Jason Ng asked:


After reading the book “Rich Dad Poor Dad” by Robert Kiyosaki, I came to realize that not only is there a rich and poor path in life but also a rich and poor path in options trading as well. Many options traders experience defeat in their options trading career, especially during the first few months, because they are unknowingly walking down the poor path in options trading. There are many differences in the approach winners take in options trading versus the losers and we shall outline and explore some of these in this article.

Rich Options Trading :

1. Speculative directional options trading using direct call or put options buying only with a small percentage of their fund and only on the stocks with the best chances.

2. Extensive use of Option Greeks in order to dynamically hedge a position when conditions change.

3. Always doubt one’s own conclusions and make provisions for losses.

4. Always have a stop loss policy already in place or in mind. Stop loss points can be in the form of contingent orders or trailing stop orders.

5. Understands the exact options trading style that suits them. Emotional options traders should stay out of day trading.

6. Know that there is no one best way to trade every single situation.

7. Do not chase after profitable trades that have been missed earlier on.

8. Satisfied with a steady, consistent gain.

9. Into options trading for the long run.

10. Think options trading education for a start.

11. “Trades” the market.

12. Keeps a trading log.

13. Learn from mistakes.

14. Understands technical and fundamental analysis.

Poor Options Trading :

1. Speculative directional options trading using direct call or put options buying with all their money hoping to hit a “big one” on stock picks taken from the TV or non-professional friends.

2. Has no idea what option greeks are at all.

3. 100% confidence! Full steam ahead!

4. Realize it’s too late only when it’s too late.

5. Follow whatever options trading style that is supposed to produce extra-ordinary gains only to completely break the rules and your pocket.

6. Stick to only one way of options trading for all market conditions and situations.

7. Missed a trade, watched the price go up and then enters it at that new high price only to see prices tumbling like a rock thereafter.

8. Always looking for ways to make more explosive gains from stock options only to have the dynamite eventually exploding in their face.

9. Start options trading with the purpose of quitting after hitting a big profit.

10. Think money making for a start.

11. “Plays” the market.

12. Forgets the last trade made.

13. Hates mistakes and tries to forget mistakes.

14. Mystifies and follows technical analysis superstitiously.

Well, as you can see from the list of differences above, the difference between rich options trading and poor options trading is not only a matter of technique or method but also a matter of attitude and mental approach. Only when the right mind meets the right technique does rich options trading happen. Are you making any of the mistakes that poor options trading makes?



Timothy

Wincent Loh asked:


You could be a money spinner with call option trading. Several traders in the market try to make a difference by adopting complex call option techniques. However, at times when you look around for complex solutions, the solution may actually be one that is absolutely simple.

Similarly sometimes it is the simple or the basic call option trading that is just right for the prevailing market trends. The below mentioned guidelines would be of great help to make a good profit with call option trading:

The secret to success with call option lies with understanding the pulse of the market. You should be able to correctly understand and predict the direction in which the market would move. Call option trading is actually playing with the direction of the market although your money meter would start ticking only if the market moves upwards. It is being able to predict the movement of the market and capitalizing on the upward movement.

There are many key indicators that can be used to predict an upward movement like for instance the market news, fundamental information like a rise in the dividend of a company, charts and graphs like reverse head and shoulder, upside price breakout to name a few. Some traders use a combination of indicators to understand the market trends. You must be able to predict or estimate the target where the price movement is headed.

The time factor is another important element. You should be able to estimate the time when the upward movement would take place and how long will it take to reach your target price. Deciding your call option expiry would depend on these factors. Your broker can be of great help in providing information regarding the options chains and other market news.

You must be clear about details like which stock exchange you want to deal at. Being able to decide the expiration date is very important. For this you should be able to estimate the time in which your price movement would take place and by when would your target price be achieved.

Study the market scientifically. Make proper comparisons of the Delta, Gamma, Theta and Vega for different target prices in the same expiry.

Keeping a track of the open interest and also the volumes in the market is very important. Choosing the best call option is another important factor. You must be able to rightly estimate the exit point and also the stop loss. Looking at the market dispassionately and scientifically is essential.

Close the position on time keeping track of the market trends. For making a good profit it is very important to monitor the market on a regular basis and understand call option trading perfectly before making any deal. You must not be carried away by the sudden ups and downs and make impulsive decisions.



Alan