The choice between writing vs buying options depends on a trader’s market view and risk tolerance. Here’s our guide.
Stock options are financial instruments that give the holder the right, but not the obligation, to buy or sell a specific stock at a predetermined price within a certain time frame.
There are two main ways to participate in the stock options market: writing options and buying options.
Each approach has its own set of risks and potential rewards, and it is important for investors to understand the differences between the two before making any decisions.
Writing (Or Selling) Options
Writing options, also known as selling options, involves selling the right to buy or sell a stock to another party. For example, if you sell a call option, you are giving the buyer the right to buy a specific stock from you at a predetermined price. In return for this right, the buyer pays you a premium, which is the price of the option.
Reward
The potential reward for writing options is the premium that you receive.
When you write an option, you are selling someone else the right to buy or sell a security at a predetermined price (the strike price) on or before a certain date (the expiration date).
In exchange for this right, the buyer pays you a fee called the option premium.
Risk
However, this approach also carries significant risk.
If the market moves against you and the option is exercised, then you will be obligated to buy or sell the security at the strike price, regardless of what the current market price is.
You could be forced to sell the stock at a lower price than you would have liked or to buy the stock at a higher price than you would have liked.
Buying Options
Buying options, on the other hand, involves purchasing the right to buy or sell a stock from another party. For example, if you buy a call option, you are purchasing the right to buy a specific stock at a predetermined price within a certain time frame.
Reward
The potential reward for buying options is the ability to profit from price movements in the underlying stock. If the market moves in your favour, you can exercise the option and buy or sell the security at a profit.
Risk
However, buying options also carries significant risk.
The potential risk for buying options is that you could lose your entire investment if the market does not move in your favour.
Also the price of the option can decline even if the stock price remains unchanged or moves in a favourable direction due to time decay.
So Which Is Better? Writing Or Buying Options?
Ultimately, the choice between writing vs buying options depends on your investment objectives and risk tolerance.
Some investors prefer the potential reward of writing options, while others prefer the potentially lower risk of buying options.
It is important to carefully consider your options and consult with a financial professional before making any decisions.
