thursday at 08:01 PM

The classic 60/40 stock/bond portfolio has stood the test of time in both hypothetical and live fund results from multiple fund sponsors such as Vanguard, Fidelity, and American Funds. 60/40 balances enough in equities (60%) to generate long-term growth with enough in high quality bonds (40%) to manage downside risk.

By Jesse, Tuesday at 10:22 PM

2020 and 2021 so far have been extremely difficult for many of us. Coronavirus and Covid-19 have spread across the world leaving havoc and chaos in their wake. We had to worry about the physical health of ourselves and our loved ones throughout this pandemic.

By Kim, Monday at 12:56 AM

The LEAPS (long-term equity appreciation securities) is an option that does not expire for as long away as 30 months or so, but is it a better alternative than shorter-expiring contracts? Traders selling covered calls may be attracted to the premium of 11 on an ATM strike, versus the less appealing 1.5 on a 2-week contract.

By Michael C. Thomsett, February 20

The typical barrier option yields a payoff when the underlying reaches a predetermined price. Expanding on this idea is the double barrier option. This expansion of the barrier option is most applied to currency trading, indices, commodities, or OTC options, but not exchange-based trading.

By Michael C. Thomsett, February 11

Some options produce a payoff if the underlying reaches a preset price. This is a great advantage of the barrier option because traders can expect profits (or worthless expiration) depending on the underlying behavior. The barrier refers to methods by which the underlying expires, as well as whether the price moves in the desired direction.

By Michael C. Thomsett, February 5

If you’re a first-time trader or this is your first year in the market, it’s important to know what to expect when it comes to your taxes. Now is the time of year to start thinking about your tax returns and what you’ll need to file. If just thinking about it gives you a headache, you’re not alone.

By Kim, February 3

My firm is frequently asked if it can pay people for referrals, and the short answer is “probably.”  The SEC calls third parties who send investment clients to investment advisors “solicitors,” and there is a specific rule governing solicitors and solicitor arrangements – SEC Rule 206(4)-3.

By cwelsh, February 2

Most traders would agree that it would be a great advantage to decide whether to exercise an option with knowledge about past performance. Being aware of the odds an option will expire worthless gives the trader a significant advantage.

By Michael C. Thomsett, January 29

Traders have long known that options can be opened on many different securities. Among the most ingenious of these are options on options. There are four types of these: call on a call (CoC), a call on a put (CoP), a put on a call (PoC), and a put on a put (PoP).

By Michael C. Thomsett, January 22