Try the OIC Virtual Trading System

Curious to see how a particular option strategy may perform in today's market environment? Then it is time to try our free Virtual Trading System. Once you enroll for a free OIC Select account, you will be given access to a simulated brokerage account with the ability to trade options. Although simulated trading certainly differs from actual trading, this unique tool provides the user with an opportunity to experiment with various strategies to get an idea how these strategies may work in different market situations without risking your own capital investment. Why not give it a try today?

Online Class Spotlight: Options Strategies in a Bearish Market

Do the recently declining markets have you wondering of ways to invest with options to potentially take advantage of declining market prices? Perhaps our Bear Markets class will help you explore various option strategies that can be used in the event that you feel declining market prices are going to continue. Numerous strategies are discussed in the course, including long puts, long index puts and bear put spreads. This class is designed to help one better understand how to use options in anticipation of declining market prices. Take the class.

Webcast: What's Happening in the Markets

In this latest offering from The Options Industry Council, Dan Sheridan of Sheridan Options Mentoring discusses two ways to protect unrealized stock profits from a declining market, using real-life, historical examples. You will also hear Dan’s ideas on adjusting a time spread that has taken a turn for the worse in a down market. Watch Now.

Advanced Podcast Series

Now available for download is the second installment in the ten-part series “Advanced Options for Experienced Investors.” This podcast on “Options Pricing and Price Behavior” features a discussion about various concepts that can have a significant effect on pricing behavior. Learn how terms such as implied volatility and delta can impact how an option price responds to changing market conditions.

Have you tried the OIC Help Desk?

Are you having difficulty understanding a particular options strategy? Want to discuss a potential contract adjustment? Did an options investment not work out the way you planned? Our Investor Services Specialists are here to assist you with these and other questions regarding options. Simply dial 1-888-OPTIONS (1-888-678-4667) and we will do our best to help you.

June Monthly Volume Jumps 36% Over The Same Period Last Year

The OIC announced in July that total options trading volume in June reached 304,003,964 contracts, a 35.85 percent increase over the year-ago level of 223,771,463 contracts. This marks the third time in history monthly total options volume has surpassed 300 million contracts. Read more.

OIC Announces Equity Options Seminar Lineup for Fall 2008

OIC just announced its new fall lineup of live seminars for investors and financial advisors looking to increase their knowledge about equity options. OIC is proud to sponsor these seminars with updated curriculum for 2008 covering both basic and intermediate equity options fundamentals. Register for a seminar near you.

Chat Live With an Options Professional

Wondering how to use options to hedge your positions or portfolio? Visit our web site, where you can now instant message our options professionals. After numerous customer requests, we are offering this additional line of communication to our experienced Options Help Desk. We are available to chat and answer your options questions every trading day. Why not give it a try today?