Shorting securities and trading put options are two strategies that work well in falling markets. As the security price drops, the short position or put option value rises.

However, the mechanics for shorting and trading put options are quite different. Knowing the strengths and weaknesses of each strategy lets you decide which one best suits your trading style and the prevailing market conditions.

Buying a put option gives you the right, but not the obligation, to sell the underlying security at a set price by a specific deadline. One put option controls stock shares. The strike price of an option is the price at which you would sell the shares at. Buying a put option has two main advantages: The disadvantage is that the underlying asset price must drop enough so you can at least break even.

Calculate the breakeven point by subtracting the option strike price from the option premium. Shorting takes a different approach to profiting from falling prices. With shorting, also known as short selling, you open the trade by selling the actual security. For example, you want to sell shares of ABC stock short. Your broker borrowers the shares from another trader and lends them to you.

To close the trade, you must buy the shares back so your broker can return them to the other trader. The difference between the sell and buy price is your profit or loss. The disadvantage is that your losses are unlimited if the asset price goes up instead of down.

Your losses will continue to mount until you buy back the shares.

The loss is limited to what you pay to buy for the option. On the other hand, the underlying asset price must move enough for you to make a profit before the option expires. You can hold the trade open indefinitely.

Difference Between Short Selling And Put Options | Investopedia

Your losses are virtually unlimited if the stock price rises instead of falls. She received a bachelor's degree in business administration from the University of South Florida. Each week, Zack's e-newsletter will address topics such as retirement, savings, loans, mortgages, tax and investment strategies, and more.

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What is the difference between short selling and a put option? | Yahoo Answers

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Visit performance for information about the performance numbers displayed above. Skip to main content. Put Option Shorting vs. More Articles How Does a Put Option Work? How Put Options Work Buying a put option gives you the right, but not the obligation, to sell the underlying security at a set price by a specific deadline. Put Options Advantages and Disadvantages Buying a put option has two main advantages: How Shorting Works Shorting takes a different approach to profiting from falling prices.

References 5 Mountain Investor Report: Following the Smart Money: David Einhorn The Options Guide: Put Option Online Trading Concepts: What is Short Selling, How It Works, and Why Use It Online Stock Trading Guide: Do You Understand Short Selling? About the Author Based in St. Money Sense E-newsletter Each week, Zack's e-newsletter will address topics such as retirement, savings, loans, mortgages, tax and investment strategies, and more.

Short selling vs. purchasing a put option: how do the payoffs differ?

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