OIC Introduces Online Class "Options Strategies in a Bear Market"

Chicago—May 17, 2004

Think the market is headed lower? Investors with this market sentiment may want to explore The Options Industry Council's (OIC) latest online class, "Options Strategies in a Bear Market." This free class is located on OIC's Website.

"Options Strategies in a Bear Market provides investors with an opportunity to learn what options can offer in a down market environment," said Paul Stevens, OIC President. "This class is our newest addition to the advanced level online coursework. With this year's record-breaking volume, we encourage investors to utilize OIC's diverse educational offerings for all investment levels."

"Options Strategies in a Bear Market" includes the following:

• Illustrations of how options can provide returns when other financial instruments cannot.
• An introduction that explains an option's ability to protect investments, limit loss and generate income in a pronounced bear market.
• An overview of options strategies for a bearish outlook that includes the purchase of puts, uncovered and covered calls, and various bearish spreads.

Interactive examples help course participants visualize the outcomes of decisions and allow them to theoretically test a strategy before investing. A quiz is included at the end of the course so that participant can assess their knowledge and progress. Investors may repeat the class until they have a solid understanding of the topic.

Other classes offered at OIC's Options University are: "Bull Market Strategies," "Buying Calls," "Buying Puts," "Contract Adjustments," "Covered Calls," "Introduction to Spreading," "Options Basics," "Options Pricing," and "Symbols and Quotes."

All classes are free and require registration at Options University. For a description of "Options Strategies in a Bear Market." please visit OIC Education.

About OIC

OIC is a non-profit association funded by the American Stock Exchange, Chicago Board Options Exchange, International Securities Exchange, Pacific Exchange, Philadelphia Stock Exchange and The Options Clearing Corporation. OIC's free resources include: The Options Industry Services call center at 1-888-OPTIONS, an educational Web site at Options Education , evening seminars throughout the continental United States and Canada, instructional videos and educational literature and software.

Press Contact

Debbie Baratz
312-322-6267
dbaratz@theocc.com