Trading options can be an exciting endeavour if done correctly. Unfortunately, the complexity of trading options can lead to costly errors for traders unfamiliar with the process or needing more discipline. Here are ten common options trading mistakes and strategies to avoid them:
Trading without doing your homework
Options traders should only enter a trade if they are conducting their research and understanding the underlying fundamentals that could affect the price of an option contract. Doing so will help ensure you make informed decisions based on accurate information.
Failing to diversify
It is essential to spread out your risk by diversifying across different types of contracts, expirations, and strike prices, ensuring you don’t overexpose yourself to any single trade.
Trading too often
Options traders should avoid trading too frequently, as this can lead to excessive losses due to commissions and spread charges. Instead, focus on the quality of your trades rather than quantity.
Using leverage
Some options traders may be tempted to use leverage to increase their returns. However, doing so can also lead to significant losses if market conditions shift against you. Consider using tools such as stop-loss orders and position sizing when trading options with leverage.
Focusing solely on premium income
Some options traders may focus only on collecting premium income through selling options contracts, but this strategy can lead to long-term losses due to the time decay of a contract. It is essential to assess each option’s trade and consider potential upside/downside risks.
Ignoring volatility
Options traders should be aware of historical and implied volatility, as these can significantly impact the price of an option contract. Ignoring volatility could lead to costly errors.
Failing to manage risk
Options trading carries high risk, so you must put in place measures to properly manage your exposure, such as setting stop-loss orders or utilizing spread strategies like vertical spreads and straddles/strangles.
Choosing the wrong expiration date
You must choose the correct expiration date for the options contract you are trading. Expiration dates that are too far out may result in losses due to time decay, while expiration dates that are too close may not amount to anything if market conditions don’t move as expected.
Forgetting about fees
Options traders should remember to factor in commissions and fees when making their trades. These can eat your funds and should be considered before entering a trade.
Not having an exit plan
Before entering any options trade, always have an exit plan to cut losses. This approach will help ensure you remain disciplined in managing your exposure and avoid costly errors due to emotion-driven decisions.
Keeping these standard options trading errors in mind can help ensure your trades are profitable and well-managed. If done correctly, options trading can be a great way to supplement your portfolio returns.
Why traders in the UK use a broker when trading options
Options trading in the UK is a complex process and requires a broker to ensure the trader remains compliant with regulations. A broker can provide traders with access to markets, advice on specific trades, an overview of market conditions and prices for contracts, liquidity for options trades, and other services.
Most brokers also offer a free demo account, allowing traders to practice their trading strategies before entering real-world trades. A demo account also allows traders to practice with virtual money, reducing the risk of costly mistakes.
Overall, using an options broker when trading in the UK is essential to ensure traders comply with regulations and have access to a wide range of markets, which can help traders become more successful in their options trading journey.
Conclusion
While options trading carries significant risks and requires discipline, understanding the basic concepts and errors to avoid will go a long way toward helping you become a successful trader. By putting in the effort to conduct research and appropriately manage risk, you can increase your chances of making good options trades.
