An option is a financial instrument whose value is tied to an underlying asset; this is known as a derivative. Instead of buying an asset, such as company stock, outright, an options contract allows ...

Options are a type of derivative, meaning they “derive” their value from the securities they’re linked to. Options are also leveraged, meaning a smaller amount invested in them generates larger gains ...

Option trading can deliver tremendous profits, but the flip side of those gains is the potential for tremendous losses, since option trading is a zero-sum game. Those who are just getting started with ...

Key Takeaways An option is a contract giving the buyer the right—but not the obligation—to buy (in the case of a call) or sell (in the case of a put) the underlying asset at a specific price on or ...