Frequently traders will tell me instead of trading the common, that they’re eyeing the options instead.'' The idea is that they can ‘control the stock’ at a much lower price, which is correct, but it’s not as simple as they expect.

For example, with XYZ trading at $50, the $55 call might look cheap by comparison at $0.25, and many will go this route of buying a ‘cheap’ call instead of the shares.'' That isn’t much, but with only about a 10% chance of finishing in the money by expiration, the odds certainly aren’t favorable.'' Then consider the fact that to turn a profit, the stock has to move even higher ($55 + $0.25 paid for the call), and the likelihood of turning a profit diminishes even further.

Whether it’s options or common you’re trading, you never want to be in a position where you NEED the stock to make a sizeable move to just get your money back.

So the next time you’re considering buying an option instead of the stock, go deep in the money and consider paying what might look to be a more expensive price.'' The odds are more favorable, and you’re not putting yourself in such a needy position from the outset of the trade.

Trade Like a Bandit!

Jeff White