If you are looking for videos on how to use OTrader with covered calls then go to the Covered Call Library. Each time we make a new covered call video I will upload it to this page.

Here is another video that shows what to do when you get assigned (exercised) on a short option trade or when an option trade expires worthless.

This is a quick video I did while speaking to a client about entering covered call trades into OTrader.

It has not been edited or scripted just a straight out recording of your phone conversation.

As always if you have any questions let me know.

#1 Additional Income

Writing covered calls can provide you with an ongoing stream of income from the option premium. This is particularly important when stocks do not pay dividends or pay very small dividends.

The call option premium can also substantially increase total returns in flat or slower growth stock markets.

#2 Income paid up-front

The income from writing covered calls in credited to your account the next day, creating immediate cash flow that can be reinvested, withdrawn from cash management accounts or used to pay interest on margin loans.

Since the call option premium is paid up front it can be reinvested to enhance the total return of your portfolio.

#3 Predetermined Return

In a rising market, the immediate return from call writing can be evaluated prior to initiating the investment position. You will know what the call writing income will be and the maximum additional capital appreciation you may expect from your shares.

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#4 Risk Reduction

If a stock declines in price,(Not that they ever do that…) the call writing income will help to offset some or all of the capital loss. Writing covered calls will provide some downside protection when stock decline in value.

#5 Cash Dividends

As a writer of covered calls you will continue to be entitled to cash dividends so long as you own the shares. Beware dividends can lead to early exercise though.

#6 Novation

Exchange-listed option contracts like shares, are interchangeable with another contract with exactly the same expire month and strike price. This is known as ‘novation’. This enables the covered call option to be initiated through a ’sell to open’ order, but also to close out the position if desired through a ‘buy to close’ order.

Got a question about covered calls? Let me know.

With the current market volatility now is a good time to brush off those options strategies.

My personal favorite is the Iron Condor which is made by using a bear call spread and bull put spread.

With the Iron condor we are looking to sell time and volatility. We look to sell options with a > 75% chance of expiring worthless. The Options Probability Calculator will help you determine which options have a > 75% chance of expiring worthless.

In the coming weeks I will be releasing my report of how I trade Iron Condors. It is an eight step check list for opening and closing the spreads each month.

Let me know if you would like a copy.