Home Tools & Literature

Brochures

The Options Industry Council has a wide range of free resources for you to learn more about equity and index options, options strategies, and the risks associated with trading options. The brochures area is divided into three main categories, and you can navigate among these areas by using the tab system at the top of each page.

General

• Options Strategies in a Bearish Market (PDF | 1.47M)
  This publication contains the entire Bear Market Class.
• Options Strategies in a Bullish Market (PDF)
  This publication contains the entire Bull Market Class.
• Options Strategies in a Neutral Market (PDF)
  This publication contains the entire Neutral Market Class.
• Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options (PDF | 1.2M) - Provided by OCC
  This publication refers solely to options issued by OCC. Prior to buying or selling an option, a person must receive a copy of this brochure.
• Directory of Exchange Listed Options (XLS)
  Updated April 4, 2008.
  This spreadsheet details all equity, index, currency, and treasury options listed on the AMEX, BOX, CBOE, ISE, NASDAQ, NYSE Arca, and PHLX.
• The Equity Options Strategy Guide (PDF)
  This booklet is an introduction to basic equity option strategies for option and/or stock investors.
• Expiration Calendars
  Published yearly, this calendar highlights expiration dates for equity, index, and interest rate products, currency options, expiration month codes, strike price codes, and exchange holidays.
• LEAPS™ Long-Term Equity AnticiPation Securities (PDF)
  This booklet discusses exchange traded options, "how to's," benefits, risks, strategies, and basic information about Long Term Equity AnticiPation Securities (LEAPS™).
  
  
  • En Español (PDF - in Spanish)
  • 繁體中文 (PDF - in Traditional Chinese)
• Options Education Services Brochure (PDF)
  Order hard copies of any of our other brochures with this mail-in order form.
• Options Strategies Quick Guide (PDF)
  This booklet provides a quick overview of various options strategies.
• Taxes and Investing (PDF)
  Includes 2007 Addendum.
  This booklet summarizes the basic rules governing the federal income taxation of certain investments by individuals who are citizens or residents of the United States and who dispose of an investment in a taxable transaction.
• Understanding Index Options (PDF)
  This publication provides an introductory understanding of index options and how they can be used.
• Understanding Equity Options (PDF)
  Providing an introduction to equity options, this booklet discusses options definitions, the benefits of exchange-traded options, LEAPS™, options pricing, and basic strategies.
  
  
  • En Español (PDF - in Spanish)
  • 繁體中文 (PDF - in Traditional Chinese)
• Pocket Option Margin Guide (PDF)
  This booklet provides a quick overview of cash and margin account initial requirements for various option types.

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Confused? Have a question? If you're having trouble grasping a concept or if this page doesn't answer a question, feel free to call 1-888-OPTIONS (between 7:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. CT), or email options@theocc.com to ask your question. You may also visit our Help Center for more information.