An Introduction to Capital Markets

Our new course, An Introduction to Capital Markets, offers an overview of what a capital market is and how an investor may use the various capital markets for investment opportunities and to diversify risk. Stocks, bonds, money markets, real estate and bank accounts are introduced as are the roles of these various markets in the overall economic environment. Some of the risks and potential rewards of each of these areas of the economy are introduced. With a better understanding of these resources, it will afford the user the ability to build a foundation towards a better understanding of how options fit in. The final lesson introduces options for the first time by providing a high level overview of some building blocks to further the user's understanding of the options markets. Enroll in An Introduction to Capital Markets!

New Webcast: Covered Calls

The Covered Calls webcast from OIC features Instructor Steve Meizinger discussing the topic of covered call writing. He'll explain some of the motivations behind using this strategy in trading options. You'll also learn about calculating static and if-called returns as well as some common misconceptions about covered writing. Steve will also share some points to consider when putting together your own personalized plan for using this neutral to slightly bullish strategy. Watch Now

Understanding and Trading Options Spread Strategies Podcast

In this fourth installment of the Understanding and Trading Options Spread Strategies series, OIC Instructor Alan Grigoletto demonstrates how to use a Bull Call Spread to help you evaluate potential outcome for a particular option. Be on the look out for subsequent podcasts that will cover Bear Call Spreads as well as Bull and Bear Put Spreads. Watch Now

2009/2010 Expiration Calendars

Want to keep tabs on when your Options expire? Visit OptionsEducation.org to download OIC’s Options Expiration Calendar – 2009 and 2010 versions are currently available. You can also get your very own FREE desk and pocket calendars by order one through the OIC Help Desk. Call 1-888-OPTIONS to order one today. Bulk orders of the desk and pocket-sized calendars are available – please inquire to the Help Desk for pricing.

The Options Industry Council Announces New Study Finds Collar Strategies Outperform Buy And Hold

The results of a new study examining the use of options in a collar strategy (both active and passive implementations) on the PowerShares QQQ™ exchange-traded fund (ETF) show it provides superior returns to the traditional buy and hold strategy while reducing risk by almost 65%.

The Options Industry Council (OIC) is pleased to note the study reaffirms the risk management potential of equity options, finding that during the entire 10-year study period, including the sub-periods around the tech bubble and credit crisis, collars significantly outperformed the QQQ, providing much needed capital protection.

Read More.

Options Seminars

Basic

• Mar 03 - Parsippany NJ
• Apr 13 - Philadelphia, PA
• Apr 20 - New York Midtown, NY

Intermediate

• Jan 26 - Phoenix, AZ
• Feb 02 - Santa Ana, CA
• Feb 09 - Atlanta, GA

Volatility

• Jan 27 - Phoenix, AZ
• Feb 03 - Santa Ana, CA
• Feb 10 - Atlanta, GA

Chat Live With an Options Professional

Wondering how to use options to hedge your positions or portfolio? Visit our web site, where you can now instant message our options professionals. After numerous customer requests, we are offering this additional line of communication to our experienced Options Help Desk. We are available to chat and answer your options questions every trading day. Why not give it a try today?