RE:RE:MidtownGuy on Agoracom (debunks falsities) What Is an Options Chain?
An options chain, also known as an option matrix, is a listing of all available options contracts for a given security. It shows all listed puts, calls, their expiration, strike prices, and volume and pricing information for a single underlying asset within a given maturity period. The chain will typically be categorized by expiration date and segmented by calls vs. puts.
An options chain provides detailed quote and price information and should not be confused with an options series or cycle, which instead simply denotes the available strike prices or expiration dates.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- An options chain is a table displaying options quotes for a particular underlying security.
- The options chain matrix is updated in real-time showing the last price, trading volume, and best bid and offer for the calls and puts of an options series, typically segmented by expiration date.
- An option's strike price is also listed, which is the stock price at which the investor buys the stock if the option is exercised.
Understanding Option Chains
Option chains are probably the most natural form of presenting information for retail investors. The option quotes are listed in an easy-to-understand sequence. Traders can find an option premium by following the corresponding maturity dates and strike prices. Depending on the presentation of the data, bid-ask quotes, or mid-quotes, are also displayable within an option chain.
The majority of online brokers and stock trading platforms display option quotes in the form of an option chain using real-time or delayed data. The chain display allows quick scanning of activity, open interest, and price changes. Traders can hone in on the specific options required to meet a particular options strategy.
Traders may quickly find an asset's trading activity, including the frequency, volume of trading, and interest by strike price and maturity months. Sorting of data may be by expiration date, soonest to furthest, and then further refined by strike price, from lowest to highest.
tamaracktop wrote: Made money selling options? What options? This is not an option optionable stock. It was a case of mistaken identity. Pure and simple.