Session 17: Derivatives Reading 71: Option Markets and Contracts
LOS l: Explain how option prices are affected by the exercise price and the time to expiration.
Consider the following four options on the same underlying instrument:
Option 1: September call, exercise price = $55. Option 2: September call, exercise price = $60. Option 3: December put, exercise price = $75. Option 4: December put, exercise price = $80.
What is most likely the relationship among the values of these options?
|
September calls |
December puts |
A) |
Option 1 > Option 2 |
Option 4 > Option 3 | | |
B) |
Option 2 > Option 1 |
Option 3 > Option 4 | | |
C) |
Option 1 > Option 2 |
Option 3 > Option 4 | | |
For options that differ only by exercise price, a call with a lower exercise price typically has more value than a call with a higher exercise price because the underlying instrument can be purchased at a lower price. A put with a higher exercise price typically has more value than a put with a lower exercise price because the underlying instrument can be sold for a higher price. |