Spread betting is a popular financial activity in the United Kingdom, and trading options provide a means for investors to speculate and hedge their portfolios. Options give traders leverage and allow them to earn profits or limit losses in various markets. Knowing the techniques available for trading options can help British investors generate returns while managing risk. This article will discuss some of the most common techniques used when trading options in the UK. You can trade options in the UK with Saxo.
Covered calls
A covered call option strategy involves writing a call option against the investor’s stock. This technique allows investors to capture any additional upside potential from their existing position in exchange for giving up potentially higher gains if the stock moves above the strike price of the call option sold. The strategy also generates income through the premiums received from selling call options.
Long put spreads
Long put spreads are a strategy that involves buying an in-the-money put option and writing an out-of-the-money put option with the same expiration date. It allows investors to benefit from limited downside protection while benefitting from any potential upside movement of the underlying stock or index. The maximum gain for this type of spread is equal to the difference between strike prices minus the net cost paid for entering the position.
Protective puts
A protective put involves buying a put option to protect an existing long position in a stock or index. By purchasing a put option, investors can limit their losses should the price of the underlying security decline significantly. This strategy is usually implemented when there is a bearish sentiment around an asset, and investors want to hedge against further losses without closing out their extended position.
Iron condors
An iron condor combines options spread involving two vertical spreads (a bull call spread and a bear put spread). This technique is used when there is an expectation of low volatility in the market, as it takes advantage of any minor price movements in either direction. The maximum gain for this type of trade equals the net credit received when entering the trade.
Credit spreads
A credit spread, also known as a naked put or call option, involves selling one option and buying another with a different strike price and the same expiration date. This strategy allows investors to generate income by collecting premiums from selling options while limiting risk by owning another offsetting option.
Long straddles
A long straddle involves buying both a call and put option at the same strike price and expiration. This technique is used when investors expect a significant move in the underlying security but are still determining how the price may move. The maximum gain for this type of trade equals the net debit paid for entering the position minus any premiums received from selling options to offset some of the cost.
Collars
A collar strategy involves buying a protective put option and writing a covered call option on an existing long position in a stock or index. This technique allows traders to benefit from potential upside movement while having downside protection in case of price declines.
Long strangles
A long strangle combines options spread involving two out-of-the-money call and put options with the same expiration date. This technique is used when investors expect a significant move in the underlying security but are still determining which direction it will move. The maximum gain for this type of trade equals the difference between the strike prices of both options minus any net debit paid when entering the position.
Vertical spreads
A vertical spread is an options spread involving two options with different strikes and the same expiration dates. It can be either a bull call spread or a bear put spread, depending on whether you buy or sell each option’s contract. This strategy allows traders to benefit from potential movements in the underlying stock or index while limiting losses should there be no such movement at all.
