There are two parties to an option contract the buyer (holder) and the seller (writer). If you are an option writer, you can be covered or naked.
For example, say you write and sell a call option. This gives the buyer the right to demand shares at a fixed strike price anytime before the option expires. If the option is exercised and you already own the shares as the writer, you are said to be covered.
Subscribe to MoneyWeek
Subscribe to MoneyWeek today and get your first six magazine issues absolutely FREE
Sign up to Money Morning
Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter
Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter
-
'We face a £6m inheritance tax bill under Reeves's changes – it's sheer terror'Thousands of families fear they’ll have no option but to look at selling their firms in a fire sale to pay inheritance tax bills, due to Rachel Reeves’s changes to business property relief
-
Millions of over 50s fear pension investment risk – how should you position your portfolio?To de-risk or not to de-risk, that is the question. Act too late and you could face irreversible losses. Move too early and miss out on significant gains that could transform your retirement.
