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covered option

covered option

8.6
A way to sell an option while you already own the shares the buyer may buy
  • noun
  • Specialized
translation icon : opción cubierta
  • When using a covered option, the seller is more secure because they own the underlying stock.

Examples

  • Such are the benefits of selling covered options when premiums are very high.

    Blog text (22)
  • A bit similar to the difference between people writing naked vs. covered options - but maybe best we don't go there. :)

    Blog text (6)
  • Investors often prefer a covered option strategy because it reduces risk while generating income.

  • Trading in covered options can be a safer way for investors to profit from market fluctuations.

Antonyms

naked option
  • Specialized
9.9

To sell a right to buy or sell a stock without owning it and risk large losses

How Risky

short selling
  • Specialized
3 6.6
naked option
  • Specialized
9.9
long
  • Specialized
127 7.7
covered option
  • Specialized
8.6

Surface Forms

Morphology

covered + option

The adjective 'covered' plus 'option' conveys a general idea of an option that is backed or protected, so a learner could guess it refers to an option with some form of backing. However, the specific financial sense — that the seller holds the underlying shares or assets to meet the obligation — is technical and not fully predictable from the everyday meanings, making the expression only partially transparent.

Etymology

Covered option comes from a simple image: an option that is 'covered' because the seller already owns the shares that might have to be sold if the buyer asks. So a covered option means an option sold by someone who owns the stock, and this lowers their risk compared with selling an option without the shares.