Apr
15
2024
Intrinsic Value and Time Value of Options, Explained

Intrinsic Value and Time Value of Options, Explained

By | Growing Wealth, invest, Investing | Comments Off on Intrinsic Value and Time Value of Options, Explained

Editor's Note: Options are not suitable for all investors. Options involve risks, including substantial risk of loss and the possibility an investor may lose the entire amount invested in a short period of time. Please see the Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options.

Intrinsic value and time value are two major determining factors of the value of an options contract. An option’s intrinsic value is the payoff the buyer would receive if they exercised the option right away. In other words, the intrinsic value is how profitable the option would be, based on the difference between the contract’s strike price and the market value of the underlying security.

An option’s time value is not quite as straightforward. Time value is based on a formula that includes the expected volatility of the underlying asset, as well as the amount of time until the option contract expires.

What Is the Intrinsic Value of an Option?

An investor who purchases an options contract may be buying the right, but not the obligation, to buy or sell the option’s underlying asset at an agreed-upon price, known as the strike price. Options are considered derivatives, because they are tied to the value of the underlying security. The contract may allow the investor to purchase or sell a security at that strike price at any point up until the contract expires.

There are two main kinds of options: calls and puts. The purchaser of a call option buys the right (but not the obligation) to purchase the underlying asset at a given price until a particular date.

The buyer of a put option purchases the right (but not the obligation) to sell the underlying asset at a given price until a particular date.

Important terms: In the Money, At the Money, Out of the Money

There are a few more key terms to know as it relates to options: in the money, at the money, and out of the money.

In the Money

An option is considered to be “in the money” if the investor could sell it at that moment for a profit. For a call option, that means that the price of the underlying asset is higher than the strike price specified in the options contract. For a put option to be in the money, the price of the underlying asset would have to be lower than the strike price in the contract.

At the Money

If an option is “at the money,” the price of the underlying security is equal to the strike price in the contract, and it’s not considered profitable. If an option is “out of the money,” e.g. above the market price for a call option or below the market price for a put option, the contract is also not profitable.

Out of the Money

If an option is not profitable when it expires, then it expires with no value, except for the premium. In those instances, the buyer takes a loss on the premium they paid to enter into the options contract, while the seller, or writer, of the contract collects the premium.

Recommended: Popular Options Trading Terminology to Know

Finally, user-friendly options trading is here.*

Trade options with SoFi Invest on an easy-to-use, intuitively designed online platform.

*Check out the OCC Options Disclosure Document.

Formula for the Intrinsic Value of an Options Contract

Time to get down to the math! Here are the formulas for calculating intrinsic values of call and put options.

Intrinsic value formula for a call option:

Call Option Intrinsic Value = Underlying Stock’s Current Price – Call Strike Price​

Intrinsic value formula for a put option:

Put Option Intrinsic Value = Put Strike Price – Underlying Stock’s Current Price

Example of Intrinsic Value Calculation

Imagine that hypothetical XYZ stock is selling at $48.00. A call option for XYZ with a strike price of $40 would have an intrinsic value of $8.00 ($48 – $40 = $8). So in theory, the option holder could exercise the option to buy XYZ shares at $40, then immediately sell them for a $8.00 profit in the market. Another way to phrase it: The contract would be in the money at $8.

But what if the strike price is higher than the $48.00 market price of XYZ stock? Let’s say the call option strike is $50 ($48 – $50 = –$2.00. The option would be considered out of the money and worth zero, because the intrinsic value of an option can never be negative.

What if it’s a put option? In this scenario, with an underlying price of $48.00 for XYZ stock, a put option with a strike price of $44.00 would have an intrinsic value of zero ($44 – $48 = –$4.00), again because the value of an option cannot fall below zero.

But a put option with a strike price of $50 would be considered in the money, and have an intrinsic value of $2 ($50 – $48 = $2).

While intrinsic value as a term sounds all encompassing, it isn’t. Investors should remember when calculating options strategies that an option’s intrinsic value does not include the premium the investor has to pay in order to buy the options contract in the first place. To get a better sense of the profit of an options trade, it’s important to include that initial premium, along with any other trading commissions and fees charged by the broker.

💡 Quick Tip: When you’re actively investing in stocks, it’s important to ask what types of fees you might have to pay. For example, brokers may charge a flat fee for trading stocks, or require some commission for every trade. Taking the time to manage investment costs can be beneficial over the long term.

What Is the Time Value of an Option?

When an investor buys an option, they pay in the form of a premium, or fee. When they do, that premium is typically based on the option’s intrinsic value, plus its extrinsic value. While higher volatility can result in higher premiums, time value plays a large role as well.The opportunity for an option to be profitable over time is, in essence, its time value.

The more time an investor in an options contract has, the better their chances of being able to exercise that option in the money, simply because the underlying security has a greater chance of moving in the desired direction. Longer time periods come with greater possibility for profit.

Conversely, as an options contract gets closer to expiring, its value goes down. The reason is that there is less time for the security underlying the options contract to make profitable moves.

One rule of thumb is that an option loses a third of its value during the first half of its life, and two-thirds during the second half. This phenomenon is known as the time decay of options. It’s a critical concept for options investors because the closer the option gets to expiration, the more the underlying security must move to impact the price of the option.

The intrinsic value of the option plays a role in how fast the time value of an option decays. An in-the-money option faces less dramatic time decay, because the elimination of time value takes the overall value of the option to the level of its intrinsic value. But for an out-of-the-money option, time decay is more dramatic, since the option will be entirely worthless if it expires out of the money.

Formula for the Time Value of an Options Contract

The formula for the time value of an options contract is as such:

Time Value = Option Price − Intrinsic Value

How Does Volatility Impact Time Value?

Another important factor that can impact time value is the volatility of the underlying asset.

Stocks with higher volatility typically have the potential for greater price movements — and thus related options may have a higher probability of expiring in the money. That’s one reason why time value, as reflected by the option’s premium, is typically higher when the underlying asset is more volatile.

With stocks and other assets that have lower volatility and therefore are not expected to show big price fluctuations, the time value and the option premium is likely to be lower.

Volatility, as every investor knows, cuts both ways. It can help generate gains or lead to losses.

Recommended: Implied Volatility: What It Is & What It’s Used for

How Can Intrinsic and Time Value Help Traders?

When calculating the value of the options contracts that they’re buying and selling, intrinsic value and time value can be vital to help traders gauge the potential risks and rewards of the options trade. While the intrinsic value is easy to assess, it only tells part of the story. Traders need to understand the extrinsic or time value of options as well in order to gauge how profitable the option is likely to be.Investors use this deeper understanding to inform which options trading strategies they use.

When it comes to the profitability of an options trade, investors also need to take into account the premiums they pay to buy an option, along with related commissions and fees. There are also other factors that play a role in the pricing of an options contract, such as the option’s implied volatility. This is the aspect of options pricing that takes into account the market sentiment as to the future volatility of an option’s underlying security, and can have a major influence on the price of an option as well.

💡 Quick Tip: In order to profit from purchasing a stock, the price has to rise. But an options account offers more flexibility, and an options trader might gain if the price rises or falls. This is a high-risk strategy, and investors can lose money if the trade moves in the wrong direction.

The Takeaway

Understanding how options are priced is a complicated business, and knowing the two main components — intrinsic value and time value — is essential. While intrinsic value is simply the tangible face value of the contract — because it’s the amount the buyer would receive if they exercised the option right now — time value is a more complex calculation.

The time value of an option, expressed as its premium, is part of an option’s extrinsic value and it includes the volatility of the underlying asset and the time to expiration. The more volatility and the more time to the option’s expiry date, the higher the premium or value of the option.

Qualified investors who are ready to try their hand at options trading, despite the risks involved, might consider checking out SoFi’s options trading platform. The platform’s user-friendly design allows investors to trade through the mobile app or web platform, and get important metrics like breakeven percentage, maximum profit/loss, and more with the click of a button.

Plus, SoFi offers educational resources — including a step-by-step in-app guide — to help you learn more about options trading. Trading options involves high-risk strategies, and should be undertaken by experienced investors.

For a limited time, opening and funding an Active Invest account gives you the opportunity to get up to $1,000 in the stock of your choice.

Photo credit: iStock/Moyo Studio

SoFi Invest®
INVESTMENTS ARE NOT FDIC INSURED • ARE NOT BANK GUARANTEED • MAY LOSE VALUE
SoFi Invest encompasses two distinct companies, with various products and services offered to investors as described below: Individual customer accounts may be subject to the terms applicable to one or more of these platforms.
1) Automated Investing and advisory services are provided by SoFi Wealth LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser (“SoFi Wealth“). Brokerage services are provided to SoFi Wealth LLC by SoFi Securities LLC.
2) Active Investing and brokerage services are provided by SoFi Securities LLC, Member FINRA (www.finra.org)/SIPC(www.sipc.org). Clearing and custody of all securities are provided by APEX Clearing Corporation.
For additional disclosures related to the SoFi Invest platforms described above please visit SoFi.com/legal.
Neither the Investment Advisor Representatives of SoFi Wealth, nor the Registered Representatives of SoFi Securities are compensated for the sale of any product or service sold through any SoFi Invest platform.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

Disclaimer: The projections or other information regarding the likelihood of various investment outcomes are hypothetical in nature, do not reflect actual investment results, and are not guarantees of future results.
Options involve risks, including substantial risk of loss and the possibility an investor may lose the entire amount invested in a short period of time. Before an investor begins trading options they should familiarize themselves with the Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options . Tax considerations with options transactions are unique, investors should consult with their tax advisor to understand the impact to their taxes.
Claw Promotion: Customer must fund their Active Invest account with at least $25 within 30 days of opening the account. Probability of customer receiving $1,000 is 0.028%. See full terms and conditions.

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Apr
12
2024
Central Counterparty Clearing Houses (CCPs): What They Are and How They Work

Central Counterparty Clearing Houses (CCPs): What They Are and How They Work

By | Growing Wealth, invest, Investing | Comments Off on Central Counterparty Clearing Houses (CCPs): What They Are and How They Work

A central counterparty clearing house (CCP), or Central Counterparty, is a financial institution that facilitates trading activities in European equity and derivative markets. Regional banks typically operate CCPs which are an important part of the international financial system.

CCPs maintain stability and efficiency across financial markets and reduce risks including counterparty, default, and market risks. In the United States, CCPs are called Derivatives Clearing Organizations (DCO) and are regulated by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC).

Defining Central Counterparty Clearing Houses

The Bank for International Settlements (BIS) defines a CCP as “a clearing house that interposes itself between counterparties to contracts traded in one or more financial markets, becoming the buyer to every seller and the seller to every buyer and thereby ensuring the future performance of open contracts.” The Eurex is a well known CCP.

Central Counterparty Clearing Houses act as intermediaries between buyers and sellers in financial transactions. They handle clearing and settlements in various types of securities and derivatives transactions to reduce credit risk in the markets. Clearinghouses have existed for more than a century, and act as a way to reduce the risk of OTC derivative transactions.

💡 Quick Tip: How do you decide if a certain trading platform or app is right for you? Ideally, the investment platform you choose offers the features that you need for your investment goals or strategy, e.g., an easy-to-use interface, data analysis, educational tools.

How Central Counterparty Clearing Houses Work

Central Counterparty Clearing Houses guarantee trade terms for buyers and sellers. They help reduce risk for investors by taking on credit risk involved in transactions, so even if a buyer or seller defaults on a transaction the other party doesn’t have as much loss as they might have without the CCP.

When buyers and sellers enter into transactions, they each deposit money with the CCP to cover the amount of the transaction. All CCP users must have a margin account.

In a process called “novation,” the CCP enters into two different contracts, one with the buyer and one with the seller. This provides a guarantee to the other party that if one side doesn’t follow through with the agreement the other side will still receive payment. CCPs typically use margin calls to settle trades if one party does not have the funds in their account.

If the trade falls through, the CCP completes the trade at the current market price. CCPs are for-profit businesses that generate revenue from their members and their transactions. They also work with parent exchanges that require them to remain profitable. Just like other types of businesses, CCPs each operate differently and have different business strategies to attract customers and earn revenue.

For instance, there are different types of derivative products that a CCP might choose to offer. One common business model for CCPs is to cross-margin products in a single netting pool. Parent exchanges place obligations on CCPs, so they need to earn enough revenue to meet those.

The specific financial products offered by a CCP, as well as its risk level, fee structure, and other features lead to different types of members, organizational structure, regulations, and rules for margin balances.

CCPs continue to evolve, offer new products, and become more sophisticated over time. Regulations are also evolving for CCPs which may change how they operate in the future.

Uses of a Central Counterparty Clearing House

CCPs maintain the anonymity of investors’ identities to protect their privacy. They also maintain the privacy of trading firms from buyers and sellers by using electronic order books and protect brokerage firms from the risk of buyers and sellers defaulting on their end of options such as calls or puts.

Another use of CCPs is to lower the number of transactions settled in order to move funds efficiently between investors.

💡 Quick Tip: How to manage potential risk factors in a self-directed investment account? Doing your research and employing strategies like dollar-cost averaging and diversification may help mitigate financial risk when trading stocks.

CCP Members

Financial institutions that want to clear trades through a central counterparty can become members of a particular CCP. Membership allows them to reduce credit risk for their customers and themselves. There are CCPs for different types of financial transactions, so financial institutions can choose the appropriate CCP to apply to for their needs.

CCPs want members that have a significant transaction volume, are creditworthy, and have a trading operation that works efficiently with the system run by the CCP. CCPs also want members to contribute funds to their default fund and secure collateral for their transactions. Each CCP has somewhat different criteria and requirements for membership, and membership information is not always publicly available.

Pros and Cons of CCPs

There are benefits and drawbacks to CCPs. Here are a few important ones to understand:

Pros

CCPs benefit investors in the following ways:

•   Reduce counterparty risk

•   Maintain stability in financial markets

•   Increase efficiency of transactions

•   Maintains privacy of customers

Cons

There are also some drawbacks to CCPs for investors, including the following:

•   Participation fees

•   May not be able to process non-standard transactions

•   Some CCPs may not have adequate scale

CCPs and Blockchain

CCPs are now being used with blockchain technology, made popular in cryptocurrency markets, to further reduce risk and costs. An international group of clearing houses launched the Post Trade Distributed Ledger Group launched in 2015. The group studies ways to use blockchain technology for transactions.

Since its formation, the group has expanded to include about 40 global financial institutions collaborating to bring CCPs together with blockchain. The goal of using blockchain technology with CCPs is to reduce margin requirements and risk, reduce operational costs, improve regulatory oversight, and increase the efficiency of trade settlements. Ideally blockchain can help support better settlements, clearing processes, and reporting.

Decentralized exchanges already operate similarly to CCPs as a third party that handles transactions.

The Takeaway

Central counterparty clearing houses help reduce the risk of trading derivatives and securities. They became more popular after the financial crisis as a way for investors to minimize counterparty risk.

While CCPs may help maintain stability in financial markets and increase efficiency, they may also involve participation fees, or may not be able to process non-standard transactions. Understanding the ins and outs of CCPs can be helpful to investors as they learn to navigate the markets.

Ready to invest in your goals? It’s easy to get started when you open an investment account with SoFi Invest. You can invest in stocks, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), mutual funds, alternative funds, and more. SoFi doesn’t charge commissions, but other fees apply (full fee disclosure here).

For a limited time, opening and funding an Active Invest account gives you the opportunity to get up to $1,000 in the stock of your choice.

FAQ

What is the difference between a clearing house and a central counterparty?

While a CCP acts as a clearing house for transactions, it has an additional step involved before doing so. The two parties involved in a transaction agree upon transaction terms, then the CCP must agree to the terms before they clear the transaction.

What is the CCP margin?

CCPs require customers to make collateral deposits, known as margin deposits, before entering into transactions. This provides them with funds they can use to guarantee trades in the event that one party defaults on an agreement. The initial margin required depends on the customer, the type of financial product, and the particular trade agreement.

Does central clearing reduce counterparty risk?

Central clearing reduces counterparty risk by guaranteeing trades for buyers and sellers. They take on the credit risk involved in transactions by becoming the buyer to every seller and the seller to every buyer.

Photo credit: iStock/vm

SoFi Invest®
INVESTMENTS ARE NOT FDIC INSURED • ARE NOT BANK GUARANTEED • MAY LOSE VALUE
SoFi Invest encompasses two distinct companies, with various products and services offered to investors as described below: Individual customer accounts may be subject to the terms applicable to one or more of these platforms.
1) Automated Investing and advisory services are provided by SoFi Wealth LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser (“SoFi Wealth“). Brokerage services are provided to SoFi Wealth LLC by SoFi Securities LLC.
2) Active Investing and brokerage services are provided by SoFi Securities LLC, Member FINRA (www.finra.org)/SIPC(www.sipc.org). Clearing and custody of all securities are provided by APEX Clearing Corporation.
For additional disclosures related to the SoFi Invest platforms described above please visit SoFi.com/legal.
Neither the Investment Advisor Representatives of SoFi Wealth, nor the Registered Representatives of SoFi Securities are compensated for the sale of any product or service sold through any SoFi Invest platform.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

Options involve risks, including substantial risk of loss and the possibility an investor may lose the entire amount invested in a short period of time. Before an investor begins trading options they should familiarize themselves with the Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options . Tax considerations with options transactions are unique, investors should consult with their tax advisor to understand the impact to their taxes.
*Borrow at 10%. Utilizing a margin loan is generally considered more appropriate for experienced investors as there are additional costs and risks associated. It is possible to lose more than your initial investment when using margin. Please see SoFi.com/wealth/assets/documents/brokerage-margin-disclosure-statement.pdf for detailed disclosure information.
Claw Promotion: Customer must fund their Active Invest account with at least $25 within 30 days of opening the account. Probability of customer receiving $1,000 is 0.028%. See full terms and conditions.

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Apr
12
2024
Free Margin Defined & Explained

Free Margin, Defined & Explained

By | Growing Wealth, invest, Investing, Terminology | Comments Off on Free Margin, Defined & Explained

Free margin is equity in a trader’s account not reserved for margin or open positions, and which is available to be used to open new trades. Free margin is also the amount your existing holdings can move against you before you face a margin call.

Changes in market values can impact this important margin balance when trading foreign exchange (“forex” or FX) and other derivative instruments. For investors, this can be an important concept to understand.

What Is Free Margin?

Free margin is the equity in a forex trading account that is not invested in open positions. It is also known as “usable margin” since you can open new positions with your free margin balance.

Margin works differently in forex versus with trading stocks. Margin in stock trading means you trade with borrowed funds and owe interest on the loan. Margin in forex is simply a deposit set aside to cover the potential for very large losses when you trade large amounts of currency.

Free margin in forex tells you how much wiggle room you have on your current holdings before you get hit with a margin call. A margin call can occur when your account’s margin level dips below 100%. You can also face a stop out call when your margin percentage declines below 50%.

Free margin also indicates how much you can withdraw from your account if you have no hedged positions.

💡 Quick Tip: Are self-directed brokerage accounts cost efficient? They can be, because they offer the convenience of being able to buy stocks online without using a traditional full-service broker (and the typical broker fees).

How Does Free Margin Work?

In general, margin can be categorized as “used” or “free.”

Used margin is the total amount of all the required margin from all your open positions. Free margin is the difference between equity and used margin — the available margin not taken up by current positions. You can use free margin to open new positions in the forex market.

Within the forex market, free margin is a constantly changing balance. The prices of currency pairs move throughout the day, so the free margin on your account will also fluctuate. Traders must constantly monitor their margin levels during the trading day. The forex market trades 24 hours a day for five and half days a week, so changes can also happen in the overnight hours.

Calculating Free Margin

This is the formula for calculating free margin:

Free margin = equity – used margin

Calculating Equity

This is the formula for calculating equity:

Equity = account balance + unrealized profits – unrealized losses

Free Margin Example

Let’s say you have a forex trading account with 100:1 leverage. Your margin deposit is $100. That means you can trade an amount up to $10,000. Now say you take a $20 position at 100:1 leverage. Your position size controls $2,000 of currency value. That $20 position is locked by your broker. The remaining $80 is your free margin. You can use up to that amount to trade more currency pairs in the FX market.

If the market moves to your benefit, your portfolio’s equity increases. You will have more free margin available as your holdings move in your favor. Free margin declines when the market moves against you, though.

Free Margin vs Used Margin

There are some key differences to know between free margin and used margin:

Free Margin

 Used Margin
The amount of margin available to open new positions The amount held in reserve for existing positions
Also known as usable margin An aggregate of all the required margin from open positions
The difference between equity and used margin Equity minus free margin

Margin vs Free Margin

Similarly, there are some differences to understand between margin and free margin:

Margin

 Free Margin
A good faith deposit with a broker when trading forex The amount existing positions can move against the trader before the broker issues a margin call
Collateral to protect the broker from excessive losses by the trader Total margin minus used margin
The amount of money reserved when you open a new position When free margin is zero or negative, new positions cannot be opened

Free Margin in Forex

Free margin is important to understand in forex trading. Volatility in your balances can be high due to the amount of leverage employed. Some traders have leverage ratios up to 500:1, while risk-averse traders can simply trade with only their margin. Trading with only your margin means you are not using leverage.

Free margin in forex tells a trader how much more money they can use to open new positions. It is also a risk management indicator, in that it can be seen as a kind of buffer amount before a margin call or forced liquidation is issued.

💡 Quick Tip: One of the advantages of using a margin account, if you qualify, is that a margin loan gives you the ability to buy more securities. Be sure to understand the terms of the margin account, though, as buying on margin includes the risk of bigger losses.

The Takeaway

Free margin in forex is the equity in a trader’s account that is not reserved in margin for open positions. It is considered the margin available to use for new trades and the amount your current positions can move against you before you get a margin call or automated stop out.

Free margin is an important term to know when trading in the forex market. Forex, with its often high degree of leverage and wide trading hours, can be more complicated than trading stocks and exchange-traded funds (ETFs).

Ready to invest in your goals? It’s easy to get started when you open an investment account with SoFi Invest. You can invest in stocks, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), mutual funds, alternative funds, and more. SoFi doesn’t charge commissions, but other fees apply (full fee disclosure here).

Get one of the most competitive margin loan rates with SoFi, 10%*

FAQ

Can you withdraw free margin?

Yes. Free margin in forex is the amount available to withdraw from your trading account if you have no hedged positions. If you have hedged positions, the amount you can withdraw is your equity minus margin hedges.

Is margin money free?

Margin in forex is your good faith deposit. It is considered collateral you post to trade on leverage. It does not cost you anything since you do not pay interest on that amount or on the amount of assets you control when trading with leverage. Margin is broken down into “used” or “free.” If you have open positions, then not all your margin is free.

Photo credit: iStock/kupicoo

SoFi Invest®
INVESTMENTS ARE NOT FDIC INSURED • ARE NOT BANK GUARANTEED • MAY LOSE VALUE
SoFi Invest encompasses two distinct companies, with various products and services offered to investors as described below: Individual customer accounts may be subject to the terms applicable to one or more of these platforms.
1) Automated Investing and advisory services are provided by SoFi Wealth LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser (“SoFi Wealth“). Brokerage services are provided to SoFi Wealth LLC by SoFi Securities LLC.
2) Active Investing and brokerage services are provided by SoFi Securities LLC, Member FINRA (www.finra.org)/SIPC(www.sipc.org). Clearing and custody of all securities are provided by APEX Clearing Corporation.
For additional disclosures related to the SoFi Invest platforms described above please visit SoFi.com/legal.
Neither the Investment Advisor Representatives of SoFi Wealth, nor the Registered Representatives of SoFi Securities are compensated for the sale of any product or service sold through any SoFi Invest platform.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

*Borrow at 10%. Utilizing a margin loan is generally considered more appropriate for experienced investors as there are additional costs and risks associated. It is possible to lose more than your initial investment when using margin. Please see SoFi.com/wealth/assets/documents/brokerage-margin-disclosure-statement.pdf for detailed disclosure information.
Claw Promotion: Customer must fund their Active Invest account with at least $25 within 30 days of opening the account. Probability of customer receiving $1,000 is 0.028%. See full terms and conditions.

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Apr
12
2024
What Is Theta in Options? All You Need to Know

What Is Theta in Options? All You Need to Know

By | Growing Wealth, invest, Investing, Terminology | Comments Off on What Is Theta in Options? All You Need to Know

Theta, in relation to options, describes the rate in change in an option’s value. Options have two sources of value: intrinsic value and time value. From the moment an options contract is created, the time value component decays. This rate of change in value with respect to time is known as theta.

Understanding theta is crucial if you are going to trade options. Several factors, including an option’s moneyness and the time to expiration, will impact theta. Here are the basic concepts that you should know about.

How Does Theta Work?

Holding all other factors equal, options tend to decline in value over time as they approach their expiration date. The intuition behind this relationship is simple: once an option expires, it can no longer be exercised, and thus it no longer has any value.

This rate of change in value of an option is referred to as theta. Usually displayed as a negative dollar amount, an option’s theta value represents how much an option’s price decreases per day as it matures.

💡 Interested in Theta? Check out the other Greeks in options trading.

What Are Examples of Theta?

One way to think of theta in options trading is an analogy of an ice cube sitting on a countertop. As the ice cube sits on the warm countertop, it gradually melts away, and the melting becomes more rapid as time passes. Similarly, an option’s time value always decreases, with the decrease becoming more rapid the closer an option is to expiring.

Let’s say there is a stock ABC with a price of $80. The theta for an options contract expiring in three months with a strike price of $85 might be -$0.05. That means you can expect to lose five cents per day due to time decay, or theta. That doesn’t necessarily mean that the security’s price will go down each day, since it will also be affected by up and down movements of the underlying stock price itself.

In this scenario, not all options of stock ABC will have the same theta value of -$0.05. An option with the same strike price of $85 but a year until expiration will usually have a lower theta than one expiring next month.

💡 Quick Tip: Options can be a cost-efficient way to place certain trades, because you typically purchase options contracts, not the underlying security. That said, options trading can be risky, and best done by those who are not entirely new to investing.

Finally, user-friendly options trading is here.*

Trade options with SoFi Invest on an easy-to-use, intuitively designed online platform.

*Check out the OCC Options Disclosure Document.

What Is a Negative Theta in Options?

Because theta represents the amount of money an option contact loses every day, it is customarily represented as a negative number. A theta value of -$0.15 for a particular option means that particular option will lose 15 cents of time value each day.

But because the time value loss of an option (theta) isn’t linear, you shouldn’t expect it to lose exactly 15 cents of time value every day. Theta will increase as the option expiration date gets closer. This is very important to know if you’re attempting to time the market, since it will help you understand when the best time is to make your move.

Understanding Options Theta Decay

There are many different strategies for trading options, and theta affects them differently. Since theta is a negative number, it works against buyers of options. But if you are selling an option (like in a covered call or other option strategy), theta works in your favor.

When you are selling an option contract, you are hoping that the option will decrease in value or expire worthless. So a high theta value works for an option seller since it represents the amount of money the contract will lose each day.

💡 Quick Tip: When you’re actively investing in stocks, it’s important to ask what types of fees you might have to pay. For example, brokers may charge a flat fee for trading stocks, or require some commission for every trade. Taking the time to manage investment costs can be beneficial over the long term.

Calculating Theta

Calculating theta, or any of the other Greeks, requires using advanced mathematical formulas, and depends on the particular pricing model you choose. Options investors typically calculate theta on a daily or weekly basis.

Generally theta will be smaller for options that are far away from their expiration date and larger as you get closer to expiration. You can use this knowledge to determine your best plan depending on your time horizon for investing.

The Takeaway

Whether you’re trading basic options or more complicated options spreads, it is important to understand theta. It represents how much value your option will lose as time moves closer to its maturity, holding other factors constant. One needs to be especially careful to take note of theta when trading out-of-the-money options.

Qualified investors who are ready to try their hand at options trading, despite the risks involved, might consider checking out SoFi’s options trading platform. The platform’s user-friendly design allows investors to trade through the mobile app or web platform, and get important metrics like breakeven percentage, maximum profit/loss, and more with the click of a button.

Plus, SoFi offers educational resources — including a step-by-step in-app guide — to help you learn more about options trading. Trading options involves high-risk strategies, and should be undertaken by experienced investors.

For a limited time, opening and funding an Active Invest account gives you the opportunity to get up to $1,000 in the stock of your choice.

Photo credit: iStock/fizkes

SoFi Invest®
INVESTMENTS ARE NOT FDIC INSURED • ARE NOT BANK GUARANTEED • MAY LOSE VALUE
SoFi Invest encompasses two distinct companies, with various products and services offered to investors as described below: Individual customer accounts may be subject to the terms applicable to one or more of these platforms.
1) Automated Investing and advisory services are provided by SoFi Wealth LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser (“SoFi Wealth“). Brokerage services are provided to SoFi Wealth LLC by SoFi Securities LLC.
2) Active Investing and brokerage services are provided by SoFi Securities LLC, Member FINRA (www.finra.org)/SIPC(www.sipc.org). Clearing and custody of all securities are provided by APEX Clearing Corporation.
For additional disclosures related to the SoFi Invest platforms described above please visit SoFi.com/legal.
Neither the Investment Advisor Representatives of SoFi Wealth, nor the Registered Representatives of SoFi Securities are compensated for the sale of any product or service sold through any SoFi Invest platform.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

Options involve risks, including substantial risk of loss and the possibility an investor may lose the entire amount invested in a short period of time. Before an investor begins trading options they should familiarize themselves with the Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options . Tax considerations with options transactions are unique, investors should consult with their tax advisor to understand the impact to their taxes.
Claw Promotion: Customer must fund their Active Invest account with at least $25 within 30 days of opening the account. Probability of customer receiving $1,000 is 0.028%. See full terms and conditions.

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Apr
12
2024
American Option vs European Options: Key Differences

American Option vs European Option: What is the Difference?

By | Growing Wealth, invest, Investing | Comments Off on American Option vs European Option: What is the Difference?

Two of the most popular types of options are American and European. American and European options have a lot in common, but there are some key differences that are important for investors to understand.

Options Basics

One of the reasons investors like options trading is that it provides the right, but not the obligation to the buyer, to buy an asset. Making the choice to buy (call) or sell (put) is known as exercising the option.

Like all derivatives, the value of options reflects the value of an underlying asset. The value of an option changes as its expiration approaches and according to the price of the underlying asset. Investors using a naked option trading strategy may not have the cash or assets set aside in their portfolio to meet the obligations of the contract.

If the value of the contract or the underlying asset doesn’t increase, the investor would choose to let it expire and they lose only the premium they paid to enter into the contract. Both put and call options contracts include a predetermined price to which the buyer and seller agree, and the contract is valid for a specified period of time.

After the contract ends on the expiration date, so does the option holder’s ability to buy or sell. There are many different options trading strategies that investors can use.

Recommended: Call vs Put Option: The Differences

What Are American Options?

America options are the most popular, with both retail investors and institutional investors using them. One of the reasons for their popularity is their flexibility. Traders can exercise their right to buy or sell the asset on any trading day during the term of the agreement.

Most often, American stock options contracts have an expiration period between three and twelve months.

American Option Example

Say an investor purchases an American call in March with a one-year expiry date. The contract states that the investor has the option to purchase stock in Company X for $25 per share. In options terminology, $25 would be known as the option’s strike price. As the price of the underlying stock asset changes, the value of the option also changes.

After the investor purchases the American call options, the value of the stock increases. Within a few months the price was $50. The investor decides to exercise their option to buy, purchasing 100 shares of the stock at the agreed upon strike price of $25/share, paying a total of $2,500. The investor then sells the shares at the current market price of $50/share, making a profit of $2,500 because their value had doubled, not including the premium paid.

Investors can also buy put options, which give them the right to sell instead of the right to buy. With put options the scenario is reversed in that the investor would exercise their right to sell if the asset decreased in value.

Finally, user-friendly options trading is here.*

Trade options with SoFi Invest on an easy-to-use, intuitively designed online platform.

*Check out the OCC Options Disclosure Document.

What Are European Options?

European options are similar to American options, but holders can only exercise them on the expiration date (not before), making them less flexible.

European Options Example

Let’s say an investor purchases a European call option for 100 shares of Company X with a strike price of $25 and an expiration date six months from the time of purchase. Three months after the contract starts, the price of the stock increases to $50/share. The investor can’t exercise the right to buy because the contract hasn’t reached the expiration date.

When the option holder is able to exercise three months later, the stock is down to $30/share. So the investor can still exercise the option and make a profit by purchasing 100 shares at $25 and selling them for $30. The investor would also need to subtract the upfront premium they made, so this scenario wouldn’t be nearly as profitable as the American option scenario.

This is why European options are not as valuable or popular as American options. Options pricing reflects this difference. The premium, or price to enter into a European option contract is lower. However, traders can sell their European options at any point during the contract period, so in the example above the trader could have sold the option for a profit when the stock price went up to $50/share.

💡 Quick Tip: How to manage potential risk factors in a self-directed investment account? Doing your research and employing strategies like dollar-cost averaging and diversification may help mitigate financial risk when trading stocks.

American Style Options vs European Style

American and European options are similar in that they have a set strike price and expiration date. But there are several key differences between American and European options. These include how they’re traded, associated premiums, and more.

Trading

One main difference between American and European options is traders typically buy and sell European options over-the-counter (OTC) and American options on exchanges.

Recommended: What Is the Eurex Exchange?

Premiums

American options typically have higher premiums than European options since they offer more flexibility. If the investor doesn’t exercise their right to buy or sell before the contract expires, they lose the premium.

Settlement

European options tend to relate to indices, so they settle in cash. American options, on the other hand, typically relate to individual stocks or exchange-traded funds and can settle in stock or cash.

Settlement Prices

With American options, the settlement price is the last closing trade price, while with European options the settlement price is the opening price of index components.

Volume

American options typically have a much higher trading volume than European options.

Exercising Options

Traders can only exercise European options at the expiration date, while they can exercise American options at any point during the contract period. Traders can sell either type of option before its expiration date.

Pricing Models

A popular pricing model for options is called the Black-Scholes Model. The model is less accurate for American options because it can’t consider all possible trading dates prior to the expiration date.

Underlying Assets

The underlying assets of most American options are related to equities, European options are typically pegged to indices.

💡 Quick Tip: If you’re an experienced investor and bullish about a stock, buying call options (rather than the stock itself) can allow you to take the same position, with less cash outlay. It is possible to lose money trading options, if the price moves against you.

Risks of Americans and European Options

American options are riskier to an options seller because the holder can choose to exercise them at any time.

For buyers, it’s easier to create a hedging strategy with European options since the holder knows when they can exercise their right to buy or sell. Day traders and others who invest in options realize that there are risks involved with all investing strategies, along with potential reward.

The Takeaway

Options are one commonly traded type of investment, and many traders use them to execute a trading strategy. However, it’s possible to build a portfolio without trading options as well. If you have questions about how options may fit into your investment strategy, it may be a good idea to speak with a financial professional.

Qualified investors who are ready to try their hand at options trading, despite the risks involved, might consider checking out SoFi’s options trading platform. The platform’s user-friendly design allows investors to trade through the mobile app or web platform, and get important metrics like breakeven percentage, maximum profit/loss, and more with the click of a button.

Plus, SoFi offers educational resources — including a step-by-step in-app guide — to help you learn more about options trading. Trading options involves high-risk strategies, and should be undertaken by experienced investors.

For a limited time, opening and funding an Active Invest account gives you the opportunity to get up to $1,000 in the stock of your choice.

Photo credit: iStock/AleksandarNakic

SoFi Invest®
INVESTMENTS ARE NOT FDIC INSURED • ARE NOT BANK GUARANTEED • MAY LOSE VALUE
SoFi Invest encompasses two distinct companies, with various products and services offered to investors as described below: Individual customer accounts may be subject to the terms applicable to one or more of these platforms.
1) Automated Investing and advisory services are provided by SoFi Wealth LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser (“SoFi Wealth“). Brokerage services are provided to SoFi Wealth LLC by SoFi Securities LLC.
2) Active Investing and brokerage services are provided by SoFi Securities LLC, Member FINRA (www.finra.org)/SIPC(www.sipc.org). Clearing and custody of all securities are provided by APEX Clearing Corporation.
For additional disclosures related to the SoFi Invest platforms described above please visit SoFi.com/legal.
Neither the Investment Advisor Representatives of SoFi Wealth, nor the Registered Representatives of SoFi Securities are compensated for the sale of any product or service sold through any SoFi Invest platform.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

Options involve risks, including substantial risk of loss and the possibility an investor may lose the entire amount invested in a short period of time. Before an investor begins trading options they should familiarize themselves with the Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options . Tax considerations with options transactions are unique, investors should consult with their tax advisor to understand the impact to their taxes.
Claw Promotion: Customer must fund their Active Invest account with at least $25 within 30 days of opening the account. Probability of customer receiving $1,000 is 0.028%. See full terms and conditions.

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