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Some quick basics,

Call options as defined by optionetics.com “.. give the buyer the right, but not the obligation, to purchase an underlying asset.” In short if you buy (long) a call option you have the right to purchase the underlying stock at the strike price of the option if it has gone ‘in the money’ (ITM). For example if you purchase a call option for XYZ at a strike of 15 if the stock price of XYZ increases in value such that it is higher than $15 before the option expires you have the right to purchase XYZ at the $15 price. Options expire on the Saturday of the 3rd week of the option expiration month, but can not be traded after the Friday of that same week. If your call option is out of the money, meaning the stock price is at 15 or less the option expires worthless. 1 call option represents the right to buy 100 shares of the underlying stock. Essentially you get to buy the stock at a lower price if everything works out, or you call sell your option back on the market for a profit it has gone far enough ITM. The price of the option includes the intrinsic value, which is the amount the option is ITM, plus the premium, or time value which is associated with the risk or volatility of the underlying asset. For more information on options head on over to optionetics.com.

The first strategy I will be utilizing is considered the most basic beginner strategy for options investors, the covered call. The idea behind the covered call is to buy stock, while simultaneously selling a call.

Basic Principle:

1. Buy Stock
2. Sell Call

Positives: downside protection

Negatives: limits profit from bullish stock moves

Example:

1. Buy 100 XYZ @ 48
2. Sell July 50 Call @ 3

Maximum potential profit = Strike price – Stock price + Call price

Downside break even = Stock price – Call price

Notes: ITM options offer better downside protection, OTM offers more potential profit.

Risk Profile:

Covered Call Risk Profile

Rules:

• use conditional orders (buy stock and sell call at same time)
• min monthly return if stock is unchanged = +1%
• min downside protection = 10% or 5% in the money

That is all on the strategy. Any follow up to the covered call will be analyzed as it occurs. Next post will outline the analysis of the position I am going to take. In this case it will be a position on oil through USO. Check back soon.

aj