Options 101

How to Read Options Symbols

All options symbols are 21 characters long. While this seems like it would make the symbology difficult to understand, the uniform options symbol format is easy to understand.

Options Pricing

Strike price is an important part of the options contract and the only static variable that contributes to option’s pricing. Learn which factors impact the price of options.

The Uphill Battle for VIX Bulls

The VIX continues to sit at annual lows, but trying to wager on upside is probably more difficult than you think.

Making Money With Options the ‘Write’ Way

Options trading is a balancing act that favors the house. Find out how to master the balancing act and achieve great returns.

2012 Options Trading Profit Guide

This free options trading education guide will get you up to speed on the basics of trading options and ready to trade in no time.

What Traders Need to Know About Option Settlement

The rarely-discussed topic of option settlement is critical for option trading success.

7 Tips for Mastering Put Selling

Selling put options can provide consistent profits or allow you to buy stocks at a discount.

5 Advantages of Trading Weekly Options

Find out what it is that traders love so much about Weeklys.

11 Secrets of Naked Option Writing

Naked options can be risky, but you shouldn't let your fear hold you back. Here are some things you should know before you get naked.

4 Tips for Trading Weekly Options

These important strategy adjustments are designed to promote safer, more successful weekly options trading.

Options Newbies — Take a Deep Breath …

New options traders should have realistic expectations. So, how much should a new trader expect to make?

Roll Up an Option Spread to Garner Profits

Grab your profits from a long call option position when the underlying rises but rolling up your position.

Earnings Take Option Prices on Bumpy Ride

Earnings seasons puts a monkey wrench into the logic of time decay and options pricing.

Earnings a Volatile Season for Options

Earnings season is a difficult time for options trading because the news causes volatility to fluctuate unpredictably.

If Stocks Go Idle, Should Options?

The proposed “limit up limit down” volatility curb would pause stocks but keep options trading.

What a Tool – Option Volatility Skew Charts

Options traders can use volatility skew charts to better understand the impact of implied volatility on the pricing of options.

Stay Sharp When VIX Is High

A rally in the CBOE Volatility Index (CBOE: VIX) can mean a troubled market but rarely a meltdown.

VIX Rally Looks Like Real Volatility Lift

The rally in the CBOE Volatility Index (CBOE: VIX) appears real.

Grown Men Tremble at Fear Gauge Close

The monthly settlement price of the CBOE Volatility Index (CBOE: VIX) is confusing.