Carry trade is a strategy used by some traders who invest in currency markets to take advantage of differences in interest rates. In a carry trade, an investor buys or borrows a security or asset at a low interest rate, and then uses it to invest in another security or asset that provides a higher rate of return.
Carry trades have some clear uses in the foreign exchange market, or “forex” market. Given that they can be used to drive returns, they can be important for investors of all stripes to understand.
What Is a Carry Trade?
In a carry trade, forex traders borrow money at a low interest rate in order to invest it in an asset with a higher rate of return. In the forex markets, the currency carry trade is a bet that one foreign currency will hold or increase its value relative to another currency.
Of course, this investing strategy hinges on whether or not interest rates and exchange rates are in the traders’ favor. The wider the exchange rate between two currencies, the better the potential returns for the investor.
Even so, a carry trade strategy can be a relatively simple way to increase an investor’s returns, assuming they understand the difference in interest rates. In that way, it’s similar to understanding “spread trading” as they relate to stocks.
💡 Quick Tip: The best stock trading app? That’s a personal preference, of course. Generally speaking, though, a great app is one with an intuitive interface and powerful features to help make trades quickly and easily.
How Do You Execute a Carry Trade?
Executing a carry trade can seem nebulous without an example. Here’s a runthrough.
Carry Trade Example
Imagine that the U.S. dollar has a 1% interest rate, but the British pound has a 2% interest rate. A trader could take 100 U.S. dollars, and then invest that 100 dollars into the equivalent number of pounds (according to the exchange rate), and earn a higher return in interest. The discrepancy in interest rates allows traders to take advantage and earn higher returns.
This is a rather simplistic carry trade example, professional traders and investors can engage in complex carry trade strategies, and even employ the use of a carry trade formula to help them figure out expected returns, and whether the strategy is worth pursuing in a given situation.
Rather than simply buying one currency with another, traders often execute a carry trade that involves borrowing money in one currency and using it to purchase assets in another currency. In this scenario, traders want to borrow the money at the lowest possible interest rate, and do so using a weak or declining currency.
That can create higher profits when they close the deal and pay back the borrowed money. In general, carry trade is a short-term strategy, rather than one focused on the long-term.
The concept of a carry trade is simple, but in practice, it can involve investment risk.
Most notably, there’s the risk that the currency or asset a trader is investing in (the British pounds in our previous example) could lose value. That could put a damper on a trader’s expected returns, as it would eat away at the gains the difference in interest rates could provide. Currency prices tend to be very volatile, and something as mundane as a monthly jobs report released by a government can cause big price changes.
The greater the degree of leverage an investor uses to execute a carry trade, the higher the potential returns — and the larger the risk. In addition to currency risk, the carry trade is subject to interest rate risk. Given the risks, carry trades in the currency markets may not be the most appropriate strategy for investors with a low tolerance for risk.
💡 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.
The Takeaway
Carry trades are one way for investors or traders to generate returns, although the approach involves some risks that aren’t present in other types of investment strategies. While the carry trade concept is straightforward, it can quickly get complex when institutional investors put it in place.
Carry trades can be advanced trading tools or strategies. For that reason, they may not be appropriate for all investors or traders. If you feel like you’re in over your head, it may be a good idea to speak with a financial professional for guidance, or to do some more homework to further your understanding.
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Figuring out when you have to start paying back student loans can be a bit tricky, but in 2023 it’s more complicated than usual. A pause on all federal student loan payments has been in effect since 2020, but that pause has come to an end.
For new grads, most federal student loans have a six-month grace period after you finish school, during which borrowers don’t have to make payments. The payback terms on private student loans are set by individual lenders, which may or may not offer a grace period.
Whether you’re a new grad or a federal student loan borrower wondering when your paused payments will resume, read on to find out when you have to start paying back your student loans.
In March 2020, at the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, the federal government ordered the suspension of payments, interest, and collections on most federally held student loans. Three years later, borrowers will restart making loan payments in the fall of 2023.
When the time comes, borrowers should receive a billing statement from their loan servicer at least 21 days before their payment is due. The statement will provide the latest information on payment due dates, monthly amount, and interest accrued.
What else you can do: Make sure your contact information is up-to-date on your loan servicer’s website and in your StudentAid.gov profile. And to refresh your memory on all things student loans, read our summary of the basics of student loans.
What Is a Student Loan Grace Period?
A grace period is the time you’re given after graduation before you have to start paying back your student loans. The federal government and many private lenders understand that you might not find a steady job straight out of college.
Both Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans have a grace period. Direct PLUS loans for graduate students and parents don’t have a grace period. Make sure you understand which loan you have so you’re financially ready to start making payments.
While the grace period gives you time to find a job before you have to start making payments, it’s important to understand that unsubsidized federal student loans will continue to accrue interest during the grace period.
Usually, at the end of the grace period, the interest is capitalized onto the principal (or original amount borrowed). This becomes the new value of the loan, and interest continues to accrue based on this new value. However, new federal regulations will eliminate interest capitalization when borrowers first enter repayment.
There are two main types of student loans: private student loans and federal student loans. Private student loans are borrowed from a bank, credit union, or another lender. Federal loans are backed by the U.S. Department of Education. Important differences between the two include:
• Only federal student loans were eligible for the payment pause.
• Fixed interest rates on federal student loans are generally lower than for private loans.
• Only federal student loans are eligible for income-driven repayment plans, deferment and forbearance, and federal loan forgiveness.
When to Start Paying Federal Student Loans
As noted above, both direct subsidized and unsubsidized loans offer a six-month grace period where loan payments are not required after a student graduates. Here’s how the payment pause may affect your grace period:
• Students who graduated in December 2022 or earlier will make their first payment after October 1, 2023.
• Students who graduated in June 2023 will make their first loan payment in December.
When to Start Paying Private Student Loans
Some private student loans operate with a six-month grace period, similar to federal student loans. But not all. If you have a private student loan, check your loan terms to see if you have a grace period.
If you’re looking to take out a private student loan with a grace period, consider reviewing different lenders to see who has the best terms. Unlike federal student loans, interest rates for private student loans vary based on individual factors including your credit history. Because of this, your interest rate might be higher than it would be with federal loans.
Can You Get More Time Before Paying Back Student Loans?
If you’ve already graduated and you’re having trouble finding a job in your field, you might be stretching your finances as thin as they go. Even your student loan repayments might not get priority. Before you let late payments get the best of you, consider what options are available.
It may be possible to talk to the loan servicer about delaying your payments a little longer. Your lender doesn’t want you to be late either, and might be willing to work with you.
Extended Deferment or Forbearance
Borrowers with federal student loans might qualify for student loan deferment or forbearance, which allow you to temporarily pause payments. Keep in mind that interest may still accrue while your loans are in deferment or forbearance, depending on the type of loan you hold. You’ll be responsible for that interest regardless of when you start making your payments.
The start date of those repayments isn’t the only thing you should be concerned with. If you have student loans, lowering your payment amount is probably on your mind as well. Not sure what your monthly payment is? Use our student loan calculator to estimate your student loan payments.
Can You Lower Your Student Loan Payments?
March 26, 2025: The SAVE Plan is no longer available after a federal court blocked its implementation in February 2025. However, applications for other income-driven repayment plans and for loan consolidation are available again. We will update this page as more information becomes available.
Depending on the type of loans you have, there are a few different ways you can lower your student loan payments.
Consolidation
If you have many different federal student loans, you might want to consider student loan consolidation. Consolidating your existing loans with a Direct Consolidation Loan means combining all of your federal loans into a single loan and potentially lengthening the term so your payments go down. A longer term, however, means paying more interest over the (now longer) life of your loan.
Your new interest rate will be the weighted average of all your federal loans combined, rounded up to the nearest eighth of 1%, which means consolidation might not lower your interest rate.
Refinancing
Refinancing your student loans is similar to consolidation. However, a refinanced loan uses your credit history to determine your interest rate. Ideally, refinancing will lead to a lower rate. It’s important to note that refinancing student loans forfeits protections that come with federal student loans, like forbearance and income-driven repayment plans.
It’s also possible to lengthen or shorten your loan term. Refinancing can be done with private student loans, federal student loans, or both. Just remember that lengthening the loan term may result in paying more in interest over the life of the loan.
If you have federal student loans and have a lower income, you might want to look into Income-Driven Repayment plans. There are a few different IDR options that vary based on your income and family size. And recent changes by the Biden Administration make the plans an even better deal for borrowers.
All IDR plans forgive the remaining balance on your loans either 20 or 25 years after you begin paying the loan back. This could be an option to consider if you are a recent grad. Note that while the remaining balance is forgiven at the end of an IDR loan term, that amount may be considered taxable income by the IRS.
What Happens if You Don’t Start Paying Back Student Loans?
If you don’t start paying back your student loans, you can face some pretty serious financial consequences. Your loan will become delinquent after the first day of missed payments. Once you’re 90 days late making a payment on your federal loans, your loan servicer will report the delinquency to the credit reporting bureaus and your credit score will take a hit.
If you have a private student loan, your lender may report you to the credit reporting bureaus after just 30 days. A lower credit score can make it more difficult to secure credit and loans in the future, and if you do get a loan, it might come with less favorable terms and a higher interest rate.
Student Loan Default
After 270 days, your federal loans will enter default. Private loans may default after 120 days, and Federal Perkins loans can enter default immediately after you miss a payment.
Once you’re in default, your credit will take another hit. You might also be subject to having your wages garnished (though the rules on this are different when it comes to federal vs. private student loans).
In addition to wage garnishment and damage to your credit, you may also experience the following negative consequences:
• Late fees. For example, federal loans that are 30 days late may encounter late fees of 6% of the amount due.
• Loss of eligibility for loan deferment or forbearance once you default on federal loans.
• No longer able to choose your repayment plan for federal loans.
• The government may withhold your tax refund if you fail to pay federal loans.
• Loss of eligibility for financial aid.
The Takeaway
The payment pause on federal student loans has ended. If you graduated in or before December 2022, your first federal student loan payment will be due sometime after October 1. If you graduated in June 2023 or later, your first payment will be due after six months. Your loan servicer will provide you with a billing statement at least 21 days before your first payment is due. If you can’t afford to resume your monthly payments, federal loan holders have options: deferment, an income-driven repayment plan, or refinancing. Some private student loans also offer grace periods; check with your loan servicer to find out.
Looking to lower your monthly student loan payment? Refinancing may be one way to do it — by extending your loan term, getting a lower interest rate than what you currently have, or both. (Please note that refinancing federal loans makes them ineligible for federal forgiveness and protections. Also, lengthening your loan term may mean paying more in interest over the life of the loan.) SoFi student loan refinancing offers flexible terms that fit your budget.
With SoFi, refinancing is fast, easy, and all online. We offer competitive fixed and variable rates.
SoFi Student Loan Refinance Terms and conditions apply. SoFi Refinance Student Loans are private loans. When you refinance federal loans with a SoFi loan, YOU FOREFEIT YOUR EILIGIBILITY FOR ALL FEDERAL LOAN BENEFITS, including all flexible federal repayment and forgiveness options that are or may become available to federal student loan borrowers including, but not limited to: Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF), Income-Based Repayment, Income-Contingent Repayment, extended repayment plans, PAYE or SAVE. Lowest rates reserved for the most creditworthy borrowers. Learn more at SoFi.com/eligibility. SoFi Refinance Student Loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. NMLS #696891 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org).
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Personal loans can be used for almost any purpose. In fact, they are one of the most flexible ways to borrow money, without the high interest rates that credit cards charge. So, what’s stopping people from borrowing money for a yacht and cruising away to the Mediterranean, never to return? Simple: They need to meet the lender’s personal loan requirements.
Personal loan qualifications vary by lender — there is no universal list. However, there are certain red and green flags that lenders commonly look for in a borrower’s credit history. We’ve compiled them here to help you be more prepared before you apply.
One of the key metrics lenders look at when evaluating an applicant for any loan is credit score. There’s no universal minimum credit score for personal loans. However, in general, the higher the credit score, the more likely lenders are to approve a loan and give the borrower a more favorable interest rate. The lower your interest rate, the less money you’ll pay over time. Many lenders consider a score of 670 or above to indicate solid creditworthiness.
If your credit score is lower, you might still qualify for a personal loans for bad credit, but the terms may not be as favorable. Some lenders specialize in working with borrowers with lower credit scores, although you might face higher interest rates or stricter repayment terms.
If you apply for prequalification, many lenders will run a soft credit check (which doesn’t affect your credit score) in order to see if you’re a good candidate for a personal loan. As the process moves forward, and an applicant actually applies for a personal loan, lenders will usually do a hard credit check (that is, a deep dive into your credit history). A hard credit check may knock five to 10 points off your credit score, and can continue to impact your score for a few months.
Most lenders review your credit history as well as your credit score, plus other financial factors like your income, to create a holistic view of your financial situation.
💡 Quick Tip: SoFi lets you view your rate for a personal loan online in 60 seconds, without affecting your credit score.
Key Points
• Personal loans can be used for various purposes and offer flexibility without high interest rates.
• Lenders consider credit score, collateral, proof of income and employment, debt-to-income ratio, and origination fees when approving personal loans.
• A higher credit score increases the likelihood of loan approval and favorable interest rates.
• Collateral may be required for secured loans, while unsecured loans have higher interest rates.
• Proof of income and employment is necessary to ensure the borrower’s ability to repay the loan.
2. Collateral
There are two types of personal loans: collateralized and uncollateralized. Collateral is something of value that is used as security for repayment of a loan. In the event of default, the bank or lender may be able to seize the property from the borrower.
When a loan requires collateral, it’s referred to as a “secured loan.” When it does not, it is called an “unsecured loan.” From a lender’s perspective, unsecured personal loans are riskier. Therefore, the requirements for secured and unsecured loans are typically different.
Typically, when people talk about personal loans, they’re referring to unsecured personal loans. Because these loans aren’t backed by collateral, they may have higher interest rates or be harder to qualify for than secured personal loans. Some lenders and banks require collateral for personal loans. Anything from cars to property can be used as collateral, and can be seized in the event that you fail to make your loan payments.
It’s a tradeoff that’s worth weighing before you apply for a loan. If you put your property on the line, you could lose it. But taking that risk may qualify you for a lower interest rate. On the flip side, using collateral on a personal loan can come with hidden costs. For example, some lenders may require you to have additional insurance in the event the collateralized property is damaged.
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3. Proof of Income and Employment
Most lenders will want to be sure that you are gainfully employed and have sufficient income to repay the loan. Proof of income and employment can be required by many lenders to verify how you will repay the loan. This is one way they can determine the likelihood that you’ll pay it back. Plus it can affect things like the interest rate or payback term you’re offered.
Like most personal loan requirements, “proof of income” can mean different things for different lenders. Some lenders require a signed letter from your employer, while others need pay stubs or W2s.
Another important personal loan qualification is debt-to-income ratio (DTI). DTI compares your gross monthly income to the monthly payments you make on your debt. Generally, the lower your DTI, the more desirable you are as a borrower for any lender.
For example, someone earning $120,000 per year might seem like they’re doing great. That’s $10,000 in gross income per month. But let’s say they’re actually having a tough time making ends meet because they’re paying $6,000 per month toward their credit card and student loan debt. Their DTI is 60%, which is considered high — and might make them less desirable to lenders.
Conversely, someone with a lower income, say $60,000 per year, might get better terms on their personal loan offer if they are only paying $500 a month toward student loans. In this scenario, they are earning $5,000 per month and paying $500 per month toward debt, which makes their DTI 10%.
The lower your DTI, the more desirable you usually are as a borrower for any lender.
This one is a personal loan requirement rather than a qualification. Some lenders charge a one-time “origination fee,” which is intended to cover the cost of processing the loan. Origination fees vary by lender and the borrower’s financial situation. Some lenders charge a flat fee for personal loans, while others charge a percentage of the total loan amount. These fees usually range from 1% to 5%, but they can go as high as 10%.
This can be a considerable sum of money, depending on the loan size. Note that you can typically roll this cost into your loan’s total or pay it out of your loan’s principal.
How to Qualify for a Personal Loan
Savvy consumers know that they may have work to do before applying for a personal loan. Some tasks are relatively quick, like pulling together financial documents. Other things take more time, like practicing good financial habits over the long term so that your credit score is at its best. Once you have your financial ducks in a row, you can feel more confident that you’ll get your personal loan approved.
Below are a few things to keep in mind if you’re considering applying for a personal loan.
Maintain a Stable Income
Lenders typically prefer a borrower with a stable income. If you plan to apply for a personal loan, it may not be the time to change careers.
If there are other ways to boost your income in the meantime, it may help your chances of qualifying and getting favorable loan terms. Whether that means asking for a raise or picking up part-time work, increasing your cash inflow can make you a more desirable borrower in the eyes of a lender — although not all income is considered eligible.
Get a Cosigner or Co-Borrower
A cosigner is someone who agrees to pay the loan if you default. A personal loan co-borrower is someone who may reside with you and takes the loan out with you — their name is on the loan, and you both have an obligation to repay it. Either may improve your chances of qualifying for a personal loan, as lenders view both as an extra layer of repayment security.
Before deciding to bring someone else into the equation, check with your lender if a cosigner or co-borrower is allowed. Then carefully consider the drawbacks. For instance, a cosigner might see a decrease in their credit score if you fail to make a payment. And a co-borrower would have to pay the loan themselves if you default.
Monitor Your Credit Score
If your credit history is less than ideal, you may want to monitor your credit score to learn what actions (or inaction) might hurt it. You can request your credit report for free from each of the three major credit reporting agencies — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — at AnnualCreditReport.com.
Check your credit history for errors, such as fraud, misreporting, or a card accidentally opened in your name. Then file a dispute online asking the credit bureaus to remove the errors. But keep in mind that fixing issues on your credit report could take time.
Do your best to pay every bill on time, and try to reduce how much debt you’re carrying relative to your credit limits. For instance, pay down outstanding debt as much as you can. It may also help to pay your credit card bill in full each month.
Applying for a Personal Loan
Often it’s better to save for a big expense, even if it takes a few months or years. However, if that’s not possible, a personal loan can be a better option than charging the expense to a credit card.
When applying for a personal loan, start by figuring out how much you’d like to borrow. (A personal loan calculator can help you decide.) You’ll also want to check your credit, and get prequalified with multiple lenders. Once you choose a lender, you’ll submit your application. This is when you’ll need your financial documents, such as pay stubs, tax returns, and bank statements.
Wondering where you can get a personal loan? They’re available from banks, credit unions, and online lenders. If you’d like to do business with a particular bank, you might start your inquiries there. Existing customers may get better interest rates or receive their funds sooner.
You can also shop around online to check going rates and terms. With online lenders, it’s easy to compare offers. Plus the entire application process is digital.
💡 Quick Tip: Just as there are no free lunches, there are no guaranteed loans. So beware lenders who advertise them. If they are legitimate, they need to know your creditworthiness before offering you a loan.
The Takeaway
Qualifications for a personal loan typically include a credit score of 670 or more, proof of income, and a debt-to-income ratio below 30%. Some lenders require collateral to secure your loan; if you default, the lender can seize your property. Lenders may also charge an origination fee of 1% to 5%. Before you apply for a personal loan, maintain a stable income, monitor your credit score, and get a cosigner with excellent credit if necessary. The application process is usually straightforward if you have your financial documentation ready.
Think twice before turning to high-interest credit cards. Consider a SoFi personal loan instead. SoFi offers competitive fixed rates and same-day funding. See your rate in minutes.
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FAQ
What can be used as collateral for a personal loan?
Just about any assets you own can be used for collateral on a personal loan. That includes your home, car, savings account, investments, and jewelry or collectibles.
How do I know if I will qualify for a loan?
To “preview” the loan terms you qualify for, you can get prequalified online for a personal loan. You’ll see the loan amount you’re approved for, plus your interest rate, any fees, and repayment term. Prequalification requires a soft credit check only, which won’t hurt your credit score.
Can you get a personal loan without income proof?
Yes, it is possible to get a personal loan without income proof. However, it will be more difficult to qualify, since your credit score and history will have to be exemplary enough to compensate for the lack of income proof. Also, keep in mind that a stable income is more important to lenders than a high salary. If you have a modest income and excellent credit, you can still qualify for favorable loan terms.
What disqualifies you from getting a personal loan?
There are a number of factors that could disqualify you from taking out a personal loan. Examples include a bad credit score, no income, and not being an official resident of the U.S.
Do all personal loans require proof of income?
Generally speaking, most lenders require proof of income, though some may offer unsecured loans without verifying your income. Secured loan lenders might issue a loan without looking at your income or credit history.
What type of personal loan is easiest to get approved for?
One of the easiest types of personal loan to get approved for is a no credit check loan. As the name suggests, these loans offer quick cash to borrowers without requiring a credit check. However, they can have major drawbacks, such as short repayment periods and sky-high interest rates.
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A divestiture, also known as a divestment, involves the liquidation of a company’s assets, such as building or intellectual property, or a part of its business, such as a subsidiary. This can occur through several different means, including bankruptcy, exchange, sale, or foreclosure.
Divestitures can be partial or total, meaning some or all of the company could be spun off or otherwise divested, depending on the reason for the company getting rid of its assets. Corporate mergers and acquisitions are a common example of one type of divestiture.
What Are Reasons a Company Would Divest Itself?
Often a divestiture reflects a decision by management that one part of the business no longer helps it meet its operational goals. A divestiture can be an intelligent financial decision for a business in certain situations.
If one aspect of a business (e.g., a product line or a subsidiary) isn’t working, has become unprofitable, or is likely to soon consume more capital than it can create, then instead of letting that be a continued drain on resources, a company can divest.
This not only does away with the troublesome aspect of the company, but also frees up some money the company can put toward more productive endeavors, such as new research and development, marketing, or new product lines.
There are many other potential reasons for a company to divest itself of a particular aspect of its business as well. The growth of a rival may prove overwhelming and insurmountable, in which case divesting might make more sense than continuing to compete.
A company may choose to undergo a divestment of some sort, such as closing some store locations, in order to avoid bankruptcy, to take advantage of new opportunities, or because new market developments might make it difficult for part of the company to survive.
Companies also sometimes must divest some of their business because of a court order aimed at breaking up monopolies. This can happen when a court determines that a company has completely cornered the marketplace for its goods or services, preventing fair competition.
💡 Quick Tip: All investments come with some degree of risk — and some are riskier than others. Before investing online, decide on your investment goals and how much risk you want to take.
What Happens in a Divestiture?
When a divestiture involves the sale of part or all of a company, the process has four parts. The first two parts involve planning for the actual divestment transaction itself. Once management decides which part of the company to divest and who will be buying it, the divestment can begin.
1. Monitoring the Portfolio
When pursuing an active divestiture strategy, the company’s management team will review each business unit and try to evaluate its importance to the company’s overall business strategy. They’ll want to understand the performance of each part of the business, which part needs improvement, and if it might make sense to eliminate one part.
2. Identifying a Buyer
Once the business identifies some or all of the company as a potential divestment target, the team moves on to the next problem that logically follows: Who will buy it?
The goal is to find a buyer that will pay enough for the business to cover the estimated opportunity cost of not selling the business unit in question. If the buyer does not have the liquidity to make the purchase with cash, they might offer an equity deal or borrow money to cover the cost.
3. Executing the Divestiture
The divestiture involves many aspects of the business, including a change of management, company valuation, legal ownership, and deciding which employees will remain with the company and which ones will have to leave.
4. Managing the Financials
Once the sale closes, attention turns to managing the transition. The transaction appears on the company’s profit-and-loss statement. If the amount that the company receives for the asset it sells is higher than the book value, that difference appears as a gain. If it’s less the company will record it as a loss.
The company will typically share the net impact of the divestiture in its earnings report, following the transaction.
What Are The Different Types of Divestitures?
There are several different ways companies can define divest for themselves. A few of these options include:
• An equity carve-out, when a company can choose to sell a portion of its subsidiaries through initial public offerings but still retain full control of them.
• A split-up demerger, when a company splits in two, and the original parent company ceases to be.
• A partial sell-off, where a business sells one of its subsidiaries to another company. The funds from the sale then go toward newer, more productive activities.
• A spin-off demerger, in which a company’s division becomes a separate business entity.
What Causes a Company to Divest?
A divestiture strategy can be part of an overall retrenchment strategy, when a company tries to reinvent itself by slimming down its activities and streamline its capital expenditures. When that happens, the company will divest those parts of the business that are not profitable, consuming too much time or energy, or no longer fit into the company’s big-picture goals.
Factors that could influence a company to adopt a divestiture strategy can be lumped into two broad groups:
External Developments
External developments include things outside the company, such as changing customer behavior, new competition, government policies and regulations, or the emergence of new disruptive technologies.
Internal Developments
Internal developments include situations arising from within the company, such as management problems, strategic errors, production inefficiencies, poor customer service, etc.
Divestiture Strategy Example
Imagine a fictitious company called ABC was the parent of a pharmaceutical company, a cosmetic company, and a clothing company. After some time and analysis, ABC’s management determines that the company’s financials have begun deteriorating and they need to make a change in the business.
Following the four-step process above, they begin by finding the weakest points of business. Eventually, they decide that the pharmaceutical branch of the company is under-performing and would also be the easiest for the company to divest. It makes more sense to stick to clothing and cosmetics.
After identifying a buyer (perhaps a larger pharmaceutical company or a promising startup looking to expand), the divestment transaction occurs. The employees who work in the pharmaceutical branch either lose their jobs, or they get roles working for the new owner of that part of the business. The cash infusion that ABC gets as a result of the sale of its pharmaceutical branch will go toward new marketing efforts and creating new product lines.
💡 Quick Tip: It’s smart to invest in a range of assets so that you’re not overly reliant on any one company or market to do well. For example, by investing in different sectors you can add diversification to your portfolio, which may help mitigate some risk factors over time.
The Takeaway
Divesting is essentially the opposite of investing. It involves a company selling off parts of its business. A divestiture can have some positive outcomes on the value of a company, and there are several business reasons that a company would choose to divest. Depending on the circumstances, this process could theoretically be either a positive or a negative for shareholders.
Investors could see news of a divestment as a sign that a company is struggling, leading them to sell the stock. While this initial reaction could be one likely outcome, the company could eventually wind up doing even better than before if it manages itself better as a leaner company. In either case, the divestiture is one factor that investors can use in their analysis of that company’s stock.
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).
Opening and funding an Active Invest account gives you the opportunity to get up to $1,000 in the stock of your choice.
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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:
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For a full listing of the fees associated with Sofi Invest please view our fee schedule.
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.
Claw Promotion: Customer must fund their Active Invest account with at least $50 within 30 days of opening the account. Probability of customer receiving $1,000 is 0.028%. See full terms and conditions.
Trading stocks can help investors build wealth over time. But for investors interested in more advanced investment strategies, options trading might be worth looking into – but be warned, options trading is its own world, with its own jargon.
When an investor trades options, they aren’t trading individual shares of stock. Instead, they’re trading contracts to buy or sell stocks and other securities under specific conditions. Beyond this, there are a number of important options trading strategies investors commonly use when trading options. In order to effectively deal in options, an investor might also want to familiarize themselves with certain lingo.
First, Understand What You Are Trading
Before learning the trading terms, it helps to have a firm grasp of what options trading is and what it involves. In layman’s terms, when you’re trading options, you’re investing in an option to buy or sell a stock, rather than the stock itself.
Again, this is a form of derivative trading, and there are numerous options trading strategies that can be put to use, too. It’s not exactly the same as trading stocks, and is often more complicated. For that reason, investors should know what they’re getting into before trading options.
💡 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.
Options Trading Terms to Know
When it comes to options trading, these are some of the most important trading terms to understand.
Call Option
A call option is an options contract that gives the purchaser of the option the right to buy shares of a stock or another security at a fixed price. This price is called the “strike price.”
When an investor buys a call option, the option to buy is open for a set time period. The expiration date is the date when the call option is voided — though some options positions are automatically closed or exercised if they are in the money. Standard options contracts are no more than 90 days.
Put Option
A put option gives a purchaser the right to sell shares of a stock at the strike price by a specified day. When getting to know puts and calls definitions, it’s important to remember that each one has:
• A strike price
• An expiration date
Strike Price
With a call option or put option, the strike price is one of the most important trading terms to know.
In a call option, the strike price is the price at which an investor may buy the underlying stock associated with the contract. In a put option, the strike price is the price at which they may sell the underlying stock.
The gap between the strike price and the actual price of a stock determines whether an investor is “in the money” or “out of the money.”
In the Money
When discussing stock movements, it’s typical to think in terms of whether a stock’s price is up, down, or flat. With options, on the other hand, there’s different language used to describe whether an investment is paying off or not, and it’s often described as “in the money” versus “out of the money.”
An option is in the money when the correlation between the strike price and the stock price is leaning in a buyer’s favor. Which way this movement needs to go depends on whether they have a call option or put option.
With a call option, a buyer is in the money if the strike price is below the stock’s actual price. Say, for example, you place a call option to purchase a stock at $50 per share but its actual price is $60 per share. You’d be up, or in the money, by $10 per share.
Put options are the opposite. An option buyer is in the money with a put option if the strike price is higher than the actual stock price.
Out of the Money
Being out of the money with call or put options means the option buyer doesn’t stand to reap any financial gain from exercising the option. Whether a call or put option is out of the money depends on the relationship between the strike price and the actual stock price.
A call option is out of the money when the strike price is above the actual stock price. A put option is out of the money when the strike price is below the actual stock price.
At the Money
Being “at the money” is another scenario an options buyer could run into with options trading.
In an at-the-money situation, the strike price and the stock’s actual price are the same. If the buyer of the option sells the option, they can make or lose money. If they exercise the option, they will lose money because of the premium paid.
Volatility is a way to track up or down swings in a stock’s price across trading sessions. Implied volatility is a way of measuring or estimating which way a stock’s price might go in the future.
A volatility crush happens when there’s a sharp decline in a stock’s implied volatility that affects an option’s value. Specifically, this means a downward trend that can detract from a call or put option’s value.
Volatility crushes can happen after a major event that affects or could affect a stock’s price. For example, investors might see a volatility crush after a company releases its latest earnings report or announces a merger with a competitor.
The bid price is the highest price a buyer is willing to pay for an option. The ask price is the price a seller is willing to accept for an option. The difference between the bid price and ask price is known as the spread.
Holder and Writer
Other trading terms investors may hear associated with options are “holder” and “writer.” The person or entity buying an options contract may be referred to as the holder. The seller of an options contract can also be referred to as the writer of that contract.
An option is exercised when the buyer chooses to invoke their right to buy or sell the underlying security.
💡 Quick Tip: Look for an online brokerage with low trading commissions as well as no account minimum. Higher fees can cut into investment returns over time.
Pros and Cons of Options Trading
Options trading can offer both advantages and disadvantages for investors.
Pros of Options Trading
• Lower entry point. Unless an investor is able to purchase fractional shares, purchasing individual stock shares with higher price points can get expensive. Investing in options, on the other hand, may be more accessible for investors with a limited amount of money to put into the market.
• Downside protection for buyers. If the stock’s price isn’t moving in the direction a buyer anticipated, they don’t have to exercise their option to buy. This can limit losses.
• Greater flexibility. An investor has control over exercising the option to capitalize on the stocks rise or fall accordingly. An investor could exercise an option to buy and keep the shares, or buy and then resell them. Or they could choose not to exercise their option at all.
Cons of Options Trading
Options trading can be risky for sellers. Trading stocks is risky, but trading options have the potential to be more so for investors on the selling end of a contract. An investor might end up being out of the money on an options contract — but even that doesn’t determine the extent of the loss. The risk comes from the selling of uncovered puts and calls.
The Takeaway
Trading options can be appealing to investors who think an asset’s price will go up or down, or who want to attempt to offset risk from assets that they own. But before an investor engages in options trading, it’s a good idea to get familiar with put and call definitions and other options trading terms.
Knowing the specific jargon and terminology used by options traders can help investors cut through the noise and make better decisions. Of course, if you’re uneasy or unfamiliar with options terminology, you’d probably be better off learning more before starting to make trades.
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).
Opening and funding an Active Invest account gives you the opportunity to get up to $1,000 in the stock of your choice.
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.
For a full listing of the fees associated with Sofi Invest please view our fee schedule.
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.
Claw Promotion: Customer must fund their Active Invest account with at least $50 within 30 days of opening the account. Probability of customer receiving $1,000 is 0.028%. See full terms and conditions.
