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Introduction to Options Essentials

Lesson 1 of 7
Duration 2:20
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What are options?

Options are a financial derivative instrument; all rights belong to the buyer and all obligations with the seller. Call options give the buyer or holder the right but not the obligation to buy the asset they are derived from at a fixed price by a set date. Put options give the buyer or holder the right but not the obligation to sell the asset they are derived from at a fixed price by a set date.

How are options effectively used?

Options have many uses in an investment portfolio. Options may be used for the hedging of a particular position to cover risk on the upside or downside or overall risk management of a portfolio. Options can be used to generate income by selling covered calls or puts. Options may also be used for speculation, using leverage to potentially profit on a directional move, or depending on the trade potentially profit on the price of the underlying remainig relatively flat.  This course is designed to demonstrate some of the practical use of options for these purposes through examples and explanations.

 The course will also cover important option related topics:

  • open interest and what it signifies for an option strike,
  •  exercise and assignments, what they are and why options are sometimes exercised prior to expiration, and
  • the clearing house’s role in ensuring all U.S. option trading obligations are fulfilled in a safe and efficient manner.

After taking the Option Essentials course the viewer will have a better understanding of the role options can play as an important part in their overall portfolio as well as have a better understanding of options in general.

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If you have a general question, it may already be covered in our FAQs. If you have an account-specific question or concern, please reach out to Client Services.

7 thoughts on “Introduction to Options Essentials”

  • YARITZA

    HOLA, PUEDO VER ESTAS CLASES EN ESPAÑOL. ME REFIERO A LOS VIDEOS QUE ESTAN EN INGLES.

      • Anonymous

        También tengo interés en ver los videos en Español y trate de acceder el enlace que han puesto, no ha permitido ingresar,

  • YOHNNY IDROGO

    HOLA, LOS CONTRATOS DE OPCIONES EN QUE HORARIO SE PUEDEN VENDER?

    • Interactive Brokers

      Hola, gracias por preguntar. Puede encontrar el horario de negociación de un valor específico siguiendo estos pasos:

      1. Ingrese el valor deseado en su lista de seguimiento

      2. Haga clic derecho en la fila del ticker del valor y seleccione “Información del instrumento financiero”

      3. Haga clic en “Descripción”

      Esto mostrará el horario de negociación del valor bajo el encabezado Horario de negociación.

      Por favor, consulte esta FAQ para obtener más información sobre los horarios de negociación en cada bolsa: https://www.ibkr.com/faq?id=49278904

      ¡Esperamos que esto ayude!

  • Nguessan Kouakou Romeo

    Bonjour je peux avoir la vidéo en Français ?

    • Interactive Brokers

      Bonjour, merci de votre contact. Ceci n’est actuellement pas disponible mais figure sur notre feuille de route. Nous avons transmis votre retour à l’équipe compétente. À l’avenir, si vous avez une ou plusieurs suggestions spécifiques sur la façon dont nous pouvons améliorer l’interface utilisateur, nous aimerions les entendre ! Veuillez consulter cette FAQ pour savoir où vous pouvez laisser vos commentaires : https://www.ibkr.com/faq?id=32653353 Vous pouvez également publier dans le sondage sur les fonctionnalités du portail client où d’autres utilisateurs d’IBKR peuvent commenter et voter : https://portal.interactivebrokers.com/portal/#/suggestions Veuillez nous contacter si vous avez d’autres questions. Nous sommes ici pour aider!

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Disclosure: Interactive Brokers

The analysis in this material is provided for information only and is not and should not be construed as an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any security. To the extent that this material discusses general market activity, industry or sector trends or other broad-based economic or political conditions, it should not be construed as research or investment advice. To the extent that it includes references to specific securities, commodities, currencies, or other instruments, those references do not constitute a recommendation by IBKR to buy, sell or hold such investments. This material does not and is not intended to take into account the particular financial conditions, investment objectives or requirements of individual customers. Before acting on this material, you should consider whether it is suitable for your particular circumstances and, as necessary, seek professional advice.

The views and opinions expressed herein are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Interactive Brokers, its affiliates, or its employees.

Disclosure: Options Trading

Options involve risk and are not suitable for all investors. Multiple leg strategies, including spreads, will incur multiple commission charges. For more information read the "Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options" also known as the options disclosure document (ODD) or visit ibkr.com/occ

Disclosure: Options (with multiple legs)

Options involve risk and are not suitable for all investors. For information on the uses and risks of options, you can obtain a copy of the Options Clearing Corporation risk disclosure document titled Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options by clicking the link below. Multiple leg strategies, including spreads, will incur multiple transaction costs. "Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options"

Disclosure: Multiple Leg Strategies

Multiple leg strategies, including spreads and straddles, will incur multiple commission charges.

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