Part8 Trading MasterclassIntroduction to Options Trading Strategies
Options are like the “Swiss army knife” of the financial markets — flexible tools that can be shaped to fit bullish, bearish, neutral, or volatile market views. They’re contracts that give you the right, but not the obligation, to buy or sell an asset at a specific price (strike) on or before a certain date (expiry).
While most beginners think options are just for making huge leveraged bets, seasoned traders use strategies — combinations of buying and selling calls and puts — to control risk, generate income, or hedge portfolios.
Why Use Strategies Instead of Simple Buy/Sell?
Risk Management: You can cap your losses while keeping upside potential.
Income Generation: Strategies like covered calls and credit spreads generate consistent cash flow.
Direction Neutrality: You can profit even when the market moves sideways.
Volatility Play: You can design trades to profit from expected volatility spikes or drops.
Hedging: Protect stock holdings against adverse moves.
Chart Patterns
Part3 Learn Instituitional Trading Option Trading in India (NSE)
Popular Instruments:
Nifty 50 Options
Bank Nifty Options
Stock Options (like Reliance, HDFC Bank, Infosys)
FINNIFTY, MIDCPNIFTY
Lot Sizes:
Each option contract has a fixed lot size. For example, Nifty has a lot size of 50.
Margins:
If you buy options, you pay only the premium. But selling options requires high margins (due to unlimited risk).
Risks in Options Trading
While options are powerful, they carry specific risks:
1. Time Decay (Theta)
OTM options lose value fast as expiry nears.
2. Volatility Crush
A sudden drop in volatility (like post-earnings) can cause option premiums to collapse.
3. Illiquidity
Some stock options may have low volumes, making them harder to exit.
4. Assignment Risk
If you’ve sold options, especially ITM, you may be assigned early (in American-style options).
5. Unlimited Loss for Sellers
Option writers (sellers) face potentially unlimited loss (especially naked calls or puts).
Part7 Trading MasterclassThe Greeks: Measuring Risk
Options prices are sensitive to many factors. The "Greeks" are key metrics to assess these risks.
1. Delta
Measures the change in option price with respect to the underlying asset’s price.
Call delta ranges from 0 to 1.
Put delta ranges from -1 to 0.
2. Gamma
Measures the rate of change of delta. Important for managing large price swings.
3. Theta
Measures time decay. As expiry approaches, the option loses value (especially OTM options).
4. Vega
Measures sensitivity to volatility. Higher volatility = higher premium.
5. Rho
Measures sensitivity to interest rate changes.
Options Expiry & Settlement
In Indian markets (like NSE), stock options are European-style, meaning they can only be exercised on the expiration date. Index options are cash-settled.
Options expire on the last Thursday of every month (weekly options on Thursday each week). After expiry, worthless options are removed from your account.
Part1 Ride The Big MovesTypes of Option Traders
1. Speculators
They aim to profit from market direction using options. Their goal is capital gain.
2. Hedgers
They use options to protect investments from unfavorable price movements.
3. Income Traders
They sell options to earn premium income.
Option Trading Strategies
1. Basic Strategies
A. Buying Calls (Bullish)
Used when you expect the stock to rise.
B. Buying Puts (Bearish)
Used when expecting a stock to fall.
C. Covered Call (Neutral to Bullish)
Own the stock and sell a call option. Earn premium while holding the stock.
D. Protective Put (Insurance)
Own the stock and buy a put option to limit losses.
Part11 Trading MasterclassHow Options Work
Let’s break this down with an example.
Call Option Example:
You buy a call option on Stock A with a strike price of ₹100, paying a premium of ₹5. If the stock price rises to ₹120, you can buy it for ₹100 and sell it for ₹120—earning a ₹20 profit per share, minus the ₹5 premium, netting ₹15.
If the stock stays below ₹100, you simply let the option expire. Your loss is limited to the ₹5 premium.
Put Option Example:
You buy a put option on Stock A with a strike price of ₹100, paying a ₹5 premium. If the stock falls to ₹80, you can sell it for ₹100—earning ₹20, minus ₹5 premium = ₹15 profit.
If the stock stays above ₹100, the option expires worthless. Again, your loss is limited to ₹5.
Why Trade Options?
A. Leverage
Options require a smaller initial investment compared to buying stocks, but they can offer significant returns.
B. Risk Management (Hedging)
Options can hedge against downside risk. For example, if you own shares, buying a put option can protect you against losses if the price falls.
C. Income Generation
Writing (selling) options like covered calls can generate consistent income.
D. Strategic Flexibility
You can profit in bullish, bearish, or neutral markets using different strategies.
Part12 Trading MasterclassIntroduction to Options Trading
Options trading is one of the most powerful tools in financial markets. Unlike traditional stock trading, where you buy and sell shares directly, options give you the right but not the obligation to buy or sell an asset at a predetermined price before a specific date. This flexibility allows traders to hedge risks, generate income, and speculate on price movements with limited capital.
In recent years, options trading has seen a surge in popularity, especially among retail investors. With the growth of online trading platforms and educational resources, more traders are exploring this complex yet rewarding field.
What Is an Option?
An option is a financial derivative contract. It derives its value from an underlying asset—commonly a stock, index, ETF, or commodity.
There are two types of options:
Call Option: Gives the holder the right to buy the asset at a fixed price (strike price) before or on the expiry date.
Put Option: Gives the holder the right to sell the asset at a fixed price before or on the expiry date.
Key Terms to Know:
Strike Price: The price at which the option can be exercised.
Premium: The price paid to purchase the option.
Expiration Date: The last date on which the option can be exercised.
Underlying Asset: The financial instrument (like a stock) the option is based on.
In the Money (ITM): When exercising the option would be profitable.
Out of the Money (OTM): When exercising the option would not be profitable.
At the Money (ATM): When the strike price is equal to the market price.
Part5 Institutional Trading How Options Work
Let’s break this down with an example.
Call Option Example:
You buy a call option on Stock A with a strike price of ₹100, paying a premium of ₹5. If the stock price rises to ₹120, you can buy it for ₹100 and sell it for ₹120—earning a ₹20 profit per share, minus the ₹5 premium, netting ₹15.
If the stock stays below ₹100, you simply let the option expire. Your loss is limited to the ₹5 premium.
Put Option Example:
You buy a put option on Stock A with a strike price of ₹100, paying a ₹5 premium. If the stock falls to ₹80, you can sell it for ₹100—earning ₹20, minus ₹5 premium = ₹15 profit.
If the stock stays above ₹100, the option expires worthless. Again, your loss is limited to ₹5.
Why Trade Options?
A. Leverage
Options require a smaller initial investment compared to buying stocks, but they can offer significant returns.
B. Risk Management (Hedging)
Options can hedge against downside risk. For example, if you own shares, buying a put option can protect you against losses if the price falls.
C. Income Generation
Writing (selling) options like covered calls can generate consistent income.
D. Strategic Flexibility
You can profit in bullish, bearish, or neutral markets using different strategies.
Part2 Ride The Big MovesIntroduction to Options Trading
Options trading is one of the most powerful tools in financial markets. Unlike traditional stock trading, where you buy and sell shares directly, options give you the right but not the obligation to buy or sell an asset at a predetermined price before a specific date. This flexibility allows traders to hedge risks, generate income, and speculate on price movements with limited capital.
In recent years, options trading has seen a surge in popularity, especially among retail investors. With the growth of online trading platforms and educational resources, more traders are exploring this complex yet rewarding field.
What Is an Option?
An option is a financial derivative contract. It derives its value from an underlying asset—commonly a stock, index, ETF, or commodity.
There are two types of options:
Call Option: Gives the holder the right to buy the asset at a fixed price (strike price) before or on the expiry date.
Put Option: Gives the holder the right to sell the asset at a fixed price before or on the expiry date.
Key Terms to Know:
Strike Price: The price at which the option can be exercised.
Premium: The price paid to purchase the option.
Expiration Date: The last date on which the option can be exercised.
Underlying Asset: The financial instrument (like a stock) the option is based on.
In the Money (ITM): When exercising the option would be profitable.
Out of the Money (OTM): When exercising the option would not be profitable.
At the Money (ATM): When the strike price is equal to the market price.
Part9 Trading MasterclassRisk Management in Strategies
Never sell naked calls unless fully hedged.
Position size to avoid overexposure.
Use stop-loss or delta hedging.
Monitor implied volatility — don’t sell cheap, don’t buy expensive.
Strategy Selection Framework
Market View: Bullish, Bearish, Neutral, Volatile?
Volatility Level: High IV (sell premium), Low IV (buy premium).
Capital & Risk Tolerance: Large capital allows complex spreads.
Time Frame: Short-term events vs. long-term trends.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Trading without an exit plan.
Ignoring liquidity (wide bid-ask spreads hurt).
Selling options without understanding margin.
Overtrading during high emotions.
Not adjusting when market changes.
Part8 Trading MasterclassIntroduction to Options Trading Strategies
Options are like the “Swiss army knife” of the financial markets — flexible tools that can be shaped to fit bullish, bearish, neutral, or volatile market views. They’re contracts that give you the right, but not the obligation, to buy or sell an asset at a specific price (strike) on or before a certain date (expiry).
While most beginners think options are just for making huge leveraged bets, seasoned traders use strategies — combinations of buying and selling calls and puts — to control risk, generate income, or hedge portfolios.
Why Use Strategies Instead of Simple Buy/Sell?
Risk Management: You can cap your losses while keeping upside potential.
Income Generation: Strategies like covered calls and credit spreads generate consistent cash flow.
Direction Neutrality: You can profit even when the market moves sideways.
Volatility Play: You can design trades to profit from expected volatility spikes or drops.
Hedging: Protect stock holdings against adverse moves.
Part3 Institutuonal Trading Categories of Options Strategies
Directional Strategies – Profit from a clear bullish or bearish bias.
Neutral Strategies – Profit from time decay or volatility drops.
Volatility-Based Strategies – Profit from big moves or volatility increases.
Hedging Strategies – Reduce risk on existing positions.
Directional Strategies
Bullish Strategies
These make money when the underlying price rises.
Long Call
Setup: Buy 1 Call
When to Use: Expect sharp upside.
Risk: Limited to premium paid.
Reward: Unlimited.
Example: Nifty at 22,000, buy 22,200 Call for ₹150. If Nifty rises to 22,500, option might be worth ₹300+, doubling your investment.
Bull Call Spread
Setup: Buy 1 ITM/ATM Call + Sell 1 higher strike Call.
Purpose: Lower cost vs. long call.
Risk: Limited to net premium paid.
Reward: Limited to difference between strikes minus premium.
Example: Buy 22,000 Call for ₹200, Sell 22,500 Call for ₹80 → Net cost ₹120. Max profit ₹380 (if Nifty at or above 22,500).
Bull Put Spread (Credit Spread)
Setup: Sell 1 higher strike Put + Buy 1 lower strike Put.
Purpose: Earn premium in bullish to neutral markets.
Risk: Limited to spread width minus premium.
Example: Sell 22,000 Put ₹200, Buy 21,800 Put ₹100 → Credit ₹100.
Nifty 50 Weekly Chart- Long-term bullish, short-term correctiveNifty 50 Weekly Chart – Inshort Summary
Trend: Long-term bullish, short-term corrective.
Immediate Support: ₹24,347 – ₹24,395
Key Supports Below: ₹23,141 · ₹22,676 · ₹21,137
Resistance Levels: ₹24,694 · ₹24,811 · ₹25,317 · ₹25,661
Fibonacci Zone: Strong retracement support between ₹23,100 – ₹22,600
Outlook: Possible dip toward ₹22,600–₹23,100, then rebound to ₹25,500+ if support holds.
Disclaimer -
I am not a SEBI-registered analyst or investment advisor. The views, charts, and trading ideas shared are purely for educational and informational purposes only. These do not constitute investment advice or a recommendation to buy/sell any securities. Please consult your SEBI-registered financial advisor before making any investment decisions. Trading and investing involve substantial risk — do your own research (DYOR).
Part12 Trading Masterclass1. Introduction to Options Trading
Options trading is one of the most powerful tools in financial markets. Unlike traditional stock trading, where you buy and sell shares directly, options give you the right but not the obligation to buy or sell an asset at a predetermined price before a specific date. This flexibility allows traders to hedge risks, generate income, and speculate on price movements with limited capital.
In recent years, options trading has seen a surge in popularity, especially among retail investors. With the growth of online trading platforms and educational resources, more traders are exploring this complex yet rewarding field.
2. What Is an Option?
An option is a financial derivative contract. It derives its value from an underlying asset—commonly a stock, index, ETF, or commodity.
There are two types of options:
Call Option: Gives the holder the right to buy the asset at a fixed price (strike price) before or on the expiry date.
Put Option: Gives the holder the right to sell the asset at a fixed price before or on the expiry date.
Key Terms to Know:
Strike Price: The price at which the option can be exercised.
Premium: The price paid to purchase the option.
Expiration Date: The last date on which the option can be exercised.
Underlying Asset: The financial instrument (like a stock) the option is based on.
In the Money (ITM): When exercising the option would be profitable.
Out of the Money (OTM): When exercising the option would not be profitable.
At the Money (ATM): When the strike price is equal to the market price.
XAU/USDThis XAU/USD trade setup is a buy trade, reflecting a bullish outlook on gold prices. The entry price is 3388, with a stop-loss at 3380 and a target exit price at 3454. The trade aims to capture a 13-point gain while limiting the risk to 6 points, offering a solid risk-to-reward ratio of over 1:2.
Buying at 3388 suggests that the trader expects gold to rise, potentially driven by a weaker US dollar, lower bond yields, or increased global economic uncertainty, which boosts demand for gold as a safe-haven asset. The exit price at 3406 is likely set just below a resistance level where the trader anticipates price action may slow or reverse.
The stop-loss at 3380 is placed closely below the entry to protect against sudden downside moves. Given the tight stop, the trade requires good timing—ideally after bullish confirmation or during strong upward momentum.
This setup is ideal for short-term intraday trading, combining limited risk with decent reward potential. Sticking to the plan with disciplined execution and proper risk management increases the chances of a successful outcome in this XAU/USD trade.
XAU/USDThis XAU/USD trade setup is a buy trade, reflecting a bullish outlook on gold prices. The entry price is 3393, with a stop-loss at 3387 and a target exit price at 3406. The trade aims to capture a 13-point gain while limiting the risk to 6 points, offering a solid risk-to-reward ratio of over 1:2.
Buying at 3393 suggests that the trader expects gold to rise, potentially driven by a weaker US dollar, lower bond yields, or increased global economic uncertainty, which boosts demand for gold as a safe-haven asset. The exit price at 3406 is likely set just below a resistance level where the trader anticipates price action may slow or reverse.
The stop-loss at 3387 is placed closely below the entry to protect against sudden downside moves. Given the tight stop, the trade requires good timing—ideally after bullish confirmation or during strong upward momentum.
This setup is ideal for short-term intraday trading, combining limited risk with decent reward potential. Sticking to the plan with disciplined execution and proper risk management increases the chances of a successful outcome in this XAU/USD trade.
Part4 Institutional Trading Tools & Platforms for Trading Options
Popular Brokers in India:
Zerodha
Upstox
Angel One
Groww
ICICI Direct
Option Analysis Tools:
Sensibull
Opstra
QuantsApp
TradingView (for charting)
NSE Option Chain (for open interest and IV analysis)
Important Metrics in Option Trading
1. Open Interest (OI):
Indicates how many contracts are active. Rising OI with price = strength.
2. Implied Volatility (IV):
Represents market expectation of volatility. High IV = expensive options.
3. Option Chain Analysis:
Used to find support, resistance, and market bias using OI and IV.
Part8 Trading MasterclassOption Trading in India (NSE)
Popular Instruments:
Nifty 50 Options
Bank Nifty Options
Stock Options (like Reliance, HDFC Bank, Infosys)
FINNIFTY, MIDCPNIFTY
Lot Sizes:
Each option contract has a fixed lot size. For example, Nifty has a lot size of 50.
Margins:
If you buy options, you pay only the premium. But selling options requires high margins (due to unlimited risk).
Risks in Options Trading
While options are powerful, they carry specific risks:
1. Time Decay (Theta)
OTM options lose value fast as expiry nears.
2. Volatility Crush
A sudden drop in volatility (like post-earnings) can cause option premiums to collapse.
3. Illiquidity
Some stock options may have low volumes, making them harder to exit.
4. Assignment Risk
If you’ve sold options, especially ITM, you may be assigned early (in American-style options).
5. Unlimited Loss for Sellers
Option writers (sellers) face potentially unlimited loss (especially naked calls or puts).
Part3 Institutional TradingThe Greeks: Measuring Risk
Options prices are sensitive to many factors. The "Greeks" are key metrics to assess these risks.
1. Delta
Measures the change in option price with respect to the underlying asset’s price.
Call delta ranges from 0 to 1.
Put delta ranges from -1 to 0.
2. Gamma
Measures the rate of change of delta. Important for managing large price swings.
3. Theta
Measures time decay. As expiry approaches, the option loses value (especially OTM options).
4. Vega
Measures sensitivity to volatility. Higher volatility = higher premium.
5. Rho
Measures sensitivity to interest rate changes.
Options Expiry & Settlement
In Indian markets (like NSE), stock options are European-style, meaning they can only be exercised on the expiration date. Index options are cash-settled.
Options expire on the last Thursday of every month (weekly options on Thursday each week). After expiry, worthless options are removed from your account.
Part11 Trading MasterclassTypes of Option Traders
1. Speculators
They aim to profit from market direction using options. Their goal is capital gain.
2. Hedgers
They use options to protect investments from unfavorable price movements.
3. Income Traders
They sell options to earn premium income.
Option Trading Strategies
1. Basic Strategies
A. Buying Calls (Bullish)
Used when you expect the stock to rise.
B. Buying Puts (Bearish)
Used when expecting a stock to fall.
C. Covered Call (Neutral to Bullish)
Own the stock and sell a call option. Earn premium while holding the stock.
D. Protective Put (Insurance)
Own the stock and buy a put option to limit losses.
2. Intermediate Strategies
A. Vertical Spreads
Buying and selling options of the same type (call or put) with different strike prices.
Bull Call Spread: Buy a lower strike call, sell a higher strike call.
Bear Put Spread: Buy a higher strike put, sell a lower strike put.
B. Iron Condor (Neutral)
Sell OTM put and call options, buy further OTM put and call to limit risk. Profit if the stock stays within a range.
C. Straddle (Volatility)
Buy a call and a put at the same strike price. Profits from big price movement in either direction.
Part12 Trading MasterclassIntroduction to Options Trading
Options trading is one of the most powerful tools in financial markets. Unlike traditional stock trading, where you buy and sell shares directly, options give you the right but not the obligation to buy or sell an asset at a predetermined price before a specific date. This flexibility allows traders to hedge risks, generate income, and speculate on price movements with limited capital.
In recent years, options trading has seen a surge in popularity, especially among retail investors. With the growth of online trading platforms and educational resources, more traders are exploring this complex yet rewarding field.
What Is an Option?
An option is a financial derivative contract. It derives its value from an underlying asset—commonly a stock, index, ETF, or commodity.
There are two types of options:
Call Option: Gives the holder the right to buy the asset at a fixed price (strike price) before or on the expiry date.
Put Option: Gives the holder the right to sell the asset at a fixed price before or on the expiry date.
Key Terms to Know:
Strike Price: The price at which the option can be exercised.
Premium: The price paid to purchase the option.
Expiration Date: The last date on which the option can be exercised.
Underlying Asset: The financial instrument (like a stock) the option is based on.
In the Money (ITM): When exercising the option would be profitable.
Out of the Money (OTM): When exercising the option would not be profitable.
At the Money (ATM): When the strike price is equal to the market price.
XAU/USDThis XAU/USD trade setup is a sell trade, reflecting a bearish view on gold. The entry price is 3374, with a stop-loss at 3379 and an exit price at 3363. The trade aims for an 11-point profit while risking 5 points, offering a favorable risk-to-reward ratio of more than 1:2.
Selling at 3374 indicates the trader expects gold prices to fall, likely due to a strong US dollar, rising interest rates, or reduced safe-haven demand. The exit target of 3363 is set at a possible support level, where the trader anticipates a price bounce or temporary reversal.
The stop-loss at 3379 is placed tightly above the entry to minimize losses if the market moves upward unexpectedly. Because the stop-loss is close, the trade requires precise execution, ideally during periods of strong downward momentum or after a confirmed price rejection from resistance.
This setup is structured for short-term trading with controlled risk and a clear profit target. Maintaining discipline and following the plan without emotional adjustments is key to long-term trading success in XAU/USD.
Part7 Trading Master Class How Options Work
Example of a Call Option
Suppose a stock is trading at ₹100. You buy a call option with a ₹110 strike price, expiring in 1 month, and pay a ₹5 premium.
If the stock rises to ₹120: Your profit is ₹120 - ₹110 = ₹10. Net gain = ₹10 - ₹5 = ₹5.
If the stock stays at ₹100: The option expires worthless. Your loss = ₹5 (premium).
Example of a Put Option
Suppose the same stock is ₹100, and you buy a put option with a ₹90 strike price for ₹5.
If the stock drops to ₹80: Your profit = ₹90 - ₹80 = ₹10. Net gain = ₹10 - ₹5 = ₹5.
If the stock stays above ₹90: The option expires worthless. Your loss = ₹5.
Types of Options
American vs. European Options
American Options: Can be exercised anytime before expiry.
European Options: Can only be exercised at expiry.
Index Options vs. Stock Options
Stock Options: Based on individual stocks (e.g., Reliance, Infosys).
Index Options: Based on indices (e.g., Nifty, Bank Nifty).
Weekly vs. Monthly Options
Weekly Options: Expire every Thursday (India).
Monthly Options: Expire on the last Thursday of the month.