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Understanding Options -
Option Styles



Options come in different styles. The style really relates to when the options can be exercised. The two styles are:

American-Style - At this point in time all stock options traded on the marketplaces are American-style. This means that the option holder can exercise the option at any time from purchase until the expiration date.

European-Style - A European-style option can only be exercised at expiration. Several index options traded on the marketplaces are European-style.

American-style options are the most common and will be used in all examples in this text.

{capped-style no longer exists}

Where to Trade Options

Options are regulated by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and are traded by individuals, institutional investors and professional traders in the following securities market places:

The American Stock Exchange

The Chicago Board Options Exchange

The Pacific Stock Exchange

The Philadelphia Stock Exchange

AMEX

CBOE

PSE

PHLX

Buy and sell orders for options contracts are transacted through brokers. options’ performance can be tracked through the market places on which they trade, in financial tables on many major newspapers, and on nasdaq.com.

This site discusses exchange-traded options issued by The Options Clearing Corporation. No statement on this site is to be construed as a recommendation to purchase or sell a security, or to provide investment advice. Options involve risks and are not suitable for all investors. Prior to buying or selling an option, a person must receive a copy of Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options. Copies of this document are available from The American Stock Exchange, 86 Trinity Place, New York, NY 10006 or The Options Clearing Corporation, 440 S. LaSalle Street, Suite 2400, Chicago, IL 60605.