New Forex Trading Strategy

Thursday, November 12, 2009

Everything You Always Wanted To Know About Covered Calls

By Jens Jackson

Most investors do not understand how to generate cash flow from their stock positions. Covered calls can be used to hedge your stock positions. My stock advisory newsletter first introduced to me the strategy of covered calls. I was shocked to discover that even major IRA accounts ran by brokerage firms allow you to write covered calls because of its relative safety to other option strategies.

Covered call writing is very simple to understand. It basically says that I'll give you $5,000 now, if you allow me to buy your stock 3 months from now at a certain price. If I choose not to exercise this option, you keep the money and we part.

Now I will go into more detail. Do not worry, just keep re-reading this until you get it. I buy 1,000 shares of FGH at $10 and the stock goes to $11 several weeks later. I can make money right now without selling my stock by selling the option to someone to buy the stock from me six months from now at $12.50. For that option, the buyer has agreed to give me $0.50 per share or $500 right now.

The $500 is deposited into my brokerage account immediately. My brokerage company will not allow me to sell my stock prior to 6 months unless I buy back the option on the open market. With big fluctuations in option prices, I usually hold my stock until the expiration date.

Six months from now, two things can happen. One, the stock goes above $12.50 and the person "calls" me out of the position, which I am more than happy to do since I bought it at ten. Second, the stock has declined below $12.50 and the option holder is holding on to a worthless option. The option holder would not "call" the stock from me at $12.5 when he or she might be able to buy it in the open market at $11.50.

After the call expires, I then start all over again by writing another call again.

Are you beginning to see how cool this strategy is? Here is what I just accomplished. First of all, I lowered my cost basis by 5% or $500. Secondly, I drew a line in the sand and said this is what I'm willing to sell the shares for, $12.50. Third, I generated instant income that I could use for Christmas or just reinvest.

This covered call writing strategy makes you a lot of money in a falling market because most option contracts keep expiring worthless and so you get to keep all your stock plus what the buyer of the option originally paid you.

There is software available that lets you spot the best stocks to use covered call writing with and that saves you a lot of time in the way of research.

But remember, any option strategy involves more risk than just buying a stock so always consult with a licensed financial adviser first. - 23305

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