Options

Learn about options trading, from how to place your first options trade to more advanced topics.

Weekly Trader's Outlook

Stocks are on track for modest weekly gains, despite a volatile post-FOMC reaction in the bond market. Strong cloud services growth from hyperscalers Amazon and Microsoft has helped offset rising Treasury yields.

Covered Call Strategy Considerations

Selling covered calls is a strategy that can help traders potentially make money if the underlying stock price holds steady. Here are some considerations and specifics to remember.

Large Bid/Ask Options Spreads in Volatile Markets

Bid/ask options spreads widen during volatile markets as market makers adapt how they manage trades amid increased uncertainty.

Weekly Options: Uses, Risks, and Trade-offs

Learn how weekly stock options can potentially help option traders adjust their exposure during market events like earnings releases or economic announcements.

3 Stock Options Trading Stats on thinkorswim

Learn how three options statistics on thinkorswim—implied and historical volatility, the Sizzle Index, and the put/call ratio—can help traders make more informed decisions.

What Are 0DTE Options? Learn the Basics

0DTE options have grown in popularity. Learn how they work, why higher trading volume may lead to tighter spreads, and why volatility risk matters.

Trading the VIX: Strategies for the Fear Index

Some traders use products tied to the VIX to hedge their portfolios against market declines or speculate on shifts in volatility. But trading the VIX carries significant risk.

Intro to Put Ratio Options Spreads

Discover how traders may use put ratio options spreads to pursue specific financial objectives, as well as the strategy's advantages and risks.

Box Spreads: What They Are and How to Use Them

A box spread options strategy can be a useful cash management tool when executed correctly, potentially helping traders lend or borrow money synthetically via the options market.

Using Options Volatility Data to Research Moves

These options sentiment indicators—available on the thinkorswim platform—enable a trader to see the market's expectations for a security's potential move