Put options are like a safety net for investors. They are financial contracts that grant the holder the right, but not the obligation, to sell a specific amount of something at a predetermined price, within a certain time frame. Think of put options as insurance policies against falling prices.

If you're buying put options, here's what you should know:

• Protection Against Losses: Put options provide you with protection. The most you can lose is the premium (the cost) you paid for the option. This is similar to paying for an insurance policy.
• Profits from Price Drops: When the value of the asset you're concerned about falls below the strike price, you can make money. You can sell the asset at the higher strike price and then buy it back at the lower market price, pocketing the difference.
• No Obligation to Sell: Importantly, put option buyers have the right to sell the asset, but they don't have to. If the asset's value stays above the strike price, you can choose to let the option expire. Your loss is limited to the premium paid.

Now, let's dive into what put option sellers, also known as "writers," should keep in mind:

• Immediate Payment: When you sell a put option, you receive money upfront from the buyer. This money is yours, regardless of what happens later.
• Promise to Buy: But, here's the deal: you promise to buy the asset at a set price if the buyer decides to sell. You must honour this promise if they choose to sell.
• Profit Capped: Your potential profits are limited to the money you received upfront. If the asset's value drops significantly below the strike price, you might miss out on additional gains.

Example

Buying a Put Option on Bitcoin

Now, let's say you're concerned that Bitcoin might experience a significant drop in value. You decide to purchase a put option on Bitcoin with the same three-month expiration date and a strike price of $25,000. The premium for this option is also $500 per Bitcoin.

If Bitcoin indeed falls to $20,000 during that time frame, you can exercise your put option, selling Bitcoin at the agreed-upon strike price of $25,000. This means you've made a profit of $5,000 per Bitcoin, minus the $500 premium. For a full Bitcoin contract, that's a solid $4,500 profit!

In Summary

In simple terms, put options act like financial safety nets. Buyers are protected from excessive losses, with the potential to profit if the asset's value falls. Sellers receive upfront money but must buy the asset if the buyer decides to sell, with their profits capped at the initial payment.

Understanding put options offers a way to protect investments in uncertain markets or even speculate on price declines. Whether you're looking to safeguard your portfolio or capitalise on a potential downturn, put options provide a versatile strategy.