What is the Difference Between Call and Put Option?
Key Takeaways
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Call options provide the right to buy an asset. Traders buy call options when they anticipate a rise in the asset price.
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Put options offer the right to sell an asset, Traders buy them when they anticipate a decline in asset price.
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Call options are suitable for the bullish markets. However, put options are preferred in bearish markets.
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Profits from call options may be unlimited. However, you will get limited profits with put options.
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When call options are in-the-money the strike price is lower than the spot price. However, the strike price is higher than its spot price when the call option is out-of-money. This is the opposite for the put options.
What is Call Option?
With a call option, you get the right (but no obligation) to purchase a stock at a pre-specific price (strike price), before a specified expiration date. Traders usually buy call options when they expect the price of the underlying asset to increase. When the asset price goes above the strike, the holder can buy the asset at a low price. Thus he gets the asset at a lower price than the existing market price.
What is Put Option?
With a put option you have the right, without any obligation, to sell a particular asset, frequently a stock, at a predetermined strike price before a specified expiration date. Essentially, put options provide investors with a strategic advantage, enabling them to profit from a potential decline in the stock's market price. When the market price goes below the strike price, the holder can sell the asset at the higher strike price, thus reaping a gain.
Difference Between Call and Put Option
Here are the differences between call and put options on various aspects:
Aspect
Profit Direction
Call Option
Expects the underlying asset's price to rise.
Put Option
Expects the underlying asset's price to fall.
Aspect
Right to buy/sell
Call Option
The right to buy the asset at the strike price.
Put Option
The right to sell the asset at the strike price.
Aspect
Obligation to Exercise
Call Option
No obligation to buy the asset.
Put Option
No obligation to sell the asset.
Aspect
Risk and Reward
Call Option
Limited risk (premium paid) with unlimited reward potential.
Put Option
Limited risk (premium paid) with limited reward potential.
Aspect
Market Outlook
Call Option
Preferred in bullish markets.
Put Option
Preferred in bearish markets.
Aspect
Market Behavior
Call Option
Value increases as the underlying asset's price rises.
Put Option
Value increases as the underlying asset's price falls.
Aspect
Profit Timing
Call Option
Profits realised when the asset's price exceeds the strike price.
Put Option
Profits realised when the asset's price falls below the strike price.
Aspect
In-the-money
Call Option
Strike price less than Spot price
Put Option
Strike price higher than Spot price
Aspect
Out-of-the-money
Call Option
Strike price higher than Spot price
Put Option
Strike price less than Spot price
Aspect
Seller break-even
Call Option
Strike price + premium received
Put Option
Strike price - premium received
| Aspect | Call Option | Put Option |
|---|---|---|
| Profit Direction | Expects the underlying asset's price to rise. | Expects the underlying asset's price to fall. |
| Right to buy/sell | The right to buy the asset at the strike price. | The right to sell the asset at the strike price. |
| Obligation to Exercise | No obligation to buy the asset. | No obligation to sell the asset. |
| Risk and Reward | Limited risk (premium paid) with unlimited reward potential. | Limited risk (premium paid) with limited reward potential. |
| Market Outlook | Preferred in bullish markets. | Preferred in bearish markets. |
| Market Behavior | Value increases as the underlying asset's price rises. | Value increases as the underlying asset's price falls. |
| Profit Timing | Profits realised when the asset's price exceeds the strike price. | Profits realised when the asset's price falls below the strike price. |
| In-the-money | Strike price less than Spot price | Strike price higher than Spot price |
| Out-of-the-money | Strike price higher than Spot price | Strike price less than Spot price |
| Seller break-even | Strike price + premium received | Strike price - premium received |
Conclusion
Call option and put option hold a place of significance in the investor's toolkit, allowing for a nuanced approach to market dynamics. Mastering these essential derivatives equips individuals with the flexibility to adapt to changing circumstances, ensuring they can navigate the financial landscape with confidence and agility.
FAQs on difference between call and put option
A call option grants the holder the privilege to purchase an underlying asset or contract at a predetermined price in the future, with the price being determined today. Conversely, a put option bestows the holder with the right to sell an underlying asset or contract at a fixed price in the future, with this price being established today.
Regarding profitability, call options offer unlimited profit potential since there is no upper limit on a stock's price. In contrast, put options have restricted profit potential as the price of a stock cannot fall below zero.
If there is a greater demand for put options compared to call options, it suggests a looming bearish market sentiment. Conversely, when call options are in higher demand than put options, it hints at a potential bullish market outlook in the near future.
Choosing between call and put option depends on your trading strategy. Investors can use a call option if they expect the asset’s price to rise. Call options may offer unlimited profits as there is no upper limit on the asset’s price. Conversely, investors can use a put option if they expect the asset’s price to fall. Put options offer limited profits as the price of an asset cannot fall beyond a certain level.
You should evaluate the market conditions and consider the volatility of assets while buying put or call options. Also, keep in mind your risk appetite.
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