What is an ITM Call Option? Get to Know Here
Before diving into In the Money (ITM) call options, it's essential to have a basic understanding of call options in general. With a call option, you have the right (but no obligation) to buy a specific quantity of an underlying asset at a predetermined price, known as the strike price, before or on a specified expiration date.
Investors and traders often use this to speculate on the upward movement of the underlying asset's price. ITM represents one of the categorization terms used for an options contract.
What is ITM Meaning in Trading?
An ITM call option is a specific type of call option. It is said to be "in the money" when the underlying asset's current market price is higher than the option's strike price. In other words, if you exercise an ITM call option immediately, you would be able to purchase the underlying asset at a cost lower than its current market value. This intrinsic value makes ITM call options valuable to traders.
Why ITM Call Option Matters?
Now that you know ITM meaning, let's understand why this option matters. It matters because of:
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Profit Potential: The primary reason traders are interested in ITM call options is their profit potential. Since you can buy the underlying asset at a lower price than its market value, you can potentially sell it for a profit immediately or wait for further price appreciation.
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Reduced Risk: ITM call options inherently carry less risk than out-of-the-money (OTM) or at-the-money (ATM) options. This is because they already have intrinsic value due to the favorable price difference between the strike and market prices.
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Leverage: ITM call options provide traders with leverage. You can control a larger position in the underlying asset for a relatively smaller upfront investment.
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Hedging: Some investors use ITM call options as a hedging strategy to protect their portfolios from potential losses in the underlying asset. If the asset's price declines, the loss in the asset may be offset by gains in the ITM call option.
How to Identify an ITM Call Option?
Identifying an ITM call option is straightforward. You simply compare the call option's strike price to the underlying asset's current market price. If it's above the strike price, the call option is in the money. On the other hand, if the price is lower than the strike price, it's considered out of the money.
In Conclusion
Traders value ITM call options for profit potential, reduced risk, leverage, and hedging capabilities. Understanding ITM call options is crucial for anyone navigating the complex world of options trading. However, it's important to remember that options trading carries risks, and it's essential to conduct extensive research and consult with a financial advisor before engaging in any options trading activities.
FAQs on ITM Call Option
You have the option to sell your options well in advance of their expiration instead of choosing to exercise them.
When an option expires in an in-the-money status, it will automatically convert into long or short shares of the associated underlying stock.
You stand a chance to profit since the market price is above the strike price.
