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This introductory course offers an overview of what a capital market is and how an investor may use the various capital markets for investment opportunities and to diversify risk. Stocks, bonds, money markets, real estate and bank accounts are introduced as are the roles of these various markets in the overall economic environment. Some of the risks and potential rewards of each of these areas of the economy are introduced. With a better understanding of these resources, it will afford the user the ability to build a foundation towards a better understanding of how options fit in. The final lesson introduces options for the first time by providing a high level overview of some building blocks to further the user's understanding of the options markets.
"Options Basics" will introduce you to the terminology, basic components, and mechanics of options. This class is designed for those who have little or no understanding of options and is designed to arm you with a basic entry-level understanding of options.
"Covered Calls" introduces one of the simplest, yet most widely used, option strategies - the covered call. The class chapters cover the strategies, alternatives, and potential outcomes of entering into this option strategy. At the completion of the chapters and prior to the final quiz, you should understand what a covered call is, the risks, the benefits, and when an investor would choose to enter into this type of position.
Joe Harwood from the OIC Help Desk reviews some basic options concepts and terminology. Without getting into complicated jargon and abstract concepts, he covers options' place in the financial markets, explains how they can be used in broad terms, and then slowly works into some of the first fundamental lessons.
OIC instructor Steve Meizinger of the International Securities Exchange presents a review of the basics of options and how they can be used as a part of your investment portfolio.
Created from the Options Basics webcast utilizing new technology and interactive elements, this podcast covers options basics and is presented by Bill Ryan, a member of our OIC Help Desk (1-888-OPTIONS). From the history of options to the basics of puts and calls, Bill Ryan engages you in a webcast unlike anything we've offered before.
Dan Passarelli, an industry professional, discusses fundamental terms and the mechanics behind options. This podcast also contains examples for the beginning investor to test his or her knowledge.
Join OIC instructor Dan Passarelli as he defines covered calls, a popular options strategy to consider when "neutral to bullish" on a particular stock. Dan covers the strategies, alternatives, and potential outcomes of entering into this option strategy. He discusses when an investor would choose to enter into this type of position as well as the risks and benefits.
Join OIC instructor Dan Passarelli as he kicks off this ten part series for experienced investors with a review of options basics. He reacquaints you with buying and selling calls and puts, plus other fundamental concepts.
OIC instructor Steve Meizinger of the International Securities Exchange presents a review of the basics of options and how they can be used as a part of your investment portfolio.
In this podcast, OIC instructor Steve Meizinger of the International Securities Exchange introduces the Covered Call and why an investor who is neutral to slightly bullish on an underlying stock should consider using this popular options strategy.
OIC Instructor Al Brinkman provides an overview of important concepts and strategies that will help you to better understand how to enhance your portfolio through options.
In this podcast, OIC Instructor Al Brinkman continues his discussion about key terminology that every options trader should be familiar with whether you are experienced or just starting out in the options market.
In this first podcast of the Understanding and Trading Options Spread Strategies series, OIC Instructor Alan Grigoletto reviews essential options basics and discusses some of the mechanics that go into buying and selling options.
The Options Industry Council (OIC) is conducting a pilot webcast utilizing new technology and interactive elements. This webcast covers Options Basics and is presented by Bill Ryan, a member of our OIC Help Desk (1-888-OPTIONS). This high resolution, Flash-based webcast brings you the fundamentals of options with vivid examples, diagrams, and interactive participation. From the history of options to the basics of puts and calls, Bill Ryan engages you in a webcast unlike anything we've offered before.
In this webcast, OIC instructor Al Brinkman of the Philadelphia Stock Exchange teaches you the importance of choosing an appropriate options strategy as it relates to your investment expectations. You'll also learn about exercise and assignment, the risk of long and short positions, and the importance of an exit strategy.
OIC Instructor Steve Meizinger delves into the topic of covered call writing and discusses some of the motivations behind using this strategy in trading options. You’ll learn about calculating static and if-called returns as well as some common misconceptions about covered writing. Steve will also share some points to consider when putting together your own personalized plan for using this neutral to slightly bullish strategy.
In this webcast, OIC instructor Amy Farnstrom of the NYSE/Arca teaches you the basics of equity collars and the benefits and drawbacks of using them. You'll learn about the downside protection you should have before using collars and how to establish a collar. She will also teach you when to roll over a collar and what to do before expiration when investing in equity collars.
"Buying Calls" introduces buying calls as a directional, decidedly bullish strategy. This course covers profit potential, maximum risk, primary benefits, and how the choice of a long call's strike price and expiration month can allow an investor to tailor both risk of loss and profit potential. At the conclusion of the chapters and prior to the final quiz the student should know and understand all the topics.
"Buying Puts" introduces buying puts as a directional, decidedly bearish strategy. This course covers profit potential, maximum risk, primary benefits, and how the choice of a long put's strike price and expiration month can allow an investor to tailor both risk of loss and profit potential. At the conclusion of the chapters and prior to the final quiz the student should know and understand all the topics.
"Options Strategies in a Bullish Market" has been designed to illustrate some of the most common strategies to take advantage of a bull market. This course, which explores option strategies in a bull market, is the first in a series designed to help you identify what may be an appropriate strategy in specific market environments, why you use options, and potential risks or rewards they offer. At the completion of the chapters and prior to the final quiz the student should know and understand all of the components in the conclusion.
"Options Strategies in a Bearish Market" is designed to expose the different ways that options can limit risk or increase profit in a Bear Market. This course discusses the various option strategies that take advantage of a Bear market. At the conclusion of this course and prior to the final quiz the student should be comfortable with the all Bear market strategies.
Join Darren Tait, a Senior Representative at the Options Industry Council, as he introduces options pricing. Learning how options are priced may help you make more knowledgeable investment decisions.
Bill Ryan, a Senior Representative for the Options Clearing Corporation, discusses where and what options exchanges are as well as some of the basic influences routinely driving the market up and down. He also explains what you might do to prepare to make a trade in terms of setting your expectations and the kind of strategies available that might suit those expectations.
In this podcast, Jeff Huddleston, a Senior Specialist at the OIC Help Desk, covers what brokerage firms are and what they do. He discusses the types of accounts you can use for equity options trading as well as provides a brief overview of the types of orders you might use and how your options orders are executed.
In this podcast, OIC instructor Dan Passarelli introduces buying calls as a directional, decidedly bullish strategy. He covers profit potential, maximum risk, primary benefits, and how the choice of a long call's strike price and expiration month can allow an investor to tailor both risk of loss and profit potential.
OIC instructor Dan Passarelli introduces buying puts as a directional, decidedly bearish strategy. He covers profit potential, maximum risk, primary benefits, and how the choice of a long put's strike price and expiration month can allow an investor to tailor both risk of loss and profit potential.
This podcast introduces LEAPS®, or long-term options. LEAPS® offer investors an alternative to stock ownership. While using LEAPS® does not ensure success, having a longer amount of time for your position to work is an attractive feature for many investors.
This podcast guides you step-by-step through the Options Investigator software. This free tool is a comprehensive, interactive resource that lets individuals "test before they invest" and chart performance by simulating option positions under a variety of market conditions. Learn how to use this software to calculate theoretical values and how certain factors such as time, price and volatility may impact option values in the future.
This podcast features a discussion about various concepts that can have a significant effect on pricing behavior and how terms such as implied volatility and delta can greatly impact how an option price responds in the marketplace.
This podcast is a review of essential strategies to consider when buying calls and how purchasing out-of-the-money, in-the-money and at-the money calls can impact your potential return. Also, find out about some advanced strategy selection concepts that will help you make sound decisions when purchasing calls
In this podcast, OIC instructor Steve Meizinger of the International Securities Exchange discusses common misconceptions about the Covered Call strategy. If you are an investor who is neutral to slightly bullish on an underlying stock, check out these podcasts today!
OIC Instructor Al Brinkman explains the ins and outs of call options, and then discusses the significance of premium and time value as it relates to option strategies"
This podcast discusses the reasons behind buying calls or puts and the differing approaches that may be taken by an options investor versus an options trader.
In this fifth installment of the series, you will learn about options pricing and some of the realistic expectations to consider when determining how an option will perform in the market
Learn how to better understand which options trading style works best for you with this new podcast series from OIC that covers both basic and advanced strategies, the Greeks and various trade-offs when it comes to risks and rewards.
Learn how to better understand which options trading style works best for you with this new podcast series from OIC that covers both basic and advanced strategies, the Greeks and various trade-offs when it comes to risks and rewards.
Join OIC Instructor Dan Passarelli of the Chicago Board Options Exchange in this on-demand webcast, "Buying Equity Call Options." Dan will discuss when to use the long call strategy and how it works, including the benefits and trade-offs. He will also explain the exercise process with this option position. You'll see examples on how the long call performs in favorable and adverse market situations and learn basic position management concepts for this strategy.
The Options Industry Council is proud to present its latest webcast: the Psychology of Trading. In this webcast, OIC instructor Amy Farnstrom of NYSE Arca teaches you the key points about the what makes a great trader including: commitment to excellence, mastery of emotions, probabilistic thinking, understanding and ability to control one’s own thought processes, staying in the moment, and executing a trading plan without fail.
In this webcast, OIC Instructor Dan Passarelli of the Chicago Board Options Exchange explains that ETF options provide a wide array of opportunities to act on your broad market or sector forecasts. Bullish on Internet stocks? Bearish on the retail sector? Think the broad market is going nowhere? Passerelli discusses how you can position yourself for a potential profit, with only one trade and the controlled risk that options can offer. Covered ETF call options and cash-secured ETF puts are also discussed.
Marty Kearney of the Chicago Board Options Exchange gives an overview of equity option expiration. Clarify your understanding of expiration day itself, as well as "expiration Friday," the day before when equity options last trade and may be exercised. Learn about the mechanics and financial consequences of exercise and assignment, and which expiring equity options might be exercised automatically. Also, gain a better understanding of “Triple Witching Day” and the impact it can have on stock and option prices.
Join OIC Instructor Steve Meizinger of the International Securities Exchange in this on-demand webcast, "Equity LEAPS." Steve will discuss how LEAPS— Long-Term Equity AnticiPation Securities—differ from regular, short-term equity options, including how LEAPS offer more leverage and time until expiration. He will also explain the difference between long and short LEAPS options.
You've probably heard that options trading is risky and only for the seasoned trader. Or that options traders lose money because most options contracts expire worthless. Now hear the real truth as OIC instructor Todd Wilemon dispels the myths that often deter investors from trading options. Investing in options is often less risky than investing in stocks and this webcast will explain why - along with other facts about options that may be shrouded in myths.
This class will introduce you to the concept of "spreading." We will cover the use of basic bullish and bearish call and put spreads - i.e. simultaneously purchasing and writing calls (or puts) with different strike prices. We'll investigate how and why the potential risk and reward profiles for these strategies differ from those of simple long calls or long puts. You will also see what might motivate an investor to use simple bull or bear spreads.
"Options Strategies in a Neutral Market" is the third of the market direction theme courses available from 888options.com. This course has been created to educate investors on various option strategies best suited for a non-directional or neutral market. A unique component of this course is that every strategy presented is a spread. These different spreads are designed to use time decay to its advantage. At the completion of the chapters and prior to the final quiz the student should know and understand all the strategies presented.
"Contract Adjustments" will cover adjustments that are typically made to option contracts as a result of a corporate action. Some examples of a corporate action include: when the underlying stock undergoes a stock split, pays a special cash and/or stock dividend or distribution, or is involved in a merger, acquisition or corporate reorganization.
"Options Pricing" will introduce you to the key components of theoretical option pricing. This class has been designed to help the student achieve realistic expectations about how an option position is likely to behave under various conditions. Though their predictive value has limits, the key components of theoretical option pricing still offer an excellent tool for helping investors anticipate price movements and explain price relationships between options.
Dan Passarelli, an industry professional, discusses options pricing, inluding delta and time decay. The podcast will introduce you to the key components of theoretical option pricing. Though their predictive value has limits, the key components of theoretical option pricing still offer an excellent tool for helping investors anticipate price movements and explain price relationships between options.
Do you have a bullish outlook on a particular option, but want to better understand which approach can help maximize your profit potential? Podcast #6 of the Advanced series, “Long Call versus Debit and Credit Spreads” discusses the different types of vertical spreads to consider when using a bullish strategy. You'll also learn about how long call and short put spreads compare and contrast with debit and credit spreads.
The first half of this two-part podcast compares income strategies for writing covered calls versus selling in-the-money and out-of-the money puts. Part two takes an in-depth look at what strategies to consider given certain market conditions. You’ll also learn about the potential benefits and pitfalls of using calendar spreads as an income strategy.
The first half of this two-part podcast compares income strategies for writing covered calls versus selling in-the-money and out-of-the money puts. Part two takes an in-depth look at what strategies to consider given certain market conditions. You’ll also learn about the potential benefits and pitfalls of using calendar spreads as an income strategy.
Join OIC Instructor Steve Meizinger of the International Securities Exchange in this on-demand podcast. Steve will discuss how LEAPS®— Long-Term Equity AnticiPation Securities—differ from regular, short-term equity options. He will cover the risks and benefits of writing short term calls against LEAPS®.
Join OIC Instructor Steve Meizinger of the International Securities Exchange in part two of this on-demand podcast. Steve explains the strategies that are available if the stock goes up, down, or even stays steady
OIC Instructor Al Brinkman concludes his discussion on options pricing models then delves into the topic of covered calls and corresponding income strategies.
This final podcast of the series explains the use of Static Return and the If-Called Return as a way to determine the potential return on a covered call strategy.
In this podcast, you will learn about what to consider when implementing a forecast and the role an investor needs to take in order to actively manage their options positions.
In this fourth podcast of the Developing a Trading Strategy series, OIC Instructor Steve Meizinger provides a basic introduction of the Greeks and explains how these risk gauges can help form expectations about how an option may perform in the market.
In this podcast, OIC Instructor Steve Meizinger concludes his discussion about the Greeks and highlights some of the risks and rewards that you should be aware of when formulating your plan for trading options.
OIC Instructor Steve Meizinger wraps up this final podcast in the Developing a Trading Strategy series by taking questions from the audience on topics such as trailing stops and mitigating gap risk.
This podcast discusses the impact that stock price changes and time can have in the market and how concepts such as delta and time decay can help set the tone for how an option performs.
In this third podcast of the Understanding and Trading Options Spread Strategies series, OIC Instructor Alan Grigoletto explains what a spread is and why it is important to your profit/loss potential.
This fourth podcast defines the Bull Call Spread and demonstrates how this strategy can be used to evaluate potential outcomes for a particular option.
This podcast gives an example of how the Bear Put Spread can be implemented into an options trading strategy and what distinguishes it from the Bear Call Spread.
In this podcast, OIC Instructor Alan Grigoletto concludes his discussion about various credit spreads strategies with an explanation of the Bull Put Spread.
This eighth podcast of the Understanding and Trading Options Spread Strategies series briefly outlines the similarities between debit and credit spreads.
This podcast discusses how changing volatility can impact options pricing and how vertical spreads can provide traders with an alternative to long and short options positions.
OIC Instructor Alan Grigoletto explains what a diagonal spread is and discusses how this strategy may work during the expiration of a short-term option.
In this podcast, the viewer will learn about the dynamics of straddles and strangles and how to implement these advanced strategies when trading options.
This last podcast in the series explains the relationship between stock and options spreads as well as special considerations when using spread strategies with stock purchases.
OIC Instructor Jim Bittman of the Chicago Board Options Exchange discusses 1-to-1 vertical debit spreads, including bull call spreads and bear put spreads. Learn how these strategies work, and the profit and risk potential. Bittman also discusses why these strategies are appropriate for particular market forecasts, as well as how to enter a limit-price spread order. This webcast via Interactive Brokers.
In this brand new offering from The Options Industry Council, Peter Lusk of the Chicago Board Options Exchange discusses time spreads, also known as a calendar or a horizontal spread. If you're neutral on an underlying stock, learn how you might use this hedged position to profit from decay in an option's time value, but with a limited, maximum loss amount that you know up-front. Peter will also address management of this spread in the event of unfavorable moves in the underlying stock's price.
In this webcast, OIC instructor Marty Kearney teaches you the importance of developing repair and exit strategies before you begin investing in options. You'll learn about forseeing possible outcomes, understanding your risks versus your rewards and when to utilize long and short options. He will also teach you when to do nothing and when to double up, or buy more, when stock prices decline as well as how to exit with a long call or put position at or near expiration.
Options can give investors the flexibility to hedge market exposure, speculate on a specific market move, or allow investors to put on simple to complex option positions called spreads. One of the most critical and least understood components to the success of option trading is Volatility. This course is designed to give students the introductory understanding of what volatility is, how it works, and why it is important to understand. Even though volatility is an extremely complex subject, this course breaks it down in simple to understand terms without getting bogged down in the complex calculus. Most investors have heard of volatility but few know what it is. Get started now learning how for better or worse volatility effects all option investors
In these final two podcasts of the Advanced series, you’ll find out about some alternatives to consider if an option position doesn’t work in your favor. Learn about the advantages and disadvantages of using strategies like putting on a collar, rolling up on a trade or creating a spread as a way to protect your investment.
In these final two podcasts of the Advanced series, you’ll find out about some alternatives to consider if an option position doesn’t work in your favor. Learn about the advantages and disadvantages of using strategies like putting on a collar, rolling up on a trade or creating a spread as a way to protect your investment.
In part two of Covered Combinations, Steve Meizinger discusses the importance of understanding options and follow up planning to cut loss. In his closing summary, he covers the strategies and risks involved in harvesting premium.
OIC Instructor Peter Lusk and host Joe Burgoyne discuss the type of impact that volatility can have on earnings and how positions change when volatility moves.
OIC Instructor Alex Jacobson of the International Securities Exchange discusses volatility, and why it's important to the option trader. Jacobson discusses what strategies to consider in markets where volatility is changing, and how volatility impacts option premiums. This webcast via Interactive Brokers.
OIC Instructor Alan Grigoletto of BOX discusses implied volatility as it relates to historical and expected volatility.
Discover how implied volatility can affect the profit and loss of your options positions. Gain a better understanding about how changing implied volatility's effect on options prices can be quantified through the concept of Vega, one of the Greeks.
You'll also be introduced to the generally-expected behavior of implied volatility in today's market and how to prepare yourself to take advantage of its changing levels.
Join Dan Sheridan of Sheridan Options Mentoring and Alan Grigoletto of the Boston Options Exchange as they discuss this exercising for the dividend. Listen to Dan and Alan explain the dividend process and provide practical guidelines on when investors should exercise their call options in order to capture dividends. They explain why professionals have a distinct advantage in capturing dividends and why the retail client needs to examine both the costs and risks associated with options exercise. Dan and Alan share practical examples and personal experiences to bring light to this often misunderstood topic.
In this webcast, join Dan Sheridan of Sheridan Options Mentoring, for a lively discussion of implied volatility as it relates to your expectations for profit vs. loss in two situations. First, Dan will give an example of a time spread on a well-known index taken from mid-May, and the effect of typical summer volatility behavior on its profitability. Second, using past announcements by a well-known tech stock, Dan will make observations on trading earnings reports, and the surprises you might expect with respect to options price behavior. Take this opportunity to learn how you might avoid typical implied volatility traps -- seasonal and situational.
Dan Sheridan of Sheridan Options Mentoring discusses the importance of having a strategy to follow when the market is down. Using a real-life, historical example of Russell 2000® Index options, you will hear ideas on how to adjust your position after a big underlying move. Learn Dan's tried and true tips for survival in a volatile market.
In this latest offering from The Options Industry Council, Dan Sheridan of Sheridan Options Mentoring discusses two ways to protect unrealized stock profits from a declining market, using real-life, historical examples. You will also hear Dan's ideas on adjusting a time spread that has taken a turn for the worse in a down market.
Dan Sheridan takes a look at third quarter 2008, a period of uncertainty characterized by extraordinarily high volatility. Dan will discusses real-life examples of increased implied volatility levels investors have had to contend with, as well as how this volatility impacts the risk vs. reward profiles of certain specific option strategies.
Join Darren Tait, an options professional at the Options Help Desk, as he delves into the subject of liquidity. Liquidity is frequently used when discussing macroeconomic issues pertaining to governmental bodies or by corporations in reference to their balance sheets and cash flows.
The focus of this webcast will discuss liquidity as it pertains to issues in the financial markets that traders and investors encounter on a daily basis.
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