Investing in the stock market can be a lucrative endeavor, but it can also be risky. One of the riskier strategies used by some investors is the naked call, which involves selling call options without owning the underlying stock. In other words, naked calls are a type of derivatives trading, meaning the investor is betting on the future of a stock without actually owning it.
The potential rewards of this strategy are high, as the investor can make a large gain if the stock price rises. However, the potential losses can also be high. If the stock price decreases significantly, the investor is still responsible for delivering the stock at the agreed price, meaning they must make up the difference in price. This can result in hefty losses for the investor.
Another consideration for naked call investors is the amount of capital required. When selling these options, the investor needs to have enough money in their account to cover potential losses. This can be a substantial amount, as the investor is responsible for any losses greater than the premium received when selling the option.
The use of naked calls is not for the faint of heart. The potential rewards are high, but the risks are equally high. Before committing to this strategy, investors should be sure to understand the risks and have enough capital to cover potential losses.