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Many traders in the United Kingdom are curious about how far out they should buy options. This question is difficult to answer without knowing more about the trader’s goals and strategies. However, a few general guidelines can be helpful for most traders. This article will explore some things to consider when deciding how far out to buy options. We’ll also look at some of the benefits and drawbacks of buying options farther out in time.
Find out more about options at Saxo Capital Markets.
What is an option, and what are its benefits for UK traders?
An option is a type of financial contract that gives the holder the right, but not the obligation, to buy or sell an asset at a specified price on or before a specific date. Options are derivatives, meaning their value is derived from the underlying asset. In the case of options, that underlying asset is usually a stock or index.
Options offer traders many potential benefits. Perhaps the most appealing benefit is that options allow traders to speculate on the future direction of an asset without having to own the asset itself. It can be helpful for traders who want to limit their downside risk or don’t have the capital to purchase the underlying asset outright. Additionally, options can provide leverage, amplifying profits and losses.
Another benefit of options is that they can be used to generate income. It can be done by selling options, also known as writing options. When an option is sold, the seller agrees to sell the underlying asset at a specific price if the buyer decides to exercise their option. The option seller’s premium is their potential profit on the trade. Options can also be bought to hold them until expiration and profit from any price movement.
What factors should you consider when making this decision?
So, now that we know a little bit more about options and their benefits, let’s look at some factors to consider when deciding how far out to buy options.
The first thing to consider is your investment horizon. It is when you have to hold your investment before you need to sell or liquidate it. If your investment horizon is short, you’ll probably want to buy options closer to expiration. The further an option is from expiration, the more time value it will have. Time value is the portion of an option’s premium attributable to the amount of time remaining until expiration. As expiration nears, this time value starts to decline and eventually expires at zero.
Another factor to consider is your risk tolerance. Buying options farther out from expiration generally means paying a higher premium. It is because there is more time for the underlying asset’s price to move in your favour and offset the cost of the option. However, it also means more time for the price to move against you, leading to a loss. If you’re risk-averse, you may want to buy options closer to expiration.
Finally, you’ll need to consider your trading strategy. Specific option strategies may dictate how far out you should buy options. For example, if you’re planning on selling covered calls, you’ll likely want to buy options with at least a few months remaining until expiration. It will give the underlying asset time to appreciate so you can sell it at a higher price and generate a profit.
How do you calculate how far out you should buy options for maximum gain?
The answer to this question will vary depending on your investment goals, trading strategy, and risk tolerance. However, there are a few general principles that you can follow when making this decision.
If you’re looking to generate income from your options trading, you’ll probably want to buy options closer to expiration. Time value makes up a more significant portion of the option’s premium when it is further from expiration. As such, selling options closer to expiration will give you a higher potential return.
On the other hand, if you’re looking to speculate on the future direction of an asset, you may want to buy options that are farther out from expiration. It is because there is more time for the underlying asset’s price to move in your favour and offset the cost of the option. However, you’ll need to be aware of the increased risk that comes with this approach.
The drawback associated with buying options too far out
One drawback to consider when buying options too far from expiration is the increased risk involved, and it is because there is more time for the underlying asset’s price to move against you, leading to a loss.
Another potential drawback is that you may miss out on potential profits if the underlying asset’s price moves in your favour before you buy the option. It is especially true if you’re trading with a shorter-term investment horizon.
Finally, buying options too far out from expiration generally means paying a higher premium, and this is because there is more time value associated with the option. As such, you may need to generate a more significant price movement for the trade to be profitable.
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